Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device that can suppress degradation in recording quality.SOLUTION: In a recording device, a chassis 44 for guiding movement of a carriage 41 in an X direction and a bridging member 45 for connecting a top face of a first side wall 72 to a top face of the chassis 44 are engaged and positioned and are fixed to a base 7 by a fastening member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting liquid from an ejection head onto a recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] In a liquid ejection apparatus such as a serial type inkjet recording apparatus, high-precision carriage scanning is required. This is because, in such a recording apparatus, ink is ejected from a head mounted on the carriage to form an image on a recording medium, and thus the ink landing accuracy affects image quality. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a first rail member and a second rail member, which can support a carriage while guiding the same in the scanning direction, are provided on both sides in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the carriage (that is, on the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in recent inkjet recording apparatuses such as personal printers, there is an increasing demand for further cost reduction of the apparatus. Therefore, there is a demand for changing from the configuration of holding the carriage on both the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction as in Patent Document 1 to a configuration of holding the carriage only on the upstream side in the conveyance direction. However, in such a configuration in which the chassis is held based on only one side in the conveyance direction, the posture of the carriage may not be stabilized, leading to a risk of deterioration in image quality.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention provides a recording apparatus that can stabilize the posture of the carriage in the scanning direction and record high-quality images on a recording medium.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] Therefore, the recording device of the present invention comprises: a recording means for discharging liquid; a carriage on which the recording means is mounted and which is movable in the scanning direction; a base having a flat surface, a first side wall erected on the flat surface, and a second side wall erected on the flat surface opposite to the first side wall; a chassis that is positioned and held relative to the base and capable of supporting the carriage while guiding it in the scanning direction; and a bridging member connecting the first side wall and the chassis, wherein the bridging member is positioned by engaging at one end in a first direction intersecting the scanning direction with a top surface which is the end opposite to the end provided on the chassis and fixed to the base, and by engaging at the other end in the first direction with an upper surface provided on the tip of the first side wall in the direction in which it is erected. The top surface and the upper surface are located at approximately the same height in the direction in which they are erected from the base. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording device that can suppress a decrease in recording quality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording device. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording device. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a recording device. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the chassis and bridging members positioned on the base. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the base. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the chassis. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the bridging member. [Figure 8] This figure shows the positioning configuration between the chassis and the bridging member at the first side wall. [Figure 9]It is a diagram illustrating the height relationship between the chassis and the first side wall of the base. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the positioning and holding configuration of the chassis on the second side wall. [Figure 11] It is a side cross-sectional view showing the chassis fixed to the base. [Figure 12] It is a diagram illustrating the assembly configuration of the chassis and the bridging member with respect to the base. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing the driving unit. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the assembly configuration of the first sheet feeding unit with respect to the base. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the assembly configuration of the maintenance unit with respect to the base. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing the assembly configuration of the drive transmission unit in the conveyance unit. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing the base on which the circuit board is positioned and held. [Figure 18] It is a side view showing the base. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the chassis. [Figure 20] It is a side view showing the base with the chassis positioned and fixed thereto. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing the guide and the circuit board. [Figure 22] It is a diagram illustrating, in order of operation, the state where the guide is incorporated into the base and the chassis. [Figure 23] It is a partially enlarged view showing the notch of the base into which the guide is incorporated. [Figure 24] It is a perspective view showing the bridging member, the WLAN board and the electronic device. [Figure 25] It is a perspective view showing the shaft supporting surface of the conveyance roller of the conveyance unit. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing the restricting shape portion of the guide in other embodiments. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing the second positioning shape portion in other embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a recording device M to which this embodiment can be applied. The recording device M is a multifunction device comprising a printing unit and a scanner unit (not shown) positioned above the printing unit, and various processes related to image recording and reading operations are performed individually or in conjunction between the printing unit and the scanner unit. The scanner unit is equipped with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) and an FBS (Flatbed Scanner), and can read documents automatically fed by the ADF and read (scan) documents placed on the FBS platen by the user. Although this embodiment is a multifunction device with both a printing unit and a scanner unit, it may also be configured without a scanner unit.

[0011] The printing unit includes a first paper feed unit 1 and a second paper feed unit 2 for loading recording media, a transport unit 3 for transporting the recording media fed from each paper feed unit, a recording unit 4 for recording images on the recording media transported by the transport unit 3, and a paper discharge unit 8 for loading the recording media that have been discharged after the images have been recorded. Furthermore, the printing unit includes a maintenance unit 5 for performing maintenance on the recording unit 4, and a drive unit 6 that uses the drive of a transport motor 31 located in the transport unit 3 to switch and transmit drive to either the first paper feed unit 1, the second paper feed unit 2, or the maintenance unit 5.

[0012] The recording unit 4 comprises a recording head 42 that ejects liquid and a carriage 41 that carries and moves the recording head 42. The carriage 41 that carries the recording head 42 is supported by a chassis 44 that extends along the X direction (the direction of carriage movement), which is the main scanning direction, and is configured to reciprocate in the X direction. The paper output unit 8 comprises a recording medium loading unit 81 and a retractable extension tray 82 that can support recording media even when the size of the recording medium is large in the Y direction. Each of these units is fastened to the base 7 to form the printing unit. In addition, a circuit board 9 that controls the operation of each unit is held by a guide 93 and positioned on the base 7 and chassis 44.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording device M in this embodiment. The MPU (microprocessor unit) 901 controls the operation of each part and data processing. The ROM 902 stores programs and data executed by the MPU 901. The RAM 903 temporarily stores processing data executed by the MPU 901 and data received from the host computer 906. The recording head 42 is controlled by the recording head driver 912. The carriage 41 is driven by the carriage motor 13. The carriage motor 43 is controlled by the carriage motor driver 913. The transport rollers 32 and discharge rollers 34 are driven by the transport motor 31. The transport motor 31 is controlled by the transport motor driver 921. The host computer 906 has a printer driver 9061 for processing recording information such as the recorded image and image quality and communicating with the recording device M when the user commands the execution of a recording operation. The MPU 901 exchanges recorded images and other data with the host computer 906 via the I / F unit 905.

[0014] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the recording device M in this embodiment. There are two ways for the user to set a recording medium in the recording device M. The first method is to load the recording medium P1 onto the pressure plate 11, thereby setting the recording medium in the first paper feed section. The second method is to load the recording medium P2 into a removable cassette case 21 and attach it to the recording device M, thereby setting the recording medium P2 in the second paper feed section 2. When the user's print information is commanded to the recording device M, the transport motor 31 rotates in the forward direction.

[0015] When paper is fed from the first paper feeding unit 1, the drive unit 6 and the first paper feeding unit 1 are connected by drive, and paper feeding begins when the first paper feeding roller 12, which rotates due to the drive of the transport motor 31, comes into contact with the pressure plate 11. A separation roller 13 is positioned opposite the first paper feeding roller 12 to provide resistance to the feeding of the recording media, so that only the uppermost recording media P1 loaded on the pressure plate 11 is fed to the transport unit 3 as indicated by arrow F1.

[0016] Furthermore, when paper is fed from the second paper feeding unit 2, the drive unit 6 and the second paper feeding unit 2 are connected by drive. Drive is transmitted to the second paper feeding unit by the drive of the transport motor 31, and drive is transmitted to the second paper feeding shaft gear 23 by the drive of the drive unit 6. From the second paper feeding shaft gear 23, the recording medium P2 loaded on the second paper feeding unit 2 is fed by the second paper feeding roller 25 via a plurality of second paper feeding idler gears 24. In the recording device M of this embodiment, by providing a separation unit 26 that provides resistance to the recording medium, only the top sheet of paper in the recording medium P2 is fed. Regardless of whether the transport motor 31 rotates in the forward or reverse direction, the recording medium is fed to the transport unit as shown by arrow F2 by the intermediate roller 28 which is driven in only one direction via the intermediate gear 27 from the drive unit 6, and the gripping force of the driven roller 29 which is provided with a biasing force.

[0017] When a recording medium fed from each paper feed unit passes the recording detection lever 14, the transport roller pair consisting of the transport roller 32 and the pinch roller 33 that moves with the transport roller 32 aligns the left and right leading edges of the recording medium with respect to the transport direction intersecting the main scanning direction (X direction). As the recording medium transported by the transport roller pair passes over the platen 36, which is positioned opposite the recording unit 4 and biases the recording medium, an image is recorded by the recording head 42. In single-sided recording mode, the recording medium with the recorded image is discharged to the paper discharge unit 8 through the paper discharge roller pair consisting of the paper discharge roller 34 and the spur 35, as indicated by arrow F3.

[0018] On the other hand, in double-sided recording mode, after recording one side of the recording medium, the transport motor 31 is rotated in the reverse direction while the recording medium is held in place without passing through the paper discharge roller pair. As a result, the paper discharge roller pair and the transport roller pair rotate in the opposite direction to the transport direction in which the image is recorded, and the recording medium can be transported to the reverse transport path as indicated by arrow F4.

[0019] Once the rear end of the recording medium has passed the transport roller pair, the transport motor 31 is switched to forward rotation, and the transport roller pair again aligns the left and right front ends of the recording medium with respect to the transport direction. After that, the process of recording an image on the other side of the recording medium is repeated, and the recording medium with the recorded image is discharged to the paper discharge section 8 through the paper discharge roller pair of the paper discharge roller 34 and spur 35, as indicated by arrow F3.

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the chassis 44 and bridging member 45 positioned on the base 7. The characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, "back" refers to the surface on the -Y direction side.

[0021] The base 7 is integrally formed by molding a resin material and has a flat portion 71, with a first side wall 72 on the left side and a second side wall 73 on the right side, extending in the Y direction, which is the paper transport direction. The chassis 44, formed of sheet metal, is positioned and held relative to the first side wall 72 and the second side wall 73 of the base 7. The circuit board 9, as described in Figure 1, is held and disposed between the rear portion of the chassis 44 and the first side wall 72 of the base 7. Therefore, the chassis 44 and the first side wall 72 are connected and positioned and held by a bridging member 45 made of sheet metal, which is also used to hold the circuit board 9, on the side of the first side wall 72 of the base 7.

[0022] Here, in order to describe the positioning and holding configuration of the chassis 44 and bridging member 45 relative to the base 7, we will now describe the details of each component of the base 7, chassis 44, and bridging member 45.

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the base 7. The lower surface of the first side wall 72 of the base 7 is provided with an engaging portion 721, such as a boss, that protrudes upward (Z direction) in the direction of gravity to engage with the lower surface of the chassis 44. Furthermore, the lower surface of the first side wall 72 of the base 7 is provided with fastening portions 722 and 723 arranged in the X direction, each having a hole and a contact surface for fastening to the lower surface of the chassis 44 with a fastening member such as a screw. In this embodiment, there are two of these fastening portions, but at least one is sufficient, and there may be three or more. The upper surface of the first side wall 72 of the base 7 is provided with an engaging portion 724, such as a boss, that protrudes upward (Z direction) to engage with the bridging member 45, and further has a hole for fastening with a fastening member such as a screw and a second surface 725 that contacts the surface 455 of the bridging member 45, which will be described later. Here, the tip of the first side wall 72 in the direction in which it is erected relative to the base 7 is referred to as the upper surface.

[0024] On the other hand, the lower surface of the second side wall 73 is also provided with an engaging portion 731, such as a boss, that protrudes upward (in the Z direction) to engage with the chassis 44, similar to the lower surface of the first side wall 72. Furthermore, the lower surface of the second side wall 73 is provided with fastening portions 732 and 733, which have holes and contact surfaces for fastening to the lower surface of the chassis 44, arranged in the X direction. The upper surface of the second side wall 73 of the base 7 is also provided with an engaging portion 734, such as a boss, that protrudes upward (in the Z direction) to engage with the upper surface of the chassis 44. Furthermore, the upper surface of the second side wall 73 has a fourth surface 735 that contacts the third surface 4424 of the chassis 44, which will be described later, and has holes that can be fastened with fastening members such as screws.

[0025] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of the chassis 44. Figure 6(a) is a view of the chassis 44 from the bottom, and Figure 6(b) is a view of the chassis 44 from the top. Here, the top of the chassis 44 refers to the end of the chassis 44 opposite to the end that is fixed to the base. On the lower surface of the side portion 441 of the first side wall 72 of the base 7 of the chassis 44, a fastening surface 4412 is formed by bending and extending from the chassis bottom surface for contact with the lower surface of the first side wall 72 of the base 7. The fastening surface 4412 is provided with an engagement hole 4411 for engaging with the lower surface of the first side wall 72 of the base 7 and a hole 4413 for fastening with a fastening member such as a screw, arranged in the X direction.

[0026] The lower surface of the side portion 442 on the side of the base 7 on the second side wall 73 of the chassis 44, similar to the side portion 441 on the side of the first side wall 72, has a fastening surface 4422 that extends from the bottom surface of the chassis 44 by bending to contact the lower surface of the second side wall 73. The fastening surface 4422 has an engagement hole 4421 for engaging with the lower surface of the second side wall 73 of the base 7, and a hole 4423 for fastening with a fastening member such as a screw, arranged in the X direction. Furthermore, the top surface of the side portion 441 on the side of the base 7 on the first side wall 72 of the chassis 44 is provided with engagement portions (projections) 4414a and 4414b for engaging with the bridging member 45, as shown in Figure 6(b). The engagement portions 4414a and 4414b are formed by bending to extend in the X direction so as to protrude upward (Z direction) from the back surface of the chassis 44.

[0027] Furthermore, the top surface of the side portion 441 of the chassis 44 has a first surface 4415 on which the bridging member 45 makes contact, and fastening holes 4416 are provided for fastening the bridging member 45 with fastening members such as screws. On the other hand, the top surface of the side portion 442 of the chassis 44 is provided with a third surface 4424 on which it makes contact with the fourth surface 735 of the second side wall 73 of the base 7, as shown in Figure 6(a). The third surface 4424 is located on the back surface of a shaped portion that extends from the top surface of the chassis 44 by bending and shaping, and is provided with an engagement hole 4425 for engaging with the top surface of the base 7 and a hole 4426 for fastening with fastening members such as screws.

[0028] Furthermore, the lower surface of the chassis 44 is provided with rail sections 4427, which support the carriage 41 and serve as rails for the carriage 41's movement. The rail sections 4427 are formed by bending and shaping from the lower surface.

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the bridging member 45. The bridging member 45 is formed of sheet metal and bent as shown in Figure 7, and connects and positions the chassis 44 and the first side wall 72. The bridging member 45 comprises a main body portion 458 and a connecting portion 459. The main body portion 458 is provided with an engagement hole 451 that engages with the base 7 and a hole 452 for fastening to the base 7, arranged in the Y direction. The connecting portion 459 is provided with two engagement holes 453a and 453b that engage with the chassis 44 and a hole 454 for fastening to the chassis. The number of engagement holes 453 that engage with the chassis 44 may be at least one, or there may be two or more as in this embodiment. The bottom surface of the bridging member 45 extends such that the surface 460 that contacts the first surface 4415 of the chassis 7 and the surface 455 that contacts the second surface 725 of the base 7 are on the same plane.

[0030] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) show the positioning configuration of the chassis 44 and the bridging member 45 at the first side wall 72. As shown in Figure 8(a), the engaging portion 721, such as a boss protruding from the lower surface of the base 7, is fitted into the engaging hole 4411 of the chassis 44, and the chassis 44 is positioned and held relative to the base 7 in the X and Y directions. Furthermore, the two fastening surfaces 4412 extending from the bottom side of the chassis 44 are brought into contact with the fastening portions 722 and 723 of the base 7 and fastened with fastening members such as screws, thereby positioning and fixing the chassis 44 relative to the base 7 in the Z direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 8(b), the engagement hole 451 on the upstream side of the bridging member 45 in the paper transport direction Y engages with an engagement portion 724, such as a boss, that protrudes in the Z direction from the upper surface of the first side wall 72 of the base 7. In addition, two engagement holes 453a and 453b provided in the joint portion 459 of the bridging member 45 engage with two engagement portions 4414a and 4414b that extend from the back surface of the chassis 44. In these two engagement portions 4414a and 4414b, one restricts the bridging member 45 in the X direction by fitting, and the other restricts the bridging member 45 in the Y direction by fitting. This positions and holds the bridging member 45 in the X and Y directions.

[0032] Here, the two engaging portions 4414a and 4414b, which extend from the back surface of the chassis 44, are formed with an accuracy of the chassis 44's plate thickness tolerance (approximately -35 μm to +35 μm). By engaging the engaging portions 4414a and 4414b with the engaging holes 453a and 453b of the bridging member 45, it is possible to maintain good positional accuracy in the Y direction between the chassis 44 and the bridging member 45 within the plate thickness tolerance.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8(c), the lower surface 455 of the bridging member 45 contacts the second surface 725 of the base 7 on the upstream side in the Y direction, and contacts the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 on the downstream side in the Y direction. The bridging member 45 is then positioned and fixed to the base 7 and the chassis 44 by fastening members such as screws. In this way, the bridging member 45 is positioned and fixed to the base 7 and the chassis 44 in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0034] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate the height relationship between the chassis 44 and the first side wall 72 of the base 7. Figure 9(a) shows the positional relationship when the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 are at the same height, and Figure 9(b) shows the positional relationship when the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 are not at the same height. In this embodiment, the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 are at approximately the same height in the Z direction, as shown in Figure 9(a). In other words, the lower surface 455 of the bridging member 45 is in contact with the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7, which are at approximately the same height.

[0035] Here, we will explain the case where the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 are not at the same height in the Z direction, using Figure 9(b). As shown in Figure 9(b), when the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 are not at the same height, when the bridging member 45 is fastened with fasteners such as screws, a force acts to deform the chassis 44 so that it rotates around the X axis, thereby positioning and fixing it. In Figure 9(b), the first surface 4415 is at a higher position than the surface 725, but even when the surface 725 is at a higher position than the first surface 4415, although the direction of the force is reversed, a force acts to deform it so that it rotates around the X axis, thereby positioning and fixing it.

[0036] As described above, if the heights of the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 are different, and the chassis 44 is subjected to a deforming force when it is positioned and fixed, it may affect the attitude accuracy of the carriage 41, potentially leading to a deterioration in the accuracy of impact onto the recording medium and a degradation of the recording quality. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, by making the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 approximately the same height, deformation of the chassis 44 when the bridging member 45 is fastened with fasteners such as screws can be suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain a good attitude of the carriage 41 and suppress a deterioration in the accuracy of impact onto the recording medium and a degradation of image quality.

[0037] However, it goes without saying that the heights of the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 will vary within the tolerance range of the parts. However, since the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 is formed by two bending processes with respect to the fastening surface 4412, the tolerance can be reduced.

[0038] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the positioning and holding configuration of the chassis 44 on the second side wall 73 of the base 7. Similar to the first side wall 72, the positioning and holding configuration between the lower surface of the base 7 and the chassis 44 involves engaging parts 731, such as bosses, protruding from the base 7, and engaging holes 4421 in the chassis 44, thereby positioning and holding the chassis 44 relative to the base 7 in the X and Y directions. Furthermore, two fastening surfaces 4422 extending from the lower part of the chassis 44 are brought into contact with fastening parts 732 and 733 of the base 7, and are positioned and fixed in the Z direction by fastening members such as screws.

[0039] On the other hand, the positioning and holding configuration of the upper surface of the base 7 and the chassis 44 is achieved by fitting together an engaging portion 734, such as a boss protruding in the Z direction from the upper surface of the base 7, with an engaging hole 4425 formed extending from the top surface of the chassis 44, thereby positioning and holding in the X and Y directions.

[0040] Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the chassis 44 fixed to the base 7. The third surface 4424 of the chassis 44 and the fourth surface 735 of the second side wall 73 of the base 7 are at approximately the same height in the Z direction. As a result, the third surface 4424 of the chassis 44 is in contact with the fourth surface 735 of the base 7 in approximately the same plane. Therefore, when fastening the fourth surface 735 to the chassis 44 through the holes 4426 of the chassis 44 with fastening members such as screws, deformation of the chassis 44 can be reduced, and the positional accuracy of the upper surface of the chassis 44 can be maintained well. However, it goes without saying that the height between the third surface 4424 of the chassis 44 and the fourth surface 735 of the base 7 will vary within the tolerance range of the parts.

[0041] In this embodiment, the chassis 44, which guides the movement of the carriage 41 in the X direction, and the bridging member 45, which connects the upper surface of the first side wall 72 and the upper surface of the chassis 44, are positioned on the base 7 by engagement and fixed by fastening members. The chassis 44 is positioned at both ends in the carriage movement direction (X direction) by engagement parts such as bosses and engagement holes that protrude from the base 7 and is fixed by fastening members such as screws. The bridging member 45 is also positioned by engagement parts such as bosses and engagement holes that protrude from the chassis 44 and the first side wall 72 of the base 7 and is fixed by fastening members such as screws. Furthermore, the first surface 4415 of the chassis 44 and the second surface 725 of the base 7 are made to approximately the same height and the bridging member 45 is fastened with fastening members such as screws.

[0042] This allows for precise positioning of the chassis 44 relative to the base 7 and suppression of chassis 44 deformation, thereby enabling the carriage 41 to maintain a highly accurate and optimal posture during recording, resulting in high-quality recording to the recording medium. In other words, it becomes possible to reduce the cost of the device compared to conventional systems while maintaining image quality.

[0043] In this way, a recording device that can suppress the deterioration of image quality can be provided. <Assembly configuration of chassis and bridging members on the base> Figures 12(a) to 12(c) illustrate the assembly configuration of the chassis 44 and the bridging member 45 with respect to the base 7. As shown in Figure 12(a), the engaging portions 721, 731, and 734 of the base 7 that engage with the engaging holes 4411, 4421, and 4425 of the chassis 44 are provided projecting upward (in the Z direction). Therefore, the chassis 44 can be assembled so that it makes contact with the fastening portions 722, 723, 732, 733 and the fourth surface 735 on the lower surface of the base 7 from above downward.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), the chassis 44 is positioned and fixed by fastening fasteners such as screws from above using a screwdriver to fasten the fastening portions 722, 723, 732, 733 and the fourth surface 735 of the base 7 to the holes 4413, 4423, and 4426 of the chassis 44. In this way, the assembly direction of the chassis 44 relative to the base 7 and the fastening direction are the same, which simplifies the assembly process.

[0045] Furthermore, with respect to the bridging member 45, the engaging portions 4414a and 4414b of the chassis 44 that engage with the engaging holes 453a and 453b of the bridging member 45, and the engaging portion 724 of the base 7 that engages with the engaging hole 451 of the bridging member 45, protrude upward (in the Z direction). Therefore, the bridging member 45 can be assembled from above towards the chassis 44 and base 7. Also, as shown in Figure 12(c), the bridging member 45 is positioned and fixed by fastening the holes 452 and 454 to the base 7 and chassis 44 from above with fasteners such as screws using a screwdriver. Since the assembly direction and fastening direction of the bridging member 45 relative to the base 7 and chassis 44 are the same, the assembly process can be simplified.

[0046] <Assembly configuration of the drive unit relative to the base> Figures 13(a) and (b) are perspective views showing the drive unit 6. The drive unit 6 is attached to the base 7 by engaging the engaging parts 61 and 62 of the drive unit 6 with the engaging holes 741 and 742 of the base 7. The engaging parts 61 and 62 of the drive unit that engage with the engaging holes 741 and 742 of the base 7 are provided to protrude in the X direction, and the drive unit 6 can be assembled to the base 7 by moving the drive unit 6 in the X direction and engaging it with the base 7.

[0047] Furthermore, the base 7 has fastening portions 743, 744, 745, 746, and 757 for fastening the drive unit 6. The holes 63, 64, 65, and 66 of the drive unit 6 are fastened to the fastening portions 743, 744, 745, 746, and 757 of the base 7 with fastening members such as screws using a screwdriver from the X direction, thereby positioning and fixing them in place. In this way, the assembly direction of the drive unit 6 relative to the base 7 and the fastening direction coincide, which simplifies the assembly process.

[0048] <Assembly configuration of the first paper feed section relative to the base> Figures 14(a) to (c) show the assembly configuration of the first paper feed unit 1 relative to the base 7. The first paper feed unit 1 is attached to the base 7 by the engagement holes 11 and 12 of the first paper feed unit 1 engaging with the engagement portions 751 and 752 of the base 7. The engagement portions 751 and 752 of the base 7 are provided to protrude in the Z direction, allowing the first paper feed unit 1 to be assembled from above downwards. Furthermore, the base 7 has fastening portions 753, 754, 755, and 756 for fastening the first paper feed unit 1. The holes 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the first paper feed unit 1 are fastened to the base 7 with fastening members such as screws using a screwdriver from above in the Z direction, thereby positioning and fixing it in place. In this way, since the assembly direction and fastening direction of the first paper feed unit 1 relative to the base 7 coincide, the assembly process can be simplified.

[0049] <Assembly configuration of the maintenance unit relative to the base> Figures 15(a) to (c) show the assembly configuration of the maintenance unit 5 relative to the base 7. The maintenance unit 5 is attached to the base 7 by engaging the engagement holes 51 and 52 of the maintenance unit 5 with the engagement portions 761 and 762 of the base 7. The engagement portions 761 and 762 of the base 7 are provided protruding in the -X direction, and the maintenance unit 5 can be assembled by moving the maintenance unit 5 in the X direction and engaging it with the base 7. Furthermore, the base 7 has fastening portions 763, 764, and 765 for fastening the maintenance unit 5. The holes 53, 54, and 55 of the maintenance unit 5 are fastened to the base 7 with fastening members such as screws using a screwdriver from the X direction to position and fix them in place. In this way, the assembly direction and fastening direction of the maintenance unit 5 relative to the base 7 coincide, so the assembly process can be simplified.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15(c), the hole 55 located on the upstream side in the Y direction of the maintenance section 5 is fastened to the lower surface of the second side wall 73 of the base 7 near the fastening portion 733 that fastens to the bottom surface of the chassis 44. As a result, when the base 7 is deformed by a load such as the pinch rollers of the conveying section 3 (not shown), the maintenance section 5 is positioned and held on the base 7 so as to follow the deformation of the chassis 44, thereby maintaining a good positional relationship with the chassis 44.

[0051] <Assembly configuration of the drive transmission unit in the transport section> Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the assembly configuration of the drive transmission unit in the transport unit. In the drive transmission unit 37, drive members such as gears, including the transport motor 31 which is the drive source, are held by a sheet metal 38, and the sheet metal 38 is attached to the base 7. The sheet metal 38 is attached to the base 7 by the engagement of engagement holes 381 and 382 in the sheet metal 38 with engagement parts 771 and 772 in the base 7. The engagement parts 771 and 772 of the base 7 protrude in the X direction, and the drive transmission unit 37 can be assembled by moving the track transmission unit 37 in the -X direction and engaging it with the base 7. In this way, the assembly direction and fastening direction of the drive transmission unit 37 with respect to the base 7 are the same, so the assembly process can be simplified.

[0052] <Configuration for positioning and holding the chassis, circuit board, and guides relative to the base> Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a base 7 in which a circuit board 9, held by a chassis 44 and guides 93, is positioned and held. The circuit board 9 is held by the guides 93 under a bridging member 45, engages with the base 7 and chassis 44, and is positioned and fixed to the chassis 44 with fasteners such as screws. In describing the positioning and holding configuration of the circuit board 9 held by the chassis 44 and guides 93 relative to the base 7, the parts of the base 7 and chassis 44 involved in holding the circuit board 9, the circuit board 9, and the guides 93 will be described in detail below.

[0053] Figure 18 is a side view showing the base 7. The first side wall 72 of the base 7 is provided with a slanted section 78 that restricts the position of the guide 93, which holds the circuit board 9, when it is assembled to the base 7 and chassis 44. In addition, a first positioning section 79 that determines the position of the circuit board 9 is provided in a substantially U shape.

[0054] Figures 19(a) and (b) show the chassis 44. The rear portion 445 of the chassis 44 is formed perpendicular to the bottom surface of the chassis 44, and holes 443 for fastening the circuit board 9 with fasteners such as screws are provided by bending outwards from the rear portion 445. Furthermore, a second positioning shape portion 4417 for determining the position of the circuit board 9 is provided on the lower side of the rear portion 445 of the chassis 44. Figure 19(b) is a top view of the chassis 44 showing details of the second positioning shape portion 4417. As shown in Figure 19(b), when viewed from above, the second positioning shape portion 4417 has a constricted shape portion 4417a for determining the position of the circuit board 9.

[0055] Figure 20 is a side view showing the base 7 on which the chassis 44 is positioned and fixed. The inclined portion 78 provided on the first side wall 72 of the base 7 is formed at an angle such that the distance between the base 7 and the rear portion 445 of the chassis 44 increases as it moves in the Z direction, relative to the rear portion 445 of the vertically erected chassis 44.

[0056] Figures 21(a) and (b) are perspective views showing the guide 93 and the circuit board 9. The circuit board 9 is provided with holes 921 and 922 for fastening to the chassis 44 with fasteners such as screws. Furthermore, the circuit board 9 is provided with a notch 911 that engages with the first positioning shape portion 79 of the base 7, and a notch 912 that engages with the second positioning shape portion 4417 of the chassis 44.

[0057] The guide 93 is provided with four claws 931 for holding the circuit board 9. The circuit board 9 is held by the guide 93 by the aforementioned claws 931. On the back of the guide 93, there are two ribs in the X direction, which are restricting shapes 932 that restrict the position in the width direction relative to the inclined shape 78 of the base 7. The back of the guide 93 is also provided with a sliding surface 933 that slides against the inclined shape 78 of the base 7 when the guide 93 is assembled into the base 7 and chassis 44.

[0058] Figures 22(a) to (d) are side views showing the operation sequence of assembling the guide 93, which holds the circuit board 9, into the base 7 and chassis 44. As shown in Figure 22(a), the circuit board 9 held by the guide 93 is assembled from above in the Z direction so that the sliding surface 933 of the guide 93 and the inclined surface 78 of the base 7 are parallel. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 22(b), the circuit board 9 and the guide 93 are assembled while sliding the sliding surface 933 of the guide 93 against the inclined surface 78 of the base 7, and as shown in Figure 22(c), the circuit board 9 held by the guide 93 is assembled up to the bottom surface of the base 7. When assembling the guide 93, which holds the circuit board 9, into the base 7, it is possible to assemble it while restricting its position in the width direction with the two ribs arranged in the X direction, which are the restricting shape portion 932 of the guide 93, and the inclined surface 78 of the base 7. Then, as shown in Figure 22(d), a guide 93 that holds the circuit board 9 is incorporated into the base 7.

[0059] Figure 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the notches 911 and 912 of the base 7 into which the guide 93 holding the circuit board 9 is incorporated. Figure 23(a) shows the state just before the first positioning shape portion 79 of the base 7 and the notch portion 911 of the circuit board 9 engage. When the inclined shape portion 78 of the base 7 and the sliding surface 933 of the guide 93 come into contact, the notch portion 911 of the circuit board 9 held by the guide 93 is guided into and engages with the U-shaped groove which is the first positioning shape portion 79 of the base 7.

[0060] Figure 23(b) shows the state immediately before the second positioning shape portion 4417 of the chassis 44 and the notch portion 912 of the circuit board 9 engage. The notch portion 912 of the circuit board 9 is guided to and engages with the constricted shape portion 4417a of the second positioning shape portion 4417 of the chassis 44. After the notches 911 and 912 of the circuit board 9 engage with the base 7 and chassis 44, respectively, the circuit board 9 is positioned upright so as to be parallel to the rear surface portion 445 of the chassis 44, as shown in Figure 22(d). It is then positioned and fixed in place using fasteners such as screws in the holes 443 of the chassis 44.

[0061] Thus, the inclined portion 78 of the base 7 is formed at an angle such that the distance between the base 7 and the rear portion 445 of the chassis 44 increases as it moves in the Z direction. By sliding the sliding surface 933 of the guide 93 that holds the circuit board 9 against the inclined portion 78 of the base 7, the guide 93 holding the circuit board 9 can be assembled into the base 7, thereby reducing contact between the chassis 44 and the circuit board 9. Furthermore, the restricting portion 932 of the guide 93 and the inclined portion 78 of the base 7 allow the circuit board 9 held by the guide 93 to be assembled while restricting its movement in the X direction. This makes it possible for the notches 911 and 912 of the circuit board 9 to be easily guided and engaged with the first positioning portion 79 of the base 7 and the second positioning portion 4417 of the chassis 44. Furthermore, by providing a first positioning shape portion 79 on the base 7 and a second positioning shape portion 4417 on the chassis 44, the circuit board 9 can be widely supported in the X direction, and the circuit board 9 is placed and fixed to the chassis 44 in a stable position.

[0062] <Configuration for positioning and fixing the WLAN board and electronic devices on the bridging member> Figure 24(a) is a perspective view showing the assembly configuration of the bridging member 45, the WLAN board 94, and the electronic device 95. Figure 24(b) is a perspective view showing the state in which the WLAN board 94 and the electronic device 95 are positioned and held on the bridging member 45. The bridging member 45 has two fastening portions 456 and 457 that extend downward (in the -Z direction), which are formed by bending sheet metal on the upstream and downstream sides in the Y direction.

[0063] The WLAN board 94 has a base portion 941 provided with a hole 942 and a notch 943 for fastening to the fastening portion 456 of the bridging member 45. The fastening portion 456 of the bridging member 45 has contact surfaces 4561 and 4562 that come into contact with the base portion 941 of the WLAN board 94, which are formed by bending sheet metal. The contact surface 4561 is also provided with the hole 942 of the WLAN board 94 and a fastening hole 4563 for fastening with a fastening member such as a screw. Furthermore, the fastening portion 456 has a hook-shaped portion 4564 formed by bending sheet metal that engages with the notch 943 of the WLAN board 94.

[0064] The WLAN board 94 is assembled into the bridging member 45 from top to bottom in the Z direction. Then, as shown in Figure 24(b), the notch 943 of the WLAN board 94 engages with the hook-shaped portion 4564 of the fastening portion 456 of the bridging member 45, restricting its position in the Y and Z directions. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the board portion 941 of the WLAN board 94 makes contact with the contact surfaces 4561 and 4562 of the bridging member 45, and the WLAN board 94 is positioned and fixed to the fastening portion 456 by fastening members such as screws.

[0065] In this embodiment, the fastening portion 456 of the bridging member 45 is attached to a WLAN board 94, but other electrical boards may also be used.

[0066] As shown in Figure 24(a), the fastening portion 457 on the upstream side in the Y direction of the bridging member 45 has a grounding surface 4571 on which the electronic device 95 is grounded. The grounding surface 4571 has fastening holes 4572 for fastening with fastening members such as screws, and a hook-shaped portion 4573, which are formed in a roughly L-shape by bending sheet metal. The electronic device 95 holds a sheet metal 951, which has a surface 9512 that contacts the grounding surface 4571 of the fastening portion 457, and a hole 9512 for fastening with the fastening hole 4572 of the fastening portion 457. Furthermore, the sheet metal 951 has a hole 9513 for hooking onto the hook-shaped portion 4573 of the fastening portion 457.

[0067] The electronic device 95 is assembled to the bridging member 45 from the -X direction. As shown in Figure 24(b), the hole 9513 in the sheet metal 951 of the electronic device 95 is hooked onto the hook-shaped portion 4573 of the bridging member 45, and the surface 9511 makes contact with the contact surface 4571 of the fastening portion 457 of the bridging member 45. The electronic device 95 is then positioned and fixed to the fastening portion 457 of the bridging member 45 by fastening members such as screws. As a result, the bridging member 45 is able to hold the WLAN board 94 and the electronic device 95.

[0068] <Positional relationship between the surface on the base where the rubber component is attached and the pivot surface that supports the conveyor roller> Figure 25(a) is a perspective view showing the bearings 321 and 322 of the transport roller 32 of the transport unit 3 on the base 7, and the pivot surfaces that support the bearings 321 and 322. The base 7 is provided with pivot surfaces 726 and 736 that pivotally support the Z-direction of the bearings 321 and 322 of the transport roller 32, and the Z-direction of the bearing 321 of the transport roller is supported by the base 7. Figure 25(b) is a bottom view showing the fifth surface 727 and the sixth surface 737 on the bottom surface of the base 7, to which rubber members that make contact with the floor or the like are attached. The bottom surface of the base 7 has the fifth surface 727 and the sixth surface 737 to which rubber members that make contact with the floor or the like are attached when the recording device M is in use are attached.

[0069] Figures 25(c) and (d) show the positional relationship between the pivot surfaces 726 and 736 of the base 7 and the fifth surface 727 and sixth surface 737 on the bottom side. As shown in Figures 25(c) and (d), the fifth surface 727 and the sixth surface 737 are positioned approximately directly below the pivot surfaces 726 and 736 of the base 7, respectively.

[0070] When a load is applied from the pinch roller (not shown) to the conveyor roller 32, the load is transmitted to the axial support surface 726 of the base 7 via the bearing 321, and the load of the pinch roller can be supported by the floor or desk via a rubber member attached to the fifth surface 727 located almost directly below it. This suppresses deformation of the base 7 due to the load of the pinch roller and makes it possible to maintain good positional accuracy of the parts attached to the base 7.

[0071] (Other embodiments) Although the bridging member 45 is described as a sheet metal member, it may also be made of resin. Furthermore, although an example in which the bridging member 45 is attached to the first side wall 72 of the base 7 has been described, the bridging member 45 may be attached to either the first side wall 72 or the second side wall 73 of the base 7. Moreover, it may be attached to both the first side wall 72 and the second side wall 73.

[0072] The bridging member 45 and the chassis 44 may be fixed in position by welding. In addition, although an example has been described in which the engagement holes 4411 and 4421 on the lower surface of the chassis 44 are provided on a surface formed extending from the bottom surface, for example, the lower surface of the chassis 44 may have holes that engage with engagement parts such as bosses of the base 7.

[0073] Although an example has been described in which the circuit board 9 is disposed between the first side wall 72 of the base 7 and the rear part of the chassis 44, it may also be disposed between the second side wall 73 of the base 7 and the rear part of the chassis 44. In that case, the bridging member 45 may be configured to connect the second side wall 73 of the base 7 and the chassis 44.

[0074] The first positioning shape portion 79 of the base 7 and the second positioning shape portion 4417 of the chassis 44 only need to be one or more, and the position of the circuit board 9 only needs to be restricted by either the base 7 or the chassis 44.

[0075] Figure 26 shows a restricting shape portion 932 of the guide 93 in another embodiment. As shown in Figure 26, the restricting shape portion 932 of the guide 93 may be divided in the middle in the Z direction, and it is sufficient that the shape is provided in a position that restricts the position of the guide 93 in the X direction relative to the base 7. Furthermore, the restricting shape portion 932 of the guide 93 does not have to be a rib, and as shown in Figure 26, it may be part of the shape that holds the core 94 of the harness 95, and it is sufficient that the shape is provided that restricts the position of the guide 93 in the X direction relative to the base 7.

[0076] Figure 27 shows a second positioning shape portion 4417 of the chassis 44 in another embodiment. The second positioning shape portion 4417 of the chassis 44 is formed by bending and raising a U-shape from the chassis 44 and has a constricted shape portion 4417a, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 27, a block-shaped second positioning shape portion 4417 may be provided on the chassis 44, and the constricted shape portion 4417a of the second positioning shape portion 4417 may be engaged with the notch portion 912 of the circuit board 9.

[0077] This embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0078] (Composition 1) A recording means for dispensing liquid, A carriage mounted on the aforementioned recording means and movable in the scanning direction, A base having a flat surface, a first side wall erected on the flat surface, and a second side wall erected on the flat surface opposite to the first side wall, A chassis that is positioned and held relative to the base and capable of supporting the carriage while guiding it in the scanning direction, A bridging member connecting the first side wall and the chassis, Equipped with, The bridging member is positioned by engaging at one end in a first direction intersecting the scanning direction with a top surface portion which is the end opposite to the end provided on the chassis and fixed to the base, and by engaging at the other end in the first direction with an upper surface portion provided at the tip of the first side wall in the direction in which it is erected.

[0079] (Configuration 2) The recording device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the top surface and the upper surface are located at approximately the same height in the direction of erection from the base.

[0080] (Composition 3) The recording device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the chassis has rails formed thereon that extend in the scanning direction for guiding the carriage in the scanning direction.

[0081] (Composition 4) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the top surface portion is in the direction of gravity and has a first projection that protrudes in a second direction intersecting the scanning direction and the first direction, and the upper surface portion has a second projection that protrudes in the second direction.

[0082] (Composition 5) The recording device according to configuration 4, characterized in that a first engagement hole for engaging with the first projection is provided in the portion of the bridging member that engages with the top surface, and a second engagement hole for engaging with the second projection is provided in the portion of the bridging member that engages with the upper surface.

[0083] (Composition 6) The recording device according to configuration 5, wherein the first projection has two projections, the first engagement hole has two holes, and one projection of the first projection engages with one of the holes in the first engagement hole to restrict one of the scanning directions and the first direction in the bridging member, and the other projection of the first projection engages with the other hole in the first engagement hole to restrict the other direction of the scanning direction and the first direction in the bridging member.

[0084] (Composition 7) The recording device according to any one of configurations 4 to 6, characterized in that the chassis is formed of sheet metal, and the first projection is formed by bending and extending in the scanning direction.

[0085] (Composition 8) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the chassis and the bridging member are fastened together by a fastening member, and at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall is fastened together with the bridging member by a fastening member.

[0086] (Composition 9) The recording device according to configuration 8, characterized in that the bridging member is formed of sheet metal and has holes for fastening by the fastening member.

[0087] (Composition 10) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the chassis is positioned by engaging with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion provided on the base and along the scanning direction, and is fastened to the base by a fastening member.

[0088] (Composition 11) The recording device according to configuration 10, characterized in that the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided protruding in a second direction intersecting the scanning direction and the first direction, and the chassis can be positioned relative to the base by moving the chassis along the second direction.

[0089] (Composition 12) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that a circuit board is held by a guide under the bridging member and positioned between the base and the chassis.

[0090] (Composition 13) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the chassis is fastened to the first side wall via the bridging member and also fastened to the second side wall.

[0091] (Composition 14) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, further comprising a transport means for transporting a recording medium in the first direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 4. Records Section 7 Base 9 Circuit board 32 Conveyor rollers 41 Carriage 44 Chassis 45. Bridging member 72 First side wall 73 Second side wall 93 Guide 321 Bearing 771 Engaging part 772 Engaging part

Claims

1. A recording means for dispensing liquid, A carriage mounted on the aforementioned recording means and movable in the scanning direction, A base having a flat surface, a first side wall erected on the flat surface, and a second side wall erected on the flat surface opposite to the first side wall, A chassis that is positioned and held relative to the base and capable of supporting the carriage while guiding it in the scanning direction, A bridging member connecting the first side wall and the chassis, Equipped with, The bridging member is positioned by engaging at one end in a first direction intersecting the scanning direction with the top surface portion which is the end opposite to the end provided on the chassis and fixed to the base, and by engaging at the other end in the first direction with the upper surface portion provided at the tip of the first side wall in the direction in which it is erected. A recording device characterized in that the top surface and the upper surface are located at approximately the same height in the direction in which the device is erected from the base.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis has rails formed thereon that extend in the scanning direction for guiding the carriage in the scanning direction.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the top surface portion is in the direction of gravity and has a first projection that protrudes in a second direction intersecting the scanning direction and the first direction, and the upper surface portion has a second projection that protrudes in the second direction.

4. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that a first engagement hole for engaging with the first projection is provided in the portion of the bridging member that engages with the top surface, and a second engagement hole for engaging with the second projection is provided in the portion of the bridging member that engages with the upper surface.

5. The recording device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first projection has two projections, the first engagement hole has two holes, and one projection of the first projection engages with one of the holes in the first engagement hole to restrict one of the scanning directions and the first direction in the bridging member, and the other projection of the first projection engages with the other hole in the first engagement hole to restrict the other direction of the scanning direction and the first direction in the bridging member.

6. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that the chassis is formed of sheet metal, and the first projection is formed by bending and extending in the scanning direction.

7. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis and the bridging member are fastened together by a fastening member, and at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall is fastened together with the bridging member by a fastening member.

8. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that the bridging member is formed of sheet metal and has holes for fastening by the fastening member.

9. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis is positioned by engaging with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion provided on the base and along the scanning direction, and is fastened to the base by a fastening member.

10. The recording device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided protruding in a second direction intersecting the scanning direction and the first direction, and the chassis can be positioned relative to the base by moving the chassis along the second direction.

11. A recording means for dispensing liquid, A carriage mounted on the aforementioned recording means and movable in the scanning direction, A base having a flat surface, a first side wall erected on the flat surface, and a second side wall erected on the flat surface opposite to the first side wall, A chassis that is positioned and held relative to the base and capable of supporting the carriage while guiding it in the scanning direction, A bridging member connecting the first side wall and the chassis, Equipped with, The bridging member is positioned by engaging at one end in a first direction intersecting the scanning direction with the top surface portion which is the end opposite to the end provided on the chassis and fixed to the base, and by engaging at the other end in the first direction with the upper surface portion provided at the tip of the first side wall in the direction in which it is erected. A recording device characterized in that a circuit board is held by a guide under the bridging member and positioned between the base and the chassis.

12. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis is fastened to the first side wall via the bridging member and also fastened to the second side wall.

13. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transport means for transporting a recording medium in the first direction.

Images