Recording device

Abstract

To solve the problem that there is a risk that relative positional shift and posture change between a sheet conveyance path provided in a main body frame and a sheet conveyance path in a frame structure may occur, so that a sheet may not be conveyed properly.SOLUTION: A position of a center of gravity of a recording device is close to a second side plate side with respect to an intermediate position between a first side plate and a second side plate, and the number of sites at which a recording unit is supported by the first side plate is smaller than the number of sites at which the recording unit is supported by the second side plate. The recording unit comprises a conveying belt that conveys a medium, where the conveying belt is wound around a first pulley and a second pulley. The sites at which the recording unit is supported by the first side plate are positioned inside the conveying belt in side view of a conveyance path for the medium, and the sites at which the recording unit is supported by the second side plate are positioned inside an upstream extension region in which an inner region of the conveying belt is extended to an upstream side of the conveying path and inside a downstream extension region in which the inner region of the conveying belt is extended to a downstream side of the conveyance path, in a side view of the conveying path of the medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a printer, an example of a recording device, if the device's mounting surface is uneven, the shape of the main frame changes, which can cause the positioning accuracy of each unit mounted on the main frame to be affected. In consideration of this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that has a frame structure assembled separately from the main frame, and that mounts an imaging unit and a writing unit on this frame structure. In this printer, the imaging unit and the writing unit are mounted on a frame structure assembled separately from the main frame, which prevents the positioning accuracy of each unit from being reduced due to distortion of the main frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-068657 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the printer described in Patent Document 1, distortion of the main body frame is less likely to affect the frame structure that includes the imaging unit and the writing unit, but there is room for improvement in the following points. The printer described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a frame structure including an imaging unit and a writing unit is mounted on two upper stays that make up the main frame. More specifically, the frame structure including the imaging unit and the writing unit is supported by one upper stay at two points, for a total of four points supported by the main frame. Therefore, if the main frame becomes distorted, a gap may form between the frame structure and the upper stay at one of the four support points, which could cause the frame structure to become distorted. However, the printer described in Patent Document 1 does not take this issue into consideration.

[0005] Furthermore, if the frame structure becomes distorted, there is a risk of a relative positional shift or change in posture occurring between the sheet transport path provided in the main frame and the sheet transport path within the frame structure, which may result in the sheets not being able to be transported properly.

[0006] It has been found that distortion of the main frame tends to occur depending on the position of the center of gravity of the device. Specifically, for example, if the center of gravity of the device is located toward the rear of the device, and there is a convex portion on the device's mounting surface, a raised portion tends to occur on the front side of the device, regardless of the device's position relative to the convex portion. When the device is located in a raised position above the mounting surface, it is no longer supported by the mounting surface, causing distortion in the main frame. If the device's center of gravity is not centered but shifted in a specific direction, distortion is likely to occur in the frame on the opposite side. Therefore, measures to prevent deformation of the main frame should be implemented with this in mind. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a recording device of the present invention includes a recording unit having a recording section that records on a medium, and a pair of side plates positioned on either side of the recording unit, a first side plate and a second side plate that support the recording unit, wherein the center of gravity of the device is located on the second side plate side relative to an intermediate position between the first side plate and the second side plate, the number of portions of the recording unit supported by the first side plate is smaller than the number of portions of the recording unit supported by the second side plate, and the recording unit is a belt that is positioned opposite the recording section and that carries the medium. The recording unit is provided with a conveyor belt that conveys the medium, the conveyor belt being looped around a first pulley and a second pulley that are arranged along the medium conveying direction, the portion where the recording unit is supported by the first side plate being located inside the conveyor belt when viewed from the side of the medium conveying path, and the portion where the recording unit is supported by the second side plate being located inside an upstream extension area that extends the inner area of ​​the conveyor belt upstream of the conveying path and inside a downstream extension area that extends the inner area of ​​the conveyor belt downstream of the conveying path when viewed from the side of the medium conveying path.

[0008] The recording device of the present invention also comprises a recording unit having a recording section that records on a medium, and a pair of side plates positioned on either side of the recording unit, a first side plate and a second side plate that support the recording unit, wherein the center of gravity of the device is located on the second side plate side relative to the midpoint between the first side plate and the second side plate, the number of portions of the recording unit supported by the first side plate is less than the number of portions supported by the second side plate, the recording unit is a member positioned opposite the recording section and comprises a support member that supports the medium, the portion of the recording unit supported by the first side plate overlaps the support member when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, and the portion of the recording unit supported by the second side plate is located inside an upstream extension area that extends the area of ​​the support member upstream of the transport path and inside a downstream extension area that extends the area of ​​the support member downstream of the transport path when viewed from the side of the medium transport path. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a media transport path of the printer. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a head unit, a cap carriage, and a wiper carriage. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between a frame structure and a motion unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a frame structure to which a motion unit is attached. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a guide when inserting a motion unit into a frame structure. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the position of the convex portion of the support surface relative to the leg portion and the lifted position of the leg portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing deformation of the front frame. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the portion connecting the motion unit and the front frame. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a supported portion and a conveyor belt. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of a printer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a supported portion and a support member in a printer according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be briefly described below. A recording device according to a first aspect includes a recording unit having a recording section that records on a medium, and a pair of side plates positioned on either side of the recording unit, a first side plate and a second side plate that support the recording unit, the center of gravity of the device being on the second side plate side relative to an intermediate position between the first side plate and the second side plate, the number of portions of the recording unit supported by the first side plate being less than the number of portions of the recording unit supported by the second side plate, and the recording unit is supported by a conveying belt that is positioned opposite the recording section and that conveys the medium. The recording device is characterized in that it is provided with a conveying belt, the conveying belt being looped around a first pulley and a second pulley arranged along the conveying direction of the medium, the portion where the recording unit is supported by the first side plate being located inside the conveying belt when viewed from the side of the medium conveying path, and the portion where the recording unit is supported by the second side plate being located inside an upstream extension area that extends the inner area of ​​the conveying belt upstream of the conveying path, and inside a downstream extension area that extends the inner area of ​​the conveying belt downstream of the conveying path when viewed from the side of the medium conveying path.

[0011] According to this aspect, the center of gravity of the device is closer to the second side plate than the midpoint between the first and second side plates. Therefore, if a convex portion is present on the device's mounting surface, distortion of the first side plate is likely to occur. Furthermore, the number of portions of the recording unit supported by the first side plate is fewer than the number of portions supported by the second side plate, so distortion of the first side plate is less likely to affect the recording unit. This makes it possible to suppress distortion of the recording unit even if the first side plate is distorted, thereby suppressing misalignment and changes in the position of the conveyor belt relative to the pair of side plates and enabling proper media transport.

[0012] Furthermore, when the portion of the recording unit supported by the first side plate (hereinafter referred to as the "first portion") is displaced downward due to distortion of the first side plate, the portion of the recording unit supported by the second side plate (hereinafter referred to as the "second portion") also tends to displace downward. At this time, if the first portion and the second portion are separated horizontally, torsional deformation is likely to occur in the recording unit, and the position of the conveyor belt relative to the pair of side plates is likely to change. Additionally, when distortion occurs in the recording unit, the farther the location of the recording unit is from the first portion and the second portion, the greater the likelihood of the recording unit being displaced or changing in position relative to the pair of side plates. That is, the farther the conveyor belt is from the first portion and the second portion, the greater the likelihood of the conveyor belt being displaced or changing in position relative to the pair of side plates. If the conveying belt is misaligned or its posture changes relative to the pair of side plates, a relative misalignment or posture change will occur between the media conveying mechanism provided on the pair of side plates and the conveying belt, which may result in proper conveying being impossible.

[0013] In consideration of this point, in this embodiment, the first portion is positioned inside the conveying belt when viewed from the side of the medium conveying path, and the second portion is positioned inside an upstream extension region that extends the inner region of the conveying belt upstream of the conveying path when viewed from the side of the medium conveying path, and inside a downstream extension region that extends the inner region of the conveying belt downstream of the conveying path. This allows the second part to be positioned so as to sandwich the first part, thereby preventing twisting of the recording unit when the first part is displaced downward due to distortion of the first side panel. Furthermore, since the first portion and the second portion are positioned close to the conveying belt, it is possible to suppress misalignment and change in posture of the conveying belt relative to the pair of side plates when distortion occurs in the recording unit. As a result, even if the first side plate is distorted, the medium can be transported appropriately. In addition, since the recording unit is located at a position facing the conveyor belt, it is possible to suppress positional deviation and change in posture of the recording unit relative to the pair of side plates.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a recording unit having a recording section that records on a medium, and a pair of side plates positioned on either side of the recording unit, a first side plate and a second side plate that support the recording unit, wherein the center of gravity of the device is located on the second side plate side relative to the midpoint between the first side plate and the second side plate, the number of portions of the recording unit supported by the first side plate is less than the number of portions supported by the second side plate, the recording unit is a member positioned opposite the recording section and comprises a support member that supports the medium, the portion of the recording unit supported by the first side plate overlaps the support member when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, and the portion of the recording unit supported by the second side plate is located inside an upstream extension area that extends the area of ​​the support member upstream of the transport path and inside a downstream extension area that extends the area of ​​the support member downstream of the transport path when viewed from the side of the medium transport path.

[0015] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the first portion is positioned inside the support member when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, and the second portion is positioned inside an upstream extension region that extends the area of ​​the support member upstream of the transport path when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, and inside a downstream extension region that extends the inner region of the support member downstream of the transport path. This allows the second part to be positioned so as to sandwich the first part, thereby preventing twisting of the recording unit when the first part is displaced downward due to distortion of the first side panel. Furthermore, since the first portion and the second portion are positioned close to the support member, it is possible to suppress misalignment or change in posture of the support member relative to the pair of side plates when distortion occurs in the recording unit. As a result, even if the first side plate is distorted, the medium can be transported appropriately. In addition, since the recording unit is positioned opposite the support member, it is possible to suppress positional deviation and change in posture of the recording unit relative to the pair of side plates.

[0016] A third aspect is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the recording unit is supported at one location, the first supported portion, on the first side plate, and at two locations, the second supported portion and the third supported portion, on the second side plate, and when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the second supported portion is located inside the upstream extension area, and the third supported portion is located inside the downstream extension area. According to this aspect, the recording unit is supported at one point on the first supported portion of the first side plate, and at two points on the second side plate, the second supported portion and the third supported portion, so that the recording unit is reliably supported on the second side plate while more reliably preventing distortion of the first side plate from acting on the recording unit.

[0017] The fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the first supported part is located on a straight line connecting the center of rotation of the first pulley and the center of rotation of the second pulley, when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the second supported part is located on a straight line extending upstream of the transport path from the straight line connecting the center of rotation of the first pulley and the center of rotation of the second pulley, and when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the third supported part is located on a straight line extending downstream of the transport path from the straight line connecting the center of rotation of the first pulley and the center of rotation of the second pulley.

[0018] According to this aspect, the first supported portion, the second supported portion, and the third supported portion are each configured to be on a straight line connecting the center of rotation of the first pulley and the center of rotation of the second pulley, or on an extension of that straight line, when viewed from the side of the medium transport path, thereby achieving the effects of the first aspect described above.

[0019] A fifth aspect is the third or fourth aspect, characterized in that the first supported portion is located within the area of ​​the recording portion in the medium transport direction. According to this aspect, the first supported portion is within the area of ​​the recording portion in the medium transport direction, so that a change in the posture of the recording portion relative to the pair of side plates when the first side plate is distorted can be suppressed.

[0020] The sixth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the third to fifth aspects, the recording unit comprises a first sub-frame that is a frame facing the first side plate and has the first supported portion, and a second sub-frame that is a frame facing the second side plate and has the second supported portion and the third supported portion.

[0021] According to this aspect, the recording unit has a configuration including a first sub-frame that is a frame facing the first side plate and has the first supported portion, and a second sub-frame that is a frame facing the second side plate and has the second supported portion and the third supported portion, and the functional effects of any of the second to fourth aspects described above can be obtained.

[0022] A seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the sixth aspect, the first supported portion is formed by a first supported protrusion that fits into a first support hole formed in the first side plate, the second supported portion is formed by a second supported protrusion that fits into a second support hole formed in the second side plate, and the third supported portion is formed by a third supported protrusion that fits into a third support hole formed in the second side plate, and the fit between the third supported protrusion and the third support hole ensures a larger gap than the fit between the second supported protrusion and the second support hole.

[0023] According to this aspect, the fit between the third supported protrusion and the third support hole ensures a larger gap than the fit between the second supported protrusion and the second support hole, so that the gap can absorb any variation in the distance between the second supported protrusion and the third supported protrusion, thereby allowing the recording unit to be properly attached to the pair of side plates.

[0024] The eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, a through hole for passing the recording unit is formed in the second side plate, and when the recording unit is moved toward the first side plate through the through hole, the first supported protrusion enters the first support hole, the second supported protrusion enters the second support hole, and the third supported protrusion enters the third support hole. According to this aspect, the workability in attaching the recording unit to the pair of side plates is improved.

[0025] A ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, the first side plate and the second side plate are connected by a connecting member, and the connecting member supports the recording unit and guides the recording unit toward the first side plate when the recording unit is moved toward the first side plate through the through hole. According to this aspect, when the recording unit is moved toward the first side plate through the through hole, the connecting member supports the recording unit and guides the recording unit toward the first side plate, making it easier to attach the recording unit to the pair of side plates.

[0026] A tenth aspect is characterized in that, in the ninth aspect, the recording unit includes a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a liquid storage unit between the first side plate and the second side plate that stores the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head, and the connecting member separates the placement area of ​​the liquid storage unit from the placement area of ​​the recording unit between the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0027] According to this aspect, the connecting member not only functions to connect the first side plate and the second side plate, and to support the recording unit and guide the recording unit toward the first side plate, but also functions to separate the arrangement area of ​​the liquid storage section and the arrangement area of ​​the recording section between the first side plate and the second side plate, thereby reducing the number of parts and preventing the device from becoming larger and more expensive.

[0028] An eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to tenth aspects, the recording unit is connected to the first side plate with some play, the play being play in the direction in which the first side plate moves at least away from the second side plate, the recording unit is connected to the first side plate by a shoulder screw, the shoulder screw having a head, a threaded portion that fits into a screw hole in the recording unit, and a cylindrical portion that is larger in diameter than the threaded portion and is provided between the head and the threaded portion, and the cylindrical portion is inserted into a through hole formed in the first side plate.

[0029] According to this aspect, the recording unit is connected to the first side plate with some play, thereby determining the position of the recording unit relative to the pair of side plates while preventing distortion of the first side plate from affecting the recording unit. Furthermore, since the play is play in at least the direction in which the first side plate moves away from the second side plate, distortion of the first side plate in the direction in which the first side plate moves away from the second side plate is less likely to affect the recording unit. By using the shoulder screw, the first side plate and the recording unit can be easily connected while ensuring the play.

[0030] A twelfth aspect is characterized in that in any of the first to eleventh aspects, legs are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the device body. According to this aspect, in a configuration in which legs are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the device body, the effects of any one of the first to twelfth aspects described above can be obtained.

[0031] The present invention will be specifically described below. In the following, an inkjet printer 1 that performs recording by ejecting a liquid, typically ink, onto a medium, typically recording paper, will be described as an example of a recording device. In the following, the inkjet printer 1 will be abbreviated as printer 1. The printer 1 is a first embodiment of a recording device.

[0032] The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is a Cartesian coordinate system, with the Y axis direction being the width direction that intersects with the media transport direction and the depth direction of the device. The +Y direction, which is the direction of the arrow in the Y axis direction, is the direction from the front of the device to the back of the device, and the -Y direction, which is opposite to the +Y direction, is the direction from the back of the device to the front of the device. The X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, and the +X direction, which is the direction the arrow points, is the left side as seen by the operator of the printer 1, and the opposite, -X direction, is the right side. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, that is, the height direction of the device, and the +Z direction, which is the direction the arrow points, is the upward direction, and the opposite, -Z direction, is the downward direction. Hereinafter, when the term "up" is used, it means the +Z direction, and when the term "down" is used, it means the -Z direction.

[0033] The G-axis direction is the normal direction to the ink ejection surface 35 of the line head 34 described later, and the +G direction in which the arrow points is the direction in which the head unit 33 described later moves away from the conveyor belt 7, while the opposite -G direction is the direction in which the head unit 33 moves closer to the conveyor belt 7. The F-axis direction is parallel to the ink ejection surface 35 and is the medium transport direction at a position facing the ink ejection surface 35. The +F direction, in which the arrow points, is the downstream transport direction, and the opposite -F direction is the upstream transport direction. Note that, hereinafter, the direction in which the medium is transported may be referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream." The F-axis direction is also the movement direction of the cap carriage 31, which will be described later. In addition, some diagrams use the FGY coordinate system instead of the XYZ coordinate system.

[0034] The medium transport path is indicated by a dashed line in Figure 1. In the printer 1, the medium is transported through the medium transport path indicated by the dashed line. The printer 1 has a main body 2 equipped with media cassettes 3 that store media before feeding. The symbol P indicates the media stored in each media cassette. The media cassettes 3 are detachably mounted on the main body 2 from the front side of the device.

[0035] A pick roller 9 that feeds out the stored medium is provided for the medium cassette 3. The medium fed out by the pick roller 9 is fed obliquely upward by a pair of feeding rollers 10. In the following description, 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.

[0036] The medium is fed to the transport roller pair 16 by the feed roller pair 10. The medium receiving the feeding force from the transport roller pair 16 is fed to a position between the line head 34 and the transport belt 7, that is, facing the line head 34.

[0037] The line head 34 performs recording by ejecting ink onto the surface of the medium. The line head 34 is an ink ejection head configured so that nozzles (not shown) that eject ink cover the entire area in the width direction of the medium, and is configured as an ink ejection head that can record across the entire width of the medium without moving in the width direction of the medium. The line head 34 is an example of a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid.

[0038] Reference numerals 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D denote ink storage units serving as liquid storage units. Ink ejected from the line head 34 is supplied from each ink storage unit to the line head 34 via a tube (not shown). The ink storage units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are detachably attached to the mounting units 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D, respectively, from the front side of the device. Reference numeral 15 denotes a waste liquid storage section that stores ink as waste liquid that is ejected from the line head 34 toward a cap 32 (see FIG. 2) described later for maintenance purposes.

[0039] The reference numeral 46 denotes a second partition frame that serves as a connecting member that separates the arrangement area of ​​the head unit 33 from the arrangement area of ​​the ink containing sections 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D. This second partition frame will be described again later.

[0040] The conveyor belt 7, the first pulley 8a, and the second pulley 8b constitute the conveying unit 6. The conveyor belt 7 is an endless belt that is wound around the first pulley 8a and the second pulley 8b that are arranged along the medium conveying direction. The conveyor belt 7 rotates when at least one of the first pulley 8a and the second pulley 8b is driven by a motor (not shown). The medium is conveyed to a position facing the line head 34 while being attracted to the belt surface of the conveyor belt 7. The medium can be attracted to the conveyor belt 7 by a known attraction method such as an air suction method or an electrostatic attraction method.

[0041] The medium transport path that passes through the position facing the line head 34 intersects both the horizontal and vertical directions, and transports the medium diagonally upward. This diagonally upward transport direction includes a -X direction component and a +Z direction component in Figure 1, and this configuration makes it possible to reduce the horizontal dimension of the printer 1. In this embodiment, the medium transport path passing through a position facing the line head 34 is set at an inclination angle in the range of 70° to 80° with respect to the horizontal direction, and is set at an inclination angle of 75° as an example.

[0042] The medium on whose first side recording has been performed by the line head 34 is further sent diagonally upward by a pair of transport rollers 17 located downstream of the transport belt 7. A flap 24 is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 17, and this flap 24 switches the transport direction of the medium. When the medium is to be discharged as is, the flap 24 switches the transport path of the medium so that it heads toward the upper transport roller pair 21. When the medium is sent toward the transport roller pair 21, it is discharged toward the discharge tray 4. The discharge tray 4 is a tray that is inclined diagonally upward, including a +X direction component and a +Z direction component.

[0043] When recording is to be performed on the second side of the medium in addition to the first side, the medium is sent by flap 24 in a diagonally upward direction including a -X direction component and a +Z direction component, passes through branch position K1, and is sent from branch position K1 to an upward switchback path. This switchback path is provided with a pair of transport rollers 22, 23, and the medium that enters the switchback path is transported upward by the pair of transport rollers 22, 23. When the rear end of the medium passes branch position K1, the rotation direction of the pair of transport rollers 22, 23 is switched, causing the medium to be transported downward.

[0044] The medium transported downward by the transport roller pairs 22 and 23 receives a feed force from the transport roller pair 18, the transport roller pair 19, and the transport roller pair 20, reaches the transport roller pair 16, and is again sent by the transport roller pair 16 to a position opposite the line head 34. The medium is sent again to a position facing the line head 34, with the second side, opposite to the first side on which recording has already been performed, facing the line head 34. This makes it possible to record on the second side of the medium by the line head 34. The medium on which recording has been performed on the second side is discharged by the transport roller pair 21.

[0045] Next, the motion unit 25 will be described. The motion unit 25 (see FIG. 7) is an example of a recording unit. The motion unit 25 includes the head unit 33, cap carriage 31, and wiper carriage 36 shown in FIG. 2. Note that the cap carriage 31 and wiper carriage 36 are not shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the head unit 33, cap carriage 31, and wiper carriage 36 are not shown in FIG. 8. 2, the head unit 33 is a unit including a line head 34, and is provided so as to be drivable by a motor (not shown) along the G-axis direction. The head unit 33 is an example of a recording section.

[0046] In FIG. 2, the cap carriage 31 is an example of a cap unit that includes a cap 32 that covers the line head 34, and is provided so as to be drivable by a motor (not shown) along the F axis direction. The wiper carriage 36 is a unit provided with a wiper 37 that wipes the ink ejection surface 35 of the line head 34, and is provided so as to be drivable by a motor (not shown) along the Y-axis direction. As described above, the head unit 33, the cap carriage 31, and the wiper carriage 36 are provided in the motion unit 25 so as to be capable of being driven in directions perpendicular to each other.

[0047] 2 shows the positions of each unit when recording on a medium using the line head 34. Position G1 is the position of the ink ejection surface 35 in the G axis direction in this state. In this state, the cap carriage 31 is retracted in the -F direction relative to the head unit 33, and the wiper carriage 36 is located at its home position set in the +Y direction.

[0048] When the ink ejection surface 35 is capped from this state by the cap 32 provided on the cap carriage 31, the head unit 33 retreats in the +G direction from the position shown in FIG. 2, and the cap carriage 31 moves in the +F direction. This causes the ink ejection surface 35 and the cap 32 to face each other. Once the ink ejection surface 35 and the cap 32 face each other, the head unit 33 moves in the -G direction, causing the cap 32 to cap the ink ejection surface 35. Position G2 is the position of the ink ejection surface 35 in the G axis direction when the cap 32 caps the ink ejection surface 35.

[0049] When the wiper 37 provided on the wiper carriage 36 wipes the ink ejection surface 35, the head unit 33 retreats in the +G direction from the state shown in FIG. 2. The wiper carriage 36 then moves from its home position in the +Y direction to an end position in the -Y direction. After that, the head unit 33 moves slightly in the -G direction, and the wiper carriage 36 moves in the +Y direction with the ink ejection surface 35 positioned at position G3, thereby wiping the ink ejection surface 35 with the wiper 37.

[0050] 3, 7, and 8, the motion unit 25 includes a first sub-frame 26 and a second sub-frame 27 positioned in the +Y direction relative to the first sub-frame 26. The first sub-frame 26 and the second sub-frame 27 are formed from metal plate material and form frame surfaces along the FG plane. The first sub-frame 26 and the second sub-frame 27 are connected by a first connecting frame 28, a second connecting frame 29, and a third connecting frame 30, which extend in the Y-axis direction as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The first connecting frame 28, the second connecting frame 29, and the third connecting frame 30 are formed by bending a metal plate material.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first connection frame 28, the second connection frame 29, and the third connection frame 30 are joined to the first sub-frame 26 and the second sub-frame 27 by welding, thereby ensuring the overall rigidity of the motion unit 25. The first connecting frame 28, the second connecting frame 29, and the third connecting frame 30 are bent so that part or all of their cross sections when cut on the FG plane are square (see Figure 2), thereby further improving the rigidity of the motion unit 25.

[0052] 3, the device main body 2 has a front frame 40 at its end in the -Y direction and a rear frame 41 at its end in the +Y direction. The front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 are an example of a pair of side plates positioned on either side of the motion unit 25. The front frame 40 is an example of a first side plate, and the rear frame 41 is an example of a second side plate. The front frame 40 is erected on a first bottom frame 42, and the rear frame 41 is erected on a second bottom frame 43. The front frame 40, the rear frame 41, the first bottom frame 42, and the second bottom frame 43 are made of metal material.

[0053] The motion unit 25 is supported by a front frame 40 and a rear frame 41. The front frame 40, the rear frame 41, the first bottom frame 42, the second bottom frame 43, and the motion unit 25 form a frame structure 39, which is the base of the device main body 2. Note that Figure 3 is a schematic diagram, and in reality, the frame structure 39 includes multiple stays and frames made of metal material in addition to the front frame 40, rear frame 41, first bottom frame 42, second bottom frame 43, and motion unit 25, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, but these will be explained later. The outside of frame structure 39 is made up of a housing made of a resin material, but a description of this will also be omitted. Frame structure 39 made of a metal material and the housing made of a resin material constitute device main body 2.

[0054] 3, the front frame 40 forms a frame surface parallel to the XZ plane so as to follow the front surface 2a of the device body 2. The rear frame 41 forms a frame surface parallel to the XZ plane so as to follow the rear surface 2b of the device body 2. The first bottom frame 42 and the second bottom frame 43 form frame surfaces parallel to the XY plane so as to follow the bottom surface 2c of the device body 2.

[0055] The first bottom frame 42 is provided with a front right leg 51 and a front left leg 52, and the second bottom frame 43 is provided with a rear right leg 53 and a rear left leg 54. That is, legs are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the device main body 2. The device main body 2 is placed on the placement surface G via these four legs, the front right leg 51, the front left leg 52, the rear right leg 53, and the rear left leg 54. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the front right leg 51, the front left leg 52, the rear right leg 53, and the rear left leg 54, they may be simply referred to as "legs."

[0056] Next, the configuration of the frame structure 39 will be described in more detail. 4 and 5, the front frame 40 has a first opening 40a for exposing the first sub-frame 26 of the motion unit 25. A second opening 40k is formed in the +X direction relative to the first opening 40a, and a third opening 40m is formed below the second opening 40k. The second opening 40k is an opening for accessing the ink containing sections 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, the mounting sections 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D, and the waste liquid containing section 15 described with reference to FIG. 1 from the front side of the device. The third opening 40m is an opening for inserting and removing the medium cassette 3 described with reference to FIG. 1 from the front side of the device.

[0057] The front frame 40 is formed by welding multiple members together. Specifically, the front frame 40 is formed with a first frame portion 40f as a base, in which the first opening 40a is formed, and is further formed with a second frame portion 40g, a third frame portion 40h, a fourth frame portion 40j, and a first bottom frame 42, which are connected by welding. The second frame portion 40g extends along the Z-axis direction and forms the left edge of the second opening 40k. The third frame portion 40h extends along the X-axis direction and forms the lower edge of the second opening 40k and the upper edge of the third opening 40m. The first bottom frame 42 extends along the X-axis direction and forms the lower edge of the third opening 40m. The front frame 40 is thus formed by connecting a plurality of frames, so that the large second opening 40k and third opening 40m are formed, and the front frame 40 having sufficient rigidity can be obtained at low cost.

[0058] 4 and 5, the rear frame 41 has an opening 41a that is a through-hole through which the motion unit 25 passes. When the motion unit 25 is disposed between the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41, the motion unit 25 is moved from the +Y direction to the -Y direction with respect to the rear frame 41 as shown by arrow A in FIG. 5. As a result, the first supported protrusion 55 provided on the motion unit 25 enters the first support hole 40b provided on the front frame 40, the second supported protrusion 56 provided on the motion unit 25 enters the second support hole 41c provided on the rear frame 41, and the third supported protrusion 57 provided on the motion unit 25 enters the third support hole 41d provided on the rear frame 41. In other words, the motion unit 25 is supported by the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41.

[0059] In the following, when there is no particular distinction between the first supported protrusion 55, the second supported protrusion 56, and the third supported protrusion 57, they may be simply referred to as supported protrusions. Similarly, in the following, when there is no particular distinction between the first support hole 40b, the second support hole 41c, and the third support hole 41d, they may be simply referred to as support holes. In this way, by moving the motion unit 25 toward the front frame 40 through the opening 41a, each supported protrusion fits into each support hole, and the motion unit 25 is supported by the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41, making it easier to attach the motion unit 25 to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41. The supported projections and the support holes will be described in detail later.

[0060] The front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 are connected by a plurality of stays. Specifically, the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 are connected by a first stay 44a, a second stay 44b, a third stay 44c, a fourth stay 44d, a fifth stay 44e, and a sixth stay 44f. Each stay extends along the Y-axis direction, is made of a metal material, and is fixed to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 by welding or screws. The first stay 44a has a bent portion M where the side closest to the bottom surface 2c of the device body 2 is bent in an L shape toward the inside of the device body 2. This bent portion M functions as a cassette rail by placing the rollers (not shown) of the medium cassette 3 on it. This structure eliminates the need to prepare separate cassette rail parts, and by reducing the number of parts, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming larger and the costs from increasing.

[0061] In addition, a first partition frame 45 and a second partition frame 46 are provided between the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41. In other words, the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 are connected by the first partition frame 45 and the second partition frame 46 in addition to the stays described above. The first partition frame 45 has a surface parallel to the XY plane, and defines an accommodation space for accommodating the medium cassette 3 (see FIG. 1). The second partition frame 46 has an L-shape when viewed from the +Y direction, with a first portion 46a forming a surface parallel to the YZ plane and a second portion 46b forming a surface parallel to the XY plane. The second partition frame 46 functions to separate the arrangement area of ​​the head unit 33 from the arrangement areas of the ink containing sections 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D between the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41.

[0062] Here, when the motion unit 25 is moved toward the front frame 40 through the opening 41a, the second partition frame 46 supports the motion unit 25 with the second part 46b and guides the motion unit 25 toward the front frame 40. The part of the motion unit 25 that is supported by the second partition frame 46 is the first connection frame 28 (see FIG. 8). This makes it easier to attach the motion unit 25 to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41.

[0063] In addition, the second partition frame 46 not only supports the motion unit 25 and guides it toward the front frame 40, but also serves to separate the area where the head unit 33 is placed from the area where the ink storage sections 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are placed, thereby reducing the number of parts and preventing the device from becoming larger and more expensive.

[0064] 9(a) and 9(b), a bent-up portion 41e is formed on the edge of the opening 41a in the rear frame 41. The bent-up portion 41e is formed near the third support hole 41d and is bent in the -Y direction. The bent-up portion 41e supports the motion unit 25 together with the second partition frame 46 described above when the motion unit 25 moves toward the front frame 40 through the opening 41a. The portion of the motion unit 25 supported by the bent-up portion 41e is the second connection frame 29, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0065] The distance between the third support hole 41d and the bent-up portion 41e is set so that when each supported protrusion is supported in each supported hole, the second connection frame 29 is spaced apart from the bent-up portion 41e. Similarly, the position of the second portion 46b is set so that when each supported protrusion is supported in each supported hole, the first connection frame 28 is spaced apart from the second portion 46b of the second partition frame 46. This prevents the bent-up portion 41e and the second partition frame 46 from adversely affecting the positioning accuracy of each supported protrusion by each support hole when each supported protrusion is supported in each supported hole.

[0066] Next, the position of the center of gravity of the device main body 2 will be described, along with a description of distortion of the frame when any of the four legs rides on a convex portion (not shown) of the placement surface G. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the bottom surface 2c of the device body 2 as viewed from below. In Fig. 10, a line CLx is a line parallel to the Y axis and passes through the center position of the device body 2 in the X axis direction. A line CLy is a line parallel to the X axis and passes through the center position of the device body 2 in the Y axis direction. The center position of the device body 2 in the Y axis direction is also the midpoint between the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 in the Y axis direction. The symbol M indicates the position of the center of gravity of the device body 2, and as shown in the figure, the position of the center of gravity M of the device body 2 is on the rear side (+Y direction from the line CLy) in the front-rear direction of the device (Y axis direction), in other words, on the side of the rear frame 41. The position of the center of gravity M is also on the right side (-X direction from the line CLx) in the left-right direction of the device (X axis direction).

[0067] In such a configuration, if there is a protrusion on the mounting surface G (see FIGS. 1 and 3) due to a bulge or foreign matter, and any of the four legs rides up on this protrusion, distortion will occur in the frame structure 39. 10, the legs indicated by the white arrows represent legs that ride on the convex portion of the support surface G, the solid legs represent legs that contact the support surface G, and the white legs represent legs that float above the support surface G.

[0068] 10(a) shows a case where the front left leg 52 rides up on a convex portion of the placement surface G. In this case, since the center of gravity of the device main body 2 is on the rear side, the device main body 2 tilts rearward (in the +Y direction). As a result, the front left leg 52, the rear right leg 53, and the rear left leg 54 come into contact with the placement surface G, and the front right leg 51 lifts off the placement surface G. 10(b) shows a case where the front right leg 51 rides up on a convex portion of the placement surface G. In this case, since the center of gravity of the device main body 2 is on the rear side, the device main body 2 tilts rearward (in the +Y direction). As a result, the front right leg 51, the rear right leg 53, and the rear left leg 54 come into contact with the placement surface G, and the front left leg 52 lifts off the placement surface G. 10(c) shows a case where the rear right leg 53 rides up on a convex portion of the placement surface G, in which case the device body 2 tilts to the left (+X direction). As a result, the front left leg 52, the rear right leg 53, and the rear left leg 54 come into contact with the placement surface G, and the front right leg 51 lifts off the placement surface G. 10(d) shows a case where the rear left leg 54 rides up on a convex portion of the placement surface G, in which case the device body 2 tilts to the right (-X direction). As a result, the front right leg 51, the rear right leg 53, and the rear left leg 54 come into contact with the placement surface G, and the front left leg 52 lifts off the placement surface G.

[0069] In other words, even if any of the four legs rides up on a convex portion of the placing surface G, the front side of the device will be lifted up, that is, either the front right leg 51 or the front left leg 52 will be lifted up. The portion that is lifted up from the placing surface G is not supported by the placing surface G, and distortion will occur in the frame. In other words, even if any of the four legs rides up on a convex portion of the placing surface G, distortion will occur in the front frame 40.

[0070] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the distortion that occurs in the front frame 40 when the front right leg 51 is lifted up, and the dashed line and reference symbol 40-1 indicate the distorted front frame 40. When the front right leg 51 is lifted up, the front frame 40 is deformed downward as indicated by the arrow when viewed from the front of the device, as shown in FIG. 11(a). Also, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the front frame 40 may be deformed so as to fall forward as indicated by the arrow when viewed from the side of the device. In this embodiment, four legs are provided, but this is not limited to this and five or more legs may be provided. Furthermore, even if the device is configured without legs on the bottom surface, if the center of gravity of the device main body 2 is on the rear side, the front side of the device will rise up in the same manner as above, causing distortion in the front frame 40.

[0071] In view of the above issues, in the printer 1, firstly, the number of portions of the motion unit 25 supported by the front frame 40 is made smaller than the number of portions supported by the rear frame 41. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the motion unit 25 has three supported protrusions: a first supported protrusion 55, a second supported protrusion 56, and a third supported protrusion 57, and these supported protrusions are supported by the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41.

[0072] Of the three supported protrusions, the first supported protrusion 55 is provided on the first sub-frame 26 facing the front frame 40, and the second supported protrusion 56 and the third supported protrusion 57 are provided on the second sub-frame 27 facing the rear frame 41. Each protrusion is perfectly circular when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Each protrusion protrudes in the -Y direction from the -Y direction surface of each frame, maintains a constant outer diameter partway, and then tapers toward the -Y direction. In this embodiment, each protrusion is made of a metal material. The first supported projection 55 is provided in the first sub-frame 26 near the bearing portion 26b (see FIG. 7) that supports the first pulley 8a.

[0073] The front frame 40 is formed with a first support hole 40b into which the first supported protrusion 55 fits, and the rear frame 41 is formed with a second support hole 41c into which the second supported protrusion 56 fits and a third support hole 41d into which the third supported protrusion 57 fits. The first support hole 40b is formed near the first opening 40a, and the second support hole 41c and the third support hole 41d are formed near the edge of the opening 41a. The first supported protrusion 55 fits into the first support hole 40b, so that the motion unit 25 is supported on the side of the front frame 40. The second supported protrusion 56 fits into the second support hole 41c, and the third supported protrusion 57 fits into the third support hole 41d, so that the motion unit 25 is supported on the side of the rear frame 41.

[0074] In this embodiment, the third support hole 41d is formed as an elongated hole that is long in the F-axis direction, and is configured to be able to absorb variations in the distance in the F-axis direction between the second supported protrusion 56 and the third supported protrusion 57. This allows the motion unit 25 to be properly attached to the rear frame 41 even if variations in the distance in the F-axis direction occur between the second supported protrusion 56 and the third supported protrusion 57. In this embodiment, the fit between the first supported projection 55 and the first support hole 40b and the fit between the second supported projection 56 and the second support hole 41c are at least a clearance fit as defined in JIS B 0405, or a greater gap is ensured. This allows each supported projection to move within a predetermined range in at least the Y-axis direction relative to each support hole.

[0075] In this embodiment, the motion unit 25 is supported with play in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the first sub-frame 26 of the motion unit 25 is connected to the front frame 40 by shoulder screws 60 near the first support holes 40b, as shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the second sub-frame 27 of the motion unit 25 is not connected to the rear frame 41. However, the second sub-frame 27 of the motion unit 25 may be connected to the rear frame 41 by screws or the like.

[0076] In FIG. 12, a shoulder screw 60 includes a head portion 60a, a threaded portion 60b, and a cylindrical portion 60c located between the head portion 60a and the threaded portion 60b. A threaded hole 26a is formed in the first sub-frame 26 of the motion unit 25, and the threaded portion 60b of the shoulder screw 60 is threadably fitted into the threaded hole 26a of the first sub-frame 26. A through-hole 40e is formed in the front frame 40, and the cylindrical portion 60c of the shoulder screw 60 is inserted into this through-hole 40e.

[0077] The inner diameter of the through-hole 40e is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 60c, and is of a size that does not hinder relative movement between the cylindrical portion 60c and the front frame 40 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the length (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cylindrical portion 60c is sufficiently greater than the thickness (thickness in the Y-axis direction) of the front frame 40. In Fig. 12, symbol Y1 denotes the play that allows the front frame 40 to move in the -Y direction relative to the first sub-frame 26, and symbol Y2 denotes the play that allows the front frame 40 to move in the +Y direction relative to the first sub-frame 26. Y1 + Y2 is the play that is ensured in this embodiment. As a result of the above, the motion unit 25 is connected to the front frame 40 with some play in the Y-axis direction.

[0078] Next, the arrangement of the first supported projection 55, the second supported projection 56, and the third supported projection 57 will be described with reference to FIG. 13, line T is a straight line connecting the rotation center C1 of first pulley 8a and the rotation center C2 of second pulley 8b, and is shown as a solid line. Line L1 is a straight line extending upstream from line T, and is shown as a dashed line. Line R1 is a straight line extending downstream from line T, and is also shown as a dashed line. Line L2 is a straight line extending upstream from the surface of the conveyor belt 7 that faces the line head 34, and is shown by a dashed line. Line R2 is a straight line extending downstream from the surface of the conveyor belt 7 that faces the line head 34, and is shown by a dashed line. Line L3 is a straight line extending upstream from the surface of the conveyor belt 7 that does not face the line head 34, and is shown as a dashed line. Line R3 is a straight line extending downstream from the surface of the conveyor belt 7 that does not face the line head 34, and is shown as a dashed line.

[0079] The symbol A0 indicates the inner region of the conveyor belt 7. The symbol A1 indicates an upstream extension region that extends the inner region A0 upstream. The symbol A2 indicates a downstream extension region that extends the inner region A0 downstream. The upstream extension region A1 is the region sandwiched between lines L2 and L3, and the downstream extension region A2 is the region sandwiched between lines R2 and R3. The inner region A0 is the region within the first sub-frame 26, and the upstream extension region A1 and downstream extension region A2 are regions within the second sub-frame 27.

[0080] As shown in the figure, the first supported protrusion 55, which is the portion where the motion unit 25 is supported by the front frame 40, is located inside the inner area A0, which is the inside of the conveyor belt 7, when viewed from the side of the medium transport path. The second supported protrusion 56, which is the portion where the motion unit 25 is supported by the rear frame 41, is located inside the upstream extension area A1 when viewed from the side of the medium transport path. Furthermore, the third supported protrusion 57, which is the portion where the motion unit 25 is supported by the rear frame 41, is located inside the downstream extension area A2 when viewed from the side of the medium transport path.

[0081] This configuration provides the following advantageous effects: As described above, in the printer 1, the center of gravity M of the device is located on the rear frame 41 side relative to the midpoint between the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41, and therefore distortion is likely to occur in the front frame 40 if there is a protrusion on the mounting surface G of the device. Furthermore, since the number of portions of the motion unit 25 supported by the front frame 40 is fewer than the number of portions supported by the rear frame 41, distortion of the front frame 40 is less likely to affect the motion unit 25. As a result, even if the front frame 40 is distorted, distortion of the motion unit 25 can be suppressed, and in turn, positional deviation and posture change of the conveyor belt 7 relative to the front frame 40 and rear frame 41 can be suppressed, allowing the medium to be conveyed appropriately.

[0082] Furthermore, when the first supported protrusion 55, which is the part of the motion unit 25 that is supported by the front frame 40, is displaced downward due to distortion of the front frame 40, the second supported protrusion 56 and the third supported protrusion 57, which are the parts of the motion unit 25 that are supported by the rear frame 41, also tend to displace downward. At this time, if the first supported protrusion 55, the second supported protrusion 56, and the third supported protrusion 57 are separated from each other in the horizontal direction, torsional deformation is likely to occur in the motion unit 25, and the attitude of the conveyor belt 7 relative to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 is likely to change. Additionally, in the motion unit 25, if distortion occurs in the motion unit 25, the positional deviation and change in posture of the motion unit 25 relative to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 may become greater the farther the location is from the first supported protrusion 55, the second supported protrusion 56, and the third supported protrusion 57. In other words, the farther the conveyor belt 7 is from the first supported protrusion 55, the second supported protrusion 56, and the third supported protrusion 57, the greater the positional deviation and change in posture of the conveyor belt 7 relative to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41. If the conveying belt 7 is misaligned or changes in posture relative to the front frame 40 and rear frame 41, a relative misalignment or change in posture will occur between the conveying belt 7 and the media conveying mechanism (e.g., conveying roller pairs 16, 17) provided in the front frame 40 and rear frame 41, which may result in proper conveying being impossible.

[0083] However, as described above, when viewing the medium transport path from the side, the first supported protrusion 55 is located inside the inner area A0 which is the inside of the transport belt 7, the second supported protrusion 56 is located inside the upstream extension area A1, and the third supported protrusion 57 is located inside the downstream extension area A2. This results in the second supported protrusion 56 and the third supported protrusion 57 being positioned so as to sandwich the first supported protrusion 55, thereby suppressing twisting of the motion unit 25 when the first supported protrusion 55 is displaced downward due to distortion of the front frame 40. Furthermore, since the first supported protrusion 55, the second supported protrusion 56, and the third supported protrusion 57 are positioned close to the conveying belt 7, it is possible to suppress positional shifts and changes in posture of the conveying belt 7 relative to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 when distortion occurs in the motion unit 25. As a result, even if the front frame 40 is distorted, the medium can be transported appropriately. In addition, since the line head 34 is positioned opposite the conveyor belt 7, positional deviation and posture change of the line head 34 relative to the front frame 40 and rear frame 41 can also be suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, the motion unit 25 is supported at one location on the front frame 40, the first supported protrusion 55, and at two locations on the rear frame 41, the second supported protrusion 56 and the third supported protrusion 57, with the second supported protrusion 56 located inside the upstream extension area A1 and the third supported protrusion 57 located inside the downstream extension area A2. This ensures that the motion unit 25 is reliably supported on the rear frame 41 while more reliably preventing distortion of the front frame 40 from acting on the motion unit 25.

[0085] Furthermore, the first supported protrusion 55 is located on line T, which is a straight line connecting the rotation center C1 of the first pulley 8a and the rotation center C2 of the second pulley 8b, the second supported protrusion 56 is located on line L1, which is a straight line extending line T upstream, and the third supported protrusion is located on line R1, which is a straight line extending line T downstream.

[0086] 13 is the area of ​​the line head 34 in the medium transport direction. In this embodiment, the first supported protrusion 55 is located outside the range F1, but it may be located inside the range F1. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the posture of the line head 34 relative to the front frame 40 when the front frame 40 is distorted, thereby achieving appropriate recording quality.

[0087] In this embodiment, the distance between the first pulley 8a and the second supported projection 56 in the F-axis direction is equal to the distance between the second pulley 8b and the third supported projection 57. In this embodiment, the first supported projection 55 is provided in the first sub-frame 26 near the bearing portion 26b that supports the first pulley 8a. Furthermore, the first supported projection 55 is positioned away from the intermediate position between the second supported projection 56 and the third supported projection 57 in the F axis direction, but may be positioned at the intermediate position. In addition, in this embodiment, the first supported protrusion 55 is located inside the inner region A0, but a portion of the first supported protrusion 55 may be located outside the inner region A0, or the entire first supported protrusion 55 may be located near the outside of the inner region A0. In addition, in this embodiment, the second supported protrusion 56 is located inside the upstream extension region A1, but a portion of the second supported protrusion 56 may be located outside the upstream extension region A1, or the entire second supported protrusion 56 may be located near the outside of the upstream extension region A1. In addition, in this embodiment, the third supported protrusion 57 is located inside the downstream extension region A2, but a portion of the third supported protrusion 57 may be located outside the downstream extension region A2, or the entire third supported protrusion 57 may be located near the outside of the downstream extension region A2. In this embodiment, the motion unit 25 is supported at one location on the front frame 40 and at two locations on the rear frame 41, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this. In other words, it is sufficient that the number of locations where the motion unit 25 is supported by the front frame 40 is less than the number of locations where the motion unit 25 is supported by the rear frame 41.

[0088] Furthermore, the motion unit 25 is connected to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 with play in the Y-axis direction, so that even if the front frame 40 or the rear frame 41 is distorted, the distortion is less likely to affect the motion unit 25. This makes it possible to regulate the position of the motion unit 25 relative to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 while suppressing distortion of the front frame 40 from affecting the motion unit 25, thereby enabling the medium to be transported appropriately.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned play is play in the direction in which the front frame 40 moves away from the rear frame 41, so distortion of the front frame 40 in the direction in which the front frame 40 moves away from the rear frame 41, as shown in Figure 11(b), is less likely to affect the motion unit 25. In this embodiment, as explained with reference to Figure 12, there is provided play Y1 that allows the front frame 40 to move in the -Y direction relative to the first sub-frame 26, and play Y2 that allows the front frame 40 to move in the +Y direction relative to the first sub-frame 26, but it is sufficient that at least play Y1 is provided.

[0090] 12, the motion unit 25 is connected to the front frame 40 by a shoulder screw 60, which has a head 60a, a threaded portion 60b that fits into the threaded hole 26a of the motion unit 25, and a cylindrical portion 60c that is larger in diameter than the threaded portion 60b and is provided between the head 60a and the threaded portion 60b, and the cylindrical portion 60c is configured to be inserted into a through hole 40e formed in the front frame 40. This makes it possible to easily connect the front frame 40 and the motion unit 25 while ensuring the above-mentioned play, and prevents the motion unit 25 from falling off the frame structure 39.

[0091] Note that the length of the largest diameter portion of each of the first supported projection 55, the second supported projection 56, and the third supported projection 57 in the Y-axis direction is set to be longer than the Y-axis dimension of the play. Therefore, even if the motion unit 25 moves in the Y-axis direction relative to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 due to the play, the supported projections remain in a state where they are properly supported by the respective supports.

[0092] Next, a second embodiment of a recording device will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. A printer 1A according to the second embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15 has a similar configuration to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment already described, except that it has a support member 70 instead of the transport unit 6 described above, and therefore a redundant description will be avoided. 14, the printer 1A is provided with a support member 70 at a position facing the line head 34. The support member 70 is a member that defines the distance between the line head 34 and a medium that passes through a position facing the line head 34, and is made of, for example, a resin material.

[0093] 15, line L4 is a straight line obtained by extending upstream a straight line parallel to the F axis direction that passes through the part of support member 70 that is closest to the +G direction, and is shown as a dashed line. Line L5 is a straight line obtained by extending upstream a straight line parallel to the F axis direction that passes through the part of support member 70 that is closest to the -G direction, and is also shown as a dashed line. Line R4 is a straight line, indicated by a dashed dotted line, extending downstream from a straight line parallel to the F axis direction that passes through the part of support member 70 that is closest to the +G direction. Line R5 is a straight line, indicated by a dashed dotted line, extending downstream from a straight line parallel to the F axis direction that passes through the part of support member 70 that is closest to the -G direction.

[0094] Symbol B0 denotes the region of the support member 70, in other words, the region surrounded by the outline of the support member 70 when viewing the medium transport path from the side, and is indicated by hatching. Symbol B1 denotes an upstream extension region obtained by extending region B0 of the support member 70 upstream along the F-axis direction. Symbol B2 denotes a downstream extension region obtained by extending region B0 of the support member 70 downstream along the F-axis direction. The upstream extension region B1 is the region sandwiched between lines L4 and L5, and the downstream extension region B2 is the region sandwiched between lines R4 and R5. Note that region B0 of the support member 70 is a region within the first sub-frame 26, and the upstream extension region B1 and downstream extension region B2 are regions within the second sub-frame 27.

[0095] As shown in the figure, the first supported protrusion 55, which is the portion where the motion unit 25 is supported by the front frame 40, is located inside the region B0 of the support member 70 when viewed from the side of the medium transport path. The second supported protrusion 56, which is the portion where the motion unit 25 is supported by the rear frame 41, is located inside the upstream extension region B1 when viewed from the side of the medium transport path. Furthermore, the third supported protrusion 57, which is the portion where the motion unit 25 is supported by the rear frame 41, is located inside the downstream extension region B2 when viewed from the side of the medium transport path.

[0096] As a result, similar to the first embodiment described above, the second supported protrusion 56 and the third supported protrusion 57 are arranged so as to sandwich the first supported protrusion 55, thereby suppressing twisting of the motion unit 25 when the first supported protrusion 55 is displaced downward due to distortion of the front frame 40. Furthermore, since the first supported protrusion 55, the second supported protrusion 56, and the third supported protrusion 57 are positioned close to the support member 70, it is possible to suppress positional shifts and posture changes of the support member 70 relative to the front frame 40 and the rear frame 41 when distortion occurs in the motion unit 25. As a result, even if the front frame 40 is distorted, the medium can be transported appropriately.

[0097] 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]

[0098] 1, 1A... inkjet printer, 2... device body, 2a... front, 2b... rear, 2c... bottom, 3... media cassette, 4... output tray, 6... transport unit, 7... transport belt, 8a... first pulley, 8b... second pulley, 9... pick roller, 10... feed roller pair, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D... ink storage section, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D... mounting section, 15... waste liquid storage section, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23...Transport roller pair, 24...Flap, 25...Motion unit, 26...First sub-frame, 26a...Screw hole, 26b...Bearing portion, 27...Second sub-frame, 28...First connection frame, 29...Second connection frame, 30...Third connection frame, 31...Cap carriage, 32...Cap, 33...Head unit, 34...Line head, 35...Ink ejection surface, 36...Wiper carriage, 37...Wiper, 39... Frame structure, 40...front frame, 40a...first opening, 40b...first support hole, 40e...through hole, 40f...first frame portion, 40g...second frame portion, 40h...third frame portion, 40j...fourth frame portion, 41...rear frame, 41a...opening, 41c...second support hole, 41d...third support hole, 41e...bent-up portion, 42...first bottom frame, 43...second bottom frame, 44a...first stay, 44b...second stay, 44c ...Third stay, 44d...Fourth stay, 44e...Fifth stay, 44f...Sixth stay, 45...First partition frame, 46...Second partition frame, 46a...First part, 46b...Second part, 51...Front right leg, 52...Front left leg, 53...Rear right leg, 54...Rear left leg, 55...First supported protrusion, 56...Second supported protrusion, 57...Third supported protrusion, 60...Shoulder screw, 60a...Head, 60b...Threaded portion, 60c...Cylindrical portion, 70...Support member

Claims

1. a recording unit having a recording section for recording on a medium; A pair of side plates positioned on either side of the recording unit support the recording unit. a first side plate and a second side plate; a conveyor belt that is disposed in a position facing the recording unit and conveys a medium; , and The center of gravity of the device is located at a position intermediate between the first side plate and the second side plate. Located on the board side, The number of portions at which the recording unit is supported by the first side plate is Therefore, the number of supported parts is less than the number of The conveyor belt includes a first pulley and a second pulley arranged along the conveying direction of the medium. was called upon, The portion where the recording unit is supported by the first side plate is located in a direction opposite to the transport path of the medium. and located inside the conveyor belt, The portion where the recording unit is supported by the second side plate is located in a direction opposite to the transport path of the medium. The inner region of the conveyor belt is defined as an inner region of an upstream extension region that extends upstream of the conveying path. and a downstream extension region extending the inner region of the conveyor belt downstream of the conveying path. Place, A recording device characterized by:

2. a recording unit having a recording section for recording on a medium; A pair of side plates positioned on either side of the recording unit support the recording unit. a first side plate and a second side plate; a support member that is disposed in a position facing the recording unit and supports a medium; Preparation, The center of gravity of the device is located at a position intermediate between the first side plate and the second side plate. Located on the board side, The number of portions at which the recording unit is supported by the first side plate is Therefore, the number of supported parts is less than the number of The portion where the recording unit is supported by the first side plate is located in a direction opposite to the transport path of the medium. and overlaps the support member, The portion where the recording unit is supported by the second side plate is located in a direction opposite to the transport path of the medium. an inside of an upstream extension region that extends the region of the support member upstream of the conveying path; and a downstream extension region extending the support member region downstream of the conveying path. A recording device characterized by:

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit is The side plate is supported at one point by the first supported portion, and the second side plate is supported at one point by the second supported portion. The third supported portion is supported at two points, When viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the second supported portion is located inside the upstream extension area, the third supported portion is located inside the downstream extension region; A recording device characterized by:

4. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit has a first side plate. The second side plate is supported at one point on the first supported portion, and the second side plate is supported at one point on the second supported portion and the third supported portion. Supported in two places, When viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the second supported portion is located inside the upstream extension area, the third supported portion is located inside the downstream extension region, When the recording unit is viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the first supported portion is the center of rotation of the first pulley and the center of rotation of the second pulley, When viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the second supported portion is located between the rotation center of the first pulley and the the conveying path is located on a straight line extending upstream from a straight line connecting the rotation centers of the two pulleys, When viewed from the side of the medium transport path, the third supported portion is located between the rotation center of the first pulley and the The conveying path is located on a straight line extending downstream from a straight line connecting the rotation centers of the two pulleys. A recording device characterized by:

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first supported portion is a portion for conveying the medium. Within the area of ​​the recording unit in the direction A recording device characterized by:

6. 6. The recording device according to claim 3, wherein the recording unit a first subframe that faces the first side plate and has the first supported portion; a frame facing the second side plate, the frame including the second supported portion and the third supported portion; a second subframe having a portion; A recording device characterized by:

7. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first supported portion is formed on the first side plate. a first supported protrusion that fits into a first support hole, The second supported portion is a second supported protrusion that fits into a second support hole formed in the second side plate. It is formed by The third supported portion is a third supported protrusion that fits into a third support hole formed in the second side plate. It is formed by The third supported protrusion and the third support hole are fitted together by the second supported protrusion and the second A gap is secured rather than fitting into the support hole. A recording device characterized by:

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second side panel has a through hole for passing the recording unit therethrough. A hole is formed, The recording unit is moved toward the first side plate through the through hole. The first supported protrusion fits into the first support hole, and the second supported protrusion fits into the second support hole. the third supported protrusion fits into the third support hole; A recording device characterized by:

9. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first side plate and the second side plate are connected to a connecting member. More connected, The connecting member is configured to move the recording unit toward the first side plate through the through hole. When the recording unit is inserted, the recording unit is supported and the recording unit is oriented toward the first side plate. Guide the A recording device characterized by:

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording unit is a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium. Equipped with an output head, A space between the first side plate and the second side plate collects the liquid to be discharged from the liquid discharge head. a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid; The connecting member is configured to connect the liquid storage portion between the first side plate and the second side plate. and separating the recording unit placement area from the recording unit placement area. A recording device characterized by:

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit are connected to the first side plate with play therebetween, The play is play in at least a direction in which the first side plate is spaced apart from the second side plate. the law of nature, the recording unit is connected to the first side plate by a shoulder screw; The shoulder screw has a head and a screw portion that fits into a screw hole of the recording unit; a cylindrical portion having a diameter larger than that of the threaded portion and provided between the head and the threaded portion; 、 The cylindrical portion is inserted into a through hole formed in the first side plate. A recording device characterized by:

12. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is provided at the bottom of the apparatus body. Legs are provided at the four corners. A recording device characterized by:

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