Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device that can regulate a moving body from unintentionally moving in an attaching / detaching direction on the basis of driving force, when moving the moving body to a replacement position.SOLUTION: A recording device is configured so that a moving body 20M including a recording part 20 that performs recording on a medium or a maintenance part that performs maintenance of the recording part 20 can be moved and detachably attached thereto. The recording device comprises: the moving body 20M; a first guide part 37 that guides the moving body 20M along a moving direction B; second guide parts 38 and 39 that are branched from the first guide part 37, guide the moving body 20M along an attaching / detaching direction Z crossing the moving direction M; and a regulating part 51. When the moving body 20M is at a replacement position PH1 at which the second guide parts 38 and 39 are branched from the first guide part 37 and at which the moving body can be detachably attached thereto, the regulating part 51 regulates the moving body 20M from moving along the attaching / detaching direction Z on the basis of driving force for moving the moving body 20M in the moving direction B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus including a recording unit that records on a medium such as paper. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus including a recording unit. In this recording apparatus, a head unit (an example of a moving body) moves along a guide rail. The head unit is arranged at a plurality of stop positions by moving along a first direction (an example of a moving direction). The recording apparatus has a replacement position where the recording unit can be replaced as one of the stop positions. A replacement guide rail extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction that is the extending direction of the guide rail is connected to the replacement position on the guide rail extending in the first direction. That is, at the replacement position, the guide rail branches and is connected to the replacement guide rail. At positions other than the replacement position, for example, a guide roller on the head unit side is regulated by a wall of the guide rail, so displacement of the moving body in the second direction is regulated. The head unit is driven to move in the first direction via a moving mechanism such as a rack and pinion mechanism. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-55781 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the recording device described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that if the moving part is in the replacement position for maintenance or replacement and an attempt is made to move the moving part further in the first direction, the driving force may cause the moving part to move unintentionally in the second direction. It should be noted that the moving part is not limited to the recording part such as the head unit, but the same problem can occur in the moving parts of maintenance parts such as the cap part and wiper part used for maintenance on the recording head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A recording device that solves the above problems is a recording device in which a movable body including a recording unit that records on a medium or a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the recording unit is configured to be movable and detachable, comprising: the movable body; a first guide unit that guides the movable body along the direction of movement; a second guide unit that branches off from the first guide unit and guides the movable body along a detachable direction that intersects the direction of movement; and a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the movable body along the detachable direction based on a driving force that moves the movable body in the direction of movement when the movable body is in a detachable replacement position at a position where the second guide unit branches off from the first guide unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the recording device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the recording device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the motion unit. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the recording section. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the recording unit and adjustment unit. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the main components of the motion unit. [Figure 7] This is a schematic front view showing the recording unit in the replacement position. [Figure 8] This is a schematic front view showing the recording unit removed from the replacement position. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front view showing a moving object and guide rails that guide the moving object. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a motion unit equipped with a regulatory mechanism. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing the recording unit and regulatory mechanism at the replacement location. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged schematic front view showing the regulatory mechanism when the recording unit is in the replacement position. [Figure 13] This is a schematic front view showing the state in which the regulated part is in contact with the regulated surface of the regulated part. [Figure 14] This is a front view showing the process of removing the recording unit from its replacement position. [Figure 15] This is a front view showing the process of removing the recording unit from its replacement position. [Figure 16] This is a front view showing the process of removing the recording unit from its replacement position. [Figure 17] This is a front view showing the regulating mechanism when the recording unit is in the replacement position in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a front view showing the regulatory mechanism. [Figure 19] This is a front view showing the process of removing the recording unit from its replacement position. [Figure 20] This is a front view showing the process of removing the recording unit from its replacement position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording apparatus 11 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral. The recording apparatus 11 has a plurality of functions including a scanning function, a copying function, and a printing function. In the drawings, it is assumed that the recording apparatus 11 is placed on a horizontal installation surface. Among the Z-axis orthogonal to the installation surface of the recording apparatus 11, the upward direction is defined as +Z direction and the downward direction is defined as -Z direction, and the two axes orthogonal to the Z-axis are defined as X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The X direction parallel to the X-axis includes both the +X direction and the -X direction. Since the X direction parallel to the X-axis is the width direction of the medium M, it is also referred to as the width direction X. The Y direction parallel to the Y-axis includes both the +Y direction and the -Y direction. The Y direction parallel to the Y-axis is also referred to as the horizontal direction Y. The Z direction parallel to the Z-axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0008] <Overall Configuration of Recording Apparatus 11> As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped apparatus main body 12, and an image reading unit 13 disposed on an upper portion of the apparatus main body 12. The apparatus main body 12 has a conveyance path T (see FIG. 2) that conveys a medium M such as paper.

[0009] The image reading unit 13 includes a reading portion 13A and an automatic document feeder 13B. The automatic document feeder 13B feeds a document D placed on a document tray 13C to the reading portion 13A, and discharges the document D after being read by the reading portion 13A to a discharge tray 13D. In addition to a feed-type reading function for reading a document D being conveyed, the reading portion 13A also has a flatbed reading function for reading a document D set on a document platen that is exposed when the automatic document feeder 13B is opened.

[0010] The recording apparatus 11 may have an operation unit 14 in the apparatus main body 12. The operation unit 14 may have, for example, a display portion 14A configured as a touch panel. That is, a user may be able to give instructions to the recording apparatus 11 by performing a touch operation on the display portion 14A.

[0011] The recording apparatus 11 may include a cassette 15 capable of accommodating a plurality of media M. The cassette 15 may be provided in one or a plurality of stages (for example, 4 stages in FIG. 1). The cassette 15 is inserted into a lower portion of the apparatus main body 12 in a detachable state by sliding in the X-axis direction using a handle 15A.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 12 includes a plurality of cover doors 16 to 18 on a side surface 11S thereof. The plurality of cover doors 16 to 18 have handles 16A to 18A for a user to perform an opening / closing operation. The first cover door 16 includes a feed tray 16T on which the medium M can be placed. The feed tray 16T has a handle 16B for a user to perform an opening / closing operation.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 11 has a recording section 20 that records on a medium M (see FIG. 2). The recording section 20 performs recording on the medium M fed from the cassette 15 and the medium M fed from the feed tray 16T.

[0014] The recording apparatus 11 has a discharge section 19 through which the recorded medium M (see FIG. 2) is discharged. The discharge section 19 includes a discharge tray 19A for stacking the media M discharged from the apparatus main body 12. <Internal Configuration of Recording Apparatus 11> Next, the internal configuration of the recording apparatus 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0015] The recording apparatus 11 includes a conveying section 21 that conveys the medium M, and the recording section 20 that records on the medium M. The recording section 20 has a recording head 20H that discharges liquid such as ink. The recording section 20 records on the medium M by discharging liquid from the recording head 20H. Furthermore, the recording apparatus 11 includes a cap section 60 and a wiper section 70 (see FIG. 3) as a maintenance section for maintaining the recording section 20.

[0016] The transport unit 21 has a transport path T shown by a dashed line in Figure 2, through which the medium M is transported. The AB coordinate system shown in the YZ plane is a Cartesian coordinate system. Direction A is equal to the transport direction of the medium M at the recording position opposite the recording unit 20. The direction upstream in direction A is called the -A direction, and the direction downstream is called the +A direction. In this embodiment, direction A is a direction that is inclined toward the -Y direction and the +Z direction as it progresses toward the +A direction. Specifically, direction A is a direction inclined by an angle of 30° to 80° with respect to the horizontal direction Y, and in particular in Figure 2, it is inclined by approximately 60° with respect to the horizontal direction Y. Thus, direction A is the direction in which the transport direction of the medium M intersects both the horizontal direction Y and the vertical direction Z at an acute angle.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the recording unit 20 is configured to be movable in the B direction, which is the direction opposite to the transport belt 25B that functions as a support for the medium M. The B direction is a direction that is inclined by a predetermined acute angle with respect to the horizontal plane. In the B direction, the direction in which the recording head 20H approaches the transport belt 25B is the +B direction, and the direction in which it moves away from the transport belt 25B is the -B direction. In the B direction, as it moves in the +B direction, it moves in the -Y direction and the -Z direction. In this embodiment, the B direction is perpendicular to the A direction in the YZ plane.

[0018] The recording unit 20 is configured to be movable between the exchange position PH1, shown by a dashed line in Figure 2, and the recording position PH4, shown by a solid line in Figure 2. By moving the recording unit 20 in the +B direction from the exchange position PH1, it can move to multiple positions that include at least the exchange position PH1 and the recording position PH4. In this example, the direction B, which is the direction of movement of the recording unit 20, is also called the first movement direction B. This first movement direction B is a direction that intersects the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction Y.

[0019] The recording position PH4 is the position where the recording head 20H performs recording by ejecting a liquid such as ink onto the medium M. The replacement position PH1 is the position where a user or service technician replaces the recording unit 20 for maintenance or other purposes. The device body 12 may be equipped with a first sensor SE1 capable of detecting the recording unit 20 at the replacement position PH1. When the first sensor SE1 detects that the recording unit 20 has reached the replacement position PH1, the motor 41 may be stopped. Alternatively, the position of the recording unit 20 when the first sensor SE1 detects it may be set as the origin on the movement path of the recording unit 20.

[0020] The discharge section 19 has a space for accommodating the media M stacked on the mounting surface 19B of the discharge tray 19A. In this embodiment, the recording section 20 and the cap section 60 can be replaced through the replacement access port 12A, which is exposed when the discharge tray 19A is removed. In other words, the recording section 20 and the cap section 60 are configured to be detachable from the device body 12.

[0021] Furthermore, the media M contained in the cassette 15 is transported along the transport path T by the pickup roller 22 and the transport roller pairs 23 and 24. The transport path T is formed by the confluence of a transport path T1 extending from an external device and a transport path T2 extending from a supply tray 16T provided on the main body of the device 12.

[0022] Furthermore, a conveyor belt 25B, multiple pairs of conveyor rollers 26, multiple flaps 27, and a media width sensor SE4 for detecting the width of the media M in the X direction are arranged along the conveyor path T. The conveyor belt 25B is wrapped around a pair of rollers 25A. The conveyor belt 25B is supported by the media M at the recording position opposite the recording unit 20. The flaps 27 have the function of switching the path along which the media M is conveyed.

[0023] The transport path T forms a curved section in the region facing the media width sensor SE4, and extends in the direction A in the region downstream of this curved section. Downstream of the transport belt 25B, the transport path T has transport paths T3 and T4 leading to the discharge section 19, and a reversal path T5 that reverses the front and back sides of the media M. The reversal path T5 reverses the media M after recording on the first side is completed so that the second side becomes the recording surface. The transport belt 25B may employ an air adsorption method or an electrostatic adsorption method to adsorb the media M.

[0024] The recording unit 20 has a recording head 20H positioned opposite the transport belt 25B in the B direction. The recording unit 20 is capable of dispensing liquid over the entire width X of the medium M. That is, the recording head 20H is a line head with multiple nozzles capable of simultaneously recording over the entire width X of the medium M. However, the recording unit 20 may also be a serial recording system that is mounted on a carriage and dispensing ink while moving in the width X of the medium M.

[0025] The recording device 11 includes a cap portion 60, which is an example of a maintenance portion for performing maintenance on the recording unit 20. The cap portion 60 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth in a second movement direction A that intersects with the first movement direction B with respect to the space between the recording unit 20 and the transport belt 25B. The cap portion 60 covers the recording head 20H when the recording unit 20 is in a retracted position, retracted from the recording position PH4 in the direction of -B.

[0026] The cap portion 60 is movable between a cap position PC2 where maintenance is performed on the recording head 20H, and a retracted position PC1 located in the direction -A from the cap position PC2. The device body 12 may be equipped with a second sensor SE2 capable of detecting the cap portion 60 at the retracted position PC1. The position of the cap portion 60 when the second sensor SE2 detects it may be set as the origin of the movement path of the cap portion 60. The recording unit 20 is movable to a wiping position (not shown) located a predetermined distance away in the direction -B from the recording position PH4. The cap portion 60 performs capping, covering the recording head 20H at a capped position PH3 (see Figure 7), which is slightly lower than the wiping position. When the recording device 11 is in recording operation, the cap portion 60 waits at the retracted position PC1. The cap portion 60 has one end of its movement path as the replacement position PC3.

[0027] Furthermore, the recording device 11 includes a wiper unit 70 (see Figure 3) that moves along a predetermined direction to perform maintenance on the recording unit 20. The wiper unit 70 constitutes an example of a maintenance unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the recording device 11 includes a control unit 100 that controls the recording device 11. The device body 12 also includes a liquid storage section 101 for storing liquids such as ink, and a waste liquid storage section 102 for storing waste liquids such as ink. The liquid storage section 101 supplies liquids such as ink to the recording head 20H via a tube (not shown). The recording head 20H discharges the liquids such as ink supplied from the liquid storage section 101.

[0029] The discharge tray 19A shown in Figure 2 is configured to be removable from the main body 12 of the device. The recording unit 20 is replaced through the replacement access port 12A, which is exposed when the discharge tray 19A is removed. The cap 60 is also replaced through the same replacement access port 12A. When the control unit 100 receives a command to replace the recording unit 20, it moves the recording unit 20 to the replacement position PH1. When the control unit 100 receives a command to replace the cap 60, it moves the cap 60 to the replacement position PC3 (see Figure 9).

[0030] <Configuration of motion unit 30> Next, the configuration of the motion unit 30 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the recording device 11 includes a motion unit 30. The motion unit 30 has a main frame 33 that forms the skeleton of the main body. The main frame 33 has a pair of side frames 34, 34 that face each other at a predetermined distance in the X direction, and a plurality of horizontal frames 35 that connect the pair of side frames 34, 34.

[0031] The motion unit 30 holds the recording unit 20, the cap unit 60, and the wiper unit 70 so that they can move along mutually intersecting directions of movement. The motion unit 30 includes a first movement mechanism 31 (see Figures 4 and 7) that moves the recording unit 20 in a first movement direction B (direction B) as an example of a direction of movement. Furthermore, the motion unit 30 includes a second movement mechanism 65 (see Figure 7) that moves the cap unit 60 in a second movement direction A (direction A), and a third movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the wiper unit 70 in a third movement direction X (direction X). Thus, the recording device 11 has the recording unit 20 as a first moving body 20M, the cap unit 60 as a second moving body 60M, and the wiper unit 70 as a third moving body 70M.

[0032] Each of the pair of side frames 34, 34 has one guide member 36 attached to its two opposing inner surfaces, which guides the recording unit 20 so that it can move in the first movement direction B. The two guide members 36 are arranged almost symmetrically with respect to the center of the main frame 33 in the X direction. For this reason, the guide member 36 on the -X direction side will be described, and the description of the guide member 36 on the +X direction side will be omitted.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the guide member 36 has a first guide portion 37 extending in the first movement direction B, and second guide portions 38 and 39 branching off from a portion of the first guide portion 37 and extending in the Z direction. Each of the guide portions 37 to 39 is a groove-shaped rail opening in the +X direction. The guide roller 44 of the recording unit 20 (see Figure 4) is inserted into the groove of the first guide portion 37. The first guide portion 37 guides the recording unit 20 in the first movement direction B.

[0034] <Regarding the configuration of the recording unit 20, the cap unit 60, and the wiper unit 70> Next, with reference to Figure 3, the detailed configuration of the recording unit 20 will be described. The recording unit 20 is equipped with a recording head 20H at its lower end in the +B direction. The recording unit 20 is assembled to the main frame 33 in a state that it can move in the first movement direction B by being guided by a first guide section 37, with a plurality of guide rollers 44 (see Figure 4) attached to both sides in the width direction X. A pair of first guide sections 37 (only one is shown in Figure 3) are assembled on the inner surfaces of a pair of side frames 34 in a state that extends in the first movement direction B.

[0035] The recording unit 20 is guided by the first guide unit 37 to move to a plurality of stop positions, including the recording position PH4 and the replacement position PH1 (see Figure 2 for both). Specifically, by moving along the first guide unit 37, the recording unit 20 can stop in the +B direction in the order of the following positions: the replacement position PH1, the wiping position (not shown), the capping position PH3, and the recording position PH4.

[0036] The cap section 60 comprises a plurality of caps 61 and a cap carriage 62 on which the caps 61 are mounted. The cap section 60 moves in the +A direction from the retracted position shown in Figure 3 to the cap position facing the recording head 20H. At the cap position, the cap section 60 performs capping and cleaning of the recording head 20H. The cap section 60 has a plurality of caps 61 used for capping that covers the recording head 20H.

[0037] The wiper unit 70 waits in the retracted position shown in Figure 3, and moves from the retracted position in the +X direction to clean the nozzle surface (not shown) through which the nozzle of the recording head 20H opens. In Figure 3, one side frame 34 has a through hole 34A through which the wiper unit 70 can be inserted when it moves from the retracted position to the cleaning area. The third movement direction may be a direction other than the X direction, as long as cleaning can be performed without interference with the cap unit 60. The wiper unit 70 may also be replaceable at the replacement position.

[0038] <Detailed configuration of the recording unit 20 and the first moving mechanism 31> As shown in Figure 4, the recording head 20H of the recording unit 20 extends in the width direction X. A pair of plate portions 20A protrude from both ends of the recording head 20H in the width direction X toward the +A direction. The recording unit 20 has the recording head 20H and a pair of support plates 20S attached to both ends of the recording head 20H in the width direction X. The pair of support plates 20S are connected by a bar member 20B as shown in Figure 3.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the support plate 20S is configured as a side plate along the AB surface and extends in the -B direction relative to the recording unit 20. At both ends in the B direction of the outer surface of the support plate 20S in the Y direction, cylindrical shafts 44A extending in the +Y direction and -Y direction, respectively, are provided. A guide roller 44, as an example of a guided part, is rotatably attached to the shaft 44A. The guide roller 44 is made of, for example, an annular roller.

[0040] The first moving mechanism 31 is, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism 31A. The rack and pinion mechanism 31A includes a rack 28 and a drive gear 43. The drive gear 43 is driven by a motor 41 (see Figure 6), which is the power source for the rack and pinion mechanism 31A. The rack and pinion mechanism 31A moves the recording unit 20 in the first moving direction B, in which the rack 28 extends. The recording head 20H of the recording unit 20 has a plurality of unit heads 20U. The plurality of unit heads 20U are arranged side by side in the width direction X. When the recording operation is not performed, the nozzle surfaces of the plurality of unit heads 20U are covered by a plurality of caps 61 shown in Figure 3.

[0041] The rack 28 is provided on the inner surface of the support plate 20S in the X direction. The rack 28 has a pin 28P. The pin 28P protrudes outward from the rack 28 in the X direction. The rack 28 is a plate-shaped member with the X direction as its thickness direction and extends in the B direction. At the end of the rack 28 on the -A direction side, a toothed portion 28A is formed, having a plurality of teeth aligned in the B direction.

[0042] Furthermore, the support plate 20S has an elongated hole 20C that penetrates in the X direction and is long in the B direction. A pin 28P is inserted through the elongated hole 20C. This allows the rack 28 to move relative to the support plate 20S in the B direction. The recording head 20H is fixed to the support plate 20S. Therefore, the recording unit 20 is configured to move relative to the rack 28 in the B direction.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the recording unit 20 is provided between the rack 28 and the recording unit 20, and includes a biasing unit 29 that biases the rack 28 and the recording unit 20 in a direction that separates them. The biasing unit 29 is, for example, a compression spring. The biasing unit 29 biases the rack 28 and the support plate 20S in a direction that separates them in direction B. Therefore, when the rack 28 is moved in the +B direction while the movement of the recording unit 20 in its downward direction (direction B) is restricted, the rack 28 moves relative to the recording unit 20, accompanied by the compression deformation of the biasing unit 29. The biasing unit 29 elastically deforms within the range in which the pin 28P can move within the elongated hole 20C. Note that the biasing unit 29 is not limited to a compression spring, but may also be a tension spring or a torsion coil spring.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the biasing portion 29 is held in a state in which it can be elastically deformed in the direction B, with both ends hooked to a first hooking portion 28B that extends horizontally from the rack 28 and a second hooking portion 22A that extends horizontally from the inner surface of the support plate 20S. The drive gear 43 that constitutes the first moving mechanism 31 rotates with the power of the motor 41, which is the drive source.

[0045] <Configuration of adjustment unit 46> Next, the configuration of the adjustment unit 46 will be described with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the main frame 33 is provided with the adjustment unit 46. The adjustment unit 46 has the function of adjusting the gap between the nozzle surface of the recording head 20H and the upper surface (support surface) of the transport belt 25B that supports the medium M. The adjustment unit 46 adjusts the gap to an appropriate value depending on the type of medium M.

[0046] The adjustment unit 46 includes an eccentric cam 48 as an example of a cam member, and a camshaft 47 for rotating the eccentric cam 48. More specifically, the adjustment unit 46 includes the camshaft 47, two eccentric cams 48, a motor 49, an adjustment screw 57, a detected member 58, and a position sensor 59.

[0047] The camshaft 47 is a member that is long in the width direction X, extending from one side frame 34 to the other side frame 34. Two eccentric cams 48 are attached to the camshaft 47. The outer surfaces of the two eccentric cams 48 also form cam surfaces. As shown in Figure 5, the outer surfaces of the eccentric cams 48 are in contact with the portion of the plate portion 20A of the recording unit 20 in the +B direction. As a result, the rotation of the camshaft 47 causes the two eccentric cams 48 to rotate, adjusting the position of the recording head 20H in the B direction. The motor 49 is driven and controlled by the control unit 100 (see Figure 2) to rotate the camshaft 47 in one direction or in the opposite direction.

[0048] The eccentric cam 48 shown in Figure 5 has its outer circumferential surface as the cam surface. Both ends of the cam shaft 47 are rotatably supported by the side frame 34 via bearings (not shown). As shown in Figure 5, the adjustment unit 46 has an adjustment screw 57. By rotating the adjustment screw 57, the position of the eccentric cam 48 in direction B can be adjusted.

[0049] The detected member 58 attached to the end of the camshaft 47 is detected by a position sensor 59. The position sensor 59 is, for example, an optical sensor. The position sensor 59 detects the rotation angle of the camshaft 47 based on whether or not light is blocked from the detected member 58. The control unit 100 adjusts the rotation angle of the eccentric cam 48 by driving the motor 49 based on the rotation angle of the camshaft 47 detected by the position sensor 59. In this embodiment, the descent of the recording unit 20 is stopped when the plate portion 20A of the recording head 20H is in contact with the cam surface of the eccentric cam 48. As a result, the recording head 20H is positioned at the recording position PH4 according to the type of medium M. Thus, the recording device 11 includes an eccentric cam 48 that defines the position of the recording unit 20 by contacting the recording unit 20. At this time, the recording unit 20 is pressed against the eccentric cam 48 by the biasing portion 29. Errors in the stopping position of the rack 28 are absorbed by the compression deformation of the biasing portion 29.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the drive unit 40 comprises a motor 41, a gear section (not shown), a rotating shaft 42, and a drive gear 43. The drive unit 40 is driven and controlled by a control unit 100 (see Figure 2). The rotating shaft 42, which is powered by the motor 41, extends in the Y direction, and both ends of the shaft are rotatably supported by a pair of side frames 34. The drive gear 43 is attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 42 in the Y direction. Teeth 43A that mesh with the teeth 28A of the rack 28 are formed on the outer circumference of the drive gear 43. The motor 41 rotates the rotating shaft 42 and the drive gear 43 in one direction or in opposite directions via the gear section (not shown). In this way, the drive unit 40 rotates the drive gear 43 to move the recording unit 20 back and forth in the B direction.

[0051] <Regarding the replacement of the recording unit 20> As shown in Figure 7, the recording unit 20 is designed so that the rack and pinion mechanism 31A can be disengaged at the exchange position PH1, which is furthest from the conveyor belt 25B (see Figure 1) in direction B. The recording unit 20 is movable along the first movement direction B between a recording position PH4 (see Figure 2) where recording is performed on the medium M, and a detachable exchange position PH1. At the exchange position PH1, which is moved in the -B direction along the first guide section 37, the recording unit 20 is pulled up in the +Z direction along the second guide sections 38 and 39, thereby disengaging the rack and pinion mechanism 31A.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, when the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the multiple guide rollers 44 are located at the branching point between the first guide section 37 extending in the direction B and the two second guide sections 38 and 39 extending in the vertical direction Z. When the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the guide rollers 44 are movable in the vertical direction Z along the two second guide sections 38 and 39, making it possible to attach and detach the recording unit 20 to the device body 12. In this embodiment, the attachment and detachment direction is equal to the vertical direction Z, and is therefore also called the attachment and detachment direction Z.

[0053] The recording unit 20 has a guide roller 44 as an example of a guided part guided by the first guide section 37 and the second guide sections 38, 39. When the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the guide roller 44 is located at the respective branching points of the first guide section 37 and the second guide sections 38, 39. In this state, the guide roller 44 can move in the attachment / detachment direction Z. When the guide roller 44 is in a position other than the branching point, that is, when the recording unit 20 is in a position other than the replacement position PH1, the guide roller 44 is restricted from moving in directions other than the first movement direction B (including the attachment / detachment direction Z) by the guide surface of the first guide section 37.

[0054] When the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1 shown in Figure 7, the operator can attach and detach the recording unit 20 through the replacement work opening 12A, which is exposed when the discharge tray 19A located above it is removed. The operator can attach and detach the recording unit 20 by moving it in the attachment / detachment direction Z while guiding the guide rollers 44 of the recording unit 20 with the second guide parts 38 and 39. The operator can remove the recording unit 20 from the replacement work opening 12A as shown by the solid line in Figure 8 by pulling up the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z while guiding the guide rollers 44 of the recording unit 20 in the replacement position PH1 with the two second guide parts 38 and 39.

[0055] <Guidance configuration of recording unit 20> As shown in Figure 9, the recording device 11 includes a movable body 20M which includes a recording unit 20 that records on a medium M. In the recording device 11, the movable body 20M is configured to be movable and detachable. The recording device 11 includes a first guide section 37 which guides the movable body 20M along a first movement direction B, and second guide sections 38, 39 which branch off from the first guide section 37 and guide the movable body 20M along an attachment / detachment direction Z which intersects the first movement direction B. The first guide section 37 and the second guide sections 38, 39 are not orthogonal. The first guide section 37 is divided midway to secure the movement path of the cap section 60 and includes a first guide section 37A which is positioned on the side of the conveyor belt 25B.

[0056] The recording device 11 includes a rack and pinion mechanism 31A as the first moving mechanism 31. The rack and pinion mechanism 31A includes a rack 28 and a drive gear 43, and moves the recording unit 20 in the first moving direction B. The rack 28 is attached to the recording unit 20. The drive gear 43, which is meshed with the rack 28, rotates with the power of the motor 41. When the motor 41 is driven in the forward direction, the drive gear 43 rotates in the clockwise direction in Figure 9, and the recording unit 20 descends in the +B direction. On the other hand, when the motor 41 is driven in the reverse direction, the drive gear 43 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 9, and the recording unit 20 rises in the -B direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 9, when the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the rack 28 is in a position where it disengages from the drive gear 43 at its longitudinal end on the +B side. Because the rack 28 and the drive gear 43 are disengaged, the recording unit 20 remains positioned in the replacement position PH1 even if the drive gear 43 continues to reverse. However, while the drive gear 43 continues to reverse, the rack 28 continues to receive force from the drive gear 43.

[0058] The first movement direction B in which the recording unit 20 moves guided by the first guide unit 37 intersects the vertical direction Z. In other words, the first movement direction B intersects the attachment / detachment direction Z. Also, the rack 28 is located above the drive gear 43. In other words, the rack 28 is in a positional relationship where it will vibrate due to tooth skipping when it receives an upward force from the drive gear 43 due to the component of the force received from the drive gear 43 in the attachment / detachment direction Z. When the guide roller 44 is located at the branching point, if the rack 28 receives an upward force, it is easy for the rack 28 to move in the attachment / detachment direction Z, which may induce vibration of the recording unit 20 due to tooth skipping.

[0059] <Guidance structure of cap portion 60> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the recording device 11 includes a movable body 60M which includes a cap portion 60, one of the maintenance portions for performing maintenance on the recording unit 20. In the recording device 11, the movable body 60M is configured to be movable and detachable. The recording device 11 includes a first guide portion 64 which guides the movable body 60M along the second movement direction A, and a second guide portion 64A which branches off from the first guide portion 64 and guides the movable body 60M along the attachment / detachment direction which intersects the second movement direction A. The second guide portion 64A is an opening formed in the first guide portion 64. Although the second guide portion 64A is an opening, the direction in which the inner wall surface of the opening faces can be considered as the attachment / detachment direction of the second guide portion 64A. In this respect, the first guide portion 64 and the second guide portion 64A are not orthogonal.

[0060] The cap portion 60 is equipped with a plurality of guide rollers 63, which are an example of guided portions. As the plurality of guide rollers 63 are guided by the first guide portion 64, the cap portion 60 moves along the first guide portion 64 in the second movement direction A.

[0061] The recording device 11 includes a rack and pinion mechanism 65A as a second moving mechanism 65. The rack and pinion mechanism 65A includes a rack 66 and a drive gear 68 (pinion), and moves the cap portion 60 in the second moving direction A. The rack 66 is attached to the cap portion 60.

[0062] The drive gear 68, which is meshed with the rack 66, rotates with the power of the motor 67. When the motor 67 is driven forward, the drive gear 68 rotates clockwise in Figure 9, and the cap portion 60 rises in the +A direction. On the other hand, when the motor 67 is driven in reverse, the drive gear 68 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 3, and the cap portion 60 descends in the -A direction. The cap portion 60 may also have a biasing portion 29 similar to that of the recording portion 20.

[0063] When the cap portion 60 is in the replacement position PC3, the guide roller 63 is located at the branching point of the first guide portion 64 and the second guide portion 64A. In this state, the guide roller 63 can move in the attachment / detachment direction. When the guide roller 63 is in a position other than the branching point, that is, when the cap portion 60 is in a position other than the replacement position PC3, the guide roller 63 is restricted from moving in directions other than the second movement direction A (including the attachment / detachment direction) by the guide surface of the first guide portion 64.

[0064] The second movement direction A in which the cap portion 60 moves guided by the first guide portion 64 is a direction that intersects the vertical direction Z. The rack 66 is located above the drive gear 68. In other words, the rack 66 is in a positional relationship with the drive gear 68 such that it will vibrate due to tooth skipping when it receives an upward force from the drive gear 68 due to the component of the force that the rack 66 receives in the attachment / detachment direction. When the guide roller 63 is located at the branching point, if the rack 66 receives an upward force, the rack 66 can move in the attachment / detachment direction, which may induce vibration of the cap portion 60 due to tooth skipping.

[0065] When an operator replaces the cap portion 60, they use the operation unit 14 to specify the replacement. When the control unit 100 receives an operation signal from the operation unit 14, it drives the motor 67 in the forward direction to move the cap portion 60 to the replacement position PC3. In addition to the replacement position where the entire cap portion 60 can be replaced, a separate position where only the cap 61 can be replaced may also be set.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, when replacing the cap portion 60, the cap portion 60 moves to the replacement position PC3, which is set at the end opposite to the retracted position PC1 in its movement path. When the cap portion 60 is at the replacement position PC3, it can be attached to and detached from the device body 12. In other words, the cap portion 60 is designed so that the engagement of the rack and pinion mechanism 65A can be disengaged at the replacement position PC3. Specifically, by rotating the cap portion 60, which is located at the replacement position PC3 shown in Figure 9, counterclockwise in the figure and pulling it out in the direction of -B, the engagement of the rack and pinion mechanism 65A and disengagement from the first guide portion 64 can be achieved.

[0067] When the three types of movable bodies 20M, 60M, and 70M are moved to the replacement positions PH1 and PC3, the mechanism suppresses movement (displacement) of the movable bodies 20M, 60M, and 70M in the attachment / detachment direction caused by tooth skipping in the rack and pinion mechanisms 31A and 65A, while also ensuring the ease of replacement of the movable bodies 20M, 60M, and 70M. The configuration of the regulating mechanism 50 that suppresses tooth skipping at the replacement positions PH1 and PC3 is basically the same for the three types of movable bodies 20M, 60M, and 70M. Therefore, in the following, the recording unit 20 will be used as an example of a movable body, and a configuration that can achieve both suppression of movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z caused by tooth skipping in the rack and pinion mechanism 31A when the recording unit 20 is moved to the replacement position PH1, and ease of replacement of the recording unit 20 will be described.

[0068] When the motor 41 is driven with a drive amount that includes a margin, there is a period of time after the first mobile body 20M reaches the replacement position PH1 during which the motor 41 continues to rotate. Also, even if the configuration is such that the motor 41 stops when the first sensor SE1 detects that the recording unit 20 has reached the replacement position PH1, there may be a period during which the motor 41 rotates while the recording unit 20 is at the replacement position PH1.

[0069] During these periods, the rack 28 continues to receive force from the drive gear 43. The component of this force in the attachment / detachment direction Z is a force in the +Z direction, which induces movement of the rack 28 in the +Z direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the movable body 20M moves to the exchange position PH1, a restricting mechanism 50 is provided to reduce the force component in the attachment / detachment direction Z of the force that the rack 28 receives from the drive gear 43. The restricting mechanism 50 restricts the movement of the rack 28 or the recording unit 20, thereby applying a reaction force to the rack 28 or the recording unit 20 that has a component in the -Z direction, which is the opposite direction to the attachment / detachment direction Z. This suppresses movement of the rack 28 and the recording unit 20 in the +Z direction (removal direction) of the attachment / detachment direction Z.

[0070] <Composition of the 50 Regulatory Bodies> Next, the detailed configuration of the regulatory mechanism 50 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 16. Figure 10 shows a motion unit 30 equipped with a regulating mechanism 50. The basic configuration and principle of the regulating mechanism 50 are common to the regulating mechanisms 50 provided for each of the moving bodies 20M, 60M, and 70M. Therefore, the configuration of the regulating mechanism 50 applied to the recording unit 20, which is the first moving body 20M, will be described below.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the motion unit 30 includes a restricting mechanism 50 that restricts the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z when the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1. A pair of restricting mechanisms 50 are provided in the width direction X. In other words, one restricting mechanism 50 is provided for each movement mechanism 31.

[0072] The regulating mechanism 50 comprises a regulating part 51 fixed to the main frame 33 and a restricted part 55 provided on the recording unit 20 side. More specifically, the regulating part 51 is fixed to the upper support frame 35U. In Figure 10, the regulating part 51 and the restricted part 55 are in contact. When the restricted part 55 contacts the regulating part 51, the recording unit 20 is restricted from moving any further in the -B direction.

[0073] Figure 11 shows the state in which the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1. When the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the multiple guide rollers 44 of the recording unit 20 are located at the branching point where the first guide section 37 and the second guide sections 38, 39 intersect. The replacement position PH1 is a position in which the movable body 20M can be guided by the second guide sections 38, 39 and in which the movable body 20M can be attached and detached. Therefore, when the movable body 20M receives an upward force in the attachment / detachment direction Z, it can move in the attachment / detachment direction Z. For example, when the movable body 20M is in the replacement position PH1 and the drive gear 43 is rotating, the rack 28 receives a force in the +Z direction (upward) as the component of the force received from the drive gear 43 in the attachment / detachment direction Z.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11, the restricting unit 51 restricts the movement of the movable body 20M in the attachment / detachment direction Z due to the driving force of the movable body 20M when the movable body 20M (recording unit 20) is in the attachment / detachment replacement position PH1, which is the position where the second guide units 38 and 39 branch off from the first guide unit 37.

[0075] The recording unit 20 has a restricted portion 55 that can contact the restricting portion 51. The restricted portion 55 is fixed to the rack 28. The restricted portion 55 is, for example, a cylindrical pin. When the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1, the restricting portion 51 is positioned so that it can contact the restricted portion 55 on the recording unit 20 side. Therefore, the restricting portion 51 and the restricted portion 55 are positioned at the same location in the width direction X.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12, the restricting section 51 has a restricting surface 52 that can come into contact with the restricted section 55 of the recording section 20. The restricting section 51 also has a guide surface 53 that comes into contact with the restricted section 55 when the recording section 20 is mounted, thereby guiding the restricted section 55.

[0077] The restricting surface 52 intersects the attachment / detachment direction Z. If the restricting surface 52 were parallel to the attachment / detachment direction Z, it would not be able to restrict the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z. However, because it intersects with the attachment / detachment direction Z, it can restrict the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z. The force restricting the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z is greater the closer the acute angle at which the restricting surface 52 intersects the attachment / detachment direction Z is to a right angle. In other words, the force restricting the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z is greater the smaller the acute angle between the normal direction of the restricting surface 52 and the attachment / detachment direction Z. The force restricting the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z is zero when the angle between the normal direction of the restricting surface 52 and the attachment / detachment direction Z is a right angle.

[0078] The restricting surface 52 is inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal plane such that it displaces in the -Y direction as it moves in the +Z direction. If the restricting surface 52 intersects the attachment / detachment direction Z, when the restricted part 55 comes into contact with the restricting surface 52, the recording unit 20 receives a reaction force with a component that restricts movement in the attachment / detachment direction Z. The forces and reaction forces that the rack 28 receives from the drive gear 43 will be described later.

[0079] Figure 12 shows the recording unit 20 stopped at the replacement position PH1. In this stopped state, the restricted part 55 and the restricting surface 52 are slightly separated. The recording unit 20 is removed by moving it in the +Z direction from this state. In the front view shown in Figure 12, the restricting surface 52 intersects the attachment / detachment direction Z. Therefore, the restricting surface 52 and the restricted part 55 overlap by an interference amount d1 (overlap amount) in the attachment / detachment direction Z. In other words, when moving the recording unit 20 in the +Z direction, the restricted part 55 is in a positional relationship that interferes with the corner 54 of the restricting part 51. The closer the angle of the restricting surface 52 is to the attachment / detachment direction Z in its normal direction, the larger the interference amount d1 tends to be.

[0080] Figure 13 shows the state in which the restricted portion 55 is in contact with the restricting surface 52. When the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the biasing portion 29 presses the restricted portion 55 against the restricting surface 52. When the restricted portion 55 is pressed against the restricting surface 52, the biasing portion 29 undergoes elastic deformation. Therefore, during the process of removing the recording unit 20 in the +Z direction, the biasing portion 29 undergoes compressive deformation, guiding the restricted portion 55 towards the restricting surface 52 and displacing it in the -Y direction. As a result, by sequentially following the states shown in Figures 14 to 16, the restricted portion 55 overcomes the corner portion 54 of the restricting portion 51, and the recording unit 20 is removed from the replacement position PH1 in the +Z direction.

[0081] In this way, as the recording unit 20 is moved in the +Z direction along the second guide units 38 and 39, the restricted unit 55 is guided in the -Y direction along the restricting surface 52, which functions as an guiding surface. This guidance causes the rack 28 to move relative to the support plate 20S in the +B direction, accompanied by the compression deformation of the biasing unit 29. As a result, the recording unit 20 can be removed in the +Z direction (removal direction) without the restricted unit 55 being obstructed by the restricting unit 51.

[0082] Next, referring to Figure 13, the forces that the recording unit 20 receives when moving to the replacement position PH1, and the reaction forces received from the restricting surface 52, etc., will be explained. As shown in Figure 13, the rack 28, which meshes with the drive gear 43, receives a force from the drive gear 43 in the direction of pressure angle Fp, which is at a predetermined angle (for example, 20°) with respect to the drive direction Fd, which is the direction in which the teeth 28A extend. In other words, the rack 28 moves in the drive direction Fd by receiving a force f0 in the direction of pressure angle Fp from the drive gear 43.

[0083] The force f0 in the pressure angular direction Fp can be divided into two components: a force f1 in the driving direction Fd and a force f2 in the attachment / detachment direction Z. Force f1 is the force that moves the rack 28 in the driving direction Fd. Force f2 is the force that tries to move the rack 28 in the attachment / detachment direction Z (especially the removal direction + Z). In other words, force f2 induces the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z when the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1 and the guide roller 44 is positioned at the branching point of the first guide unit 37. This force f2 in the attachment / detachment direction Z causes tooth skipping between the rack 28 and the drive gear 43 due to the displacement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z. Then, when the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the repeated occurrence of tooth skipping causes the recording unit 20 to vibrate.

[0084] The rack 28 receives a force f0 in the pressure angular direction Fp from the drive gear 43. The component of this force f0 in the drive direction Fd is force f1. Force f1 is the force in the direction in which the teeth 28A of the rack 28 extend. The component of this force f0 in the attachment / detachment direction Z is force f2. The restricting unit 51 restricts the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z by suppressing this force f2.

[0085] As shown in Figure 13, when the restricted portion 55 comes into contact with the restricting surface 52, the restricted portion 55 receives a reaction force f3 from the restricting surface 52. The restricting surface 52 is perpendicular to the pressure angle direction Fp, which is the direction of the force that the rack 28 receives from the drive gear 43. Therefore, the reaction force f3 that the rack 28 receives from the restricting surface 52 is in the opposite direction to the pressure angle direction Fp and is approximately the same magnitude as force f0. The component of this reaction force f3 in the attachment / detachment direction Z, force f4, is in the opposite direction to force f2 and is approximately the same magnitude as force f2. Thus, the force f4 in the -Z direction cancels out the force f2 in the +Z direction. Furthermore, force f1 is canceled out by force f5, which is the component of the reaction force f3 in the drive direction Fd.

[0086] Furthermore, the restricting surface 52 intersects with the direction of the force f0 applied from the drive gear 43 to the rack 28. In particular, in this embodiment, the restricting surface 52 is perpendicular to the direction of the force f0 applied from the drive gear 43 to the rack 28. Also, the restricting surface 52 intersects with direction B, which is the extending direction of the rack 28. In this embodiment, the restricting surface 52 intersects with direction B, which is the extending direction of the rack 28 with the recording unit 20 attached, at an acute angle.

[0087] (Effect of the embodiment) Next, the operation of the recording device 11 will be explained. Here, we will describe the case where the recording unit 20, which is one of the moving parts, is replaced.

[0088] By removing the discharge tray 19A of the device body 12, the replacement work port 12A, which is an opening in the device body 12, is exposed. When replacing the recording unit 20, the drive gear 43 is rotated by the motor 41, and the rack 28 that meshes with the drive gear 43 moves in the -B direction, so that the recording unit 20, to which the rack 28 is fixed, moves to the replacement position PH1 (Figures 2 and 7). The operator pulls the recording unit 20 at the replacement position PH1 up vertically in the Z direction along the two second guide parts 38 and 39, and removes it from the replacement work port 12A as shown by the solid line in Figure 8.

[0089] Here, as the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1, the control unit 100 moves the recording unit 20 to the replacement position PH1 by rotating the motor 41, which is the drive source, by a predetermined amount. At this time, the amount of rotation of the motor 41 is set to an amount that ensures the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1, so the rotation of the drive gear 43 continues for a while even after the recording unit 20 has reached the replacement position PH1.

[0090] When the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1, the restricted unit 55 comes into contact with the restricting surface 52 of the restricting unit 51. Since the restricting surface 52 is a surface perpendicular to the pressure angular direction Fp, the force f0 in the pressure angular direction Fp is received perpendicularly to the restricting surface 52, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the force f0. Here, the force f0 in the pressure angular direction Fp includes two force components: a force f1 in the driving direction Fd and a force f2 in the attachment / detachment direction Z. As the force f0 in the pressure angular direction Fp is received, the rack 28 receives a reaction force f3 from the restricting surface 52 in the opposite direction to the force f0 in the pressure angular direction. This reaction force f3 cancels out the force f0 in the pressure angular direction Fp. In other words, the force f2 that would push the rack 28 upward in the Z direction is canceled out. Therefore, the restricting mechanism 50 restricts the displacement of the rack 28 in the attachment / detachment direction Z, which allows for attachment and detachment. As a result, when the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1, the phenomenon in which the rack 28 vibrates in the Z direction with tooth skipping relative to the drive gear 43 can be avoided.

[0091] Next, the operator removes the recording unit 20, located at the replacement position PH1, in the removal direction Z while guiding the multiple guide rollers 44 to the second guide sections 38 and 39. As shown in Figure 14, during the removal process of the recording unit 20, the restricted portion 55 is displaced relative to the restricting portion 51 along the restricting surface 52 in the +B direction, accompanied by compression deformation of the biasing portion 29. Then, as shown in Figure 15, the restricted portion 55 detaches from the restricting portion 51 by overcoming the corner 54 of the restricting portion 51.

[0092] Subsequently, the worker attaches the new recording unit 20 to be replaced or the recording unit 20 after maintenance work has been completed to the first guide unit 37 by dropping it along the second guide units 38 and 39. As the guide roller 44 moves along the second guide units 38 and 39 by its own weight to the branching point, the recording unit 20 moves in the attachment / detachment direction Z and is attached to a position where it can be guided to the first guide unit 37.

[0093] When the recording unit 20 is installed, as shown in Figure 16, the restricted portion 55 comes into contact with the guide surface 53 of the restricting portion 51, and then moves relative to the restricting portion 51 along the guide surface 53 in the +B direction. As a result, the recording unit 20 is installed at the replacement position PH1 while taking a path that avoids the restricting portion 51 without the restricted portion 55 interfering with the restricting portion 51.

[0094] After the recording unit 20 is installed, when the operator uses the operation unit 14 to indicate that the replacement is complete, the control unit 100, which receives this operation signal, drives the motor 41 to move the recording unit 20 to the capping position PH3. As a result, the recording head 20H of the recording unit 20 is capped by the cap 61 of the cap unit 60, which is waiting at the capping position PC2.

[0095] Next, we will explain how to replace the cap portion 60. By removing the discharge tray 19A of the device body 12, the replacement work port 12A, which is an opening in the device body 12, is exposed. When replacing the cap portion 60, the drive gear 68 is rotated by the motor 67, and the rack 66 that meshes with the drive gear 68 moves in the +A direction, so that the cap portion 60 fixed to the rack 66 moves to the replacement position PC3. By removing the guide roller 63 from the insertion port at the +A end of the first guide portion 64, the cap portion 60 is removed from the device body 12.

[0096] Here, as the cap portion 60 reaches the replacement position PC3, the control unit 100 moves the motor 67, which is the drive source, by a predetermined amount of rotation to move the cap portion 60 to the replacement position PC3. At this time, the amount of rotation of the motor 67 is set to an amount that ensures the cap portion 60 reaches the replacement position PC3, so the rotation of the drive gear 68 continues for a while even after the cap portion 60 has reached the replacement position PC3.

[0097] When the cap portion 60 reaches the replacement position PC3, the restricted portion 55 comes into contact with the restricting surface 52 of the restricting portion 51. Since the restricting surface 52 is a surface perpendicular to the pressure angular direction Fp, the force in the pressure angular direction Fp is received perpendicularly to the restricting surface 52, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the force. Here, the force in the pressure angular direction Fp includes two force components: a force in the driving direction Fd and a force in the attachment / detachment direction B. As the force in the pressure angular direction Fp is received, the rack 66 receives a reaction force from the restricting surface 52 in the opposite direction. This reaction force cancels out the force in the pressure angular direction Fp. In other words, the force component that would push the rack 66 upward in the B direction is canceled out. Therefore, the restricting mechanism 50 restricts the displacement of the rack 66 in the attachment / detachment direction B, which allows for attachment and detachment. As a result, when the cap portion 60 reaches the replacement position PC3, the phenomenon of the rack 66 vibrating in the B direction with tooth skipping relative to the drive gear 68 can be suppressed.

[0098] Subsequently, the worker attaches the new cap portion 60 to be replaced or the cap portion 60 after maintenance work has been completed to the first guide portion 64 via the second guide portion 64A. As the guide roller 63 moves along the second guide portion 64A by its own weight to the branching point, the cap portion 60 is moved in the attachment / detachment direction B and attached to a position where it can be guided to the first guide portion 64. After attachment, when the worker performs an operation to indicate the completion of the replacement using the operation unit 14, the control unit 100, which receives this operation signal, drives the motor 67 to move the cap portion 60 to the retracted position PC1.

[0099] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The recording device 11 is configured such that a movable body 20M including the recording unit 20 or a movable body 60M, 70M which is an example of a maintenance unit is movable and detachable. The recording device 11 includes, for example, a movable body 20M, a first guide unit 37, second guide units 38, 39 and a restricting unit 51. The first guide unit 37 guides the movable body 20M along the movement direction B. The second guide units 38, 39 branch off from the first guide unit 37 and guide the movable body 20M along the attachment / detachment direction Z which intersects the movement direction B. The restricting unit 51 restricts the movement of the movable body 20M in the attachment / detachment direction Z based on the driving force f0 of the movable body 20M when the movable body 20M is in an attachment / detachment exchange position PH1 which is at the position where the second guide units 38, 39 branch off from the first guide unit 37.

[0100] When the movable bodies 60M and 70M are in the exchange positions PH1 and PC3, if they unintentionally move in a second direction (e.g., attachment / detachment direction Z, B) that intersects the first direction (e.g., first movement direction B or second movement direction A), which is the extension direction of the first guide parts 37 and 64, various problems can be triggered. For example, tooth skipping may occur between the racks 28 and 66 and the drive gears 43 and 68 (pinions), resulting in abnormal noise or other disturbances, or the meshing between the racks 28 and 66 and the drive gears 43 and 68 may disengage. Therefore, there is a desire to avoid the movable bodies 60M and 70M unintentionally moving in the second direction.

[0101] With this configuration, when the movable body 20M is in the replacement position PH1, its movement in the attachment / detachment direction Z based on the driving force f0 is restricted, thereby suppressing unintended movement of the movable body 20M in the attachment / detachment direction Z. For example, it is possible to suppress problems such as vibration and noise caused by unintended movement of the movable body 20M in the attachment / detachment direction Z, or power transmission abnormalities of the moving mechanism 31 (such as tooth skipping or disengagement). Furthermore, since the movable body 20M can move to the replaceable replacement position PH1, attachment and detachment of the movable body 20M is easier compared to recording devices that do not have a configuration that allows movement to the replacement position PH1.

[0102] (2) The movable body 20M is a recording unit 20 that records on the medium M. The recording unit 20 is movable along the direction of movement B to a recording position PH4 where it records on the medium M, and to a detachable replacement position PH1. With this configuration, vibration of the recording unit 20 can be suppressed when the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1. In particular, when the recording unit 20 is a line head, it is heavy and therefore more susceptible to vibrations and other effects, but these can be effectively suppressed.

[0103] (3) The restricting unit 51 has a restricting surface 52 that can come into contact with the restricted portion 55 of the recording unit 20. The restricting surface 52 intersects the attachment / detachment direction Z. With this configuration, the movement of the recording unit 20 along the attachment / detachment direction Z can be restricted by the restricting surface 52 coming into contact with the restricted portion 55 provided on the recording unit 20.

[0104] (4) The recording unit 20 is further equipped with a rack and pinion mechanism 31A which includes a rack 28 and a drive gear 43 and moves the recording unit 20 in the direction of movement B. The rack 28 is attached to the recording unit 20 and has a restricted portion 55 that can contact the restricting portion 51. The restricting portion 51 has a restricting surface 52 that can contact the restricted portion 55. With this configuration, the movement of the recording unit 20 can be restricted by the restricting surface 52 contacting the restricted portion 55 of the rack 28 provided on the recording unit 20.

[0105] (5) The restricting surface 52 intersects with the direction of the force applied from the drive gear 43 to the rack 28. With this configuration, by restricting with the restricting surface 52 that intersects with the direction of the force applied from the drive gear 43 to the rack 28, the movement of the rack 28 being pushed up by the drive gear 43 can be directly restricted, thus more effectively restricting the movement of the recording unit 20.

[0106] (6) The first guide section 37 and the second guide sections 38, 39 are not perpendicular to each other. The restricting surface 52 intersects with the extending direction of the rack 28. With this configuration, compared to the case where the restricting surface 52 intersects with the direction of the force applied from the drive gear 43 to the rack 28, the amount of interference between the restricting surface 52 and the restricted section 55 is reduced, making it easier to attach and detach the recording section 20.

[0107] (7) The restricting section 51 has a guide surface 53 that contacts the restricted section 55 when the recording section 20 is installed, thereby guiding the restricted section 55. With this configuration, the recording section 20 can be installed at the replacement position PH1 while avoiding interference between the restricted section 55 and the restricting section 51 when installing the recording section 20.

[0108] (8) A biasing unit 29 is provided between the rack 28 and the recording unit 20, which biases the rack 28 and the recording unit 20 in a direction that separates them. When the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the biasing unit 29 presses the restricted unit 55 against the restricting surface 52. With this configuration, by bringing the rack 28 and the recording unit 20 closer together against the biasing force of the biasing unit 29, the restricted unit 55 can be separated from the restricting surface 52 and the restriction can be released. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the recording unit 20, it is not necessary to attach or detach the restricting unit 51, making replacement easier.

[0109] (9) The device further includes an eccentric cam 48, which is an example of a cam member that defines the position of the recording unit 20 by contacting the recording unit 20. The recording unit 20 is pressed against the eccentric cam 48 by the biasing unit 29. With this configuration, the positional accuracy of the recording unit 20 can be improved by pressing the recording unit 20 against the eccentric cam 48 with the biasing unit 29. In addition, by sharing the biasing unit 29, effects such as cost reduction and miniaturization of the device can be obtained.

[0110] (10) The direction of movement B is the direction that intersects the vertical direction Z. The rack 28 is located above the drive gear 43. In this configuration, when the rack 28 is located above the drive gear 43, the rack 28 and the recording unit 20 move up and down due to the rotation of the drive gear 43 and its own weight. Therefore, if the recording unit 20 moves unintentionally, problems such as vibration and noise are likely to occur.

[0111] (11) The recording unit 20 has a guide roller 44, which is an example of a guided part that is guided by the first guide part 37 and the second guide parts 38, 39. When the recording unit 20 is in the replacement position PH1, the guide roller 44 is located at the branching point of the first guide part 37 and the second guide parts 38, 39. With this configuration, by providing a guided part to the recording unit 20, the recording unit 20 can be guided more appropriately than in a configuration where it is provided on a rack 28 or the like. For example, errors and looseness are less likely to occur.

[0112] (12) The recording unit 20 is capable of discharging liquid over the entire width X of the medium M. With this configuration, the recording unit 20 is capable of discharging liquid over the entire width X of the medium M, for example, a line head. A line head is heavier than a serial head, so unintended movement of the recording unit 20 is likely to have adverse effects, but unintended movement can be suppressed.

[0113] (13) The direction of movement B is a direction that intersects the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction Y. With this configuration, the horizontal Y dimension of the device can be reduced by moving it diagonally. When the position of the recording unit 20 is defined vertically downward, it is pressed against the cam by its own weight, but when the direction of movement B is diagonal, the pressing effect by its own weight is weakened, so it is effective to press it with the biasing unit 29.

[0114] (14) When the regulating mechanism is applied to the cap portion 60 as the moving body 60M, the effects of (1) to (13) above in the recording unit 20 can be similarly obtained in the cap portion 60. That is, in (1) to (13) above, the recording unit 20 is replaced with the cap portion 60, the first guide portion 37 with the first guide portion 64, the second guide portions 38 and 39 with the second guide portion 64A, the rack 28 with the rack 66, the drive gear 43 with the drive gear 68, and the guide roller 44 with the guide roller 63. As a result, the effects of (1) to (13) above can be similarly obtained in the cap portion 60 as the second moving body 60M. The same applies when applied to the wiper portion 70 as the moving body 70M.

[0115] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the restricting surface of the restricting part that restricts further movement of the rack was a surface perpendicular to the pressure angle direction Fp, but in the second embodiment, the restricting surface 82 is a surface perpendicular to the drive direction Fd.

[0116] The recording device 11 is equipped with a regulating mechanism 80 that is different from the regulating mechanism 50 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the regulating mechanism 80 comprises a regulating part 81 and a regulated part 85. The regulated part 85 is provided at the tip of the rack 28. The regulating part 81 has a regulating surface 82 that can contact the regulated part 85 formed at the tip of the rack 28.

[0117] In this embodiment, the restricting surface 82 is perpendicular to the driving direction Fd of the rack 28. Therefore, when the restricted portion 85 of the rack 28 contacts the restricting surface 82, it receives a reaction force f6 from the restricting surface 82. Thus, the force f2, which is the component of the driving force f0 in the attachment / detachment direction Z, is partially canceled out by the force f7, which is the component of the reaction force f6 in the attachment / detachment direction Z. In this case, a small amount of the force of the upper component of the driving force f0 in the vertical direction Z remains, but since the force in the -Z direction due to the weight of the recording unit 20 including the rack 28 is greater, no force acts on the recording unit 20 in the removal direction +Z. In this way, in this embodiment, the sum of force f7 and the weight of the recording unit 20 is set to be greater than force f2.

[0118] In the front view shown in Figure 18, the direction along the regulating surface 82 intersects with the attachment / detachment direction Z. Therefore, the regulating surface 82 and the regulated portion 85 overlap by an interference amount d2 in the vertical direction Z.

[0119] Furthermore, the restricting surface 52 intersects with the direction of the force f0 applied from the drive gear 43 to the rack 28. In this embodiment, the restricting surface 52 intersects with the direction of the force f0 applied from the drive gear 43 to the rack 28 at an acute angle. Also, the restricting surface 52 intersects with direction B, which is the extending direction of the rack 28. In particular, in this embodiment, the restricting surface 52 is perpendicular to direction B, which is the extending direction of the rack 28. For this reason, the interference amount d2 is more easily kept smaller than the interference amount d1 in the first embodiment.

[0120] Next, the operation of the recording device 11 will be explained with reference to Figures 17 to 20. When the recording unit 20 is replaced, for example, when the recording unit 20, which has started moving from the capped position PH3, reaches the replacement position PH1, the restricted portion 85 at the tip of the rack 28 comes into contact with the restricting surface 82 of the restricting portion 81. Since the restricting surface 82 is a surface perpendicular to the driving direction Fd, it can receive the force f1, which is the component of the driving force f0 in the pressure angle direction Fp, perpendicularly. As a result, the rack 28 receives a reaction force f6 from the restricting surface 82 in the opposite direction to the force f1 and of approximately the same magnitude as the force f1. The force f7, which is the component of the reaction force f6 in the attachment / detachment direction Z, is smaller than the force f4 in the first embodiment. Therefore, although the effect is slightly smaller than in the first embodiment, the movement of the recording unit 20 in the attachment / detachment direction Z can be restricted by the force f7 and the weight of the recording unit 20. As a result, when the recording unit 20 reaches the replacement position PH1, the phenomenon of the rack 28 vibrating in the Z direction with tooth skipping relative to the drive gear 43 is suppressed. Therefore, the generation of abnormal noises and sounds caused by tooth skipping can be avoided.

[0121] Next, the operator removes the recording unit 20, located at the replacement position PH1, in the removal direction Z while guiding the multiple guide rollers 44 to the second guide sections 38 and 39. As shown in Figure 19, during the removal process of the recording unit 20, the restricted portion 55 is displaced relative to the restricting portion 51 along the restricting surface 82 in the +B direction, accompanied by compression deformation of the biasing portion 29. Then, as shown in Figure 20, the restricted portion 85 detaches from the restricting portion 81 by overcoming the corner 84 of the restricting portion 81.

[0122] Subsequently, the worker attaches the new recording unit 20 to be replaced or the recording unit 20 after maintenance is completed to the first guide unit 37 by dropping it along the second guide units 38 and 39. As the guide roller 44 moves by its own weight along the second guide units 38 and 39 to the branching point, the recording unit 20 moves in the attachment / detachment direction Z and is attached to the replacement position PH1 guided by the first guide unit 37.

[0123] When the recording unit 20 is installed, the restricted portion 85 comes into contact with the guide surface 83 of the restricting portion 81, and then moves relative to the restricting portion 81 along the guide surface 53 in the +B direction. As a result, the recording unit 20 is installed at the replacement position PH1 without the restricted portion 85 interfering with the restricting portion 81, and taking a path that avoids the corner portion 84 of the restricting portion 81.

[0124] After the recording unit 20 is installed, when the operator uses the operation unit 14 to indicate that the replacement is complete, the control unit 100, which receives this operation signal, drives the motor 41 to move the recording unit 20 to the capping position PH3. As a result, the recording head 20H of the recording unit 20 is capped by the cap 61 of the cap unit 60, which is waiting at the capping position PC2.

[0125] As described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment. (15) The restricted portion 55 is provided at the tip of the rack 28. With this configuration, by providing the restricted portion 55 at the tip, the amount of interference d2 between the restricted surface 52 and the restricted portion 55 is reduced, making it easier to attach and detach the recording unit 20.

[0126] Furthermore, the above embodiment can be modified to a form such as the following modified example. In addition, the above embodiment and the following modified example can be appropriately combined to form a further modified example, and the following modified examples can be appropriately combined to form a further modified example.

[0127] In this embodiment, the guiding surface of the regulating part is a flat surface and the outer surface of the regulated part is a curved surface, but the reverse is also possible. That is, the guiding surface of the regulating part may be a curved surface and the outer surface of the regulated part may be a flat surface. In this case, the regulated part may be changed from a round bar (cylindrical shape) as in the first embodiment to a prismatic shape (triangular prismatic or rectangular prismatic shape).

[0128] The moving part may have a drive gear, and the device body may have a rack. For example, the recording head 20H may have a drive gear, and the device body 12 may have a rack. Alternatively, for example, the cap portion 60 may have a drive gear, and the device body 12 may have a rack.

[0129] The number of rack and pinion mechanisms per moving body is not limited to one pair (two), but may be one or more than three. The moving mechanisms 31 and 65 for moving the moving body are not limited to rack and pinion mechanisms, but may be other known moving mechanisms. For example, they may be belt-type moving mechanisms, linear guide mechanisms, cylinder drive mechanisms, etc.

[0130] The restricted portion 55 is not limited to being provided on the rack. For example, in a configuration that moves using a rack and pinion mechanism, the restricted portion 55 may be provided on the recording head 20H or the support plate 20S.

[0131] The regulating mechanism 50 may be applied to only one of the first moving body 20M and the second moving body 60M. For example, the regulating mechanism may be applied only to the first moving body 20M, or only to the second moving body 60M. Furthermore, the regulating mechanism 50 may be applied only to the wiper section 70. In this way, the moving body to which the regulating mechanism is applied may be appropriately selected as needed.

[0132] The regulating mechanism 50 of the first embodiment and the regulating mechanism 80 of the second embodiment may be applied to multiple moving objects in the recording device 11. The wiper section 70 may also be fitted with regulating mechanisms 50 and 80. In this case, the regulating mechanism 50 may be applied to both the cap section 60 and the wiper section 70, or it may be applied only to the wiper section 70.

[0133] In the embodiments described above, the rack is positioned above the drive gear (pinion) (opposite side of the gravity direction -Z), but the rack may also be positioned below the drive gear. In this configuration as well, when the moving body is in the replacement position, movement of the moving body in the attachment / detachment direction based on the driving force f0 of the moving body can be suppressed. In this case, the rack and drive gear may be a combination of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material, so that when the moving body is in the replacement position, it is less likely to fall due to its own weight due to the magnetic force. In such a configuration as well, providing the regulating mechanisms 50 and 80 makes it even less likely for the moving body to fall due to its own weight.

[0134] The restricting parts 51 and 81 may be detachable. If the configuration does not include the biasing part 29, or if the restricted part is provided on a member that can move relative to it via the biasing part, it becomes difficult to remove the moving body in the detachment direction due to interference amounts d1 and d2. In this case, the restricting parts 51 and 81 may be made detachable, and the restricting parts 51 and 81 may be removed when replacing the moving body.

[0135] The restricting parts 51 and 81 do not need to completely stop movement along the attachment / detachment direction. Therefore, in each of the above embodiments, the restricting surface 52 is configured to press the moving body in a direction that forms an acute angle with the attachment / detachment direction, but the restricting surface 52 may also be provided to press the moving body perpendicular to the attachment / detachment direction.

[0136] The attachment / detachment direction is not limited to the vertical direction Z, but may be in other directions. For example, the attachment / detachment direction may be in a direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the drive direction Fd when viewed from the front. Also, the attachment / detachment direction may be in a direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the pressure angle direction Fp when viewed from the front.

[0137] The second guide portion that guides the cap portion 60 in the attachment / detachment direction may be replaced with an opening and used as a guide rail. In this case, the angle between the normal direction of the regulating surfaces 52, 82 and the attachment / detachment direction may be made acute.

[0138] In the second embodiment, a restricted portion 85 may be provided at the rear end of the rack 28 opposite to the front end. For example, the direction of movement of the movable body during replacement may be opposite to that of the above embodiments. For example, the replacement position PH1 may be on the +B side of the recording position PH4 of the recording unit 20. In this case, the replacement work opening 12A may be provided on the lower side of the device body 12.

[0139] The restricting unit may have a variable configuration that allows it to move between a restricting position that restricts the movement of the movable body in the attachment / detachment direction when it is in the replacement position, and an unrestricted position that allows movement of the movable body in the attachment / detachment direction. The control unit 100 drives an actuator (not shown) when the movable body moves to the replacement position to position the restricting unit, and when the movement of the movable body to the replacement position is complete, it retracts the restricting unit to the unrestricted position. In this case, the position where the restricting unit restricts the movable body may be a part other than the rack. If the restricting unit is movable, for example, it may directly restrict the guide roller, which is the guided part. The restricting surface of the restricting unit may be in a direction that intersects the attachment / detachment direction. With this configuration, when the movable body comes into contact with the restricting surface, the reaction force that the movable body receives from the restricting surface can add a force component that cancels out the force component that tries to move the movable body in the attachment / detachment direction based on the driving force f0 of the movable body. Therefore, movement of the movable body in the attachment / detachment direction can be suppressed.

[0140] The moving parts are not limited to the recording unit 20, the cap unit 60, and the wiper unit 70, but may be other parts. For example, the moving part may be the flushing unit, which is one of the maintenance units. Here, the flushing unit refers to the empty discharge that ejects liquid from the nozzle to a location other than the medium M in order to refresh the liquid such as ink in the nozzle of the recording head. The flushing unit is a moving part that includes a carriage equipped with a flushing box capable of receiving the empty discharged liquid. In this case, the moving mechanism may be a rack and pinion mechanism or other. Furthermore, when the flushing unit is in the replacement position, a restricting mechanism may be provided to restrict the movement of the flushing unit in the attachment / detachment direction based on the driving force that moves the flushing unit in the direction of movement.

[0141] • The medium M is not limited to paper, but may also be a film or medium made of synthetic resin, cloth, nonwoven fabric, laminated medium, etc. The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet type recording device 11, but may also be a dot matrix printer or a laser printer, or it may be a textile printing device.

[0142] The technical concepts and effects derived from the above embodiments and modifications are described below. (A) A recording device is a recording device in which a movable body including a recording unit for recording on a medium or a maintenance unit for maintaining the recording unit is configured to be movable and detachable, comprising: the movable body; a first guide unit for guiding the movable body in a direction of movement; a second guide unit branching off from the first guide unit and guiding the movable body in a detachable direction intersecting the direction of movement; and a restricting unit for restricting the movement of the movable body in the detachable direction based on a driving force that moves the movable body in the direction of movement when the movable body is in a detachable replacement position at a position where the second guide unit branches off from the first guide unit.

[0143] With this configuration, when the movable body is in the replacement position, movement in the attachment / detachment direction based on the driving force that moves the movable body in the movement direction is restricted, thus suppressing unintended movement of the movable body in the attachment / detachment direction. For example, it can suppress problems such as the generation of vibrations and noise caused by unintended movement of the movable body in the attachment / detachment direction, or power transmission abnormalities of the moving mechanism (such as tooth skipping or disengagement). Furthermore, since the movable body can be moved to the replacement position, attachment and detachment of the movable body is easier compared to recording devices that do not have a configuration that allows movement to the replacement position.

[0144] (B) In the recording device described above, the movable body is the recording unit that records on the medium, and the recording unit may be movable along the direction of movement to a recording position for recording on the medium and to a detachable replacement position.

[0145] This configuration allows for the suppression of vibrations in the recording unit when it is in the replacement position. In particular, when the recording unit is a line head, its weight makes it more susceptible to vibrations and other effects, but this configuration effectively suppresses them.

[0146] (C) In the recording device described above, the restricting portion has a restricting surface that can come into contact with the restricted portion of the recording portion, and the restricting surface may intersect in the attachment / detachment direction. With this configuration, the restricting surface comes into contact with the restricted portion provided on the recording unit, thereby restricting the movement of the recording unit along the direction in which it is attached and detached.

[0147] (D) The recording device further includes a rack and drive gears, and comprises a rack and pinion mechanism for moving the recording unit in the direction of movement, wherein the rack is attached to the recording unit and has a restricted portion that can contact the restricting portion, and the restricting portion may have a restricting surface that can contact the restricted portion.

[0148] With this configuration, the restricting surface comes into contact with the restricted portion of the rack provided on the recording unit, thereby restricting the movement of the recording unit. (E) In the recording device described above, the restricting surface may intersect with the direction of the force applied from the drive gear to the rack.

[0149] With this configuration, the movement of the recording unit can be more effectively restricted because the movement of the rack being pushed up by the drive gear can be directly restricted by a restricting surface that intersects with the direction of the force applied from the drive gear to the rack.

[0150] (F) In the recording device described above, the first guide section and the second guide section may not be orthogonal, and the regulating surface may intersect the extending direction of the rack. With this configuration, compared to a case where the restriction is applied by a restricting surface that intersects the direction of the force applied from the drive gear to the rack, the amount of interference between the restricting surface and the restricted part is reduced, making it easier to attach and detach the recording unit.

[0151] (G) In the recording device described above, the restricted portion may be provided at the tip of the rack. With this configuration, by providing a restricted portion at the tip, the amount of interference between the restricted surface and the restricted portion is reduced, making it easier to attach and detach the recording unit.

[0152] (H) In the recording device described above, the restricting portion may have a guide surface that contacts the restricted portion to guide it when the recording portion is mounted. (I) The recording device further includes a biasing unit provided between the rack and the recording unit, which biases the rack and the recording unit in a direction that separates them, and when the recording unit is in the replacement position, the biasing unit may press the restricted unit against the restricting surface.

[0153] With this configuration, by bringing the rack and recording unit closer together against the biasing force of the biasing unit, the restricted unit can be separated from the restricting surface, thereby releasing the restriction. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the recording unit, it is not necessary to detach the restricting unit, making replacement easier.

[0154] (J) The recording device further comprises a cam member that contacts the recording portion to define the position of the recording portion, and the recording portion may be pressed against the cam member by the biasing portion.

[0155] This configuration allows for improved positional accuracy of the recording unit by using a biasing mechanism to press it against the cam member. Furthermore, sharing the biasing mechanism enables cost reduction and miniaturization of the device.

[0156] (K) In the recording device described above, the direction of movement is a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the rack may be located above the drive gear. In this configuration, where the rack is positioned above the drive gear, the rack and recording unit move up and down due to the rotation of the drive gear and their own weight. Therefore, if the recording unit moves unintentionally, issues such as vibration and noise are likely to occur.

[0157] (L) In the recording device described above, the recording unit has a guided unit that is guided by the first guide unit and the second guide unit, and when the recording unit is in the replacement position, the guided unit may be located at the branching point of the first guide unit and the second guide unit.

[0158] With this configuration, by providing a guided section in the recording section, the recording section can be guided more appropriately compared to a configuration where it is mounted in a rack or the like. (M) In the recording device described above, the recording unit may be capable of dispensing liquid over the entire width of the medium.

[0159] With this configuration, if the recording unit is a line head, it is heavier than a serial head, making unintended movement of the recording unit more likely to have adverse effects, but this configuration can suppress unintended movement.

[0160] (N) In the recording device described above, the direction of movement may be a direction that intersects the vertical and horizontal directions. This configuration allows for miniaturization of the device in the horizontal direction by having the moving body move diagonally, intersecting the vertical and horizontal directions. When the recording unit is positioned vertically downward, it is pressed against the cam member by its own weight. However, when the direction of movement is diagonal, the pressing effect by its own weight is weakened, making it more effective to press it using a biasing unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 11...Recording device, 12...Device body, 12A...Replacement work port, 13...Image reading device, 14...Operation unit, 14A...Display unit, 15...Cassette, 15A...Handle, 16...First cover door, 16A...Handle, 16T...Feed tray, 17...First cover door, 17A...Handle, 18...First cover door, 18A...Handle, 19...Discharge unit, 19A...Discharge tray, 19B...Loading surface, 20...Recording unit, 20M...First mobile body as an example of a mobile body, 20A...Plate part, 20B...Bar member, 20C...Elongated hole, 20H...Recording head, 20S...Side plate 37,37A…First guide section, 38,39...Second guide section, 41...Motor, 43...Drive gear (pinion), 44...Guide roller as an example of a guided section, 46...Adjustment unit, 47...Camshaft, 48...Eccentric cam, 49...Gap adjustment motor, 50...Restricting mechanism, 51...Restricting section, 52...Restricting surface, 53...Guide surface, 54...Corner section, 55...Restricted section, 57...Adjustment screw, 58...Detected member, 59...Position sensor, 60...Cap section, 60M...Second movement as an example of a moving body Body, 61...Cap, 62...Cap carriage, 63...Guide roller as an example of a guided part, 64...First guide part, 64A...Second guide part, 65...Second moving mechanism, 65A...Rack and pinion mechanism, 66...Rack, 67...Motor, 68...Drive gear (pinion), 70...Wiper part, 70M...Third moving body as an example of a moving body, 80...Restricting mechanism, 81...Restricting part, 82...Restricting surface, 83...Guide surface, 84...Corner part, 85...Restricted part, 100...Control unit, 101...Liquid storage unit, 102...Waste liquid storage unit, T...Transportation path, T1...Transportation path, T2...Transportation path, T3...Transportation path, T4...Transportation path, T5...Reversal path, M...Media, A...Second movement direction as an example of movement direction (direction for attaching and detaching the cap), B...First movement direction as an example of movement direction, X...Third movement direction as an example of movement direction (width direction), Y...Horizontal direction, Z...Vertical direction (direction for attaching and detaching the recording unit), PH1...Replacement position, PH3... Capped position, PH4…Recording position, PC1…Retracted position, PC2…Capped position, PC3…Replacement position, SE1…First sensor, SE4…Media width sensor, Fp…Pressure angle direction, Fd…Drive direction, f0…Force in the pressure angle direction (driving force), f1…Force in the drive direction, f2…Force in the attachment / detachment direction, f3…Reaction force, f4…Force of the attachment / detachment component of the reaction force, f5…Force of the drive direction component of the reaction force, f6…Reaction force, f7…Force of the attachment / detachment component, d1…Interference amount, d2…Interference amount.

Claims

1. A recording device in which a movable body including a recording unit that records on a medium or a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the recording unit is configured to be movable and detachable, The aforementioned moving body, The moving body is guided by a first guide section along the direction of movement, A second guide section branches off from the first guide section and guides the moving body along an attachment / detachment direction intersecting the direction of movement, When the movable body is in a detachable replacement position at a position where the second guide branch off from the first guide, a restricting unit restricts the movement of the movable body along the detachment direction based on the driving force that moves the movable body in the direction of movement, A restricted portion provided on the moving body and capable of contacting the restricted portion, Equipped with, When the moving body is in the exchange position and the driving force acts on the moving body, the restricted portion comes into contact with the restricting portion, thereby restricting the movement of the moving body along the attachment / detachment direction based on the driving force. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The moving body is the recording unit that records on the medium, The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording unit is movable along the direction of movement to a recording position for recording on a medium and to a detachable replacement position.

3. The regulating portion has a regulating surface that can come into contact with the regulated portion, The aforementioned restricting surface intersects the aforementioned attachment / detachment direction, The recording device according to feature 2.

4. The system further includes a rack and drive gears, and a rack and pinion mechanism for moving the recording unit in the direction of movement, The rack is attached to the recording unit, The restricted portion is provided on the rack, The restricting portion has a restricting surface that can come into contact with the restricted portion. The recording device according to feature 2.

5. The regulating surface intersects with the direction of the force applied from the drive gear to the rack. The recording device according to feature 4.

6. The first guide section and the second guide section are not perpendicular to each other. The aforementioned restricting surface intersects the extending direction of the rack, The recording device according to feature 4.

7. The restricted portion is provided at the tip of the rack, The recording device according to feature 6.

8. The recording device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the restricting portion has a guide surface that contacts the restricted portion to guide it when the recording portion is mounted.

9. The rack and the recording unit are further provided with a biasing unit that biases the rack and the recording unit in a direction that separates them, When the recording unit is in the replacement position, the biasing unit presses the restricted unit against the restricting surface. A recording device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by the features described above.

10. The system further includes a cam member that contacts the recording portion to define the position of the recording portion, The recording unit is pressed against the cam member by the biasing unit. The recording device according to feature 9.

11. The aforementioned direction of movement is a direction that intersects with the vertical direction. The rack is located above the drive gear, A recording device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by the features described above.

12. The recording unit has a guided portion that is guided by the first guide portion and the second guide portion, When the recording unit is located in the replacement position, the guided unit is located at the branching point of the first guide unit and the second guide unit. A recording device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it is a recording device.

13. The recording unit is capable of dispensing liquid over the entire width of the medium. A recording device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it is a recording device.

14. The aforementioned direction of movement is a direction that intersects the vertical and horizontal directions. A recording device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it is a recording device.

15. The restricted portion is positioned at a different location from the multiple teeth of the rack that mesh with the drive gear, The multiple tooth portions protrude in a direction different from the direction in which they protrude. The recording device according to feature 4.

16. The restricting portion has a guide surface that, when the recording portion is removed from the recording device, contacts the restricted portion to guide the restricted portion toward the replacement position located in the opposite direction to the direction of movement, A recording device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by the features described above.

17. A recording device in which the recording unit for recording on a medium is configured to be movable and detachable, The recording unit, A first guide unit guides the recording unit along the direction of movement to a recording position where the recording unit records on the medium and to a replacement position where the recording unit can be attached and detached. A second guide branching off from the first guide and guiding the recording unit along an attachment / detachment direction intersecting the movement direction, A rack and pinion mechanism including a rack and drive gears, which moves the recording unit in the direction of movement, A biasing unit is provided between the rack and the recording unit and biases the rack and the recording unit in a direction that separates them, When the recording unit is at the position where the second guide unit branches off from the first guide unit and is in the replacement position, a restricting unit restricts the movement of the recording unit along the attachment / detachment direction based on the driving force that moves the recording unit in the movement direction, A restricted portion provided on the rack and capable of contacting the restricting portion, Equipped with, The rack is attached to the recording unit, The regulating portion has a regulating surface that can come into contact with the portion to be regulated, When the recording unit is in the replacement position, the biasing unit presses the restricted unit against the restricting surface. As the recording unit is removed along the second guide, the biasing portion is compressed and deformed, thereby separating the restricted portion from the restricting surface and making it displaceable in the attachment / detachment direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

Images