Recording device

Abstract

To solve the problem that when an ink discharge surface of an inkjet head is wiped by a wiper, the inkjet head moves in a direction separating from the wiper, and the ink discharge surface cannot be appropriately wiped.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: a recording part which is movable to a first position where recording is performed on a medium conveyed on a conveyance path by a liquid discharger part, and a second position retreating from the conveyance path; a wiper for wiping a liquid discharge surface of the liquid discharge part by moving in a direction along the liquid discharge surface in the state where the recording part is at the second position; and regulation means for performing switching between a regulation state where moving the recording part in a first direction is regulated and a non-regulation state where the regulation is not performed, and taking the regulation state when the recording part is at the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device for recording on a medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording device in which an inkjet head can be raised and lowered relative to a platen by a rack and pinion mechanism. In this recording device, the inkjet head is raised and lowered to move between a recording position where recording is performed on paper and a wiping position where the ink ejection surface is wiped by a wiper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-158036 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the ink ejection surface of the inkjet head is wiped by the wiper, the inkjet head is subjected to an external force due to the elasticity of the wiper. In this case, in a configuration in which the inkjet head is movable, such as the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the inkjet head may move due to backlash of the gears, i.e., the inkjet head may move in a direction away from the wiper, which may result in the ink ejection surface not being wiped properly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the recording device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a transport path for transporting a medium, a liquid ejection unit for ejecting liquid onto the medium, and a recording unit that is movable between a first position where recording is performed on the medium transported along the transport path by the liquid ejection unit and a second position where it is retreated from the transport path, a moving means for moving the recording unit in a first direction that is a direction retreating from the transport path and a second direction that is a direction toward the transport path, a wiper that wipes the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit when the recording unit is at the second position, and a regulating means that is switchable between a regulating state that regulates the movement of the recording unit in the first direction and a non-regulating state that does not regulate, and that takes the regulating state when the recording unit is at the second position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the printer with the head unit in a first position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the printer with the head unit in a second position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head unit and the moving means, showing a state in which the head unit is in a first position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the head unit and the moving means, showing a state in which the head unit is in a second position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit and the moving means, showing a state in which the head unit is in a first position. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit and the moving means, showing a state in which the head unit is in a second position. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first member and a portion of the head unit when the head unit is in a first position. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first member and a portion of the head unit when the head unit is in a second position. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a restricting means provided at the +Y direction end. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a restricting means provided at the -Y direction end portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a restricting means provided at the -Y direction end portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a restricting means provided at the -Y direction end portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a moving area and a position of a head unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a front view of the restricting means, showing a non-restricted state. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a front view of the restricting means, showing a state in the middle of switching to the restricting state; [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a front view of the restricting means, showing a restricting state. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a front view of the restricting means, showing an irregular state. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a front view of the regulating means, showing a state in which the irregular state is being eliminated; [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing control when switching the state of a restriction means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The present invention will now be briefly described. The recording device of the first aspect is characterized in that it comprises a transport path for transporting a medium, a liquid ejection unit for ejecting liquid onto the medium, and a recording unit movable between a first position where recording is performed on the medium transported along the transport path by the liquid ejection unit and a second position where the recording unit is retreated from the transport path, a moving means for moving the recording unit in a first direction in which the recording unit is retreated from the transport path and a second direction in which the recording unit is toward the transport path, a wiper for wiping the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit when the recording unit is at the second position, and a regulating means capable of switching between a regulating state in which the movement of the recording unit in the first direction is restricted and a non-regulating state in which the regulating state is not performed, and which assumes the regulating state when the recording unit is at the second position.

[0008] According to this aspect, the recording device is switchable between a regulating state in which movement of the recording unit in the first direction is regulated and a non-regulating state in which the regulating state is not regulated, and is equipped with a regulating means that assumes the regulating state when the recording unit is in the second position.Therefore, the recording unit can be prevented from moving in a direction away from the wiper, and the liquid ejection surface can be wiped appropriately.

[0009] A second aspect is the first aspect, characterized in that the moving direction of the recording unit is a direction intersecting the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. According to the present aspect, the direction of movement of the recording unit intersects with the horizontal and vertical directions, so that the horizontal and vertical sizes of the space required for movement of the recording unit can be balanced, and the device can be prevented from becoming excessively large in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0010] A third aspect is the second aspect, characterized in that the moving direction of the recording unit forms an acute angle of less than 45° with respect to the horizontal direction. According to this aspect, since the movement direction of the recording unit forms an acute angle of less than 45° with respect to the horizontal direction, the effect of gravity acting on the recording unit when moving along the movement direction is significantly reduced, and the recording unit is likely to move in a direction away from the wiper due to the force it receives from the wiper. However, according to the first aspect, it is possible to prevent the recording unit from moving in a direction away from the wiper, and it is possible to properly wipe the liquid ejection surface.

[0011] A fourth aspect is the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that the moving means includes a rack and pinion mechanism. According to this aspect, since the moving means includes a rack and pinion mechanism, a problem that the recording unit moves in a direction away from the wiper due to the force received from the wiper due to gear backlash easily occurs. However, according to the first aspect, it is possible to prevent the recording unit from moving in a direction away from the wiper, and it is possible to appropriately wipe the liquid ejection surface.

[0012] A fifth aspect is characterized in that in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the regulating means has a configuration in which a state is switched by the recording unit in association with a moving operation of the recording unit. According to this aspect, the regulating means is configured so that its state is switched by the recording unit in response to the moving operation of the recording unit, thereby eliminating the need for a power source to switch the state of the regulating means, thereby preventing increases in cost and size of the device.

[0013] A sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that the regulating means does not regulate the movement of the recording unit in the second direction when in the regulating state. According to this aspect, the regulating means is configured not to regulate the movement of the recording unit in the second direction when in the regulated state, i.e., the regulating means is configured to regulate only the movement of the recording unit in the first direction when in the regulated state, so the configuration of the regulating means can be simplified compared to a configuration that regulates both the movement in the first direction and the movement in the second direction.

[0014] A seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the recording unit is movable from the second position to a third position which is a position further in the first direction, and the regulating means maintains the non-regulating state when the recording unit moves from the first position to the third position and when the recording unit moves from the third position to the first position. According to this aspect, the regulating means maintains the non-regulating state when the recording unit moves from the first position to the third position and when the recording unit moves from the third position to the first position. Therefore, when the recording unit frequently moves between the first position and the third position, the regulating means does not hinder the movement, and the recording unit can move smoothly.

[0015] An eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, wherein the recording unit comprises a contact portion capable of contacting the regulating means, and a regulated portion that is a portion whose movement in the first direction is regulated at the second position, the regulating means comprises a lock portion that moves toward and away from a movement area of ​​the regulated portion by rotating, and a cam that is a member that switches the posture of the lock portion by rotating, the cam having a support portion capable of supporting the lock portion, and a first portion and a second portion that can come into contact with the contact portion, and is rotated by the contact portion in accordance with the movement operation of the recording unit, the lock portion being switchable between a first posture in which the lock portion advances into the movement area of ​​the regulated portion to form the regulated state and a second posture in which the cam moves away from the movement area of ​​the regulated portion to form the unregulated state, the cam having a first rotation phase in which the lock portion is brought into the second posture by supporting the lock portion with the support portion, and a second rotation phase in which the lock portion is brought into the second posture by supporting the lock portion with the support portion. and a second rotation phase which releases the support of the locking portion by the cam and allows the locking portion to switch from the second posture to the first posture, and when the recording portion moves further in the first direction from the third position while the cam is in the first rotation phase, the abutment portion abuts against the first portion and rotates the cam toward the second rotation phase, thereby causing the locking portion, which has the second posture, to rotate and rest on an upper surface of the regulated portion, and when the recording portion moves in the second direction with the locking portion resting on the upper surface of the regulated portion, the locking portion falls from the upper surface of the regulated portion and switches to the first posture, and when the recording portion moves in the second direction while the cam is in the second rotation phase and the locking portion has the first posture, the abutment portion abuts against the second portion and rotates the cam toward the first rotation phase. According to this aspect, the position of the locking portion can be switched by rotating the cam, and the regulating means, whose state is switched by the moving operation of the recording portion, can be configured with a small number of parts while preventing the device from becoming large.

[0016] A ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, the second portion of the cam has a cam surface that can abut against the abutment portion of the recording unit that moves from the first position toward the first direction when the cam is in the second rotational phase, and the recording unit moves in the first direction with the abutment portion abutting against the cam surface, causing the cam to rotate toward the first rotational phase.

[0017] The regulating means is configured to switch from the non-regulated state to the regulated state when the recording unit moves further from the third position in the first direction and then in the second direction. However, if the regulating means has already switched to the regulated state due to some irregular event such as vibration or impact when the recording unit tries to move from the first position to the third position, the recording unit cannot move to the third position. In consideration of such problems, in this aspect, the cam surface is provided on the second portion of the cam, and the cam is configured to rotate toward the first rotation phase by the recording unit moving in the first direction with the abutment portion abutting against the cam surface. As a result, even if the regulating means has switched to the regulating state when the recording unit is about to move from the first position to the third position, the regulating means can be returned to the non-regulating state, and the recording unit can move to the third position.

[0018] A tenth aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the locking portion is configured to include a rotatable holder member, a slide member that is held by the holder member and can abut against the regulated portion, and is slidable relative to the holder member in a direction that includes a movement direction component of the regulated portion, and a pressing member that is held by the holder member and presses the slide member in a direction in which it presses against the regulated portion, and the pressing force with which the pressing member presses the slide member is set to a magnitude that maintains the position of the slide member relative to the holder member when the wiper wipes the liquid ejection surface.

[0019] According to this aspect, the locking portion includes the holder member, the sliding member, and the pressing member, and thus, by driving the recording portion in the first direction with a force that resists the pressing member, the recording portion can be moved to a certain extent within the sliding range of the sliding member, thereby making it possible to finely adjust the relative position between the wiper and the liquid ejection surface, and to appropriately wipe the liquid ejection surface. The pressure with which the pressing member presses the sliding member is set to a value that maintains the position of the sliding member relative to the holder member when the wiper wipes the liquid ejection surface, so that the recording section is prevented from moving in a direction away from the wiper when the wiper wipes the liquid ejection surface, and the liquid ejection surface can be wiped appropriately.

[0020] An eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the tenth aspect, the moving means is provided with a motor which is a power source for the moving means, and a control means which controls the motor, and the control means moves the recording unit in the first direction to move the liquid ejection surface away from the wiper before the wiper finishes wiping the liquid ejection surface and the wiper moves away from the liquid ejection surface.

[0021] If the wiper moves away from the liquid ejection surface while being pressed against the liquid ejection surface and deformed, there is a risk that the liquid adhering to the wiper will splash when the wiper elastically returns to its original shape. However, in this aspect, the control unit moves the recording unit in the first direction to separate the liquid ejection surface from the wiper before the wiper finishes wiping the liquid ejection surface and the wiper moves away from the liquid ejection surface, thereby suppressing the above-mentioned problem of liquid splashing.

[0022] The present invention will be specifically described below. In the following, an inkjet printer 1 that performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as recording paper will be described as an example of a recording device. In the following, the inkjet printer 1 will be abbreviated to printer 1. The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system, and the Y-axis direction is a direction intersecting with the medium transport direction, i.e., the medium width direction and also the device depth direction. The +Y direction of the Y-axis direction is a direction from the front side of the device to the rear side of the device, and the -Y direction is a direction from the rear side of the device to the front side of the device. In this embodiment, the Y-axis direction is an example of a width direction intersecting with the V-axis direction, which is the movement direction of the head unit 50 described later.

[0023] The X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, and as seen by the operator of the printer 1, the +X direction is the left side and the -X direction is the right side. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction and is the normal direction to the placement surface G, that is, the height direction of the device. Within the Z-axis direction, the +Z direction is the upward direction and the -Z direction is the downward direction. In the following, the direction in which the medium is transported may be referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream." In each figure, the medium transport path is indicated by a dashed line. In the printer 1, the medium is transported through the medium transport path indicated by the dashed line.

[0024] The F-axis direction is the medium transport direction between the line head 51 and the transport belt 13, which will be described later, i.e., in the recording area, with the +F direction being downstream in the transport direction and the opposite -F direction being upstream in the transport direction. The V-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the F-axis direction and is the movement direction of the head unit 50, which is an example of a recording section, which will be described later, with the +V direction of the V-axis direction being an example of a first direction in which the head unit 50 retreats from the transport path T1 during recording, and the -V direction being an example of a second direction in which the head unit 50 moves toward the transport path T1 during recording. In this embodiment, the V-axis direction is also a direction along the inclination of the discharge tray 8, which will be described later.

[0025] The medium transport path in the printer 1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 1. The printer 1 is configured so that an add-on unit 6 can be connected to the bottom of the device main body 2, and Fig. 2 shows the state in which the add-on unit 6 is connected. The device main body 2 is provided with a first media cassette 3 for storing media at the bottom, and when an extension unit 6 is connected, a second media cassette 4 and a third media cassette 5 are further provided below that.

[0026] A pick roller that feeds the stored medium in the -X direction is provided for each medium cassette. Pick rollers 21, 22, and 23 are provided for the first medium cassette 3, the second medium cassette 4, and the third medium cassette 5, respectively. Further, a pair of feed rollers is provided for each medium cassette, which feeds the medium sent in the -X direction in an upward diagonal direction. Feed roller pairs 25, 26, and 27 are provided for the first medium cassette 3, the second medium cassette 4, and the third medium cassette 5, respectively. In the following, unless otherwise specified, a "roller pair" is defined as consisting of a drive roller driven by a motor (not shown) and a driven roller that rotates in contact with the drive roller.

[0027] The medium sent out from the third media cassette 5 is transported by the transport roller pair 29, 28 to the transport roller pair 38. The medium sent out from the second media cassette 4 is transported by the transport roller pair 28 to the transport roller pair 38. The medium is nipped by the transport roller pair 38 and sent to the transport roller pair 31. The medium sent out from the first medium cassette 3 is sent to the transport roller pair 31 without passing through the transport roller pair 38. The supply roller 19 and the separation roller 20 provided near the transport roller pair 38 are a roller pair that feeds the medium from a supply tray not shown in FIG.

[0028] The medium receiving the feeding force from the transport roller pair 31 is sent to a recording position between the line head 51, which is an example of a liquid ejection head, and the transport belt 13, that is, facing the line head 51. Note that hereinafter, the medium transport path from the transport roller pair 31 to the transport roller pair 32 is referred to as a transport path T1 during recording.

[0029] The line head 51 constitutes the head unit 50. The line head 51 performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of liquid, onto the surface of the medium. The line head 51 is an ink ejection head configured so that the nozzles that eject ink cover the entire area in the width direction of the medium, and is configured as an ink ejection head that can perform recording over the entire width of the medium without moving in the width direction of the medium. However, the ink ejection head is not limited to this, and may be a type that is mounted on a carriage and ejects ink while moving in the width direction of the medium.

[0030] The head unit 50 is provided so as to be capable of moving forward and backward with respect to the transport path T1 during recording, and is provided so as to be movable between a position where it is most advanced into the transport path T1 during recording and a position where it is most retracted from the transport path T1 during recording. Fig. 1 shows the head unit 50 in the position where it is most advanced into the transport path T1 during recording, and in this state, recording is performed on the medium. Fig. 2 shows the position of the head unit 50 when wiping the ink ejection surface 51a of the line head 51, but the details of the wiping operation of wiping the ink ejection surface 51a will be described later.

[0031] Reference numerals 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D denote ink storage units serving as liquid storage units. Ink ejected from the line head 51 is supplied from each ink storage unit to the line head 51 via a tube (not shown). The ink storage units 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are detachably provided in the mounting units 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, respectively. Reference numeral 12 denotes a waste liquid storage section that stores ink as waste liquid discharged from the line head 51 toward a flushing cap (not shown) for maintenance purposes.

[0032] The conveyor belt 13 is an endless belt that is wound around pulleys 14 and 15, and rotates when at least one of the pulleys 14 and 15 is driven by a motor (not shown). The medium is conveyed to a position facing the line head 51 while being attracted to the belt surface of the conveyor belt 13. The medium can be attracted to the conveyor belt 13 by a known attraction method such as an air suction method or an electrostatic attraction method.

[0033] Here, the transport path T1 during recording that passes through a position facing the line head 51 is configured to intersect both the horizontal and vertical directions and transport the medium upward. As a result, the V-axis direction, which is the movement direction of the head unit 50, also intersects both the horizontal and vertical directions, and the inclination angle α of the V-axis direction with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than 45°, more specifically, approximately 15°. With this configuration, the horizontal and vertical sizes of the space required for moving head unit 50 can be balanced, and the device can be prevented from becoming excessively large in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and the V-axis direction may be parallel to the horizontal direction, or the V-axis direction may be parallel to the vertical direction.

[0034] Also, a discharge tray 8 is provided in the +Z direction from the head unit 50, and forms a support surface 8b that supports the medium discharged from the medium transport path, and the support surface 8b extends along the V-axis direction which is the movement direction of the head unit 50. This prevents wasted space from being formed in the relationship between the discharge tray 8 and the movement area of ​​the head unit 50, making it possible to prevent the device from becoming larger. Furthermore, since a portion of the head unit 50 overlaps with the ink containing portions 10A to 10B in the Z-axis direction, the device dimensions in the Z-axis direction can be reduced.

[0035] Next, the medium on whose first side recording has been performed by the line head 51 is sent further upward by the transport roller pair 32 located downstream of the transport belt 13. A flap 41 is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 32, and the transport direction of the medium is switched by this flap 41. When the medium is to be discharged as is, the transport path of the medium is switched by the flap 41 to face the upper transport roller pair 35, and the medium is discharged by the transport roller pair 35 toward the discharge tray 8.

[0036] When recording is to be performed on the second side of the medium in addition to the first side, the transport direction of the medium is directed to branch position K1 by flap 41. The medium then passes through branch position K1 and enters switchback path T2. In this embodiment, switchback path T2 is the medium transport path above branch position K1. A pair of transport rollers 36, 37 is provided on switchback path T2. The medium that enters switchback path T2 is transported upward by the pair of transport rollers 36, 37, and when the bottom edge of the medium passes branch position K1, the rotation direction of the pair of transport rollers 36, 37 is switched, thereby transporting the medium downward.

[0037] The switchback path T2 is connected to a reverse path T3. In this embodiment, the reverse path T3 is a medium transport path that extends from the branch position K1 through the transport roller pairs 33 and 34 to the transport roller pair 38. The medium conveyed downward from branch position K1 receives a conveying force from conveying roller pairs 33 and 34, reaches conveying roller pair 38, is curved and reversed, and is sent to conveying roller pair 31.

[0038] The medium is again sent to a position facing the line head 51, and the second side, which is opposite to the first side on which recording has already been performed, faces the line head 51. This makes it possible for the line head 51 to record on the second side of the medium.

[0039] Next, a moving means for moving the head unit 50 along the V-axis direction will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, the first member 61 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is omitted, and the side surface of the head unit 50 is clearly shown. 3 to 6, the moving means 60 includes a first member 61, a second rack forming member 62, a second member 63, a third rack forming member 64, a first pinion gear 65, and a second pinion gear 67. In this embodiment, the moving means 60 are provided on both sides of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction intersecting the V-axis direction.

[0040] The first member 61 is fixedly provided to a frame (not shown) of the device at a position facing the side surface of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction, and a first rack 61a is formed along the V-axis direction on the side facing the head unit 50. Furthermore, the first member 61 is formed with a first guide groove 61b and a second guide groove 61c extending along the V-axis direction as shown in Figures 7 and 8. 3 and 4, two upper rollers 52 are arranged at an interval in the V axis direction on the side surface of the head unit 50 in the Y axis direction, i.e., on the side surface facing the first member 61. The two upper rollers 52 fit into the first guide grooves 61b of the first member 61 as shown in Figures 7 and 8, whereby the head unit 50 is guided in the V axis direction by the first member 61. Furthermore, the rotation of the upper rollers 52 reduces sliding resistance when the head unit 50 moves.

[0041] Next, a second rack forming member 62 is provided at the end of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction, and a second rack 62a is formed in the second rack forming member 62 along the V-axis direction. Then, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first rack 61a and the second rack 62a face each other, a first pinion gear 65 is disposed between the first rack 61a and the second rack 62a, and the first pinion gear 65 meshes with both the first rack 61a and the second rack 62a.

[0042] The first pinion gear 65 is rotatably provided on the second member 63. Two lower rollers 53 are provided at a distance along the Y-axis direction on a side surface of the second member 63 in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The lower rollers 53 are supported by a lower roller support member 54 that is fixed to the second member 63. These two lower rollers 53 fit into the second guide grooves 61c (see Figs. 7 and 8) of the first member 61. This allows the second member 63 to be guided in the V-axis direction by the first member 61. Furthermore, the rotation of the lower rollers 53 reduces the sliding resistance when the second member 63 moves.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a third rack forming member 64 is provided on the lower side of the second member 63, and a third rack 64a is formed on the third rack forming member 64 along the V-axis direction. A second pinion gear 67 meshes with the third rack 64a. The third rack forming member 64 is provided on both ends in the Y-axis direction on the lower side of the second member 63. The second pinion gear 67 is provided at a position facing the third rack 64a on a rotation shaft 68 having a rotation axis center parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the two second pinion gears 67 are configured to rotate simultaneously by the rotation of the rotation shaft 68. The power of the motor 59 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 68 via a gear mechanism not shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0044] Incidentally, reference numeral 58 denotes a control unit that controls the motor 59. The control unit 58 can grasp the V-axis direction position of the head unit 50 based on a signal received from a reference position sensor (not shown) and the drive amount of the motor 59. Incidentally, if a reference position sensor (not shown) is not provided, when the head unit 50 reaches the end in the +V direction and when it reaches the end in the -V direction of the movable range, the current value of the motor 59 increases, and by detecting this, the V-axis direction position of the head unit 50 can also be grasped.

[0045] In the above configuration, when the second pinion gear 67 rotates, the second member 63 moves along the V-axis direction. Here, since the first member 61, i.e., the first rack 61a, is fixedly provided, the first pinion gear 65 provided on the second member 63 that moves in the V-axis direction rotates based on meshing with the first rack 61a. And since the first pinion gear 65 meshes with the second rack 62a provided on the head unit 50, the rotation of the first pinion gear 65 moves the head unit 50 so as to be pushed out in the V axis direction.

[0046] For example, when the second member 63 moves in the +V direction with the head unit 50 in the position shown in Fig. 5, the first pinion gear 65 on the right side of Fig. 5 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 5, and the first pinion gear 65 on the left side of Fig. 5 rotates clockwise in Fig. 5. This causes the head unit 50 to move in the +V direction. Furthermore, when the second member 63 moves in the -V direction while the head unit 50 is in the position shown in Fig. 6, the first pinion gear 65 on the right side of Fig. 5 rotates clockwise in Fig. 6, and the first pinion gear 65 on the left side of Fig. 6 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 6. This causes the head unit 50 to move in the -V direction.

[0047] 5 and 6, the range in the V-axis direction indicated by the reference symbol M1 is the movement range of the second member 63 based on the center of the rotation axis of the first pinion gear 65. Also, the range in the V-axis direction indicated by the reference symbol M2 in Fig. 5 and 6 is the movement range of the head unit 50 based on the -V direction end position of the second rack forming member 62. As described above, the head unit 50 moves in the V-axis direction by the rotation of the first pinion gear 65, but since the first pinion gear 65 itself is configured to move in the V-axis direction, the movement range M2 of the head unit 50 is larger than the movement range M1 of the second member 63. In this embodiment, the movement range M2 is approximately twice as large as the movement range M1.

[0048] As described above, the moving means 60 moves the head unit 50, which can move between a position where the head unit 50 advances into a transport path that transports the medium and records on the transported medium, and a position where the head unit 50 retreats from the transport path, in the V-axis direction by the power of the motor 59. The moving means 60 includes a first member 61 on which a first rack 61a is formed along the moving direction of the head unit 50, a first pinion gear 65 that meshes with the first rack 61a, a second rack 62a that is provided at a position facing the first rack 61a in the head unit 50 and is a rack formed along the V-axis direction that is the moving direction of the head unit 50 and meshes with the first pinion gear 65, and a second member 63 on which the first pinion gear 65 is rotatably provided and that can move in the V-axis direction by receiving the power of the motor 59. The rotation of the first pinion gear 65 that moves in the V-axis direction increases the amount of movement of the head unit 50 compared to the amount of movement of the second member 63. In other words, since the amount of movement of the head unit 50 can be ensured while suppressing the amount of movement of the second member 63, the mechanism for moving the second member 63 can be prevented from becoming large, and specifically, in this embodiment, the length of the third rack 64a in the V axis direction can be suppressed. As a result, the printer 1 can be prevented from becoming large.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first member 61 on which the first rack 61a is formed is fixed to the frame (not shown) of the device, but the first member 61 may be provided movably in the V-axis direction, and a rack and pinion mechanism for moving the first member 61 in the V-axis direction may be provided separately. This allows the movement area of ​​the head unit 50 to be further expanded. It is also preferable that the first pinion gear 65 has a two-stage structure of a main gear and a sub gear. More specifically, the number of teeth of this sub gear is increased compared to the number of teeth of the main gear, and the main gear meshes with the first rack 61a, and the sub gear meshes with the second rack 62a. With this configuration, the amount of movement of the second rack 62a relative to the rotation of the first pinion gear 65 can be further increased, and the movement range of the head unit 50 can be further expanded.

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, the second rack 62a is provided on the side of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction intersecting the V-axis direction, so that the size of the head unit 50 including the second rack 62a when viewed from the Y-axis direction can be reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, since the moving means 60 is provided on both sides of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction, the amount of movement in the V-axis direction at one end side and the other end side of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction can be made equal. This makes it possible to move the head unit 50 in the V-axis direction while appropriately maintaining the posture of the head unit 50.

[0052] Next, the head unit 50 is configured to be detachable from the device main body 2 including the first member 61 and the second member 63. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the first member 61 is formed with a third guide groove 61d and a fourth guide groove 61e, and the upper rollers 52, 52 provided on the Y-axis direction side of the head unit 50 are configured to be able to pass through the third guide groove 61d and the fourth guide groove 61e from the first guide groove 61b and move upward. That is, the head unit 50 is configured to be able to be removed from the first member 61. Also, by dropping the head unit 50 onto the first member 61, the upper rollers 52, 52 can enter the first guide groove 61b, that is, the head unit 50 can be attached. The third guide groove 61d and the fourth guide groove 61e function as guides that guide the head unit 50 in the attachment / detachment direction. In this way, the head unit 50 is detachable from the device main body 2, which makes maintenance and replacement of the head unit 50 easy.

[0053] Next, a restricting means for restricting the movement of the head unit 50 will be described. First, the movement range of the head unit 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the movement range of the head unit 50, and for convenience, the movement path of the head unit 50 is shown in a loop. Furthermore, hereinafter, the position of the head unit 50 in the V-axis direction strictly refers to the position of a regulated surface 55a (see Figs. 3 and 4) described later in the V-axis direction. 13, position F1 is the position where head unit 50 advances furthest onto transport path T1 during recording, is an example of the first position, and corresponds to the position of head unit 50 shown in Fig. 1. When head unit 50 is at position F1, recording is performed on the medium.

[0054] Position F5 in Fig. 13 is the position where the head unit 50 is furthest away from the transport path T1 during recording. Position F3 in Fig. 13 is a position where a flushing operation is performed on a flushing cap (not shown), that is, where ink is ejected from all ink ejection nozzles (not shown) of the line head 51 toward the flushing cap (not shown), and is an example of the third position. During recording on a medium in the printer 1, the head unit 50 periodically moves from position F1 to position F3 to perform a flushing operation. When the flushing operation is completed, the head unit 50 returns from position F3 to position F1.

[0055] Position F6 is a position for wiping the ink ejection surface 51a of the line head 51, and is an example of the second position of the head unit 50. Fig. 2 shows a state in which the head unit 50 is in position F6, where reference numeral 43 denotes a wiper unit and reference numeral 44 denotes a wiper provided on the wiper unit 43. The wiper 44 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, and can be pressed against the ink ejection surface 51a by its elasticity.

[0056] The wiper unit 43 is provided so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction, which is an example of a direction along the ink ejection surface 51a, by a motor (not shown), and the end position in the +Y direction of the movable area is set as the home position, and is located at the home position except during wiping. Note that the control unit 58 (see Figs. 3 and 4) can grasp the position of the wiper unit 43 from the detection signal of a home position sensor (not shown) and the drive amount of a motor (not shown) that drives the wiper unit 43.

[0057] When wiping the ink ejection surface 51a with the wiper 44, the head unit 50 moves in the +V direction from position F1 in Fig. 13 toward position F5. On the other hand, when the head unit 50 moves in the +V direction to a position where the wiper 44 does not contact the ink ejection surface 51a, the wiper unit 43 moves from the home position to the end in the -Y direction. Next, the head unit 50 switches its movement direction to the +V direction and heads toward position F6, and when the head unit 50 reaches position F6, the wiper unit 43 moves from the -Y direction end toward the +Y direction, causing the wiper 44 to press against the ink ejection surface 51a, wiping the ink ejection surface 51a. Strictly speaking, the head unit 50 moves from position F5 to position F6, passes position F6 slightly in the -V direction, then returns in the +V direction and stops at position F6, but this will be explained later. Positions F2, F4, and F7 in FIG. 13 will also be explained later.

[0058] Next, the printer 1 is equipped with regulating means 70A, 70B that are switchable between a regulating state in which movement of the head unit 50 in the -V direction is regulated, and a non-regulating state in which the regulating state is not performed, and that assumes the regulating state when the head unit 50 is in position F6, i.e., when wiping the ink ejection surface 51a. Regulating means 70A is provided at the end in the -Y direction with respect to head unit 50 as shown in Fig. 10, and regulating means 70B is provided at the end in the +Y direction with respect to head unit 50 as shown in Fig. 9. Rotating shaft 71 is a rotating shaft extending along the Y-axis direction and is a shaft shared by regulating means 70B provided at the end in the +Y direction and regulating means 70A provided at the end in the -Y direction.

[0059] The regulating means 70A, 70B have a symmetrical structure in the Y-axis direction and have the same basic configuration, so the following will describe in detail the regulating means 70A provided at the end in the -Y direction. Note that, although the regulating means are provided at the +Y direction end and the -Y direction end of the head unit 50 in this embodiment, they may be provided at only one of them.

[0060] 11 and 12, the head unit 50 includes a pin member 56 that is an abutment portion that can abut against the regulating means 70A, and a regulated frame 55 that is a regulated portion that is a portion whose movement in the +V direction is regulated at position F6. The regulated frame 55 is also shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Reference numeral 55a denotes a surface formed by bending the +V direction end of the regulated frame 55 that extends along the V-axis direction in the -F direction, and is a regulated surface that abuts against a lock portion 73 described later.

[0061] The regulating means 70A has a locking portion 73 that moves forward and backward relative to the movement area of ​​the regulated frame 55 by rotating about a rotation shaft 71, and a cam 80 that switches the position of the locking portion 73 by rotating about a cam rotation shaft 81 parallel to the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 71 is a fixed shaft, and the locking portion 73 rotates relative to the cam rotation shaft 81. As a result, the locking portion 73 provided in the regulating means 70A and the locking portion 73 provided in the regulating means 70B (see FIG. 9) can rotate independently of each other. The cam 80 has a support portion 80a capable of supporting the lock portion 73, and a first portion 80f and a second portion 80b capable of coming into contact with the pin member 56, and is rotated by the pin member 56 in association with the movement operation of the head unit 50. The rotation of the cam 80 by the pin member 56 will be described in detail later.

[0062] The locking portion 73 is configured to be switchable between a first position (Figures 11, 12, and 16) in which it advances into the movement area of ​​the regulated frame 55 to form a regulated state of the regulating means 70A by rotating, and a second position (Figure 14) in which it moves away from the movement area of ​​the regulated frame 55 to form a non-regulated state of the regulating means 70A.

[0063] The cam 80 is rotatably arranged between a first rotation phase (FIG. 14) in which the locking portion 73 is supported by the support portion 80a, thereby putting the locking portion 73 in the second position (FIG. 14), and a second rotation phase (FIGS. 11, 12, 15, 16, 17) in which the support of the locking portion 73 by the support portion 80a is released, thereby allowing the locking portion 73 to switch from the second position to the first position.

[0064] In this embodiment, the lock portion 73 is not pressed in a specific rotational direction by a pressing member such as a spring, and in the state shown in FIG. 14, for example, it is resting on the support portion 80a by its own weight. Similarly, the cam 80 is not biased in a specific rotational direction by a biasing member such as a spring, but is provided so that a predetermined frictional force is generated during rotation to prevent unintentional rotation due to vibration, impact, etc.

[0065] 11, the locking portion 73 includes a holder member 74 that is rotatable around the rotation shaft 71, and a slide member 75 that is slidable relative to the holder member 74. The slide member 75 is a member that is held by the holder member 74 and that can come into contact with the regulated frame 55, and is held slidable in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 71 relative to the holder member 74. The radial direction of the rotation shaft 71 here includes a moving direction component of the regulated frame 55, i.e., a V-axis direction component. The slide member 75 is pressed by a coil spring 76, which is an example of a pressing member, in a direction along the radial direction of the rotation shaft 71 and in a direction in which the slide member 75 abuts against the regulated frame 55.

[0066] The operation of the restricting means 70A configured as above for switching between the non-restrictive state and the restrictive state will be described below. When recording on the medium, the head unit 50 is located at position F1 in Fig. 13. In this state, the regulating means 70A is in the state shown in Fig. 14, the lock portion 73 is in the second posture, and the cam 80 is in the first rotation phase. In this state, the first portion 80f of the cam 80 advances into the movement area of ​​the pin member 56 provided on the head unit 50, and when the head unit 50 moves in the +V direction, the first portion abutment surface 80g, which is the side surface in the -V direction, is in a state in which it can abut against the pin member 56. In this state, the second portion 80b does not advance into the advance / retreat area of ​​the pin member 56.

[0067] When the head unit 50 moves in the +V direction from position F1 in FIG. 13, passes position F3 and reaches just before position F4, the pin member 56 abuts against the first part abutment surface 80g as shown in FIG. 14. When the head unit 50 further moves in the +V direction, the pin member 56 rotates the cam 80 toward the second rotation phase. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the cam 80 has rotated to the second rotation phase, and the locking portion 73, which takes the second position as a result of the cam 80 rotating in this manner, rotates and rests on the upper surface of the regulated frame 55. The position of the head unit 50 at this time is position F4 shown in FIG. 13. In this state, the regulating means 70A has not yet switched to the regulated state. Incidentally, since position F4 is located in the +V direction from position F3, when the head unit 50 reciprocates between positions F1 and F3, the regulating means 70A maintains the non-regulating state of FIG.

[0068] Then, when the head unit 50 moves in the -V direction with the locking portion 73 resting on the top surface of the regulated frame 55 as shown in Fig. 15, the locking portion 73 drops from the top surface of the regulated frame 55 and switches to the first position as shown by the change from Fig. 15 to Fig. 16. That is, the regulating means 70A switches to the regulated state. As will be explained in more detail later, the position of the head unit 50 at this time is position F6-, which is slightly in the -V direction from position F6. In this state, i.e., in the second rotation phase of the cam 80, the second portion 80b advances into the advance / retreat region of the pin member 56, and the pin member 56 can abut against the second portion abutment surface 80d, which is the surface of the second portion 80b in the +V direction. As a result, when the head unit 50 moves in the -V direction in the state shown in Fig. 16, i.e., when the cam 80 is in the second rotation phase and the lock portion 73 is in the first position, the pin member 56 abuts against the second portion abutment surface 80d, causing the cam 80 to rotate toward the first rotation phase and return to the state shown in Fig. 14. The position of the head unit 50 when the cam 80 switches to the first rotation phase is position F7 in Fig. 13. A guide surface 74a is formed on the bottom of the holder member 74 to function as a guide when the support portion 80a pushes up the lock portion 73 (see also FIG. 12).

[0069] Next, the control during the wiping operation will be described with reference to Fig. 19 and other figures as necessary. For convenience of explanation, the control shown in Fig. 19 shows the control from the point in time when the head unit 50 reaches the position F5 in Fig. 13. When the control unit 58 (see Figs. 3 and 4) moves the head unit 50 in the -V direction from position F5 in Fig. 13 to perform the wiping operation, it first moves it to position F6- (see Fig. 16) (step S101). This switches the locking portion 73 to the first position, and the regulating means 70A is in the regulated state. At this point, the sliding member 75 constituting the locking portion 73 is in a state in which it is positioned furthest in the -V direction in the holder member 74 due to the spring force of the coil spring 76 (see Fig. 11).

[0070] Next, the head unit 50 is moved from position F6- to position F6 (step S102). Fig. 16 shows a state in which the head unit 50 has moved from position F6- to position F6, and in this state, the slide member 75 is moved slightly in the +V direction against the spring force of the coil spring 76 (see Fig. 11). That is, the spring force of the coil spring 76 (see Fig. 11) acts on the regulated frame 55, and the movement of the regulated frame 55, i.e., the head unit 50, in the +V direction is restricted. As described above, the printer 1 is equipped with regulating means 70A, 70B that can switch between a regulated state in which movement of the head unit 50 in the +V direction is regulated and a non-regulated state in which the regulated state is not performed, and that is in the regulated state when the head unit 50 is in position F6, which is an example of the second position, that is, a position in which wiping is performed. This makes it possible to prevent the head unit 50 from moving in a direction away from the wiper 44 due to the force that the ink ejection surface 51a receives from the wiper 44 (see FIG. 2) during the wiping operation, and makes it possible to properly wipe the ink ejection surface 51a.

[0071] In addition, in the regulated state, the regulating means 70A (and 70B) of the present embodiment regulates the movement of the head unit 50 in the +V direction, but does not regulate the movement of the head unit 50 in the -V direction. However, the regulating means may regulate the movement of the head unit 50 in both the +V and -V directions.

[0072] 3 to 8 includes a rack and pinion mechanism, which can easily cause a problem that the head unit 50 moves in a direction away from the wiper 44 due to the force it receives from the wiper 44 due to gear backlash. However, the above-mentioned regulating means 70A (and 70B) can prevent the head unit 50 from moving in a direction away from the wiper 44, making it possible to properly wipe the ink ejection surface 51a.

[0073] Incidentally, the pressure with which the coil spring 76 (see FIG. 11) presses the slide member 75 is set to a value that maintains the position of the slide member 75 relative to the holder member 74 during wiping operation so that the head unit 50 does not move due to the force received from the wiper 44 (see FIG. 2) during wiping operation. However, the pressure of the coil spring 76 is a value that allows displacement of the slide member 75 in the +V direction accompanying movement of the head unit 50 in the +V direction.

[0074] Then, as described above, by driving the head unit 50 in the +V direction by the force of the motor 59, it is possible to move the head unit 50 to a certain extent against the spring force of the coil spring 76. With this configuration, it is possible to finely adjust the relative position between the wiper 44 and the ink ejection surface 51a, and it is possible to appropriately wipe the ink ejection surface 51a.

[0075] 19, when the wiping operation (step S103) is completed (Yes in step S104), the wiper unit 43 is stopped (step S105). In this state, the wiper 44 is still pressed against the ink ejection surface 51a and is deformed. Here, if the wiper 44 is displaced from the ink ejection surface 51a by the movement of the wiper unit 43 in this state, there is a risk that the adhering ink will scatter when the wiper 44 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity. Therefore, the control unit 58 moves the head unit 50 in the +V direction before the wiper 44 finishes wiping the ink ejection surface 51a and displaces from the ink ejection surface. More specifically, the head unit 50 is moved from position F6 to position F6+ (see FIG. 16) (step S106). This position F6+ is a position where the ink ejection surface 51a is separated from the wiper 44. By such control, the above-mentioned problem of ink scattering can be suppressed.

[0076] When the ink ejection surface 51a is separated from the wiper 44, the wiper unit 43 is returned to the home position (step S107), and the head unit 50 is moved from position F6+ to position F1 (step S108).

[0077] Other features of this embodiment will be described below. Since the regulating means 70A (and 70B) is configured so that its state can be switched by the head unit 50 in accordance with the movement operation of the head unit 50, no power source is required to switch between the regulated state and the non-regulated state, thereby preventing increases in cost and size of the device. Furthermore, the regulating means 70A (and 70B) can switch the position of the locking portion 73 by rotating the cam 80, and the configuration in which the state is switched by the movement of the head unit 50 can be configured with a small number of parts while preventing the device from becoming large.

[0078] The restricting means may be switched between the restricting state and the non-restricting state by using a dedicated drive source. As an example, a solenoid may be used to restrict the movement of the head unit 50 in the +V direction by a plunger that moves forward and backward. Incidentally, the regulating means 70A (and 70B) may be provided with another member, instead of the cam 80, that switches the position of the locking portion 73.

[0079] In addition, in FIG. 13, the head unit 50 can move to a position F3 in the +V direction further from the position F6 where the movement in the +V direction is restricted, and the restricting means 70A (and 70B) maintains a non-restricted state when the head unit 50 moves from the position F1 to the position F3 and when the head unit 50 moves from the position F3 to the position F1. This allows the head unit 50 to move smoothly without being hindered by the restricting means 70A (and 70B) when it moves between the positions F1 and F3 periodically for a flushing operation during a recording operation on a medium. The route indicated by the symbol L1 in FIG. 13 conceptually shows a route when returning to the position F1 after the flushing operation is completed. Note that the position F3 is not limited to a position where a flushing operation is performed, and may be a position where other processing is performed.

[0080] 17, the second portion 80b of the cam 80 has a cam surface 80c that can come into contact with the pin member 56 that moves in the +V direction from position F1 when the cam 80 is in the second rotation phase. When the pin member 56 moves in the +V direction while in contact with the cam surface 80c, the cam 80 rotates toward the first rotation phase as shown by the change from FIG. 17 to FIG. 18, and can finally return to the state shown in FIG.

[0081] That is, the regulating means 70A (and 70B) is configured to switch from the non-regulating state to the regulating state when the head unit 50 moves further in the +V direction from position F3 and then in the -V direction. However, if the regulating means 70A (and 70B) has already switched to the regulating state due to some irregular event such as vibration or impact when the head unit 50 attempts to move from position F1 to position F3, the head unit 50 cannot move to position F3, i.e., the flushing position. However, as described above, by moving the pin member 56 in the +V direction while in contact with the cam surface 80c, the regulating means 70A (and 70B) can be returned to the non-regulating state, and the head unit 50 can be moved to position F3, i.e., the flushing position. The position of the head unit 50 when the pin member 56 abuts against the cam surface 80c and the cam 80 switches to the first rotation phase is position F2 in FIG.

[0082] In this embodiment, the head unit 50 becomes detachable from the apparatus body 2 when it moves to position F5 in Fig. 13. That is, the head unit 50 is movable along the V-axis direction to a recording position, a wiping position, a flushing position, and a detachable position. The order of the positions to which the head unit 50 can move may be changed. For example, the wiping position may be located in the -V direction from the recording position. After the conveyor belt 13 separates from the recording conveyance path T1, the head unit 50 may move in the -V direction from the recording position to perform wiping. The wiping position may also be located in the +V direction from the flushing position or the attachment / detachment position. The head unit 50 may move to a position other than the above four positions.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] Reference Signs List 1...inkjet printer, 2...device main body, 3...first media cassette, 4...second media cassette, 5...third media cassette, 6...additional unit, 7...operation panel, 8...output tray, 8a...protruding portion, 8b...support surface, 9...scanner unit, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D...ink storage section, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D...mounting section, 12...waste liquid storage section, 13...transport belt, 14, 15...pulley, 18...external transport roller pair, 19...supply roller, 20...separation roller, 21, 22, 23...pick roller, 25, 26, 27...feed roller pair, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38...transport roller pair, 41...flap, 43...wiper unit, 44...wiper, 50...head unit, 51...line head, 51a...ink ejection surface, 52...upper roller, 53...lower roller, 54...lower roller support member, 5 5...Restricted frame, 55a...Restricted surface, 56...Pin member, 58...Control unit, 59...Motor, 60...Moving means, 61...First member, 61a...First rack, 61b...First guide groove, 61c...Second guide groove, 61d...Third guide groove, 61e...Fourth guide groove, 62...Second rack forming member, 62a...Second rack, 63...Second member, 64...Third rack forming member, 64a...Third rack, 65...First pinion gear, 67...Second pinion gear , 68...rotating shaft, 69...guide roller, 70A, 70B...regulating means, 71...rotating shaft, 73...locking portion, 74...holder member, 74a...guide surface, 75...slide member, 76...coil spring, 80...cam, 80a...supporting portion, 80b...second portion, 80c...cam surface, 80d...second portion contact surface, 80f...first portion, 80g...first portion contact surface, 81...cam rotating shaft, T1...transport path during recording, T2...switchback path, T3...reversal path

Claims

1. a transport path for transporting the medium; a recording unit having a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto the medium, the recording unit being movable between a first position where recording is performed on the medium transported along the transport path by the liquid ejection unit and a second position where the recording unit is retracted from the transport path; a moving unit that moves the recording unit in a first direction that is a direction retracting the recording unit from the transport path and in a second direction that is a direction toward the transport path; a wiper that wipes the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit by moving in a direction along the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit when the recording unit is in the second position; a restricting means for restricting the recording unit when the recording unit is in the second position, the recording unit is movable from the second position in the first direction by the moving means, 20. The recording apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the restricting means is capable of switching between a restricting state in which the movement of the recording unit in the first direction is restricted and a non-restricting state in which the restriction is not performed.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving direction of the recording unit is a direction intersecting a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. A recording apparatus comprising:

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving direction of the recording unit forms an acute angle of less than 45° with respect to the horizontal direction. A recording apparatus comprising:

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving means includes a rack and pinion mechanism. A recording apparatus comprising:

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the regulating means is configured such that a state of the regulating means is switched by the recording unit in association with a moving operation of the recording unit. A recording apparatus comprising:

6. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, the regulating means, when in the regulating state, does not regulate the movement of the recording unit in the second direction; A recording apparatus comprising:

7. A transport path for transporting a medium; a recording unit having a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto the medium, the recording unit being movable between a first position where recording is performed on the medium transported along the transport path by the liquid ejection unit and a second position where the recording unit is retracted from the transport path; a moving unit that moves the recording unit in a first direction that is a direction retracting the recording unit from the transport path and in a second direction that is a direction toward the transport path; a wiper that wipes the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit by moving in a direction along the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit when the recording unit is in the second position; a restricting means that is switchable between a restricting state in which the movement of the recording unit in the first direction is restricted and a non-restricting state in which the movement of the recording unit in the first direction is not restricted, and that is in the restricting state when the recording unit is in the second position; When in the regulated state, the regulating means does not regulate the movement of the recording unit in the second direction, the recording unit is movable from the second position to a third position which is a position in the first direction, the regulating means maintains the non-regulating state when the recording unit moves from the first position to the third position and when the recording unit moves from the third position to the first position. A recording apparatus comprising:

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, The recording unit is a contact portion capable of contacting the restricting means; a restricted portion that is a portion whose movement in the first direction is restricted at the second position, The regulating means is A locking portion that moves toward and away from the movement area of ​​the regulated portion by rotating; a member that switches the position of the locking portion by rotating, the member including a support portion capable of supporting the locking portion, and a cam having a first portion and a second portion capable of contacting the contact portion, the cam being rotated by the contact portion in association with the movement of the recording portion; The lock portion is a first position in which the restricted portion advances into a movement range of the restricted portion to form the restricted state; a second position in which the restricted portion is moved away from a movement range of the restricted portion to form the non-restricted state, The cam is a first rotation phase in which the lock portion is held in the second position by supporting the lock portion with the support portion; a first rotation phase that releases support of the lock portion by the support portion and allows the lock portion to switch from the second posture to the first posture, When the recording unit moves further in the first direction from the third position while the cam is in the first rotation phase, the contact portion contacts the first portion to rotate the cam toward the second rotation phase, whereby the locking unit, which is in the second position, rotates and rests on an upper surface of the regulated unit, when the recording unit moves in the second direction with the locking unit placed on the upper surface of the regulated unit, the locking unit drops from the upper surface of the regulated unit and switches to the first position, when the recording unit moves in the second direction while the cam is in the second rotation phase and the lock unit is in the first position, the abutment unit abuts against the second portion to rotate the cam toward the first rotation phase. A recording apparatus comprising:

9. 9. The recording device according to claim 8, wherein the second portion of the cam has a cam surface capable of contacting the contact portion of the recording unit that moves from the first position toward the first direction when the cam is in the second rotation phase, the recording unit moves in the first direction with the contact portion in contact with the cam surface, whereby the cam rotates toward the first rotation phase; A recording apparatus comprising:

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the locking portion comprises a rotatable holder member; a slide member that is held by the holder member and can come into contact with the regulated portion, the slide member being slidable relative to the holder member in a direction that includes a component of the movement direction of the regulated portion; a pressing member that is held by the holder member and presses the slide member in a direction in which the slide member abuts on the regulated portion, a pressing force with which the pressing member presses the slide member is set to a magnitude that maintains the position of the slide member relative to the holder member when the wiper wipes the liquid ejection surface. A recording apparatus comprising:

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a motor which is a power source for the moving means; A control means for controlling the motor, the control unit moves the recording unit in the first direction to separate the liquid ejection surface from the wiper before the wiping of the liquid ejection surface by the wiper is completed and the wiper is separated from the liquid ejection surface. A recording apparatus comprising:

12. A conveying path for conveying a medium; a recording unit having a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto the medium, the recording unit being movable between a first position where recording is performed on the medium transported along the transport path by the liquid ejection unit and a second position where the recording unit is retracted from the transport path; a moving unit that moves the recording unit in a first direction that is a direction retracting the recording unit from the transport path and in a second direction that is a direction toward the transport path; a wiper that wipes the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit by moving in a direction along the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection unit when the recording unit is in the second position; a restricting means that is switchable between a restricting state in which the movement of the recording unit in the first direction is restricted and a non-restricting state in which the movement of the recording unit in the first direction is not restricted, and that is in the restricting state when the recording unit is in the second position; the regulating means has a configuration in which a state is switched by the recording unit in association with a moving operation of the recording unit, the recording unit is movable from the second position to a third position which is a position in the first direction, the regulating means maintains the non-regulating state when the recording unit moves from the first position to the third position and when the recording unit moves from the third position to the first position. A recording apparatus comprising:

Images