Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device having a structure which can suppress a carriage from floating and the carriage from coming off.SOLUTION: A recording device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a recording head having a nozzle that discharge ink for performing recording on a recording medium being conveyed in a conveying direction; a carriage, mounted with the recording head, which reciprocates in a main scanning direction; a sliding member mounted on the carriage so that the carriage can be displaced in a vertical direction; and a guide member that has a first surface which the sliding member contacts and a second surface which is a back surface of the first surface, which guides movement in the main scanning direction of the carriage. The sliding member has a first regulating part opposing to the second surface, at a position shifted by a predetermined distance from the second surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by a recording head mounted on a carriage movable along the recording medium, and more particularly, to a recording apparatus capable of switching the distance between the recording head and the recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] As an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a fax machine, and a copier, an inkjet recording apparatus is known. The inkjet recording apparatus forms an image by ejecting ink from a recording head, and has a recovery means for maintaining and recovering the ejection reliability of the ink. Further, the inkjet recording apparatus has a sliding member slidable with a guide rail for scanning a carriage on which the recording head is mounted. Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus has a switching mechanism for switching the distance (so-called paper gap) between the recording medium and the recording head according to the type of the recording medium.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for performing a recovery operation of a recording head with a simple and inexpensive configuration in a recording apparatus having a configuration for switching the paper gap between the recording head and the recording medium. Specifically, a restricting portion for restricting the upward movement of the carriage in the vertical direction is provided on the carriage. This restricting portion is disposed on the back surface of the guide rail, and when the carriage moves upward in the vertical direction, the movement of the carriage is restricted by the restricting portion hitting the back surface of the guide rail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the recording device has a configuration for switching the paper gap between the recording head and the recording medium, changing the paper gap changes the gap between the regulating part and the guide rail. If the gap between the regulating part and the back surface of the guide rail is large, and the cap pressure is greater than the carriage weight, the carriage will lift during the recovery operation, preventing it from performing a sufficient recovery operation.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a risk that the carriage may detach from the guide rails if the user lifts the carriage to clear a jam that occurs during printing, or if the recording device is accidentally dropped during logistics.

[0007] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, this disclosure aims to provide a recording device having a structure capable of suppressing carriage floating and carriage detachment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention includes a recording head having a nozzle from which ink is ejected for recording on a recording medium being transported in the transport direction, a carriage on which the recording head is mounted and which moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, and the carriage of Vertical Movement can be restricted A sliding member attached to the carriage, a guide member having a first surface that the sliding member contacts and a second surface that serves as the back surface of the first surface, and guiding the movement of the carriage in the main scanning direction, A switching member that supports the carriage and is supported by the sliding member, and switches the vertical position of the carriage relative to the sliding member, The sliding member comprises, When the sliding member is in contact with the first surface, it faces the second surface at a predetermined distance apart, and when the sliding member moves vertically together with the carriage and separates from the first surface, it comes into contact with the second surface, thereby restricting the movement of the sliding member and the carriage. It has the first regulatory section. Furthermore, when the switching member switches the vertical position of the carriage, the sliding member remains in contact with the first surface, and the vertical position of the first restricting portion relative to the second surface does not change. This is a recording device characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a recording device having a structure that can suppress carriage floating and carriage detachment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the carriage periphery [Figure 3] (a) Rear perspective view of the carriage unit (b) Rear perspective view of the carriage (c) Rear perspective view of the sliding member (d) Rear perspective view of the switching member [Figure 4] (a) Side view of the carriage unit and the guide rail part periphery (b) Side view of the carriage (c) Side view of the sliding member (d) Side view of the switching member [Figure 5] Enlarged side view of the switching member periphery [Figure 6] Rear cross-sectional view of the switching member periphery [Figure 7] Front cross-sectional view of the switching member periphery [Figure 8] Enlarged side view of the switching member periphery when the paper gap is short [Figure 9] Rear cross-sectional view of the switching member periphery when the paper gap is short [Figure 10] Front cross-sectional view of the switching member periphery when the paper gap is short [Figure 11] Enlarged side view of the switching member periphery when the paper gap is long [Figure 12] Rear cross-sectional view of the switching member periphery when the paper gap is long [Figure 13] Front cross-sectional view of the switching member periphery when the paper gap is long [Figure 14] Side view of the switching member periphery during capping [Figure 15] (a)-(e) Show the assembly process of the carriage unit (f) Enlarged side view of the switching member periphery [Figure 16] (a) Side view of the guide rail and the switching member periphery (b) Enlarged side view of the guide rail periphery [Figure 17] Side view of the carriage unit and the guide rail part periphery [Figure 18] (a) Yz plane view showing the force relationship acting on the carriage unit (b)-(d) Diagrams for explaining the force relationship acting on the carriage unit [Figure 19] Yz plane view showing the force relationship acting on the carriage unit during capping [Figure 20] YZ plan view showing the force relationship acting on the carriage unit during capping [Figure 21] (a), (b) Diagram showing the positional relationship between the sliding surface of the guide rail and the first regulating part

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, although a plurality of features are described in the following embodiments, not all of the plurality of features are essential for solving the problem, and the plurality of features may be used in any combination. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations may be given the same reference numerals, and in this specification, duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

[0012] In this specification, "recording" (which may also be referred to as printing) refers to the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures. However, it is not limited to this case, and regardless of whether it is significant or not, and regardless of whether it is made manifest so that a human can perceive it visually, it also represents the case of forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a recording medium, or performing processing on the medium.

[0013] Also, the "recording medium" includes not only sheet-like recording paper used in general image forming apparatuses but also roll paper, and also includes any medium that can be conveyed by a conveying device of the recording apparatus, such as cloth, plastic film (OHP), metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc.

[0014] Also, "ink" can be interpreted broadly in the same way as the above-mentioned definition of "recording". In this specification, ink refers to a liquid that can be used for forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc., processing the recording medium, or processing the ink (for example, coagulation or insolubilization of a coloring material in the ink applied to the recording medium) when applied to the recording medium.

[0015] Furthermore, the distance between the platen supporting the recording medium and the recording head is called the "paper-to-paper distance." The distance between the regulating part and the back surface of the sliding surface of the guide member is called the "gap distance."

[0016] Furthermore, the vertical position of the carriage unit when recording on plain paper recording media is called the "normal position." The distance between sheets of paper in this normal position is called the "normal distance between sheets of paper." In addition, the vertical position of the carriage unit with the recording head away from the recording media when recording on thick cardboard recording media such as envelopes is called the "thick cardboard position." Furthermore, the vertical position of the carriage unit with the recording head close to the recording media when recording on specialty paper recording media is called the "special paper position." Note that the following explanation uses these three types of positions as examples, but the types of positions are not limited to three types; multiple types are acceptable.

[0017] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of an inkjet recording device> First, the configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as recording apparatus 1) according to this embodiment. The recording apparatus 1 includes a recording head 3 with nozzles formed therein for ejecting ink onto a recording medium 2, and an ink tank 13 for storing ink supplied to the recording head 3. The recording apparatus 1 also includes a supply tube 14 that forms an ink supply path for supplying ink from the ink tank 13 to the recording head 3. A drive belt 6 stretched between the drive pulley 5a and idler pulley 5b of the motor 4 is locked to the carriage 500, and the carriage 500 reciprocates along the X direction by the rotation of the drive belt 6. The recording head 3 is detachably mounted on the carriage 500. The directions in which the carriage 500 reciprocates, that is, the +X direction and the -X direction, are collectively referred to as the "main scanning direction" and the "reciprocating direction," etc.

[0018] The recording device 1 has a transport unit 40 for feeding a sheet-shaped recording medium 2. The transport unit 40 transports the recording medium 2 in the +Y direction, which is perpendicular to the main scanning direction of the carriage 500 on which the recording head 3 is mounted. The +Y direction in which the recording medium 2 is transported is called the "transport direction". A platen 42 is provided below the range in which the recording head 3 moves, facing the recording head 3. The carriage 500 moves in the main scanning direction, and the recording head 3 is driven in synchronization with this to record an image. After that, a predetermined amount of paper is fed by the transport rollers 41. By repeatedly performing this back-and-forth movement of the carriage 500 and paper feeding alternately, image recording is performed on the entire recording medium 2.

[0019] Furthermore, the recording device 1 is provided with a recovery unit 30 to prevent clogging of the nozzles of the recording head 3 and to maintain or restore the recording characteristics of the nozzles, specifically the ink ejection performance. The recording device 1 performs the recovery operation by pressing the recording head 3 from below in the vertical direction (Z direction) with the cap portion 31 (see Figure 2).

[0020] <Carriage Unit Configuration> Next, the configuration of the carriage unit will be explained using Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the guide member, platen 42, and cap portion 31 that move the carriage 500 back and forth along the main scanning direction.

[0021] Figure 3(a) is a rear perspective view of the carriage unit as seen from the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 2, Figure 3(b) is a rear perspective view of the carriage 500, Figure 3(c) is a rear perspective view of the sliding member 530, and Figure 3(d) is a rear perspective view of the switching member 540.

[0022] In contrast, Figure 4(a) is a side view of the carriage unit and the area around the guide rail section as seen from the direction of arrow X1 in Figure 2. Figure 4(b) is a side view of the carriage 500, Figure 4(c) is a side view of the sliding member 530, and Figure 4(d) is a side view of the switching member 540.

[0023] The carriage 500 includes an upper slider 501 (third sliding member) and two front sliders 502 (second sliding members) (one each at different X-direction positions). The upper slider 501 (third sliding member) abuts against the sliding surface 511 (fifth surface) of the main frame 510. The front slider 502 (second sliding member) abuts against the sliding surface 512 (third surface) of the main frame 510. This configuration determines the position of the recording head 3 with respect to the transport direction of the recording medium 2. The sliding surface of the upper slider 501 (third sliding member) is 501a, and the sliding surface of the front slider 502 (second sliding member) is 502a. However, the upper slider 501 (third sliding member) and the front slider 502 (second sliding member) do not have to be integrated with the carriage 500, but may be separate components attached to the carriage 500.

[0024] The carriage 500 also includes a sliding member 530 and a switching member 540. As shown in Figure 4(a) or Figure 4(c), the sliding member 530 has a sliding surface 531 that contacts a sliding surface 521 (first surface) which is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal surface of the guide rail 520 attached to the main frame 510, thereby determining the distance between the papers. The switching member 540 is provided between the carriage 500 and the sliding member 530 and can change the distance between the papers. The sliding surface 531 is formed in two places corresponding to both ends of the carriage.

[0025] A switching lever 7, which can move back and forth in the Y direction, enters a switching contact portion 548 formed on the switching member 540, and by moving the carriage 500 in the X direction, the switching member 540 is slid relative to the carriage 500. This makes it possible to change the distance between the papers.

[0026] In recording device 1, the distance between sheets of paper greatly affects image quality, so the guide rail 520 is configured to be able to move relative to the main frame 510 in a vertical direction, and the distance between sheets of paper is adjustable.

[0027] <Configuration related to switching the paper spacing> Next, the configuration of the sliding member 530 and the switching member 540 for switching the paper distance will be explained using Figures 5 to 13.

[0028] Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the carriage 500, sliding member 530, and switching member 540 in Figure 3(a). Figure 6 is a rear cross-sectional view taken along section line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view taken along section line VII-VII in Figure 5. Note that the cross-sectional view taken along section line VI-VI is called the "rear cross-sectional view," and the cross-sectional view taken along section line VII-VII is called the "front cross-sectional view."

[0029] Figures 8, 9, and 10 are enlarged side views, rear cross-sectional views, and front cross-sectional views when the paper spacing is reduced (shortened). In contrast, Figures 11, 12, and 13 are enlarged side views, rear cross-sectional views, and front cross-sectional views when the paper spacing is increased (longer).

[0030] Figures 8 to 10 show the state when the carriage 500 is in the special paper position, which is perpendicular to the guide rail 520. In contrast, Figures 11 to 13 show the state when the carriage 500 is in the cardboard position, which is perpendicular to the guide rail 520.

[0031] The recording medium 2 to be printed on comes in a variety of types and thicknesses. Therefore, in this embodiment, the recording device 1 is equipped with a switching member 540 between the carriage 500 and the sliding member 530 to appropriately change the distance between the recording medium 2 and the recording head 3. The receiving surface 505 of the carriage 500 and the CR support portion 544 of the switching member 540 are in contact, and the CR support portion 544 supports the carriage 500 at two points. Furthermore, the contact portion of the switching member 540 that contacts the switching support portion 534 of the sliding member 530 has a stepped shape 541 and has three flat portions: a high portion 541a, a middle portion 541b, and a low portion 541c. There is another pair of the switching support portion 534 and the three flat portions separated in the X direction.

[0032] The sliding member 530 is mounted so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the carriage, and is held by a front holding portion 507 that holds the front side and a rear holding portion 508 that holds the rear side, which are formed at both ends of the carriage in the X direction.

[0033] The Y-direction position of the switching support portion 534 and the Y-direction position of the CR support portion 544 are the same, which suppresses the rotation of the switching member 540 around the X-axis.

[0034] When the recording medium 2 is plain paper, the carriage 500, in which the switching support section 534 and the middle section 541b are in contact, is in the normal position, and the recording operation on the plain paper recording medium 2 and the recovery operation of the recording head 3 are performed. In contrast, when recording on photographic paper where high image quality is required (when the recording medium 2 is photographic paper), it is necessary to shorten the distance between the papers in order to suppress misalignment of ink droplets. Therefore, in this case, the recording operation on the recording medium 2 and the recovery operation of the recording head 3 are performed when the switching support section 534 and the lower section 541c are in contact, that is, when the carriage 500 is in the special paper position. Furthermore, when recording on cardboard or a medium made of a material that is prone to curling (when the recording medium 2 is cardboard, etc.), it is necessary to lengthen the distance between the papers in order to prevent friction between the recording medium 2 and the recording head 3. Therefore, in this case, the recording operation on the recording medium 2 and the recovery operation of the recording head 3 are performed when the switching support section 534 and the upper section 541a are in contact, that is, when the carriage 500 is in the cardboard position.

[0035] As shown in Figures 7, 10, and 13, the switching member 540 can be moved relative to the carriage 500 in the main scanning direction, thereby displacing the carriage 500 in the vertical direction and appropriately changing the distance between the papers. When the transport direction is defined as the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to both the main scanning direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Z direction), as shown in Figures 8 and 11, even if the distance between the papers changes, the sliding member 530 does not change its vertical position or transport direction position relative to the guide rail 520.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6, 9, and 12, the sliding member 530 has a fourth restricting portion 532 that restricts the upward displacement of the switching member 540, and the switching member 540 has a staircase shape 542. The staircase shape 542, like the staircase shape 541, has three flat sections: a high section 542a, a middle section 542b, and a low section 542c. The fourth restricting portion 532 restricts the upward vertical movement of each section of the staircase shape 542. The carriage 500 has a fifth restricting portion 503, and the switching member 540 has a restricting surface 543, and the fifth restricting portion 503 is restricted from upward vertical displacement by the restricting surface 543.

[0037] The portion of the switching member 540 consisting of a staircase shape 542 and a restricting surface 543 is called the "clamped portion 545". As shown in Figure 5, when the recording head 3 is not capped, such as during printing, the fourth restricting portion 532 and the clamped portion 545 form an upper gap 545a, and the fifth restricting portion 503 and the clamped portion 545 form a lower gap 545b.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the fifth restricting section 503 and the fourth restricting section 532 are paired and adjacent to each other in the X direction, and another pair different from this pair is arranged together with the staircase shape 542 at a span S that can stabilize the carriage's posture. The closer the span S is to the width of the carriage in the X direction, the better.

[0039] Figure 14 is an enlarged side view of the carriage 500, sliding member 530, and switching member 540 in the normal position during capping. During capping, the recording head 3 is pressed vertically downward by the cap portion 31 (force F generated as pressure when capping is applied), causing the carriage 500 to lift and the fifth restricting portion 503 of the carriage to contact the restricting surface 543. The clamped portion 545 is lifted by the fifth restricting portion 503, causing the switching member 540 to lift and contact the fourth restricting portion 532. A gap 540a is formed between the CR support portion 544 and the receiving surface 505, and a gap 540b is formed between the switching support portion 534 and the middle portion 541b. The gap distance of the upper gap 545a and the gap distance of the gap 540b are the same value, and the gap distance of the lower gap 545b and the gap distance of the gap 540a are the same value (see Figures 5 and 14).

[0040] When the sliding member 530 is lifted, the first restricting portion 533 comes into contact with the surface 522 (second surface), which is the back surface of the sliding surface 521 (first surface) of the guide rail 520. The clamped portion 545 is sandwiched between the fifth restricting portion 503 and the fourth restricting portion 532, holding the switching member 540 and preventing misalignment of the switching member 540 relative to the carriage 500. When the capping is released, gravity returns them to their original contact state or a state with a gap.

[0041] The gap distance of the upper gap 545a remains constant even when the distance between the papers changes, and the gap distance of the lower gap 545b also remains constant even when the distance between the papers changes. At all distances between the papers, the stepped shape 542 is restricted by the fourth restricting part 532, and the fifth restricting part 503 is restricted by the restricting surface 543, so that the clamped part 545 is clamped from above and below. Due to this relationship, the sliding member 530 and the switching member 540 do not come off the carriage 500.

[0042] <Assembly Process> Next, the assembly process of the carriage unit will be explained using Figure 15. Figures 15(a) to 15(e) show the process of assembling the switching member 540 and the sliding member 530 into the carriage 500, as seen from the rear. Figure 15(f) is a side view of the area around the switching member 540 when the switching member 540 and the sliding member 530 have been assembled into the carriage 500. Each step will be explained below.

[0043] As shown in Figure 15(a), the position of the fifth restricting portion 503 of the carriage 500 is aligned with the position of the assembly groove 547 of the switching member 540, and the switching member 540 is assembled onto the carriage 500 from bottom to top.

[0044] As shown in Figure 15(b), the switching member 540 is slid slightly from right to left in the figure.

[0045] As shown in Figure 15(c), the position of the assembly groove 547 is aligned with the position of the fourth restricting portion 532 of the sliding member 530, and the sliding member 530 is assembled onto the carriage 500 from bottom to top.

[0046] As shown in Figure 15(d), the switching member 540 is slid from right to left.

[0047] As shown in Figure 15(e), the carriage unit is completed. A stopper 546 (see Figure 15(a)) is formed at the end of the switching member 540 to prevent it from coming off.

[0048] As shown in Figure 15(f), when the carriage 500 is lifted, gravity acts on the sliding member 530 and the switching member 540, but the fifth restricting part 503 and the fourth restricting part 532 hold the clamped part 545, so they do not fall. Therefore, when the carriage unit is lifted when assembling the carriage unit into the main frame or the like, the sliding member 530 and the switching member 540 are prevented from falling.

[0049] <Structure of the Regulatory Department> As mentioned above, in order to properly perform the recovery operation at all paper-to-paper distances, and to prepare for situations such as when drops occur during logistics, it is necessary to prevent the carriage 500 from detaching from the main frame 510 and guide rail 520.

[0050] However, if a restricting section is provided on a component that changes vertically relative to the guide rail 520 in response to changes in the paper-to-paper distance, the gap between the restricting section and the guide rail will change as the paper-to-paper distance changes. In this case, the shorter the paper-to-paper distance, the wider the gap between the restricting section and the guide rail 520 becomes, and there is a risk that carriage detachment cannot be prevented.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first restricting portion 533 provided on the sliding member 530 is positioned opposite the back surface 522 (second surface) of the sliding surface 521 (first surface) of the guide rail 520, and at a predetermined distance from surface 522 (second surface). Since the position of the sliding member 530 does not change with respect to the vertical and transport directions of the guide rail 520 even when the distance between the papers changes, the gap between surface 522 (second surface) and the first restricting portion 533 always remains unchanged. By using the above configuration, carriage detachment can be suppressed at all paper distances.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the carriage 500 is provided with a second restricting portion 504, which is positioned opposite the back surface 513 (fourth surface) of the sliding surface 512 (third surface) of the main frame 510, and at a predetermined distance from surface 513 (fourth surface). In addition, as shown in Figure 4(a), the third restricting portion 506 is positioned opposite the back surface 514 (sixth surface) of the sliding surface 511 (fifth surface), and at a predetermined distance from surface 514 (sixth surface). By using the above configuration, carriage detachment can be further suppressed.

[0053] During capping, as shown in Figure 14, the carriage 500, the switching member 540, and the sliding member 530 lift up together and rotate slightly in the direction of arrow M, which may cause the carriage 500 to tilt. For example, the first restricting part 533 is in contact with surface 522 (second surface), the second restricting part 504 is in contact with surface 513 (fourth surface), and the third restricting part 506 is in contact with surface 514 (sixth surface). Figure 14 shows the case where the first restricting part 533, the second restricting part 504, and the third restricting part 506 are in contact, but this is not always the case when the carriage 500 tilts. Depending on the distance between the restricting parts, the amount of clearance between each restricting part and the main frame 510 or guide rail 520, the coefficient of friction between each sliding surface and the main frame 510 or guide rail 520, and the inclination angle of the guide rail 520, one or two restricting parts may come into contact.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the inclined configuration of the sliding surface 521 (first surface) means that the first restricting portion 533 is subjected to the Y-direction component V of the force received from surface 522 (second surface), and the sliding member 530 is pressed in the Y direction. As a result, the contact timing with the second restricting portion 504 is accelerated, which has the effect of stabilizing the posture of the carriage 500.

[0055] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a recording device having a structure that can suppress carriage floating and carriage detachment.

[0056] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, a recording device 1 is given as an example in which the sliding surfaces 521 (first surface) and 522 (second surface) of the guide rail 520 are inclined with respect to a horizontal surface. However, as shown in Figure 16(a), the technology of this disclosure is also applicable to a recording device 1 in which these surfaces of the guide rail 520 are composed of horizontal surfaces that are not inclined.

[0057] Figure 16(a) shows the case where the surface 522 of the guide rail 520 is horizontal. Figure 16(b) is an enlarged view of the area around the first restricting section 533 when the surface 522 of the guide rail 520 is inclined at an angle θ, and is shown for comparison with Figure 16(a). If the length of the gap between the first restricting section 533 and the surface 522 (second surface) is the gap distance g, and the vertical distance between the first restricting section 533 and the surface 522 (second surface) is the distance δ, then δ = g / cos(θ), so the distance δ > gap distance g. Therefore, if the gap distance g is the same, the amount the carriage 500 floats (let's call it the amount of float) during capping can be made smaller in the configuration where the surface 522 of the guide rail 520 is horizontal than in the configuration where the surface 522 is inclined.

[0058] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a recording device in which the amount of carriage floating is reduced compared to the first embodiment.

[0059] [Third Embodiment] As shown in Figure 17, it is possible to apply a configuration having a guide rail 520 (510) in which the guide member and the main frame are integrated. In this case, the front slider 502 (second sliding member) and the second restricting portion 504 are formed integrally with the sliding member 530.

[0060] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the recording device and a reduction in the number of parts.

[0061] [Fourth Embodiment] This embodiment will be explained using Figures 18 to 21. Figure 18(a) is a yz-plane view showing the force relationships acting on the carriage 500, switching member 540, sliding member 530, main frame 510, and guide rail 520 when not capped. Figures 18(b) to (d) show the force relationships as viewed from the back of the carriage 500. To simplify the force relationships, the carriage 500 is symmetrical with respect to the central CNT. Furthermore, it is assumed that half the force is applied to the two different support points in the X direction, which are indicated by the symbols * / 2 (* is N, Q, or P) in Figures 18(b) to (d), while in the yz-plane (Figure 18(a)) it is shown as a force concentrated at one point.

[0062] Figure 19 is a yz-plane view showing the force relationships acting on the carriage 500, switching member 540, sliding member 530, main frame 510, and guide rail 520 when the first restricting part 533 contacts during capping. Figure 20 is a yz-plane view showing the force relationships acting on the carriage 500, switching member 540, sliding member 530, main frame 510, and guide rail 520 when the first restricting part 533, second restricting part 504, and third restricting part 506 contact during capping. Figure 21(a) shows the contact state of the sliding member 530 during printing, and Figure 21(b) shows the contact state of the sliding member 530 inside the cap.

[0063] In the above-mentioned diagram, the following symbols and dimensions are used. F: Cap pressure (force, solid arrow) received by carriage 500 from cap section 31 via recording head 3. W: Gravity (force, solid arrow) of the carriage unit including recording head 3 and supply tube 14. P1: When not capped, the force (solid arrow) that the carriage 500 receives from the main frame 510 via the front slider 502 (second sliding member). There are two such points at both ends of the carriage 500 in the X direction. P2: During capping, the carriage 500 receives force from the main frame 510 via the front slider 502 (second sliding member) (solid arrow). There are two such forces at both ends of the carriage 500 in the X direction. P3: The force (solid arrow) that the carriage 500 receives from the main frame 510 via the second restricting section 504 during capping. There are two such forces at both ends of the carriage 500, in the X direction. Q: What force (solid arrow) is received by the front retaining portion 507 or rear retaining portion 508 of the carriage 500 from the sliding member 530, or what force (dashed arrow) is received by the sliding member 530 from the front retaining portion 507 or rear retaining portion 508 as a reaction? There are two such locations at both ends of the carriage 500, in the X direction. R1: When not capped, the force (solid arrow) that the carriage 500 receives from the main frame 510 via the upper slider 501 (third sliding member). R2: During capping, the force (solid arrow) that the carriage 500 receives from the main frame 510 via the upper slider 501 (third sliding member). R3: The force that the carriage 500 receives from the main frame 510 via the third restricting section 506 during capping (solid arrow). N: Force received by carriage 500 from switching member 540 (solid arrow), or force received by sliding member 530 from switching member 540, or force received by sliding member 530 from guide rail 510 (dashed arrow). There are two such forces at both ends of carriage 500 in the X direction. L: Force received by carriage 500 from switching member 540 (solid arrow), or force received by sliding member 530 from switching member 540, or force received by first restricting part 533 from guide rail 520 (dashed arrow). There are two such forces at both ends of carriage 500 in the X direction. b: The distance in the Y direction from the front boundary 507a where the sliding member 530 and the front holding portion 507 come into contact with each other to the CR support portion 544. c: Distance in the Y direction from boundary 507a to the first regulatory section 533. d: Z-direction distance from the receiving surface 505 to the upper slider 501 (third sliding member). e: The distance in the Z direction from the receiving surface 505 to the force Q acting on the boundary 507a. f: Z-direction distance from the receiving surface 505 to the front slider 502 (second sliding member). h: Distance in the Z direction from the receiving surface 505 to the force Q acting on the boundary 508a. i: Distance in the Y direction from boundary 507a to the sliding surface 531 of sliding member 530. j: Distance in the Y direction from boundary 507a to the point of application of cap pressure. k: Y-direction distance from boundary 507a to the carriage centroid. m: Distance in the Y direction from boundary 507a to the clamped portion.

[0064] In addition to the above, the region between boundary 507a and boundary 508a is denoted by dimension a. Under these definitions, the force P1 is determined below by referring to Figure 18(a).

[0065] The force equilibrium equations for the carriage 500 can be expressed as P1=R1 in the Y direction and W=N in the Z direction.

[0066] The moment equilibrium equation for the carriage 500, when centered at point A, can be expressed as R1×d+P1×f+Q×e=N×b+W×k+Q×h.

[0067] The force balance equation for the sliding member 530 is a self-evident reaction equation and is therefore omitted.

[0068] The equilibrium equation for the couple of sliding member 530 can be expressed as Q × (he) = N × (ib).

[0069] From the above, solving for force P1, we can express it using the following equation (1): P1 = W × (i + k) / (d + f) ... Equation (1) Next, we determine the force P2 by referring to Figure 19. For simplification, as in Figure 18(b), the shape is symmetrical in the X direction, that is, symmetrical with respect to the central CNT of carriage 500.

[0070] The force equilibrium equations for the carriage 500 can be expressed as P2=R2 in the Y direction and W+L=F in the Z direction.

[0071] The moment equilibrium equation for the carriage 500, with point A as the center, can be expressed as R²×d + P²×f + Q×e + F×j + L×m = W×k + Q×h.

[0072] The force balance equation for the sliding member 530 is a self-evident reaction equation and is therefore omitted.

[0073] The equilibrium equation for the couple of sliding members 530 can be expressed as Q × (eh) = L × (cm).

[0074] From the above, solving for force P2, we can express it using the following equation (2): P2 = {-(FW) × c + W × kF × j} / (d + f) ... Equation (2) Finally, we determine the force P3 by referring to Figure 20. For simplification, as in Figure 18(b), the shape is symmetrical in the X direction, that is, symmetrical with respect to the central CNT of carriage 500.

[0075] The force equilibrium equations for the carriage 500 can be expressed as P3=R3 in the Y direction and W+L=F in the Z direction.

[0076] The moment equilibrium equation for the carriage 500, when centered at point A, can be expressed as -R3×d-P3×f+Q×e+F×j+L×m=W×k+Q×h.

[0077] The force balance equation for the sliding member 530 is a self-evident reaction equation and is therefore omitted.

[0078] The equilibrium equation for the couple of sliding members 530 can be expressed as Q × (eh) = L × (cm).

[0079] From the above, the force P3 can be expressed using the following equation (3): P3 = {(FW) × cW × k + F × j} / (d + f) ... Equation (3)

[0080] Force P1 is required to be of a predetermined magnitude or greater in order for the front slider 502 (second sliding member) to move along the main frame 510 in response to vibration disturbances acting on the carriage 500 during scanning and the tilt of the entire recording device. Force P2 is preferably required to be of a predetermined magnitude or greater in response to the Y-direction load that the recording head 3 receives from the cap portion 31 during capping and the tilt of the entire recording device. Force P3 is preferably required to be of a predetermined magnitude or greater in response to the Y-direction load that the recording head 3 receives from the cap portion 31 during capping and the tilt of the entire recording device.

[0081] It can be seen that dimension b, which is the Y-direction distance from boundary 507a to CR support portion 544, and dimension m, which is the Y-direction distance from boundary 507a to clamped portion 545, do not affect forces P1, P2, and P3. These dimensions can be appropriately placed within dimension a of the holding portion of carriage 500.

[0082] Here, we focus on dimension i, which is the distance in the Y direction from boundary 507a to sliding surface 531, and dimension c, which is the distance in the Y direction from boundary 507a to first restricting part 533. From equation (1), the larger dimension i, the greater the force P1 can be. From equation (2), the smaller dimension c, the greater the force P2 can be. From equation (3), the larger dimension c, the greater the force P3 can be. The difference between equation (2) and equation (3) is based on the difference in the location where the restricting part makes contact. When the gravity W of the carriage unit is located in the +Y direction in the transport direction greater than the cap pressure F, the front slider 502 (second sliding member), upper slider 501 (third sliding member), and first restricting part 533 come into contact when the cap is applied. In this case, the first restricting part 533 is brought closer to the front holding part 507 side (Figure 21(a)). If the gravity W of the carriage unit is located in the -Y direction in the transport direction, the first restricting part 533, the second restricting part 504, and the third restricting part 506 come into contact during capping. In this case, the first restricting part 533 is brought closer to the rear holding part 508 (Figure 21(b)). This stabilizes the posture during capping.

[0083] Finally, the concept of this disclosure will be realized by appropriately combining the contents of each of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Recording device 2 Recording media 3 Recording head 500 Carriage 520 Guide Rail 530 Sliding member 533 First Regulatory Section

Claims

1. A recording head having a nozzle from which ink is ejected for recording onto a recording medium being transported in the transport direction, The aforementioned recording head is mounted on a carriage that moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, A sliding member attached to the carriage to restrict the vertical movement of the carriage, A guide member having a first surface that the sliding member contacts and a second surface that serves as the back surface of the first surface, and guiding the movement of the carriage in the main scanning direction, A switching member that supports the carriage and is supported by the sliding member, and switches the vertical position of the carriage relative to the sliding member, Equipped with, The sliding member has a first restricting portion that faces the second surface at a predetermined distance apart when the sliding member is in contact with the first surface, and contacts the second surface when the sliding member moves vertically together with the carriage and separates from the first surface, thereby restricting the movement of the sliding member and the carriage. When the switching member switches the vertical position of the carriage, the sliding member remains in contact with the first surface, and the vertical position of the first restricting portion relative to the second surface does not change. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The sliding member is mounted to the carriage so as to be displaceable relative to it in the vertical direction. The recording device according to feature 1.

3. The switching member switches the vertical position of the carriage relative to the guide member. The recording device according to feature 1.

4. The switching member is mounted between the carriage and the sliding member so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The recording device according to feature 1.

5. The carriage further comprises a second sliding member attached to the carriage, The guide member has a third surface that the second sliding member contacts, and a fourth surface that serves as the back surface of the third surface. The carriage has a second restricting portion located at a predetermined distance from the fourth surface, which faces the fourth surface and restricts the movement of the carriage. The recording device according to feature 1.

6. The carriage further comprises a third sliding member attached to the carriage, The guide member has a fifth surface that the third sliding member contacts, and a sixth surface that serves as the back surface of the fifth surface. The carriage has a third restricting portion located at a predetermined distance from the sixth surface, which faces the sixth surface and restricts the movement of the carriage. The recording device according to feature 5.

7. The sliding member includes a fourth restricting portion that restricts the vertical upward displacement of the switching member, The recording device according to claim 6, wherein the carriage has a fifth restricting portion whose vertical upward displacement is restricted by the switching member.

8. The switching member has a clamped portion consisting of a staircase shape and a restricting surface that restricts the displacement of the fifth restricting portion. The clamped portion is held by the fourth restricting portion of the sliding member and the fifth restricting portion of the carriage. The recording device according to feature 7.

9. There are two pairs of the fourth regulating section and the fifth regulating section. The two pairs are separated in the main scanning direction of the carriage. The recording device according to feature 8.

10. The recording head further has a cap portion that performs a recovery operation. The recording device according to feature 1.

11. With respect to the aforementioned transport direction, when the side transporting the recording medium is defined as the front side and the side from which it is transported is defined as the rear side, The carriage has a front holding portion that holds the front side of the sliding member and a rear holding portion that holds the rear side of the sliding member. If the center of gravity of the carriage unit including the carriage is located further to the rear than the point of application of the cap pressure from the cap portion, the first restricting portion becomes closer to the front holding portion of the carriage, If the center of gravity is located on the front side of the point of application of the cap pressure, the first restricting portion will be closer to the rear holding portion of the carriage. The recording device according to feature 10.

12. The first surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal surface. The recording device according to feature 1.

13. The transport direction is orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the vertical direction, respectively. The recording device according to feature 1.

Images