Inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

A first linear motion device (50) relatively moves a carriage (40) and a recording medium (20) in a first coordinate axis direction. A rotary device (75) rotates the carriage (40) about a rotation axis (R) in a third coordinate axis direction. An inkjet head (30) is provided on a first side in the vertical direction (V) with respect to a recording surface (21), and jets an ink from a plurality of nozzles (31) on a second side in the vertical direction (V) while the carriage (40) and the recording medium (20) are relatively moving. The plurality of nozzles (31) are provided on a jetting surface (32) in the third coordinate axis direction. In a moving state, a second linear motion device (60) relatively moves the carriage (40) and the recording medium (20) in a second coordinate axis direction. In a moving state, the rotary device (75) rotates the carriage (40) about the rotation axis (R) which is set at a position coinciding with the jetting surface (32) in the vertical direction (V) or at a position further toward the second side than the jetting surface (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus ejects droplets onto a workpiece having a three-dimensional curved surface to print a predetermined image. The printing apparatus includes a printing unit, a workpiece driving unit, and a control unit. The printing apparatus has a gantry and a portal-type gantry. The gantry stands upright from the gantry. The gantry is provided with a workpiece driving unit. The gantry is provided with a printing unit. The printing unit is disposed above the printing surface of the workpiece. The printing unit has an X-axis linear movement mechanism and a plurality of inkjet units. The X-axis linear movement mechanism is attached to the gantry. The plurality of inkjet units are respectively attached to the X-axis linear movement mechanism. The plurality of inkjet units are respectively moved in the main scanning direction by the X-axis linear movement mechanism. The X-axis linear movement mechanism is composed of a linear motor type drive mechanism. The X-axis linear movement mechanism drives the plurality of inkjet units separately in the X direction. The inkjet unit prints an image on the surface of the workpiece by ejecting droplets toward the workpiece while moving in the main scanning direction. The workpiece driving unit relatively moves the workpiece with respect to the inkjet unit. The image is also printed in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The inkjet unit has a head unit and a curing unit. The curing unit cures the ink. A fixing jig is attached to the tip of the workpiece driving unit. The workpiece is fixed to the fixing jig. The workpiece driving unit conveys the workpiece fixed to the fixing jig below the printing unit. The workpiece driving unit has a four-axis drive mechanism including a Y-axis linear movement mechanism, a Z-axis linear movement mechanism, an A-axis rotation mechanism, and a B-axis rotation mechanism. The Y-axis linear movement mechanism is placed on the gantry and moves the workpiece in the sub-scanning direction. The Z-axis linear movement mechanism is attached to the Y-axis linear movement mechanism and moves the workpiece in the vertical direction. The A-axis rotation mechanism rotates the workpiece about the A-axis. The A-axis extends in the X direction. The fixing jig is attached to the B-axis rotation mechanism. The B-axis rotation mechanism rotates the workpiece about the B-axis. The B-axis extends in the Z direction. The workpiece driving unit moves the workpiece below the inkjet unit by operating the Y-axis linear movement mechanism, the Z-axis linear movement mechanism, the A-axis rotation mechanism, and the B-axis rotation mechanism. The position and orientation of the workpiece are adjusted by the workpiece driving unit.In addition, the work drive unit has drive mechanisms for five axes, namely a Y-axis linear motion mechanism, a Z-axis linear motion mechanism, an A-axis rotation mechanism, a B-axis rotation mechanism, and a C-axis rotation mechanism. The C-axis rotation mechanism rotates the work around the C-axis. The C-axis extends in the Z direction. By increasing the number of drive mechanisms of the work drive unit, the adjustment range of the posture of the work can be further expanded.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An inkjet recording apparatus discharges ink onto the surface of a recording medium from a plurality of nozzles of an inkjet head, and records a pattern on the recording surface of the recording medium. Examples of the recording medium include the housing (outer shell) of an electric device, interior and exterior materials for vehicles and buildings, and furniture. That is, the recording medium becomes a member that forms various products with a pattern recorded on the recording surface, or a part for various products. In such a recording medium, the recording surface may have a three-dimensional shape.

[0005] The inventor has studied a technique capable of recording a pattern in accordance with a recording surface having a three-dimensional shape in the following aspect by an inkjet recording apparatus. In this aspect, the position in the second coordinate axis direction is different in the first coordinate axis direction and has a surface shape along the third coordinate axis direction. Examples of the surface shape with different positions in the second coordinate axis direction include steps, convex shapes, and concave shapes. The second coordinate axis direction is orthogonal to the first coordinate axis direction. The third coordinate axis direction is orthogonal to both the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording apparatus capable of recording a pattern in accordance with the recording surface of a recording medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention includes an inkjet head including a plurality of nozzles that eject ink onto a recording surface of a recording medium, a carriage on which the inkjet head is mounted, a first linear motion device that relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in a first coordinate axis direction, a second linear motion device that relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in a second coordinate axis direction orthogonal to the first coordinate axis direction, and a rotating device that rotates the carriage about a rotation axis along a third coordinate axis direction orthogonal to both the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction. The inkjet head is provided on a first side in a vertical direction perpendicular to a discharge surface including the plurality of nozzles with respect to the recording surface, and ejects the ink from the plurality of nozzles on a second side opposite to the first side in the vertical direction in a moving state where the carriage and the recording medium are relatively moved in the first coordinate axis direction by the first linear motion device. The plurality of nozzles are provided in the third coordinate axis direction on the discharge surface. The second linear motion device relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in the second coordinate axis direction in the moving state. The rotating device rotates the carriage about the rotation axis set at a position that coincides with the discharge surface in the vertical direction or at a position on the second side from the discharge surface in the vertical direction in the moving state. It is an inkjet recording apparatus.

[0008] The rotating device may rotate the carriage about the rotation axis set at a position that coincides with the discharge surface in the vertical direction.

[0009] The inkjet recording apparatus may include a third linear motion device that relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in the third coordinate axis direction.

[0010] According to the above inkjet recording apparatus, the inkjet head can be rotated about the rotation axis together with the carriage in a moving state. For example, assume that the recording surface has the following stepped shape. This stepped shape has different positions in the second coordinate axis direction in the first coordinate axis direction and extends along the third coordinate axis direction. Even in such a case, in this inkjet recording apparatus, while maintaining a constant distance between the ejection surface and the recording surface in a moving state and causing the ejection surface to follow the recording surface, the carriage and the recording medium can be relatively moved in the first coordinate axis direction. In this inkjet recording apparatus, the ejection control of the ink can be facilitated.

[0011] The inkjet recording apparatus includes a third linear motion device that supports the carriage and moves the carriage in the third coordinate axis direction. The second linear motion device moves the carriage in the second coordinate axis direction. The rotation device includes a first support member that supports the third linear motion device, a drive motor that is connected to the first support member and generates a driving force for rotating the first support member about the rotation axis, and a second support member that is provided with the drive motor and rotatably supports the first support member about the rotation axis. The first support member includes a first frame provided in the third coordinate axis direction, a second frame provided in the vertical direction on the third side of the first frame in the third coordinate axis direction and connected to the first frame on the first side in the vertical direction, and a third frame provided in the vertical direction on the fourth side of the first frame in the third coordinate axis direction and connected to the first frame on the first side in the vertical direction. Further, the second frame is connected to the second support member, and the third frame is connected to the drive motor. The second linear motion device may be connected to the rotation device by the second support member and move the rotation device in the second coordinate axis direction.

[0012] According to this configuration, the size of the inkjet recording apparatus in the third coordinate axis direction can be reduced compared to the following comparative example inkjet recording apparatus. In the comparative example inkjet recording apparatus, the rotating device that rotates the carriage moves in the third coordinate axis direction together with the carriage. In the comparative example inkjet recording apparatus, since the rotating device is included in the object to be moved in the third coordinate axis direction, it is necessary to increase the size of the following area in the third coordinate axis direction. This area is required for the object to be moved to move in the third coordinate axis direction. In other words, this area serves as the movement path when the object to be moved moves in the third coordinate axis direction. In the above-described configuration, since the rotating device does not move in the third coordinate axis direction, an increase in size such as that of the comparative example inkjet recording apparatus does not occur.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, an inkjet recording apparatus capable of recording a pattern in accordance with the recording surface of a recording medium can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

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Figure 7

Figure 8

[0015] Embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the configurations described below, and various configurations can be adopted within the same technical concept. For example, some of the configurations shown below may be omitted or replaced with other configurations. The present invention may also include other configurations. The drawings schematically show predetermined configurations. Each drawing may not be accurate in terms of correspondence with other drawings or correspondence with the numerical values described later for specifying the configurations in the drawings. Hatching indicates a cut surface. A dashed line is a center line. A two-dot chain line is an imaginary line.

[0016] <Inkjet recording apparatus 10> The inkjet recording apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. In the embodiment, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 is specified by a first coordinate axis direction, a second coordinate axis direction, a third coordinate axis direction, and a vertical direction V. The recording medium 20 is also specified by a first coordinate axis direction, a second coordinate axis direction, and a third coordinate axis direction with reference to the state provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1). The second coordinate axis direction is orthogonal to the first coordinate axis direction. The third coordinate axis direction is orthogonal to both the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction. The second coordinate axis direction is taken as the vertical direction. In this case, the first coordinate axis direction and the third coordinate axis direction are horizontal directions. One side of the vertical direction V is referred to as the "first side", and the other side of the vertical direction V opposite to the first side is referred to as the "second side". One side of the third coordinate axis direction is referred to as the "third side", and the other side of the third coordinate axis direction opposite to the third side is referred to as the "fourth side". One side of the first coordinate axis direction is referred to as the "fifth side", and the other side of the first coordinate axis direction opposite to the fifth side is referred to as the "sixth side". One side of the second coordinate axis direction is referred to as the "seventh side", and the other side of the second coordinate axis direction opposite to the seventh side is referred to as the "eighth side". The seventh side of the second coordinate axis direction is taken as the upper side in the vertical direction, and the eighth side of the second coordinate axis direction is taken as the lower side in the vertical direction. The vertical direction V will be described later.

[0017] The inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes an inkjet head 30, a carriage 40, a first linear motion device 50, a second linear motion device 60, a rotation device 75, and a third linear motion device 90 (see FIG. 1). In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a gantry 11, a main tank 12, and an ink flow path 13. The second linear motion device 60 is provided on the gantry 11 (see FIGS. 1 to 5). The main tank 12 stores ink (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The ink flow path 13 connects the main tank 12 and the inkjet head 30 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). Ink flows from the main tank 12 through the ink flow path 13 and is supplied to the inkjet head 30.

[0018] In FIGS. 2 to 4, the illustration of the main tank 12 and the ink flow path 13 is omitted. In FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the ink flow path 13 is simplified. The ink flow path 13 has a configuration capable of corresponding to the movement of the inkjet head 30 in the second coordinate axis direction, the movement of the inkjet head 30 in the third coordinate axis direction, and the rotation about the rotation axis R of the inkjet head 30. The movement of the inkjet head 30 in the second coordinate axis direction, the movement of the inkjet head 30 in the third coordinate axis direction, the rotation about the rotation axis R of the inkjet head 30, and the rotation axis R will be described later.

[0019] The ink flow path 13 may include a sub-tank. In the embodiment, the illustration of the sub-tank is omitted. When the ink flow path 13 includes a sub-tank, ink flows out from the main tank 12 and is stored in the sub-tank while flowing through the ink flow path 13. The ink flow path 13 flows the ink that has flowed out from the sub-tank to the inkjet head 30. The sub-tank has already been adopted in commercially available inkjet recording apparatuses and is well-known. Therefore, other descriptions regarding the sub-tank are omitted.

[0020] The inkjet recording apparatus 10 operates an inkjet head 30, a first linear motion device 50, a second linear motion device 60, a rotation device 75, and a third linear motion device 90 to record a pattern on a recording surface 21 of a recording medium 20 (see FIGS. 1 to 6). The inkjet recording apparatus 10 can record a full-color pattern on the recording surface 21 by using a plurality of colors of ink for recording the pattern. The patterns shown on the recording surface 21 in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 correspond to the patterns. Examples of ink colors include yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. However, inks of colors different from these may be used for recording the pattern. The number of ink colors may be three or less or five or more. In the embodiment, an arbitrary single color will be described without specifying the ink color.

[0021] The recording surface 21 has a stepped shape along the third coordinate axis direction with different positions in the second coordinate axis direction in the first coordinate axis direction. In the embodiment, the recording surface 21 includes steps formed by a first surface 22, an inclined surface 23, and a second surface 24. The first surface 22, the inclined surface 23, and the second surface 24 are connected in this order from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction. The first surface 22 and the second surface 24 have flat shapes. Regarding the positions in the second coordinate axis direction of the first surface 22 and the second surface 24, the first surface 22 is located on the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction from the second surface 24. The inclined surface 23 is inclined from the eighth side to the seventh side in the second coordinate axis direction as it goes from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction. The inclined surface 23 is continuous with the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction of the first surface 22 on the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction, and is continuous with the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction of the second surface 24 on the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction.

[0022] The carriage 40 mounts the inkjet head 30 (see FIGS. 1 to 7). The first linear motion device 50 relatively moves the carriage 40 and the recording medium 20 in the first coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 4 to 2). In the embodiment, during the pattern recording operation, this relative movement by the first linear motion device 50 is performed by moving the recording medium 20 in the first coordinate axis direction. That is, the first linear motion device 50 reciprocates the recording medium 20 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction during the pattern recording operation.

[0023] The inkjet head 30 includes a plurality of nozzles 31 on the ejection surface 32 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). In FIGS. 5 to 7, some of the plurality of nozzles 31 are labeled with the symbol "31". The ejection surface 32 faces the recording surface 21 in the vertical direction V in a moving state (see FIGS. 2 to 6). In the moving state, the recording medium 20 is moved in the first coordinate axis direction by the first linear motion device 50 (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 4 to 2). The vertical direction V is perpendicular to the ejection surface 32 (see FIGS. 2 to 6). When the ejection surface 32 is in a horizontal state, the vertical direction V coincides with the second coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 2, 4 to 6). The inkjet head 30 is provided on the first side of the vertical direction V with respect to the recording surface 21 (see FIGS. 2 to 6).

[0024] The plurality of nozzles 31 open on the ejection surface 32. The plurality of nozzles 31 are provided in the third coordinate axis direction on the ejection surface 32 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). The plurality of nozzles 31 are aligned in the third coordinate axis direction on the ejection surface 32. In the embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 31 are arranged in a single row on the ejection surface 32 (see FIG. 7). However, such an arrangement of the plurality of nozzles 31 on the ejection surface 32 is an example. The plurality of nozzles 31 may be arranged in a plurality of rows of nozzle rows along the third coordinate axis direction. In this case, the nozzle row is formed by arranging a part of the plurality of nozzles 31 in the third coordinate axis direction. Suppose the plurality of nozzles 31 are arranged in two rows on the ejection surface 32. In this case, half of the nozzles 31 form a first row of nozzle rows along the third coordinate axis direction, and the remaining nozzles 31 form a second row of nozzle rows along the third coordinate axis direction. The two rows of nozzle rows are adjacent to each other in the following direction on the ejection surface 32. This direction is perpendicular to the third coordinate axis direction within the ejection surface 32. The two rows of nozzle rows are arranged offset by a predetermined amount in the third coordinate axis direction. That is, the plurality of nozzles 31 are arranged in a staggered pattern of two rows on the ejection surface 32. The arrangement of the plurality of nozzles 31 is appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions.

[0025] A plurality of nozzles 31 eject ink onto the recording surface 21 (see FIGS. 1 to 6). That is, the inkjet head 30 ejects ink onto the recording surface 21 from the plurality of nozzles 31. At this time, the inkjet head 30 ejects ink in the vertical direction V from the plurality of nozzles 31. Further, the inkjet head 30 ejects ink from the plurality of nozzles 31 in a moving state. In FIGS. 2 to 6, illustration of the ink ejected from the nozzle 31 is omitted. The ink lands on the recording surface 21.

[0026] Suppose the inkjet head 30 ejects ink from the plurality of nozzles 31 on the first surface 22 (see FIGS. 2, 5, and 6). In this case, the ink lands on the first surface 22. Suppose the inkjet head 30 ejects ink from the plurality of nozzles 31 on the inclined surface 23 (see FIG. 3). In this case, the ink lands on the inclined surface 23. Suppose the inkjet head 30 ejects ink from the plurality of nozzles 31 on the second surface 24 (see FIG. 4). In this case, the ink lands on the second surface 24. The inkjet head 30 ejects ink in the vertical direction V from the plurality of nozzles 31 toward the recording surface 21 on the recording surface 21 and records a pattern on the recording surface 21 (see FIGS. 1 to 6).

[0027] The inkjet head 30 includes a supply port 33 and an internal flow path 34 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). An ink flow path 13 is connected to the supply port 33. Ink flows from the ink flow path 13 through the supply port 33 and into the inkjet head 30. The internal flow path 34 connects the supply port 33 and the plurality of nozzles 31. The ink that has flowed in from the supply port 33 flows through the internal flow path 34 and reaches the plurality of nozzles 31.

[0028] The internal flow path 34 includes a main flow portion 35 and a plurality of branch flow portions 36. The main flow portion 35 is continuous from the supply port 33 and is formed along the third coordinate axis direction. The ink that has flowed in from the supply port 33 flows through the main flow portion 35. The plurality of branch flow portions 36 branch off from the main flow portion 35 and are respectively connected to the plurality of nozzles 31. The ink that has flowed in from the main flow portion 35 flows through the branch flow portions 36 respectively and reaches the plurality of nozzles 31 respectively. In FIGS. 5 and 6, one of the plurality of branch flow portions 36 is labeled with the reference numeral "36".

[0029] Examples of linear motion mechanisms that can be employed as the first linear motion device 50 include linear motor actuators. In the embodiment, a linear motor actuator is exemplified as the first linear motion device 50. However, the linear motion mechanism employed as the first linear motion device 50 does not have to be a linear motor actuator. For example, the linear motion mechanism employed as the first linear motion device 50 may be a combination of a ball screw, a motor, and a guide. Examples of guides include a combination of a linear shaft and a bush. Examples of bushes include linear bushes. In addition, examples of guides include a linear guide and a ball spline. The linear motion mechanism employed as the first linear motion device 50 is appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions.

[0030] The first linear motion device 50 includes a mounting table 51, a stator 52, and a mover 53. The recording medium 20 is placed on the mounting table 51 (see FIGS. 1 to 6). The recording medium 20 is placed on the mounting table 51 in a state where the recording surface 21 is in the above-described manner. That is, on the recording medium 20 on the mounting table 51, the first surface 22, the inclined surface 23, and the second surface 24 are continuous in the first coordinate axis direction. The recording surface 21 has a stepped shape along the third coordinate axis direction with different positions in the second coordinate axis direction in the first coordinate axis direction.

[0031] The stator 52 is provided along the first coordinate axis direction. The mover 53 moves on the stator 52 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction by the propulsive force acting on the mover 53 between the mover 53 and the stator 52 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). The mover 53 moves on the stator 52 from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction by the propulsive force acting on the mover 53 between the mover 53 and the stator 52 (see FIGS. 4 to 2). The mounting table 51 is provided on the mover 53. The first linear motion device 50 moves the mounting table 51 in the first coordinate axis direction by moving the mover 53 in the first coordinate axis direction. Accordingly, the first linear motion device 50 reciprocally moves the recording medium 20 on the mounting table 51 from the fifth side to the sixth side and from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction.

[0032] The second linear motion device 60 relatively moves the carriage 40 and the recording medium 20 in the second coordinate axis direction in a moving state (see FIGS. 2-4 and FIGS. 4-2). In the embodiment, during the handle recording operation, this relative movement by the second linear motion device 60 is performed by moving the carriage 40 in the second coordinate axis direction. That is, the second linear motion device 60 moves the carriage 40 from the seventh side to the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction and moves the carriage 40 from the eighth side to the seventh side in the second coordinate axis direction during the handle recording operation. However, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10, the movement of the carriage 40 in the second coordinate axis direction by the second linear motion device 60 is performed by moving the rotating device 75 from the eighth side to the seventh side and from the seventh side to the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction. That is, the second linear motion device 60 is attached to the rotating device 75 and moves the rotating device 75 from the eighth side to the seventh side and from the seventh side to the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction. The connection structure of the second linear motion device 60 and the rotating device 75 will be described later.

[0033] The inkjet recording apparatus 10 employs a linear motion mechanism as the second linear motion device 60. Examples of the linear motion mechanism that can be employed as the second linear motion device 60 include a combination of a ball screw, a driving machine, and a transmission mechanism. In the embodiment, the aforementioned combination is exemplified as the second linear motion device 60. In this case, the second linear motion device 60 includes ball screws 61, 62, a driving machine 65, and a transmission mechanism 66 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6).

[0034] The ball screw 61 is provided on the third side in the third coordinate axis direction of the first linear motion device 50. The ball screw 62 is provided on the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction of the first linear motion device 50. In the ball screws 61, 62, the screw shaft 63 is rotatably provided along the second coordinate axis direction, and the nut 64 moves in the second coordinate axis direction in response to the rotation of the screw shaft 63. As the driving machine 65, a rotating machine such as a motor can be employed. Examples of the driving machine 65 include a servo motor. The servo motor as the driving machine 65 includes an encoder. The driving machine 65 generates a driving force for rotating the screw shaft 63. The arc-shaped arrows shown on the outer periphery of the screw shafts 63 of the ball screws 61, 62 in FIG. 1 indicate the rotation directions of the screw shafts 63.

[0035] The transmission mechanism 66 connects the ball screws 61, 62 and the drive unit 65 (see FIG. 1). The transmission mechanism 66 transmits the driving force generated by the drive unit 65 to the screw shafts 63 of the ball screws 61, 62. In other words, the transmission mechanism 66 transmits the rotation in the drive unit 65 to the screw shafts 63 of the ball screws 61, 62. Examples of the transmission mechanism 66 include a combination of a gear box and a shaft, a combination of a pulley and a timing belt, and a combination of a sprocket and a chain. The specifications of the transmission mechanism 66 are appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions. In the embodiment, a combination of a gear box and a shaft is exemplified as the transmission mechanism 66. In this case, the transmission mechanism 66 includes gear boxes 67, 68, 69 and shafts 70, 71.

[0036] The gear box 67 branches the driving force from the drive unit 65 into a first driving force and a second driving force. The shaft 70 connects the gear boxes 67, 68 and transmits the first driving force to the gear box 68. The gear box 68 transmits the first driving force to the ball screw 61. The shaft 71 connects the gear boxes 67, 69 and transmits the second driving force to the gear box 69. The gear box 69 transmits the second driving force to the ball screw 62. That is, the drive unit 65 rotates the screw shaft 63 of the ball screw 61 via the gear box 67, the shaft 70 and the gear box 68, and further rotates the screw shaft 63 of the ball screw 62 via the gear box 67, the shaft 71 and the gear box 69. In the second linear motion device 60, the screw shafts 63 of the ball screws 61, 62 rotate (synchronously rotate) in the same direction at the same speed by the same amount.

[0037] The rotating device 75 rotates the carriage 40 about the rotation axis R in a moving state (see FIGS. 1, 2-4, and 4-2). The rotation axis R is provided along the third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 1, 5, 6). The rotation axis R is set at a position that coincides with the discharge surface 32 in the vertical direction V or at a position on the second side from the discharge surface 32. In the embodiment, the rotating device 75 in which the rotation axis R is set at a position that coincides with the discharge surface 32 in the vertical direction V is exemplified (see FIGS. 5, 6). The arrow of the arc centered on the rotation axis R in FIG. 1 indicates the rotation direction of the carriage 40.

[0038] The rotating device 75 includes a first support 76, a drive unit 80, and a second support 81 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). The first support 76 includes a first frame 77, a second frame 78, and a third frame 79. The first frame 77 is provided in the third coordinate axis direction. The second frame 78 is provided in the vertical direction V on the third side of the first frame 77 in the third coordinate axis direction. The second frame 78 is connected to the first frame 77 on the first side in the vertical direction V. The third frame 79 is provided in the vertical direction V on the fourth side of the first frame 77 in the third coordinate axis direction. The third frame 79 is connected to the first frame 77 on the first side in the vertical direction V. The first support 76 is connected to the second support 81 by the second frame 78 and is connected to the drive unit 80 by the third frame 79. The first support 76 supports a third linear motion device 90. The support structure of the third linear motion device 90 by the first support 76 will be described later.

[0039] As the drive unit 80, a rotating machine such as a motor can be adopted. Examples of the drive unit 80 include a servo motor. The servo motor as the drive unit 80 includes an encoder. The drive unit 80 generates the following driving force. This driving force rotates the carriage 40 about the rotation axis R. The shaft of the servo motor as the drive unit 80 is fixed to the third frame 79.

[0040] A driving machine 80 is provided on a second support tool 81. The second support tool 81 rotatably supports the first support tool 76 about a rotation axis R. The second support tool 81 includes a first attachment tool 82 and a second attachment tool 83. The first attachment tool 82 is provided on a third side of the first support tool 76 in a third coordinate axis direction. The first attachment tool 82 is fixed to a nut 64 of a ball screw 61. The first attachment tool 82 is connected to a second frame 78 and rotatably supports the first support tool 76 about the rotation axis R. The second attachment tool 83 is provided on a fourth side of the first support tool 76 in the third coordinate axis direction. The second attachment tool 83 is fixed to a nut 64 of a ball screw 62. The driving machine 80 in the following state is provided on the second attachment tool 83. In this state, a shaft of a servo motor is fixed to a third frame 79. That is, the driving machine 80 is provided on the second support tool 81, and the second support tool 81 rotatably supports the first support tool 76 about the rotation axis R. The second support tool 81 connects a second linear motion device 60 and a rotation device 75 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). In other words, the second linear motion device 60 is connected to the rotation device 75 by the second support tool 81.

[0041] A third linear motion device 90 relatively moves a carriage 40 and a recording medium 20 in a third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). In the embodiment, during a handle recording operation, this relative movement by the third linear motion device 90 is performed by moving the carriage 40 from a third side to a fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction. That is, the third linear motion device 90 moves the carriage 40 from the third side to the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction during the handle recording operation.

[0042] During the recording operation of the pattern, the third linear motion device 90 moves the carriage 40 from the third side to the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction corresponding to the following first main scan and second main scan. In the first main scan, the first linear motion device 50 moves the recording medium 20 on the mounting table 51 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 2 to 4). In the second main scan, the first linear motion device 50 moves the recording medium 20 on the mounting table 51 from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 4 to 2). That is, during the recording operation of the pattern, the movement of the carriage 40 by the third linear motion device 90 is intermittently performed in response to the arrival of the recording medium 20 on the mounting table 51 at the moving end on the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction accompanying the first main scan and the arrival of the recording medium 20 on the mounting table 51 at the moving end on the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction accompanying the second main scan.

[0043] The third linear motion device 90 moves the carriage 40 from the third side to the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction by a conveyance distance T (see FIGS. 5 and 6) per movement. The conveyance distance T may be determined according to the dimension of the nozzle region N (see FIG. 7) in the third coordinate axis direction. For example, the conveyance distance T is set to be equal to or less than the dimension of the nozzle region N in the third coordinate axis direction. The nozzle region N will be described later.

[0044] The inkjet recording apparatus 10 employs a linear motion mechanism as the third linear motion device 90. Examples of the linear motion mechanism that can be employed as the third linear motion device 90 include a combination of a ball screw, a drive motor, and a guide. In the embodiment, the above-described combination is exemplified as the third linear motion device 90. In this case, the third linear motion device 90 includes a ball screw 91, a drive motor 94, and a guide 95 (see FIG. 1). The third linear motion device 90 employs a linear shaft 96 and a linear bush 97 as the guide 95. However, the guide 95 may employ a bush of a type different from the linear bush 97. In addition, as the guide 95, a linear guide or a ball spline may be employed. The specifications of the guide 95 are appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions.

[0045] The screw shaft 92 of the ball screw 91 is rotatably provided along the third coordinate axis direction (see Fig. 1). The nut 93 of the ball screw 91 moves in the third coordinate axis direction in response to the rotation of the screw shaft 92. The drive mechanism 94 is connected to the screw shaft 92. As the drive mechanism 94, a rotary machine such as a motor can be adopted. An example of the drive mechanism 94 is a servo motor. The servo motor as the drive mechanism 94 includes an encoder. The drive mechanism 94 rotates the screw shaft 92. The arc-shaped arrow shown at the third side end of the screw shaft 92 in the third coordinate axis direction in Fig. 1 indicates the rotation direction of the screw shaft 92.

[0046] With the screw shaft 92 and the drive mechanism 94 connected, the tip of the screw shaft 92 is rotatably supported by the second frame 78, and the drive mechanism 94 is provided on the third frame 79 (see Fig. 1). In the guide 95, similar to the screw shaft 92 of the ball screw 91, a linear shaft 96 is provided along the third coordinate axis direction (see Figs. 1, 5, and 6). The linear shaft 96 is supported by the second frame 78 and the third frame 79. The linear bush 97 moves in the third coordinate axis direction along the linear shaft 96. The carriage 40 is fixed to the nut 93 and the linear bush 97.

[0047] In the inkjet recording apparatus 10, when the drive mechanism 94 rotates the screw shaft 92 in a predetermined direction, the nut 93 moves from the third side to the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction (see FIG. 1). In this case, the drive mechanism 94 rotates the screw shaft 92 by the following amount of rotation. This amount of rotation is such that the amount of movement of the nut 93 from the third side to the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction is defined as the conveyance distance T. The carriage 40 moves by the same amount (conveyance distance T) in the same direction as the nut 93 that moves by the conveyance distance T from the third side to the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 5 and 6). When the drive mechanism 94 rotates the screw shaft 92 in the direction opposite to the aforementioned direction, the nut 93 moves from the fourth side to the third side in the third coordinate axis direction (see FIG. 1). In this case, the drive mechanism 94 rotates the screw shaft 92 by the following amount of rotation. For example, this amount of rotation returns the carriage 40 to the moving end on the third side in the third coordinate axis direction. The carriage 40 moves by the same amount in the same direction as the nut 93 that moves from the fourth side to the third side in the third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 6 and 5). In the embodiment, illustration of the state in which the carriage 40 is moved to both moving ends on the third side and the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction is omitted.

[0048] The guide 95 guides the movement of the carriage 40 from the third side to the fourth side and from the fourth side to the third side in the third coordinate axis direction as described above (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). In other words, the carriage 40 moves from the third side to the fourth side and from the fourth side to the third side in the third coordinate axis direction while being guided by the guide 95 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 and FIGS. 6 and 5).

[0049] The rotating device 75 rotates the carriage 40 about the rotation axis R in a moving state, and makes the ejection surface 32 parallel to the following virtual straight line L (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 4 to 2). The virtual straight line L passes through the opposing position P2 and is further orthogonal to the vertical direction V. The opposing position P2 is the position of the recording surface 21 closest to the reference position P1 in the vertical direction V. The reference position P1 may be the center of the nozzle region N of the ejection surface 32 (see FIG. 7). A plurality of nozzles 31 are provided on the ejection surface 32 in the nozzle region N.

[0050] The nozzle region N can also be said to have a rectangular shape with the following first side, second side, third side, and fourth side as its four sides (see Fig. 7). The first side and the second side are along the first coordinate axis direction, and the third side and the fourth side are along the third coordinate axis direction. The first side is in contact with the third-side end in the third coordinate axis direction of the nozzle 31 that is the most on the third side in the third coordinate axis direction among the plurality of nozzles 31 (see "nozzle 31A" in Fig. 7). The second side is in contact with the fourth-side end in the third coordinate axis direction of the nozzle 31 that is the most on the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction among the plurality of nozzles 31 (see "nozzle 31B" in Fig. 7). The third side is in contact with the fifth-side end in the first coordinate axis direction of the nozzle 31 that is the most on the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction among the plurality of nozzles 31. The fourth side is in contact with the sixth-side end in the first coordinate axis direction of the nozzle 31 that is the most on the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction among the plurality of nozzles 31.

[0051] In the embodiment, the number of nozzles 31 is five, and the five nozzles 31 have the same shape and are arranged in a single row in the third coordinate axis direction (see Fig. 7). Assume that the reference position P1 is the center of the nozzle region N of the ejection surface 32. In this case, the reference position P1 coincides with the position of the central nozzle 31 among the five nozzles 31. The inkjet recording apparatus 10 sets the positions of the reference position P1 and the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction to the same position (see Figs. 5 to 7 and the lower part of Fig. 8 described later).

[0052] In the embodiment, with the recording medium 20 placed on the mounting table 51, the first surface 22 and the second surface 24 are horizontal planes, and the inclined surface 23 is a plane inclined at a certain angle (see FIGS. 1 to 4). In the first aspect of the moving state, the following virtual straight line L is along the first surface 22. This virtual straight line L passes through the opposing position P2 of the first surface 22 (see the "virtual straight line L" indicated by the two-dot chain line along the "first surface 22" in FIG. 2). In the first aspect of the moving state, the first surface 22 of the recording medium 20 moves in the first coordinate axis direction on the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction of the inkjet head 30. In other words, in the first aspect of the moving state, the first surface 22 of the recording medium 20 moves in the first coordinate axis direction on the second side of the vertical direction V of the ejection surface 32. In the second aspect of the moving state, the following virtual straight line L is along the inclined surface 23. This virtual straight line L passes through the opposing position P2 of the inclined surface 23 (see the "virtual straight line L" indicated by the two-dot chain line along the "inclined surface 23" in FIG. 3). In the second aspect of the moving state, the inclined surface 23 of the recording medium 20 moves in the first coordinate axis direction on the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction of the inkjet head 30. In other words, in the second aspect of the moving state, the inclined surface 23 of the recording medium 20 moves in the first coordinate axis direction on the second side of the vertical direction V of the ejection surface 32. In the third aspect of the moving state, the following virtual straight line L is along the second surface 24. This virtual straight line L passes through the opposing position P2 of the second surface 24 (see the "virtual straight line L" indicated by the two-dot chain line along the "second surface 24" in FIG. 4). In the third aspect of the moving state, the second surface 24 of the recording medium 20 moves in the first coordinate axis direction on the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction of the inkjet head 30. In other words, in the third aspect of the moving state, the second surface 24 of the recording medium 20 moves in the first coordinate axis direction on the second side of the vertical direction V of the ejection surface 32.

[0053] The second linear motion device 60 moves the inkjet head 30 in the second coordinate axis direction with respect to the recording surface 21 in the moving state, and makes the separation distance D in the vertical direction V between the reference position P1 and the opposing position P2 constant (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 4 to 2). The separation distance D may be set to "0 mm < separation distance D ≤ 10 mm". For example, the separation distance D can be set to 1 mm.

[0054] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to the embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0055] (1) The inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes an inkjet head 30, a carriage 40, a first linear motion device 50, a second linear motion device 60, a rotation device 75, and a third linear motion device 90 (see FIG. 1).

[0056] The inkjet head 30 includes a plurality of nozzles 31 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). The plurality of nozzles 31 eject ink onto the recording surface 21 (see FIGS. 1 to 6). The carriage 40 mounts the inkjet head 30 (see FIGS. 1 to 7). The first linear motion device 50 moves the recording medium 20 relative to the carriage 40 in the first coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 4 to 2). The second linear motion device 60 moves the carriage 40 relative to the recording medium 20 in the second coordinate axis direction while the recording medium 20 is in a moving state (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 4 to 2). The rotation device 75 rotates the carriage 40 about the rotation axis R while the carriage 40 is in a moving state (see FIGS. 1, 2 to 4, and FIGS. 4 to 2). The rotation axis R is provided along the third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 1, 5, 6). Further, the rotation axis R is set at a position that coincides with the ejection surface 32 in the vertical direction V (see FIGS. 5, 6). The third linear motion device 90 moves the carriage 40 relative to the recording medium 20 in the third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 1, 5, 6).

[0057] According to the inkjet recording apparatus 10, the inkjet head 30 can be rotated about the rotation axis R together with the carriage 40 while the carriage 40 is in a moving state. Even when the recording surface 21 includes the first surface 22, the inclined surface 23, and the second surface 24, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10, the carriage 40 and the recording medium 20 can be relatively moved in the first coordinate axis direction while maintaining the separation distance D at a constant distance and aligning the ejection surface 32 along the recording surface 21 while the carriage 40 is in a moving state. The inkjet recording apparatus 10 can record a pattern according to the recording surface 21.

[0058] Assume an inkjet recording apparatus of a first comparative example as follows, and compare the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example and the inkjet recording apparatus 10 (see Fig. 8). The inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example includes the same elements as the inkjet recording apparatus 10. However, unlike the inkjet recording apparatus 10, the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example has the rotation axis R set at a position on the first side of the ejection surface 32 in the vertical direction V (see the upper part of Fig. 8). For the reference numerals of the elements that identify the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example, in order to facilitate the correspondence with the inkjet recording apparatus 10, they are the same as those of the inkjet recording apparatus 10. In Fig. 8, the inkjet head 30, a part of the carriage 40, a part of the first linear motion device 50, and the recording medium 20 are illustrated, and the illustration of the other elements that identify the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example and the inkjet recording apparatus 10 respectively is omitted.

[0059] This description takes as an example the case where the first linear motion device 50 moves the recording medium 20 relative to the carriage 40 from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction (see Fig. 8). In this case, the carriage 40 moves relative to the recording medium 20 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the eighth side to the seventh side in the second coordinate axis direction. Accordingly, the inkjet head 30 moves relative to the recording surface 21 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the eighth side to the seventh side in the second coordinate axis direction (see Fig. 8). Further, in the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example and the inkjet recording apparatus 10, during the movement of the carriage 40 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction, the carriage 40 is rotated about the rotation axis R, and while making the ejection surface 32 parallel to the virtual straight line L, the separation distance D is made constant (see Fig. 8).

[0060] In the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example and the inkjet recording apparatus 10, the position (coordinate value) of the reference position P1 in the first coordinate axis direction changes to the same side as the movement of the carriage 40 (inkjet head 30) from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction relative to the recording medium 20.

[0061] In the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example, it is assumed that as the reference position P1 moves from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction, the opposing position P2 moves from above the first surface 22 onto the inclined surface 23. In this case, the positions (coordinate values) of the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction change from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the seventh side to the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction, opposite to the reference position P1 (see "Positions A, B" in the upper part of FIG. 8 (the arrow between "Rotation Axis R" of "Position A" and "Rotation Axis R" of "Position B")). This is due to the rotation of the carriage 40 about the rotation axis R to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction. Thereafter, it is assumed that as the reference position P1 moves from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction, the opposing position P2 further moves from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction on the inclined surface 23. In this case, the positions (coordinate values) of the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction change from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the eighth side to the seventh side in the second coordinate axis direction, the same as the reference position P1 (see "Positions B, C" in the upper part of FIG. 8).

[0062] On the other hand, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 can make the positions (coordinate values) of the reference position P1 and the rotation axis R coincide in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10, during the movement of the reference position P1 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction, an event such as the positions (coordinate values) of the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction changing from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the seventh side to the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction does not occur. In the inkjet recording apparatus 10, it is assumed that as the reference position P1 moves from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction, the opposing position P2 moves from the upper surface 22 to the inclined surface 23. In this case, the positions (coordinate values) of the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction change from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the eighth side to the seventh side in the second coordinate axis direction, similar to the reference position P1 (see "Positions A, B" in the lower part of FIG. 8). After that, it is assumed that as the reference position P1 moves from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction, the opposing position P2 further moves from the upper surface 22 to the inclined surface 23 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction. In this case, the positions (coordinate values) of the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction change from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the eighth side to the seventh side in the second coordinate axis direction, similar to the reference position P1 (see "Positions B, C" in the lower part of FIG. 8).

[0063] In the inkjet recording apparatus 10, as described above, when the carriage 40 and the recording medium 20 move relatively in the first coordinate axis direction, the following event that occurs in the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example does not occur. In this event, the changes in the positions (coordinate values) of the reference position P1 and the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction are opposite. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10, the ejection control of the ink can be facilitated.

[0064] In the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example, in the complicated ink ejection control, the moving speed of the mover 53 may be changed at the following timing. At this timing, the opposing position P2 moves from the first surface 22 to the inclined surface 23 and from the inclined surface 23 to the first surface 22. However, the change in the moving speed of the mover 53 involves deceleration and acceleration of the mover 53. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example, it is also assumed that countermeasures against vibration caused by deceleration and acceleration of the mover 53 are necessary. In the inkjet recording apparatus 10, since the ejection control of the ink is easy, deceleration and acceleration of the mover 53 at the above-described timing can be omitted. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus 10, countermeasures against vibration assumed in the inkjet recording apparatus of the first comparative example can also be omitted.

[0065] (2) The rotating device 75 includes a first support 76, a drive motor 80, and a second support 81 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). The first support 76 supports the third linear motion device 90. The drive motor 80 is connected to the first support 76. The drive motor 80 generates a driving force for rotating the first support 76 about the rotation axis R. The drive motor 80 is provided on the second support 81. The second support 81 rotatably supports the first support 76 about the rotation axis R.

[0066] The first support 76 includes a first frame 77, a second frame 78, and a third frame 79 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). The first frame 77 is provided in the third coordinate axis direction. The second frame 78 is provided in the vertical direction V on the third side of the first frame 77 in the third coordinate axis direction. The second frame 78 is connected to the first frame 77 on the first side in the vertical direction V. The third frame 79 is provided in the vertical direction V on the fourth side of the first frame 77 in the third coordinate axis direction. The third frame 79 is connected to the first frame 77 on the first side in the vertical direction V.

[0067] The second linear motion device 60 is connected to the rotating device 75 by the second support 81 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). The second linear motion device 60 moves the rotating device 75 in the second coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 4 to 2).

[0068] According to this configuration, the size of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 in the third coordinate axis direction can be reduced with respect to the following inkjet recording apparatus of the second comparative example. In the inkjet recording apparatus of the second comparative example, a rotating device that rotates the carriage moves in the third coordinate axis direction together with the carriage. In the inkjet recording apparatus of the second comparative example, since the rotating device is included in the object to be moved in the third coordinate axis direction, it is necessary to increase the size of the following area in the third coordinate axis direction. This area is required for the object to be moved to move in the third coordinate axis direction. In other words, this area serves as a movement path when the object to be moved moves in the third coordinate axis direction. In the above-described configuration, since the rotating device 75 does not move in the third coordinate axis direction, an increase in size such as that of the inkjet recording apparatus of the second comparative example does not occur.

[0069] <Modification example> The embodiment can also be configured as follows. Some of the configurations of the modification examples shown below can be adopted in appropriate combinations. Hereinafter, differences from the above will be described, and descriptions of the same points will be omitted as appropriate.

[0070] (1) The following configuration may be adopted in an inkjet recording apparatus including a line-type inkjet head. In this configuration, the rotation axis R is set at a position that coincides with the ejection surface 32 in the vertical direction V or at a position on the second side from the ejection surface 32 in the vertical direction V. In an inkjet recording apparatus including a line-type inkjet head, the third linear motion device 90 may be omitted.

[0071] (2) The second linear motion device 60 includes ball screws 61 and 62, a drive mechanism 65, and a transmission mechanism 66 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). The second linear motion device may have a different specification. For example, in the second linear motion device, either of the ball screws 61 and 62 may be omitted. In this case, the second linear motion device may newly include a guide. That is, in the second linear motion device, a combination of a ball screw, a drive mechanism, and a guide may be adopted. Examples of the guide include the various guides described above. However, in this modification example, a combination of a linear shaft and a linear bush is exemplified as the guide.

[0072] It is assumed that the ball screw 61 is omitted. In this case, the drive mechanism is supported by the mount 11 and connected to the screw shaft 63 of the ball screw 62. For example, the drive mechanism is provided on the fixture, and the fixture is fixed to the mount 11. As the drive mechanism, a rotating machine such as a motor can be adopted as in the case of the drive mechanism 65. The drive mechanism rotates the screw shaft 63 of the ball screw 62. In the guide, a linear shaft is provided along the second coordinate axis direction, similar to the screw shaft 63 of the ball screw 61. The linear shaft is supported by the mount 11. In the guide, the linear bush moves in the second coordinate axis direction along the linear shaft. To the linear bush, a second support tool 81 (first fixture 82) is fixed, similar to the nut 64 of the ball screw 61. The guide guides the movement of the first support tool 76 accompanying the movement of the nut 64 of the ball screw 62 in the second coordinate axis direction.

[0073] (3) The rotating device 75 rotates the carriage 40 about the rotation axis R (see FIGS. 1, 2-4, and 4-2). The rotation axis R is provided along the third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). The rotation axis R is set at a position that coincides with the ejection surface 32 in the vertical direction V. The rotation axis R may be set at a position on the second side of the ejection surface 32 in the vertical direction V. Even with such a configuration, similar to the inkjet recording apparatus 10, during the movement of the reference position P1 from the fifth side to the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction, an event such as a change in the positions (coordinate values) of the rotation axis R in the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction from the sixth side to the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction and from the seventh side to the eighth side in the second coordinate axis direction does not occur. Also in this inkjet recording apparatus, ejection control of the ink can be facilitated.

[0074] (4) The first linear motion device 50 relatively moves the carriage 40 and the recording medium 20 in the first coordinate axis direction by moving the recording medium 20 on the mounting table 51 in the first coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The first linear motion device may move the carriage in the first coordinate axis direction. In this case, the first linear motion device may support the carriage, the second linear motion device, the rotating device, and the third linear motion device, and move the whole of these with respect to the recording medium 20 in the first coordinate axis direction. As the first linear motion device, a linear motor actuator may be adopted, or a combination of a ball screw, a drive machine, and a guide may be adopted. Examples of the guide include the various guides described above.

[0075] The third linear motion device 90 relatively moves the carriage 40 and the recording medium 20 in the third coordinate axis direction by moving the carriage 40 in the third coordinate axis direction (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6). The third linear motion device may move the recording medium 20 in the third coordinate axis direction. In this case, the third linear motion device may include the mounting table, and may move the mounting table in the third coordinate axis direction. The recording medium 20 is placed on this mounting table, and in the first linear motion device, the mounting table 51 is omitted. For example, the third linear motion device may intermittently move the mounting table on which the recording medium 20 is placed by a conveyance distance T from the fourth side to the third side in the third coordinate axis direction at the following timing, in the same manner as above. This timing is the arrival at the moving end on the fifth side in the first coordinate axis direction and the arrival at the moving end on the sixth side in the first coordinate axis direction in the relative movement of the carriage and the recording medium 20 in the first coordinate axis direction by the first linear motion device. In addition, the third linear motion device may move the mounting table from the third side to the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction.

[0076] (5) The third side and the fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction may be opposite to the embodiment. That is, one side in the third coordinate axis direction that is the third side may be the fourth side, and the other side in the third coordinate axis direction that is the fourth side may be the third side.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 10 Inkjet recording apparatus, 11 Stand, 12 Main tank 13 Ink flow path, 20 Recording medium, 21 Recording surface 22 First surface, 23 Inclined surface, 24 Second surface 30 Inkjet head, 31, 31A, 31B Nozzles 32 Ejection surface, 33 Supply port, 34 Internal flow path, 35 Main flow section 36 Branch flow section, 40 Carriage, 50 First linear motion device 51 Mounting table, 52 Stator, 53 Rotor, 60 Second linear motion device 61, 62 Ball screws, 63 Screw shaft, 64 Nut 65 Driving machine, 66 Transmission mechanism, 67, 68, 69 Gear boxes 70, 71 Shafts, 75 Rotating device, 76 First support 77 First frame, 78 Second frame, 79 Third frame 80 Driving machine, 81 Second support, 82 First fixture 83 Second fixture, 90 Third linear motion device, 91 Ball screw 92 Screw shaft, 93 Nut, 94 Driving machine, 95 Guide 96 Linear shaft, 97 Linear bush, A, B, C Positions D Separation distance, L Virtual straight line, N Nozzle region, P1 Reference position P2 Opposing position, R Rotation axis, T Conveyance distance, V Vertical direction

Claims

1. An inkjet head including a plurality of nozzles that eject ink onto a recording surface of a recording medium, a carriage on which the inkjet head is mounted, a first linear motion device that relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in a first coordinate axis direction, a second linear motion device that relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in a second coordinate axis direction orthogonal to the first coordinate axis direction, and a rotating device that rotates the carriage about a rotation axis along a third coordinate axis direction orthogonal to both the first coordinate axis direction and the second coordinate axis direction, wherein the inkjet head is provided on a first side in a vertical direction perpendicular to a discharge surface including the plurality of nozzles with respect to the recording surface, and ejects the ink from the plurality of nozzles on a second side opposite to the first side in the vertical direction in a moving state where the carriage and the recording medium are relatively moved in the first coordinate axis direction by the first linear motion device, the plurality of nozzles are provided in the third coordinate axis direction on the discharge surface, the second linear motion device relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in the second coordinate axis direction in the moving state, and the rotating device rotates the carriage about the rotation axis set at a position that coincides with the discharge surface in the vertical direction or at a position on the second side from the discharge surface in the moving state, an inkjet recording apparatus.

2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating device rotates the carriage about the rotation axis set at a position that coincides with the discharge surface in the vertical direction.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a third linear motion device that relatively moves the carriage and the recording medium in the third coordinate axis direction.

4. Comprising a third linear motion device that supports the carriage and moves the carriage in the third coordinate axis direction, the second linear motion device moves the carriage in the second coordinate axis direction, the rotating device includes a first support member that supports the third linear motion device, a driving machine that is connected to the first support member and generates a driving force for rotating the first support member about the rotation axis, and a second support member that is provided with the driving machine and rotatably supports the first support member about the rotation axis, wherein the first support member includes a first frame provided in the third coordinate axis direction, A second frame provided in the vertical direction on a third side in the third coordinate axis direction of the first frame and connected to the first frame on a first side in the vertical direction; A third frame provided in the vertical direction on a fourth side in the third coordinate axis direction of the first frame and connected to the first frame on a first side in the vertical direction, and further, The second frame is connected to the second support, and the third frame is connected to the drive unit, The second linear motion device is connected to the rotating device by the second support and moves the rotating device in the second coordinate axis direction. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images