JP2017149091A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a recording device equipped with a cam for gap adjustment, which can achieve further miniaturization. A carriage 50 is provided with a recording head for recording on a medium and is movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite thereto, and a gap between the medium and the recording head is created by rotation of a cam 72. gap adjustment means 80 for displacing the carriage in a direction in which , overlap in the direction of carriage movement. The cam does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage when the carriage is located at the end in the first direction in the movement range. [Selection diagram] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs recording on a medium.

  In an ink jet printer which is an example of a recording apparatus, a carriage mounted with a recording head reciprocates in the main scanning direction so that recording is performed by discharging liquid (an example of ink) from the recording head onto a medium. There is a so-called serial type constructed.

In addition, there are media having various thicknesses to be recorded, and a gap adjusting means for adjusting the gap between the media and the recording head may be provided in order to cope with the thickness. Some of the gap adjusting means is configured to adjust the gap by providing a cam at the end of a guide shaft that guides the carriage and rotating the cam (carriage guide shaft).
An example of the configuration of the printer as described above is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2006-862305 A

  In recent years, there has been a demand for further downsizing of recording apparatuses. In the printer described in Patent Document 1, the cam occupying region increases the lateral width of the apparatus because the cam for adjusting the gap is provided at one end in the moving direction of the carriage.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to further reduce the size of a recording apparatus having a gap adjusting cam.

  In order to solve the above problems, a recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a recording head that performs recording on a medium, and is movable in a first direction and a second direction that is the opposite direction. And gap adjusting means for displacing the carriage in a direction in which the gap between the medium and the recording head changes due to rotation of the cam, and the carriage is positioned at the end in the first direction in the moving range. In this state, at least a part of the carriage and at least a part of the cam overlap in the moving direction of the carriage.

  According to this aspect, since at least a part of the carriage and at least a part of the cam overlap in the movement direction of the carriage, all of the occupation area of the carriage in the movement direction of the carriage The entire area occupied by the cam does not overlap, and the apparatus size in the moving direction of the carriage can be suppressed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the cam projects in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at an end portion in the first direction in the movement range. It is characterized by not.

  According to this aspect, the cam does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at the end portion in the first direction in the movement range. The apparatus dimensions in the carriage movement direction can be suppressed without increasing the apparatus dimensions in the carriage movement direction.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guide shaft for guiding the carriage in the movement direction in the first or second aspect, and the cam has a distance from the rotation center to the outer periphery along the circumferential direction. The gap adjusting means includes a cam follower portion that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the cam, and has an end portion in the first direction in the movement range. In this state, the cam follower portion does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage.

  According to this aspect, the cam follower portion does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at the end portion in the first direction in the movement range. The region does not increase the device size in the carriage movement direction, and the device size in the carriage movement direction can be suppressed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the gap adjusting means includes a gear group that transmits a rotational torque of a power source to the cam, and the carriage is in the movement range. The gear group does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the gear group is positioned at the end portion in the first direction.

  According to this aspect, the gear group does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at the end portion in the first direction in the movement range. The region does not increase the device size in the carriage movement direction, and the device size in the carriage movement direction can be suppressed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the cam does not protrude from the top of the carriage in a direction in which the gap changes.
According to this aspect, since the cam does not protrude from the top of the carriage in the direction in which the gap changes, the cam does not increase the device size in the direction in which the gap changes, and the gap changes. The size of the device in the direction to perform can be suppressed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the cam is further disposed at an end portion on the second direction side in the movement range of the carriage, and the carriage is moved. The cam does not protrude in the second direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the cam is positioned at the end in the second direction.

  According to this aspect, the cam does not protrude in the second direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at the end in the second direction in the movement range. In the configuration in which the cams are provided on both sides, the apparatus size in the moving direction of the carriage can be suppressed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the driving source to the transporting means that transports the medium is provided in the movement range of the carriage. The power transmission mechanism does not protrude in the second direction with respect to the carriage when the carriage is disposed at the end in the second direction and the carriage is positioned at the end in the second direction in the moving range. It is characterized by that.

  According to this aspect, the power transmission mechanism does not protrude in the second direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at the end portion in the second direction in the movement range. Thus, the occupied area does not increase the apparatus size in the carriage movement direction, and the apparatus dimension in the carriage movement direction can be suppressed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the carriage includes a plurality of ink cartridges that store liquid ejected from the recording head, and the plurality of ink cartridges includes the carriage. Are arranged along a direction crossing the moving direction of the carriage.

  According to this aspect, since the plurality of ink cartridges are arranged along the direction intersecting the carriage movement direction in the carriage, the dimensions of the carriage in the carriage movement direction can be suppressed, and as a result The size of the apparatus in the movement direction of the carriage can be suppressed.

1 is an external perspective view of a printer according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a medium conveyance path in the printer according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the apparatus main body of the printer according to the invention. The perspective view which shows a carriage and a carriage drive means. The perspective view which shows the structure of a guide shaft. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the carriage is located at the right end of the apparatus main body in the apparatus width direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the carriage is located at the left end portion in the apparatus width direction of the apparatus main body. The side view which shows the state in which a carriage is located in the apparatus width direction left end part in an apparatus main body. The side view of the gap adjustment means which concerns on a 1st Example. The top view of the carriage which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where the carriage is positioned at the right end of the apparatus main body in the apparatus width direction. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state where the carriage is located at the left end portion in the apparatus width direction of the apparatus main body. The perspective view which looked at the 1st state in the gap adjustment means concerning the 2nd example from the back side. The top view which looked at the 1st state in the gap adjustment means which concerns on a 2nd Example from the upper side. The perspective view which looked at the 2nd state in the gap adjustment means concerning the 2nd example from the back side. The top view which looked at the 2nd state in the gap adjustment means which concerns on a 2nd Example from the upper side. The perspective view which looked at the 3rd state in the gap adjustment means concerning the 2nd example from the back side. The top view which looked at the 3rd state in the gap adjustment means concerning a 2nd example from the upper part side. The perspective view which looked at the 4th state in the gap adjustment means concerning the 2nd example from the back side. The top view which looked at the 4th state in the gap adjustment means concerning the 2nd example from the upper part side. The perspective view which looked at the 5th state in the gap adjustment means concerning the 2nd example from the back side. The top view which looked at the 5th state in the gap adjustment means concerning the 2nd example from the upper part side.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same structure in each Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and it demonstrates only in the first Example, The description of the structure is abbreviate | omitted in a subsequent Example.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a medium conveyance path in the printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an apparatus main body of the printer according to the present invention. 4 is a perspective view showing the carriage and carriage drive means, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the guide shaft, and FIG. 6 is a state where the carriage is located at the right end of the apparatus main body in the apparatus width direction. FIG.

  7 is a perspective view showing a state where the carriage is located at the left end of the apparatus body in the apparatus width direction, and FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state where the carriage is located at the left end of the apparatus body in the apparatus width direction. 9 is a side view of the gap adjusting means according to the first embodiment, FIG. 10 is a plan view of the carriage according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is located at the right end of the apparatus main body in the apparatus width direction. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state where the carriage is located at the left end of the apparatus main body in the apparatus width direction.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the first state of the gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment as seen from the back side, and FIG. 14 is a top view of the first state of the gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second state of the gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment as seen from the back side, and FIG. 16 is a gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment. 17 is a plan view of the second state in FIG. 17 as viewed from above, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the third state in the gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment as viewed from the back side, and FIG. It is the top view which looked at the 3rd state in the gap adjustment means concerning the example from the upper side.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the fourth state of the gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment as seen from the back side, and FIG. 20 is the upper side of the fourth state of the gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the fifth state of the gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment as seen from the back side, and FIG. 22 is a gap adjusting means according to the second embodiment. It is the top view which looked at the 5th state from above from the upper side.

  In the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X direction is the main scanning direction (movement direction) of the carriage, that is, the width direction of the recording apparatus, the Y direction is the depth direction of the recording apparatus, and the Z direction is the apparatus height direction. Is shown. In each figure, the + X direction side as the “second direction” is the left side of the apparatus, the −X direction side as the “first direction” is the right side of the apparatus, the −Y direction is the front side of the apparatus, and the + Y direction side. Is the rear side of the apparatus, the + Z-axis direction side is the upper side of the apparatus, and the −Z-axis direction side is the lower side of the apparatus.

■■■ First Example ■■■■
<<< Printer overview >>>
Referring to FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes an apparatus main body 12 and a scanner unit 14 provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 12. An operation unit 16 is provided on the front side of the apparatus body 12 so as to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus body 12. The operation unit 16 is provided with display means 18 such as a display panel.

  A cover 20 is rotatably attached to the apparatus main body 12 below the operation unit 16 on the apparatus front side of the apparatus main body 12. The apparatus main body 12 is provided with a paper discharge tray 22. The paper discharge tray 22 is configured to be switchable between a state in which it is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12 and a state in which the apparatus main body 12 is unfolded on the front side of the apparatus (see the two-dot chain line portion in FIG. 1).

  Further, a cover 24 is rotatably attached to the upper part on the back side of the apparatus main body 12. The cover 24 is configured to be switchable between a closed state with respect to the apparatus main body 12 shown in FIG. 1 and an open state (not shown) with respect to the apparatus main body 12. When the cover 24 is opened with respect to the apparatus main body 12, a feeding port 28 (see FIG. 2) of the medium guide path 26 described later is exposed. Then, the medium can be inserted into the feeding port 28 in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a scanner unit 14 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 12. The scanner unit 14 is provided with a document table 30. The document table 30 is formed of a transparent glass plate as an example, and is configured so that a document can be placed on the upper surface thereof.

  The scanner unit 14 is provided with a cover 32 that opens and closes the upper part of the scanner unit 14. The cover 32 covers the document table 30 in the closed state (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and exposes the document table 30 in the open state (not shown). That is, the cover 32 is rotated and opened with respect to the document table 30, the document table 30 is exposed, the document is set on the upper surface, and the cover 32 is closed, so that the document can be read on the document table 30. It becomes possible. A reading unit (not shown) that can read a document set on the document table 30 is provided below the document table 30.

<<< Overview of Media Transport Path >>>
Next, a medium conveyance path in the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. A medium accommodating portion 34 that accommodates a medium is provided at the lower portion of the apparatus main body 12. In the present embodiment, the medium accommodating portion 34 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 12 from the front side of the apparatus by opening the cover 20 with respect to the apparatus main body 12.

  A pickup roller 36 is provided above the medium accommodating portion 34 on the back side in the apparatus main body 12. The pickup roller 36 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 38 as a fulcrum. The pickup roller 36 is in contact with the medium accommodated in the medium accommodating part 34, thereby conveying the uppermost medium stored in the medium accommodating part 34 along the medium conveying path 40 to the downstream side in the conveying direction. A thick line in FIG. 2 indicates a path of the medium that is transported along the medium transport path 40.

  A reversing roller 42 is provided on the downstream side of the pickup roller 36 in the medium conveyance path 40. Drive rollers 44 a, 44 b and 44 c are provided around the reversing roller 42 so as to be driven to rotate with respect to the reversing roller 42.

  Then, the medium sent by the pickup roller 36 is sent to a transport roller pair 46 as “transport means” provided on the downstream side in the transport direction via the reverse roller 42 and the driven rollers 44a and 44b. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the conveyance roller pair 46 includes a conveyance driving roller 46a that rotates by receiving a driving force from a driving source (not shown), and a conveyance driven roller 46b that rotates following the conveyance driving roller 46a. And.

  In addition, a recording unit 48 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the transport roller pair 46. In this embodiment, the recording unit 48 includes a carriage 50, a recording head 52, and a medium guide member 54. In this embodiment, the carriage 50 is configured to reciprocate in the apparatus width direction. A recording head 52 is provided below the carriage 50. In this embodiment, the recording head 52 is configured to eject ink as “liquid” toward the lower side in the apparatus height direction.

  A medium guide member 54 is provided below the recording head 52 in an area facing the recording head 52. The medium guide member 54 is opposed to the recording head 52 and is disposed at a distance from the recording head 52. That is, a gap PG (see FIG. 9) is defined between the recording head 52 and the medium guide member 54 in the apparatus height direction. In this embodiment, the gap PG can be adjusted in the apparatus height direction according to the thickness of the medium conveyed to the recording unit 48.

  The medium guide member 54 supports the lower surface (the surface opposite to the recording surface) of the medium that has been transported to the region facing the recording head 52 by the transport roller pair 46. Then, the recording head 52 discharges ink to the medium supported by the medium guide member 54 and performs recording on the recording surface of the medium.

  The medium on which the recording has been performed is nipped by a pair of discharge rollers 56 as “conveying means” provided on the downstream side of the recording unit 48 in the conveyance direction, and is ejected to the front side of the apparatus. 1).

  Further, when the cover 24 provided on the back side of the apparatus main body 12 is opened, the feeding port 28 of the medium guide path 26 is exposed. The medium guide path 26 includes a guide portion 58 and a feeding roller 60. In this embodiment, the medium guide path 26 is provided between the reversing roller 42 and the conveying roller pair 46 in the apparatus depth direction.

  The medium guiding path 26 is configured to feed the medium inserted from the feeding port 28 between the reversing roller 42 and the conveying roller pair 46 in the medium conveying path 40 by the feeding roller 60. .

  Then, the medium guided between the reversing roller 42 and the transport roller pair 46 in the medium transport path 40 is transported to the recording unit 48 by the transport roller pair 46, recording is performed in the recording unit 48, and the discharge roller pair 56. As a result, the sheet is discharged toward the sheet discharge tray 22.

  When recording is performed on the first surface (recording surface) of the medium in the recording unit 48 and then recording is performed on the second surface (lower surface) opposite to the first surface, the conveyance drive roller 46a (FIG. 3). The medium is transported upstream in the transport direction. The medium transported upstream in the transport direction passes under the guide portion 58 and is nipped between the reverse roller 42 and the driven roller 44c. Then, the first surface and the second surface are reversed by the reversing roller 42, and the medium is transported again to the recording unit 48. After the recording of the second surface is performed by the recording unit 48, the paper discharge tray 22 is performed. It is discharged toward

<<< Outline of carriage and carriage driving means >>>
Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 11, and 12, the carriage 50 includes a box-shaped housing 50 a, a grip portion 50 b, and a bearing portion 50 c. In this embodiment, the housing 32a is opened upward, and a plurality of ink cartridges 61 are detachably attached to the housing 32a. In the present embodiment, the ink cartridges 61 are arranged along the apparatus depth direction that intersects the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50. A gripping part 50b and a bearing part 50c are provided on the back side of the housing 50a.

  Carriage driving means 62 is provided on the back side of the carriage 50 in the apparatus main body 12. In the present embodiment, the carriage driving means 62 includes, as an example, a carriage driving motor 64, a driving pulley 66, a driven pulley (not shown), and a driving belt 68. In this embodiment, the carriage drive motor 64 is provided on the left side of the apparatus in the apparatus width direction. A drive pulley 66 is attached to the carriage drive motor 64. Further, a driven pulley (not shown) is disposed on the right side of the apparatus with an interval in the apparatus width direction with respect to the drive pulley 66.

  The drive belt 68 is wound around a drive pulley 66 and a driven pulley (not shown). Further, a gripping portion 50 b (see FIG. 12) provided on the back side of the carriage 50 grips at least a part of the drive belt 68. When the drive pulley 66 is rotationally driven by the carriage drive motor 64, the drive belt 68 is also driven in the same rotational direction. As a result, the carriage 50 is moved in the apparatus width direction by the carriage driving means 62. In this embodiment, the carriage 50 can reciprocate within the movement range B shown in FIG. 3 in the apparatus width direction. In this embodiment, the movement range B is set in a region between the right end and the left end in the apparatus width direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 11, in this embodiment, the home position of the movement range B in the apparatus width direction of the carriage 50 is set to the right end of the apparatus main body 12. That is, the state where the carriage 50 is located at the end of the apparatus main body 12 on the right side of the apparatus is the home position of the carriage 50. Note that when the carriage 50 is located at the home position, cap means (not shown) is provided at a position facing the recording head 52 below the recording head 52.

  The capping means (not shown) faces the recording head 52 when the carriage 50 is located at the home position, and is pressed against the nozzle forming surface (not shown) of the recording head 52 to seal the nozzle forming surface and ink. Can be prevented from drying out.

<<< About the guide shaft and gap adjustment cam >>>
The recording unit 48 is provided with a guide shaft 70 extending in the apparatus width direction. In this embodiment, the guide shaft 70 is inserted into a bearing portion 50 c provided on the back side of the carriage 50. When the carriage 50 moves in the apparatus width direction, the guide shaft 70 guides the carriage 50.

  As shown in FIG. 5, gap adjusting cams 72 and 74 as “cams” are provided at both ends of the guide shaft 70, respectively. In the present embodiment, the gap adjustment cams 72 and 74 are provided with cam surfaces 72a and 74a on the outer peripheral portions thereof, respectively. The cam surfaces 72a and 74a are formed in a shape in which the distance from the rotation center of the gap adjusting cams 72 and 74 to the cam surface changes along the circumferential direction. That is, the gap adjusting cams 72 and 74 are configured as eccentric cams. In this embodiment, the gap adjusting cams 72 and 74 are attached to the guide shaft 70 so that the cam surfaces 72a and 74a are synchronized. The gap adjustment cam 72 is provided with a gear 72b.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, frame members 76 </ b> A and 76 </ b> B are provided at both ends of the apparatus main body 12 in the apparatus width direction. In the present embodiment, the frame members 76A and 76B are formed with elongated holes extending in the apparatus height direction, and the guide shaft 70 is inserted into the elongated holes. The gap adjusting cams 72 and 74 are disposed outside the frame members 76A and 76B in the apparatus width direction.

  A cam follower 78 is attached to the frame members 76A and 76B. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the cam follower portion 78 supports the gap adjusting cams 72 and 74 by contacting the cam surfaces 72 a and 74 a of the gap adjusting cams 72 and 74. That is, when the guide shaft 70 rotates, the gap adjusting cams 72 and 74 also rotate, and the position of the center axis of the guide shaft 70 relative to the cam follower portion 78 moves up and down in the apparatus height direction.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the gap adjusting cam 74 and the cam follower 78 are positioned below the top 50d of the carriage 50 in the apparatus height direction. FIG. 8 shows a case where the gap PG is minimum. When the gap PG increases, the carriage 50 is displaced from the state shown in FIG. 8 upward in the apparatus height direction. That is, even if the gap PG is increased, the gap adjusting cam 74 and the cam follower 78 are positioned below the top 50d of the carriage 50 in the apparatus height direction.

  Further, in this embodiment, the gap adjusting cam 74 and the cam follower 78 are within the occupation region of the carriage 50 in the apparatus height direction (within the range C shown in FIG. 8, the range from the recording head 52 to the top 50d of the carriage 50). Therefore, the gap adjusting cam 74 and the cam follower 78 do not protrude from the top 50d of the carriage 50 in the apparatus height direction, and the apparatus dimensions in the apparatus height direction can be suppressed.

<<< Gap adjustment means >>>
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a gap adjusting means 80 is provided at the right end of the apparatus main body 12 in the apparatus width direction. Referring to FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the gap adjusting means 80 includes gears 82 </ b> A, 82 </ b> B, 82 </ b> C, 82 </ b> D, 82 </ b> E and a gap adjusting means driving motor 84. In the present embodiment, the rotational driving force of the gap adjusting means driving motor 84 is transmitted in the order of gears 82A, 82B, 82C, and 82D that mesh with each other. A planetary gear (not shown) is provided between the gear 82C and the gear 82D, and the planetary gear is configured to be able to switch between a state of meshing with the gear 82D and a state of being separated from the gear 82D. ing.

  When the planetary gear meshes with the gear 82D, the rotation of the gear 82D is transmitted to the gear 82E. Here, the gear 82 </ b> E meshes with a gear 72 b provided on the gap adjustment cam 72. Therefore, the rotation of the gear 82E is transmitted to the gear 72b, and the gap adjusting cam 72, and thus the guide shaft 70, rotates. As a result, the position of the central axis of the guide shaft 70 relative to the cam follower portion 78 in the apparatus height direction moves up and down, that is, the carriage 50 moves up and down relative to the medium guide member 54, and the gap PG changes.

<<< Relationship Between Carriage and Gap Adjustment Means in Apparatus Width Direction >>>
Referring to FIG. 10, the dimension L1 of the bearing portion 50c of the carriage 50 in the apparatus width direction is set to be smaller than the dimension L2 of the housing 50a. And the bearing part 50c is arrange | positioned in the center part of the housing | casing 50a in the apparatus width direction. In other words, regions T1 and T2 are provided on both sides of the bearing portion 50c in the apparatus width direction. In the present embodiment, on the back side of the housing 50a, a region T1 is formed to the right of the bearing portion 50c in the device width direction, and a region T2 is formed to the left of the bearing portion 50c in the device width direction.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the carriage 50 is moved to the right end of the movement range B (see FIG. 3) of the carriage 50 in the apparatus width direction, the carriage 50 is positioned at the right end of the apparatus body 12 in the apparatus width direction. It becomes. Then, the gap adjusting cam 72 and the cam follower portion 78 enter the region T1 on the back side of the carriage 50. That is, at least a part of the carriage 50 and at least a part of the gap adjustment cam 72 overlap, that is, overlap in the apparatus width direction.

  10 and 11, when the side surface on the right side in the apparatus width direction of the casing 50a of the carriage 50 is a side surface 50e, the gap adjusting cam 72 and the cam follower portion 78 are more to the right in the apparatus width direction than the side surface 50e in the apparatus width direction. It is configured not to protrude.

  Further, the gear group constituting the gap adjusting means 80, that is, the gears 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, and 82E also enter the region T1 on the back side of the carriage 50 in the apparatus width direction. The gears 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, and 82E are also configured not to protrude rightward in the apparatus width direction from the side surface 50e in the apparatus width direction.

  That is, since the carriage 50, the gap adjusting cam 72, the cam follower portion 78, and the gap adjusting means 80 overlap each other in the apparatus width direction, an increase in the apparatus size in the apparatus width direction can be suppressed, or the apparatus size can be reduced. Miniaturization can be achieved.

  Here, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a power transmission mechanism 86 is provided at the left end of the apparatus main body 12 in the apparatus width direction. The power transmission mechanism 86 is configured to transmit a driving force from a driving source (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 12 to, for example, the conveyance driving roller 46 a and the discharge roller pair 56.

  As an example, the gear 88A is attached to the rotation shaft of the transport driving roller 46a, and both the gear 88A and the transport driving roller 46a are configured to rotate in the same direction. The power transmission mechanism 86 is configured such that a driving force from a driving source (not shown) is transmitted to the gear 88A. The gear 88B is configured to rotationally drive a drive roller (not shown) in the discharge roller pair 56. The gears 88A and 88B are configured so that driving force is transmitted through a plurality of gears.

  Next, in FIGS. 10 and 12, the left side surface of the casing 50a of the carriage 50 in the apparatus width direction is defined as a side surface 50f. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the carriage 50 is moved to the left end of the movement range B of the carriage 50 in the apparatus width direction (see FIG. 3), the carriage 50 is positioned at the left end of the apparatus main body 12 in the apparatus width direction. Will be.

  Then, the gap adjusting cam 74 and the cam follower portion 78 enter the region T2 on the back side of the carriage 50. That is, at least a part of the carriage 50 and at least a part of the gap adjustment cam 74 overlap, that is, overlap in the apparatus width direction. In the present embodiment, the gap adjusting cam 74 and the cam follower portion 78 are configured not to protrude leftward in the apparatus width direction from the side surface 50f in the apparatus width direction.

  Further, in a state where the carriage 50 is positioned at the left end of the apparatus main body 12 in the apparatus width direction, the power transmission mechanism 86 is arranged to be positioned below the carriage 50 as shown in FIGS. . That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the power transmission mechanism 86 is arranged so as not to protrude to the left in the apparatus width direction from the side surface 50f of the carriage 50 in the apparatus width direction.

  In the present embodiment, since the carriage 50, the gap adjusting cam 74, the cam follower portion 78, and the power transmission mechanism 86 overlap in the apparatus width direction, an increase in the apparatus size in the apparatus width direction can be suppressed, or The apparatus size can be reduced.

<<< Modification of the first embodiment >>>
(1) In this embodiment, the scanner unit 14 is provided. However, instead of this configuration, the cover 32 may be rotatably attached to the upper portion of the apparatus main body 12 without providing the scanner unit 14.
(2) In the present embodiment, the gap adjusting means 80 is provided at the right end of the apparatus main body 12 in the apparatus width direction, and the power transmission mechanism 86 is provided at the left end of the apparatus width direction. The gap adjusting means 80 may be provided at the left end of the apparatus main body 12 in the apparatus width direction, and the power transmission mechanism 86 may be provided at the right end of the apparatus width direction.

■■■ Second Example ■■■■
Next, a second embodiment of the gap adjusting means will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the gap adjusting means 90 includes a first gear 92, a second gear 94, a planetary gear 96, a first member 98, a second member 100, a switching lever member 102, and a first biasing member. 104 and a second urging member 106.

  In the present embodiment, the first urging member 104 and the second urging member 106 are configured as tension springs. 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22, the frame of the apparatus main body 12 and the gap adjustment cam 72 are not shown, and only a part of the carriage 50 is shown in FIGS. 15 to 22. The guide shaft 70 is not shown.

  In the present embodiment, the driving force from the gap adjusting means driving motor 84 is transmitted to the first gear 92. A first member 98 is attached to the rotation shaft of the first gear 92 so as to be rotatable relative to the first gear 92. A planetary gear 96 is attached to the first member 98. The planetary gear 96 is engaged with the first gear 92 and is configured to be rotatable around the first gear 92. Further, the first member 98 is provided with an engaging portion 98a protruding in the apparatus width direction. One end of the first biasing member 104 is attached to the engaging portion 98a. Although not shown, the other end of the first urging member 104 is attached to the apparatus main body 12 side. The first biasing member 104 biases the first member 98 toward the frame member 76A.

  The second gear 94 is rotatably attached to the frame member 76A. And it arrange | positions so that it may mesh with the gearwheel 72b of the gap adjustment cam 72. FIG. In this embodiment, the planetary gear 96 is in a state of being separated from the second gear 94 as shown in FIG. 13 and meshed with the second gear 94 as shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the gear 72b of the gap adjusting cam 72.

  The second member 100 and the switching lever member 102 are attached to a shaft 108 provided at a protruding portion extending leftward in the apparatus width direction in the frame member 76A so as to be rotatable. The second member 100 is provided with a contact portion 100a and an engaged portion 100b. One end of the second urging member 106 is attached to the second member 100, and the other end is attached to the frame member 76A. The second urging member 106 urges the second member 100 toward the frame member 76A.

  13 and 14, the engaged portion 100 b of the second member 100 is in contact with the engaging portion 98 a of the first member 98. In this state, the second member 100 separates the planetary gear 96 and the second gear 94 against the biasing force of the first biasing member 104.

  The switching lever member 102 includes a lever 102a. A torsion spring (not shown) is provided between the switching lever member 102 and the second member 100. The torsion spring biases the switching lever member 102 in a direction in which the switching lever member 102 and the contact portion 100a of the second member 100 abut.

  Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, when the carriage 50 moves to the right in the apparatus width direction, the contact portion 50g provided on the bearing portion 50c of the carriage 50 is moved to the lever 102a of the switching lever member 102 and the left side in the apparatus width direction. Contact from. The contact portion 50g presses the lever 102a rightward in the apparatus width direction, which is the moving direction of the carriage 50.

  Thereby, the switching lever member 102 rotates to the right side in the apparatus width direction against the urging force of the torsion spring (not shown). Thereby, the switching lever member 102 is separated from the contact portion 100a. In this state, since the second member 100 does not rotate, the contact state between the engaging portion 98a and the engaged portion 100b is maintained.

  Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, when the carriage 50 moves to the right end portion in the apparatus width direction, the contact state between the contact portion 50g of the carriage 50 and the lever 102a is released. Then, the switching lever member 102 is rotated leftward in the apparatus width direction by an urging force of the torsion spring (not shown), and returns to a state of contacting the contact portion 100a of the second member 100. Even in this state, since the second member 100 does not rotate, the contact state between the engaging portion 98a and the engaged portion 100b is maintained.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the carriage 50 is moved from the state positioned at the right end portion in the apparatus width direction toward the left side in the apparatus width direction. As a result, the contact portion 50g of the carriage 50 contacts the lever 102a of the switching lever member 102 from the right side in the apparatus width direction. The contact portion 50g presses the lever 102a leftward in the apparatus width direction, which is the moving direction of the carriage 50.

  As a result, the switching lever member 102 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. At this time, the switching lever member 102 presses the contact portion 100 a of the second member 100. Accordingly, the second member 100 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 20 together with the switching lever member 102 against the urging force of the second urging member 106. By this operation, the engaged portion 100b of the second urging member 106 is separated from the engaging portion 98a of the first member 98.

  As a result, the first member 98 is urged toward the frame member 76 </ b> A by the first urging member 104. Then, the first member 98 rotates around the first gear 92 in a direction approaching the second gear 94. As a result, the planetary gear 96 is engaged with the second gear 94. As a result, the gap adjusting unit 90 is in a state of transmitting the driving force from the gap adjusting unit driving motor 84 to the gear 72b of the gap adjusting cam 72. That is, the gap PG can be switched.

  Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, when the carriage 50 is further moved to the left in the apparatus width direction, the contact portion 50g of the carriage 50 is positioned over the lever 102a of the switching lever member 102 as shown in FIG. . Until this state, the engaged portion 100b of the second urging member 106 is separated from the engaging portion 98a of the first member 98, so that the planetary gear 96 and the second gear 94 are engaged, that is, the gap. The state in which the driving force from the adjusting means driving motor 84 is transmitted to the gear 72b of the gap adjusting cam 72 is maintained.

  Then, when the carriage 50 further moves leftward in the apparatus width direction from the state shown in FIG. 22, the contact portion 50 g of the carriage 50 gets over the lever 102 a of the switching lever member 102. As a result, the contact state between the contact portion 50g of the carriage 50 and the lever 102a of the switching lever member 102 is canceled, and the second member 100 is moved together with the switching lever member 102 by the biasing force of the second biasing member 106 as shown in FIG. It rotates counterclockwise at. Then, the engaged portion 100 b of the second urging member 106 comes into contact with the engaging portion 98 a of the first member 98 and presses the engaging portion 98 a away from the second gear 94.

  As a result, the planetary gear 96 is separated from the second gear 94. Thereby, transmission of the driving force from the gap adjusting means driving motor 84 to the gear 72b of the gap adjusting cam 72 is cut off. That is, the state returns to the state shown in FIGS.

  In this embodiment, since the position of the lever operation for switching the gap PG is disposed within the movement range B (see FIG. 3) of the carriage 50, the gap PG is switched outside the movement range B of the carriage 50. It is not necessary to provide a region for lever operation, and the size of the device in the device width direction can be suppressed.

  To summarize the above description, the printer 10 includes the recording head 52 that performs recording on a medium, and at the right side in the apparatus width direction that is the first direction and to the left in the apparatus width direction that is the second direction that is the opposite direction. A movable carriage 50, and gap adjusting means 80 and 90 for displacing the carriage 50 in the apparatus height direction, which is a direction in which the gap PG between the medium and the recording head 52 is changed by the rotation of the gap adjusting cam 72. In the state where the carriage 50 is positioned at the right end of the apparatus width direction in the movement range B, at least a part of the carriage 50 and at least a part of the gap adjusting cam 72 are the apparatus width in the movement direction of the carriage 50. Overlap in direction.

  According to the above configuration, at least a part of the carriage 50 and at least a part of the gap adjustment cam 72 overlap in the apparatus width direction, which is the movement direction of the carriage 50, and therefore the movement direction of the carriage 50. In the apparatus width direction, all of the occupied areas of the carriage 50 and all of the occupied areas of the gap adjusting cam 72 do not overlap, and the apparatus dimensions in the apparatus width direction, which is the movement direction of the carriage 50, can be suppressed.

  In a state where the carriage 50 is positioned at the right end of the apparatus width direction in the movement range B, the gap adjustment cam 72 does not protrude in the right direction of the apparatus width with respect to the carriage 50. According to this configuration, the occupied area of the gap adjusting cam 72 does not increase the apparatus size in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50, and the apparatus dimension in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50 can be suppressed. .

  The printer 10 includes a guide shaft 70 that guides the carriage 50 in the moving direction. The gap adjusting cam 72 has a shape in which the distance from the rotation center to the outer periphery changes along the circumferential direction, that is, a cam surface 72a and a guide. The gap adjusting means 80, 90 provided at the end of the shaft 70 includes a cam follower 78 that contacts the cam surface 72 a that is the outer peripheral surface of the gap adjusting cam 72, and the carriage 50 is located on the right side in the apparatus width direction in the movement range B. The cam follower portion 78 does not protrude rightward in the apparatus width direction with respect to the carriage 50 in a state of being positioned at the end portion. According to this configuration, the occupied area of the cam follower portion 78 does not increase the device size in the device width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50, and the device size in the device width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50 can be suppressed.

  The gap adjusting means 80 includes gear groups 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, and 82E that transmit the rotational torque of the gap adjusting means drive motor 84 to the gap adjusting cam 72, and the carriage 50 is located at the right end in the apparatus width direction in the movement range B. The gear groups 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, and 82E do not protrude rightward in the apparatus width direction with respect to the carriage 50 in the state of being positioned at the portion. According to this configuration, the occupied area of the gear groups 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, and 82E does not increase the apparatus size in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50, and the apparatus width that is the movement direction of the carriage 50. Device dimensions in the direction can be suppressed.

  The gap adjusting cam 72 does not protrude from the top 50d of the carriage 50 in the apparatus height direction, which is the direction in which the gap PG changes. According to this configuration, the gap adjustment cam 72 does not increase the device size in the device height direction in which the gap PG changes, and the device size in the device height direction in which the gap PG changes. Can be suppressed.

  The gap adjustment cam 74 is further disposed at the left end of the apparatus width direction which is the second direction in the movement range B of the carriage 50, and the carriage 50 is positioned at the left end of the apparatus width direction in the movement range B. The gap adjusting cam 74 does not protrude to the left in the apparatus width direction with respect to the carriage 50. According to this configuration, in the configuration in which the gap adjustment cams 72 and 74 are provided on both sides of the movement range B of the carriage 50, the apparatus size in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50 can be suppressed.

  A power transmission mechanism 86 that transmits the power of the drive source to the conveyance drive roller 46a and the discharge roller pair 56 that conveys the medium is in the second direction in the movement range B of the carriage 50. The power transmission mechanism 86 does not protrude to the left in the apparatus width direction with respect to the carriage 50 in a state where the carriage 50 is positioned at the left end in the apparatus width direction in the movement range B. According to this configuration, the occupied area of the power transmission mechanism 86 does not increase the apparatus size in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50, and the apparatus dimension in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50 can be suppressed. .

  The carriage 50 includes a plurality of ink cartridges 61 that store ink ejected from the recording head 52, and the plurality of ink cartridges 61 are in the apparatus depth direction, which is a direction that intersects the apparatus width direction that is the moving direction of the carriage 50 in the carriage 50. Are arranged along. According to this configuration, the dimension of the carriage 50 in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50 can be suppressed, and consequently the apparatus dimension in the apparatus width direction that is the movement direction of the carriage 50 can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, the carriage 50 according to the present invention is applied to an ink jet printer as an example of a recording apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to other liquid ejecting apparatuses in general.
Here, the liquid ejecting apparatus uses an ink jet recording head, and is not limited to a recording apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and a facsimile machine that discharges ink from the recording head to perform recording on a recording medium. And a device for ejecting a liquid corresponding to the application from a liquid ejecting head corresponding to the ink jet recording head to an ejected medium corresponding to the recording medium, and attaching the liquid to the ejected medium.

  In addition to the recording head, as a liquid ejecting head, a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, and an electrode material (conductive paste) used for forming an electrode such as an organic EL display or a surface emitting display (FED) Examples thereof include an ejection head, a bioorganic matter ejection head used for biochip production, and a sample ejection head as a precision pipette.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 12 ... Apparatus main body, 14 ... Scanner part, 16 ... Operation part, 18 ... Display means, 20, 24, 32 ... Cover, 22 ... Paper discharge tray, 26 ... Medium guide path, 28 ... Feeding port, 30 ... Original platen, 32a, 50a ... Housing, 34 ... Medium container, 36 ... Pickup roller, 38 ... Rotating shaft, 40 ... Medium transport path, 42 ... Reverse roller, 44a, 44b, 44c ... Driven roller, 46 ... conveying roller pair, 46a ... conveying drive roller, 46b ... conveying driven roller, 48 ... recording unit, 50 ... carriage, 50b ... gripping unit, 50c ... bearing unit, 50d ... top, 50e, 50f ... side, 50g ... Contact part, 52... Recording head, 54... Medium guide member, 56... Discharge roller pair, 58... Guide part, 60. Means, 64 ... Carriage drive motor, 66 ... Drive pulley, 68 ... Drive belt, 70 ... Guide shaft, 72, 74 ... Gap adjustment cam, 72a, 74a ... Cam surface, 72b, 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, 88A, 88B ... gear, 76A, 76B ... frame member, 78 ... cam follower section, 80, 90 ... gap adjusting means, 84 ... gap adjusting means drive motor, 86 ... power transmission mechanism, 92 ... first gear, 94 ... second Gears, 96 ... Planetary gears, 98 ... First member, 98a ... Engagement part, 100 ... Second member, 100a ... Contacting part, 100b ... Engaged part, 102 ... Switching lever member, 102a ... Lever, 104 ... First urging member, 106 ... second urging member, 108 ... axis, A ... arrow, B ... movement range, L1, L2 ... dimensions, PG ... gap, T1, T2 ... region

Claims (8)

A carriage having a recording head for recording on a medium and movable in a first direction and a second direction which is the opposite direction;
Gap adjusting means for displacing the carriage in a direction in which a gap between the medium and the recording head changes due to rotation of a cam;
In a state where the carriage is positioned at the end in the first direction in the movement range, at least a part of the carriage and at least a part of the cam overlap in the movement direction of the carriage.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cam does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at an end portion in the first direction in the movement range.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide shaft that guides the carriage in a movement direction.
The cam has a shape in which the distance from the rotation center to the outer periphery changes along the circumferential direction, and is provided at the end of the guide shaft,
The gap adjusting means includes a cam follower portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cam.
The cam follower portion does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at an end portion in the first direction in the movement range.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gap adjusting unit includes a gear group that transmits a rotational torque of a power source to the cam.
The gear group does not protrude in the first direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at an end portion in the first direction in the movement range.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cam does not protrude from a top portion of the carriage in a direction in which the gap changes.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cam is further disposed at an end portion on the second direction side in a movement range of the carriage.
The cam does not protrude in the second direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at an end in the second direction in the movement range.
A recording apparatus. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a power transmission mechanism that transmits power of a driving source to a conveyance unit that conveys a medium is provided in the movement range of the carriage. Arranged on the end side in the direction of
The power transmission mechanism does not protrude in the second direction with respect to the carriage in a state where the carriage is positioned at an end portion in the second direction in the movement range;
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carriage includes a plurality of ink cartridges that store liquid ejected from the recording head.
The plurality of ink cartridges are arranged in the carriage along a direction that intersects the moving direction of the carriage.
A recording apparatus.

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