JP2017047547A - Liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid discharge device in which even when a plurality of tubes are connected to predetermined positions corresponding to the tubes respectively, the plurality of tubes can be connected to the predetermined positions further easily.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording device comprises joint members 541 and 542 which communicate supply tubes 530 with an ink flow path formed inside a recording head, at connected parts to the recording head in the supply tubes 530. The inkjet recording device further comprises a joint holder 580 for holding the joint members 541 and 542. The joint members 541 and 542 include the fixed-side joint member 541 which is held by the joint holder 580 and the movable-side joint member 542 which is relatively movably held in a comparatively large range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection unit that connects a liquid supply path extending from a liquid storage unit to a liquid discharge head in order to supply liquid to the liquid discharge head in a liquid discharge apparatus that performs recording by discharging liquid from the liquid discharge head The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus including

  In an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording by discharging ink from a recording head, there is a tube supply method as one of ink supply methods for supplying ink to the recording head. In the tube supply method, ink is supplied to a recording head mounted on the carriage via an tube from an ink storage portion arranged at a location different from the carriage. In such a tube supply system, the tube needs to be connected to a predetermined position so that ink is supplied to the recording head. Therefore, the position accuracy of the tube is required when connecting the tube.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a holder is attached to a carriage in order to supply ink from an ink storage unit to the recording head side. The holder can hold the joint portion extending from the tube from the ink storage portion, and is configured to be able to supply ink supplied from the tube to the recording head side. The holder is attached with play in a direction intersecting the direction in which the joint portion is connected and separated. Accordingly, when the joint portion is connected to the holder, the joint portion is appropriately attached to the holder even if the joint portion is misaligned.

JP 2004-268599 A

  However, there are ink jet recording apparatuses in which a plurality of tubes corresponding to a plurality of ink colors are respectively connected to predetermined positions. In that case, when play is not provided in the joint part to which the tube is connected, it is required that the tube is accurately connected to a predetermined position determined for each type of the tube. At this time, in order for the plurality of tubes to be connected to the respective predetermined positions, the accuracy of the position between the plurality of tubes is required so that each of the plurality of tubes is connected to the predetermined position. When a plurality of tubes are collectively attached to the corresponding positions of the respective tubes, positional accuracy between the tubes is required for the whole of the plurality of tubes.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a liquid discharge device in which a plurality of tubes are easily connected to a predetermined position even when the plurality of tubes are connected to respective predetermined positions corresponding to the respective tubes. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  The liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention includes a liquid storage unit that stores liquid, a liquid discharge head that temporarily stores the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit, and discharges the stored liquid, the liquid storage unit, and the liquid A liquid supply path that is connected between the discharge heads and circulates the liquid, and a liquid flow formed in the liquid supply path and the liquid discharge head at a connection portion of the liquid supply path to the liquid discharge head. A joint member that communicates with the path; and a holder member that holds the joint member. The plurality of joint members are held by the holder member, and the plurality of joint members are Between the first joint member that is held relatively movable in the range of 1 and the holder member, the holder member is held relatively movable in the second range that is larger than the first range. Characterized in that it comprises a second joint member.

  According to the present invention, among the plurality of joint members, the second joint member is held by the holder member so as to be movable within a relatively large range with respect to the holder member. Therefore, the connection between the liquid supply path and the liquid discharge head in the joint member can be easily performed between the respective joint members. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection device that is excellent in handleability.

1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an ink supply system from a main tank to a recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration in the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a carriage and a recording head mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the recording head. (A) is the front view seen from the head unit side of the joint base in the inkjet recording device of FIG. 1, (b) shows sectional drawing which follows the VB-VB line | wire in (a). FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connection portion between a recording head and a joint base in a state where a CR cover is opened in the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connection portion between a recording head and a joint base in a state where a CR cover is closed and a joint lever is opened in the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1. The recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 with the CR cover closed, the joint lever locked, the joint base fixed at the connection position, and the flow path in the supply tube and the flow path of the recording head communicated. It is sectional drawing about the connection part between a joint base.

  Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus (liquid ejection apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the main tank, the sub tank, and the carriage in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

  The ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment includes each mechanism unit. The mechanism unit includes a paper feed unit (ASF unit), a paper transport unit, a paper discharge unit, a recovery mechanism unit, an ink supply unit, a CR (carriage) unit, and the like. Hereinafter, each mechanism part will be described.

(Paper Feeder)
The paper feeding unit is an automatic paper feeding unit (Automatic Sheet Feeder) that pulls out one sheet at a time for each recording operation by a paper feeding roller 120 from a plurality of sheets (not shown) stacked on the pressure plate 110 and sends them to the sheet conveying unit. It is configured as.

(Paper transport section)
The sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit is conveyed toward a nip portion between a conveyance roller (LF roller) 210 and a pinch roller 220 as a sheet conveyance unit. After that, the sheet feeding roller 120 is cut in driving force and rotates with the sheet. At this time, the sheet is conveyed only by the conveying roller 210 and the pinch roller 220. The sheet advances in the positive direction every predetermined line feed amount, and advances along a rib provided on the platen 290.

(Output section)
The paper discharge unit includes a first paper discharge roller 230 and a first spur train (not shown). The sheet conveyed by the conveying roller 210 and the pinch roller 220 is subjected to image formation, and then the leading edge is gradually applied to the nip portion formed by the first paper discharge roller 230 and the first spur train (not shown). Here, the peripheral speed of the first paper discharge roller 230 is set to be substantially equal to the peripheral speed of the transport roller 210. Further, the conveyance roller 210 to the first paper discharge roller 230 are connected by a gear train. Therefore, the first paper discharge roller 230 rotates in synchronization with the transport roller 210. Therefore, the sheet is conveyed without being slackened or pulled.

(Recovery mechanism)
The recovery mechanism unit 400 is for maintaining and recovering the ejection performance of the recording head 300 with ink (liquid). In the present embodiment, the recovery mechanism unit 400 uses a suction pump, which is used when sucking ink from the ejection ports formed in the recording head 300, and a suction motor such as a drive motor (not shown) as a drive source for driving the suction pump. Means. In addition, the recovery mechanism unit 400 includes a wiper (not shown) that wipes and cleans the vicinity of the ejection opening of the recording head 300. Further, the recovery mechanism unit 400 of the present embodiment includes a cap unit 430 for suppressing drying in the vicinity of the ejection opening of the recording head 300.

(Ink supply unit)
In the supply unit 500, main tanks (liquid storage units) 520 for the respective colors are detachably mounted at respective mounting positions. The supply unit 500 supplies ink from the main tank 520 to the recording head 300. The ink supply path includes a sub tank 550 that temporarily stores ink from the main tank 520, an on-off valve that can open and close the ink supply path, a flow path plate 510 that forms a flow path to the recording head 300, and a supply tube 530. And so on. In order to transfer the ink stored in the main tank 520 to the recording head 300, the recording head is used by a suction pump (not shown) of the recovery mechanism unit 400 provided at a position facing the ejection port surface 390 of the recording head 300. Suction is performed from 300 discharge port surfaces 390.

  In a state where ink is supplied to the inside of the recording head 300, the recording element is driven by applying an electric signal to the recording element, and ink is ejected from the ejection port. In this embodiment, ink stored in the main tank 520 is supplied to the recording head 300. The recording head 300 temporarily stores the ink stored in the main tank 520 and discharges the stored ink.

(CR part)
The CR unit 310 includes a carriage 360 and a recording head 300 mounted on the carriage 360. The carriage 360 is guided and supported by a guide shaft 320. Accordingly, the carriage 360 is configured to be capable of reciprocating along the guide shaft 320 in a direction (main scanning direction) intersecting the sheet conveyance direction. The CR unit 310 includes a support rail 330 fixed to the upper part of the chassis. The driving force of a carriage motor (not shown) is transmitted to the carriage 360 via a carriage belt 391 stretched between idler pulleys (not shown), so that the carriage 360 moves. In the present embodiment, the carriage 360 reciprocates (scans) along the guide shaft 320.

  In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 configured as described above, when recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets onto a sheet, an image is formed on the sheet while alternately repeating sheet conveyance and carriage scanning. Here, the sheet is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the conveying roller 210 and the pinch roller 220, and the recording head (liquid ejection head) 300 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction in accordance with a signal from the electric substrate. Ink is ejected onto the sheet.

  A recording element is disposed in the ink flow path of the recording head 300. In the present embodiment, a heating element (electrothermal converter) is arranged as a recording element. When the heating element is energized, heat energy is generated from the heating element, whereby the ink in the ink flow path is heated and foamed by film boiling. Ink droplets are ejected from the ejection port by the foaming energy at that time.

  The recording head according to the present embodiment employs a system in which film boiling is generated by a heating element and foamed to eject ink droplets, but the present invention is not limited to this. A recording head of a type that deforms a piezoelectric element and thereby discharges liquid inside the recording head may be applied to the recording apparatus, and another type of recording head may be applied to the recording apparatus of the present invention. .

  In addition, the supply unit 500 is configured to be disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge port on the front surface of the apparatus. Therefore, the flexible supply tube 530 extending from the joint members 541 and 542 connected to the recording head 300 mounted on the carriage 360 extends toward the supply plate 510 while being bent so as to extend in the paper discharge side direction. Yes. A supply tube (liquid supply path) 530 is connected between the main tank 520 and the recording head 300 and circulates ink therein. Supply tube 530 is connected to supply plate 510 at one end, where supply tube 530 and supply plate 510 communicate with each other. Further, the supply tube 530 is connected to the carriage 360 so as to be able to follow the movement of the CR unit 310 over the entire scanning range of the CR unit 310.

  The supply tube 530 is connected to connection members 547 and 548, and the connection member is attached to the joint holder 580. The joint holder 580 is attached to the carriage 360. Accordingly, the supply tube 530 is attached to the carriage 360 via the connection members 547 and 548.

  Next, the configuration of the control system between the ink jet recording apparatus 100 and the ink tank in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system between the ink jet recording apparatus and the ink tank.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes a CPU 11 that controls a recording operation, a transport operation, and the like. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 also includes a user interface (I / F) 12 including a key operated by a user and an operation panel for displaying information. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a ROM 13 that stores a program for controlling the inkjet recording apparatus 100 and a RAM 14 that is temporarily used as a storage area when the control program is operated. . The ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes an I / O 15 for the drive unit 16 of the ink jet recording apparatus 100 and a drive unit 16 included in the recording apparatus 100. Further, the ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes an ink remaining amount sensor 17 that detects the remaining amount of the main tank 520. The remaining ink sensor 17 detects whether or not a predetermined amount or more of ink remains in the main tank 520.

  Next, a joint portion to the recording head 300 when the supply tube 530 is connected to the recording head 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the recording head 300 mounted on the carriage of this embodiment. FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the recording head showing the flow path configuration inside the head unit 302.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the recording head 300 is mainly composed of a head housing 301 and a plurality of head units 302 which are arranged inside the head housing 301 and have flow paths formed therein. Yes. The head units 302 are independently positioned and arranged at predetermined positions in the head housing 301.

  In the head unit 302, a plurality of guide holes 304 and a plurality of head inflow ports 305 are formed on a surface facing joint members 541 and 542, which will be described later, attached to the ink supply tube 530. In the recording head 300, an ink flow path (liquid flow path) is formed extending from a head inlet (inlet) 305 formed on a surface facing the joint members 541 and 542 toward an ejection port for ejecting ink. Has been. The joint members 541 and 542 are engaged with the guide hole 304 and the head inflow port 305, so that the joint members 541 and 542 and the head unit 302 are engaged.

  A rubber seal member 306 is formed around the head inlet 305 in order to prevent ink from leaking outside the apparatus when the ink tank is in the market. By inserting a later-described needle portion 546 into the head inlet 305, a flow path from the ink supply portion 500 to the ejection surface of the recording head 300 is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a joint base 570 is provided at the end of the ink supply tube 530 on the side close to the head unit 302. FIG. 5A shows a front view of the joint base 570 as viewed from the head unit 302 side. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB in FIG.

  The joint base 570 includes a joint holder (holder member) 580. A joint holder 580 is provided in the joint base 570 at a position facing the recording head 300. The joint holder 580 is provided with a positioning boss 581 formed to extend toward the recording head 300.

  Two joint members 541 and 542 are attached to the joint holder 580. The joint members 541 and 542 are connecting portions of the supply tube 530 to the recording head 300, and connect the supply tube 530 and the ink flow path formed inside the recording head 300. Mounting holes 543 and 544 are formed in the two joint members 541 and 542, respectively. An attachment hole 543 is formed in the fixed side joint member 541, and an attachment hole 544 is formed in the movable side joint member 542. When the joint members 541 and 542 are attached to the joint holder 580, the positioning boss 581 of the joint holder 580 is inserted into the attachment hole 543 provided in the joint member 541 and the attachment hole 544 provided in the joint member 542, respectively. . Accordingly, the two joint members 541 and 542 are held by the joint holder 580.

  The joint members 541 and 542 are provided with guide pins 545 that are positioned by being engaged with the guide holes 304 of the recording head 300 at positions facing the recording head 300. The joint members 541 and 542 include a needle portion 546 connected to the head inlet 305 of the recording head 100. The needle portion 546 is formed in a hollow shape, and a flow path is formed therein. By inserting the needle portion 546 into the head inlet 305, the flow path in the supply tube and the flow path in the recording head communicate with each other. As a result, the ink flow path from the main tank 520 is connected by the joint members 541 and 542 via the supply tube 530, and ink can be supplied from the main tank 520 to the recording head 300. In the present embodiment, a plurality of supply tubes are connected to the liquid ejection head 300 in each of the joint members 541 and 542. Therefore, a plurality of needle portions 546 are formed in each joint member 541 and 542.

  One of the two joint members 541 and 542 is a fixed side joint member 541 that has a relatively small amount of movement relative to the positioning boss 581 and does not substantially move relative to the positioning boss 581 of the joint holder 580. . In the fixed-side joint member 541, the positioning boss 581 is fitted into the fixed-side mounting hole 543 with almost no gap formed between the fixed-side mounting hole 543 and the positioning boss 581.

  Of the two joint members 541 and 542, the other joint member is a movable-side joint member 542 that is relatively movable relative to the positioning boss 581 and is relatively movable with respect to the joint holder 580. . In the movable side joint member 542, a play gap is formed between the movable side mounting hole 544 and the positioning boss 581 of the joint holder 580. That is, a plurality of joint members are attached to the joint holder 580. The plurality of joint members include a fixed-side joint member (first joint member) 541 that is held relatively movable within a relatively small range (first range) with the joint holder 580. . In addition, the plurality of joint members include a movable side joint member (second joint member) 542 that is held relatively movable within a relatively large range (second range) with the joint holder 580. ing.

  Furthermore, the joint holder 580 includes a guide member 890 that performs a rough guide in a state where play is provided along a groove 364 formed in the carriage 360 during a first headset operation described later. In the present embodiment, the guide member 890 is formed at both ends of the joint holder 580 in the width direction. The guide member 890 includes a protruding portion 891 that is disposed inside the groove portion 364 and protrudes inward from the guide member 890 when the joint holder 580 is connected to the recording head 300. As shown in FIG. 5B, the protruding portion 891 is formed by a guide member 890 extending from the joint holder 580 toward the recording head 300 side.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the configuration of the joint portion in each state when the recording head 300 and the supply tube 530 are connected will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the recording head 300 and the joint base 570 in a state where the CR cover 361 is opened and in the head release position. In the state shown in FIG. 6, since the joint lever 582 and the CR cover 361 are open, the recording head 300 is not connected to the carriage 360 and is not fixed. In the state shown in FIG. 6, the recording head 300 and the joint members 541 and 542 are not engaged with each other and are separated from each other. Therefore, the recording head 300 can be removed from the carriage 360 by a user operation. By removing the recording head 300 from the carriage 360, the recording head 300 can be removed from the inkjet recording apparatus main body 100.

  The carriage 360 includes a CR cover 361 that is rotatable with respect to the carriage 360 around the rotation shaft 363. The carriage 360 includes a head fixing mechanism 362 that fixes the recording head 300 inside the carriage 360 by closing the CR cover 361 in conjunction with the rotation of the CR cover 361. The head fixing mechanism 362 is attached to a head fixing lever (not shown). The head fixing mechanism 362 is configured to be able to stop the rotation of the CR cover 361 and hold the position of the CR cover 361 at a predetermined position.

  When the CR cover 361 is closed, the CR cover 361 is connected to the joint holder 580 via a link mechanism (not shown). By closing the CR cover 361, the positions of the two joint members 541 and 542 that are separated from the recording head 300 are brought close to the recording head 300. At this time, the joint base 570 at the tip of the supply tube 530 moves to a position where the joint members 541 and 542 are positioned with respect to the recording head 300 and a standby position where the head inlet 305 and the needle portion 546 can engage with each other. It is configured to be possible.

  FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the recording head 300 and the joint base 570 in a state where the CR cover 361 is closed (first headset operation) and the joint lever 582 is opened. When the CR cover 361 is closed, the head fixing mechanism 362 is engaged with the protrusion 365 provided on the recording head 300. Thereby, the recording head 300 is fixed inside the carriage 360.

  The joint holder 580 includes a joint lever 582, and a protrusion (not shown) formed on the carriage 360 and a groove (not shown) formed on the joint lever 582 are fitted by rotation of the joint lever 582. As a result, the joint holder 580 can move the two joint members 541 and 542 close to the CR portion 310 and move to a position where the head inlet 305 of the recording head 300 and the needle portion 546 of the joint members 541 and 542 engage with each other. It is configured.

  Further, when the joint holder 580 comes close to the CR portion 310, the tip of the guide pin 545 of the joint holder 580 is engaged with the guide hole 304 provided on the recording head 300 side. At this time, the joint holder 580 is configured to be movable in a surface direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of approaching and separating from the CR unit 310.

  Play is provided between the groove portion 364 of the carriage 360 and the guide member 890, and is arranged respectively. Therefore, the joint holder 580 can move with respect to the recording head within a range of play on a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of engagement with the carriage 360 (first floating structure).

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the distance between the inner surfaces of the guide member 890 is assumed to be l1. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the distance between the surfaces of the outer ends of the carriage 360 in the width direction is defined as l2. At this time, the distance l1 between the inner surfaces of the guide member 890 is formed longer than the distance l2 between the outer end surfaces of the carriage 360 in the width direction. As a result, a gap is generated in the width direction of the recording head 300 between the guide member 890 and the carriage 360, whereby the joint holder 580 is configured to be movable in the width direction of the recording head 300 with respect to the carriage 360 and the recording head 300. ing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the length along the vertical direction of the protruding portion 891 of the guide member 890 is set to l3. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the length of the groove 364 along the vertical direction is set to l4. At this time, the length l4 along the vertical direction of the groove portion 364 is formed longer than the length l3 along the vertical direction of the protruding portion 891 of the guide member 890. As a result, a gap is created in the vertical direction between the groove 364 and the protruding portion 891, whereby the joint holder 580 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the carriage 360 and the recording head 300.

  Therefore, even if there is a position shift between the guide pin 545 of the fixed side joint member 541 and the guide hole 304 of the recording head 300 at the opposite position, the shift is absorbed by the first floating structure. Can do. The guide pin 545 has a tapered tip. Accordingly, when a part of the tip of the guide pin 545 enters the guide hole 304, the arrangement position is corrected to an appropriate position as the guide pin 545 advances through the guide hole 304.

  Thus, the joint holder 580 is attached to the carriage 360 with play. Accordingly, as the joint holder 580 approaches the recording head 300, the position of the joint holder 580 is equalized and the position of the joint holder 580 is corrected with respect to the carriage 360. Meanwhile, the guide pin 545 and the guide hole 304 are fitted while the position of the joint holder 580 is corrected. As a result, the fixed-side joint member 541 can correct the position with respect to the carriage 360 while approaching the recording head 300 during the closing operation of the CR cover 360.

  Further, play is provided between the movable side mounting hole 544 of the movable side joint member 542 and the positioning boss 581 of the joint holder 580. Therefore, the positioning boss 581 is inserted into the movable side mounting hole 544 with a gap provided between the movable side mounting hole 544 and the positioning boss 581, and the movable side joint member 542 is attached to the joint holder 580. . Therefore, the movable-side joint member 542 is attached to the joint holder 580 so as to be relatively movable within a relatively large range on a surface that intersects the direction in which the joint holder 580 is engaged with the recording head 300 (second). Floating structure).

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the outer diameter of the positioning boss 581 corresponding to the movable joint member 542 is d1, and the inner diameter of the movable attachment hole 544 in the movable joint member 542 is d2. At this time, the inner diameter d2 of the movable side mounting hole 544 is larger than the outer diameter d1 of the positioning boss 581, and a gap is formed between the movable side mounting hole 544 and the positioning boss 581. Since a gap is formed between the movable side mounting hole 544 and the positioning boss 581, a play is provided between them, and the positioning boss 581 is configured to be movable within the range of this play. On the other hand, the movable joint member 542 is configured to be relatively movable.

  Even if a positional deviation occurs between the guide pin 545 of the movable joint member 542 and the guide hole 304 of the recording head 300 at the opposite position, the second floating structure can absorb the deviation. it can. When the guide pin 545 is aligned with the guide hole 543 in the fixed side joint member 541, the movable side joint member 542 is moved even when the position of the guide pin 545 does not match the position of the guide hole 543 in the movable side joint member 542. Can be made. At this time, since the movable side joint member 542 can be moved without moving the fixed side joint member 541, the position of the guide pin 545 of the movable side joint member 542 can be adjusted to the position of the corresponding guide hole 543. it can. That is, even if there is a deviation between the guide pin 545 and the guide hole 304 between the different joint members 541 and 542 due to a variation in the mounting position or a variation in the dimensions of the parts, the deviation is absorbed and related. It is possible to be combined.

  In FIG. 8, the CR cover 361 is closed, the joint lever 582 is locked, the joint base 570 is fixed at the connection position (second headset operation), and the flow path in the supply tube and the flow path of the recording head communicate with each other. Sectional drawing of the joint part periphery of the state of having been shown is shown. The joint base 570 is locked at the connection position by the joint lever 582, so that the joint holder 580 and the two joint members 541 and 542 are disposed at a position where they abut against the recording head 300. Along with this, the needle portion 546 is inserted into the head inlet 305. At this time, since the CR cover 361 is already closed, the recording head 300 is positioned at a predetermined position by the guide hole 545 of the head unit 302 and the guide pins 304 of the two joint members 541 and 542. Accordingly, the amount of positional deviation between the needle portion 546 and the head inlet 305 at this time is determined only by the dimensional accuracy of the components of the head unit 302 and the joint members 541 and 542. Further, by setting the positional deviation amount smaller than the followability by the elastic force of the rubber seal member 306 attached to the head inlet 305, the needle portion 546 and the head inlet 305 can be reliably engaged. .

  Since the inkjet recording apparatus 100 has the two floating structures described above, the two engaging operations can be performed almost simultaneously by executing the first headset operation. Even if the head unit 302 positioned and fixed to the recording head 300 has a variation in position, the guide pin 545 and the guide hole 304 can be engaged only by the operation of closing the CR cover 361. Therefore, the guide pin 545 and the guide hole 304 can be more easily engaged.

  Next, a joint operation for connecting the joint holder 580 to the recording head 300 mounted inside the carriage 360 will be described.

  When connecting the supply tube 530 to the recording head 300, first, the CR cover 361 in the carriage 360 is opened as shown in FIG. 6, and then the CR cover 361 is closed as shown in FIG. As a result, the recording head 300 is fixedly arranged inside the carriage 360.

  Next, guide pins 545 extending from the joint members 541 and 542 are inserted into the guide holes 304 in the recording head 300. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a guide pin 545 having a tapered tip end portion is inserted into the guide hole 304. At this time, the recording head 300 is fixedly disposed inside the carriage 360. The joint holder 580 is arranged so as to be movable with respect to the carriage 360 in a surface direction that intersects the direction of movement when the joint holder 580 is engaged with the carriage 360. That is, the joint holder 580 is relatively movable between the carriage 360 in a plane direction that intersects the connection direction in which the supply tube 530 is connected to the recording head 300.

  In the joint base 570, the distance between the inner surfaces of the guide member 890 is formed longer than the distance between the outer end surfaces in the width direction of the carriage 360. Accordingly, the joint holder 580 is configured to be movable along the width direction of the joint holder 580 with respect to the carriage 360. Further, the length along the vertical direction of the groove portion 364 is longer than the length along the vertical direction of the protruding portion 891 of the guide member 890. Accordingly, the joint holder 580 is configured to be movable along the vertical direction with respect to the carriage 360. As described above, since the joint holder 580 is attached to the carriage 360 with play, high accuracy is not required when positioning the mounting position of the joint holder 580, and the guide pin 545 can be easily inserted into the guide hole 304. Can be inserted into.

  In addition, the movable side joint member 542 can move relative to the fixed side joint member 541. In the movable side joint member 542, the positioning boss 581 is inserted with play in the mounting hole 544, whereby the joint holder 580 and the movable side joint member 542 are engaged. Therefore, the movable joint member 542 is disposed so as to be relatively movable with respect to the joint holder 580 within a range where play is provided. Further, the guide pin 545 extending from the movable joint holder 542 is configured to be movable relative to the joint holder 580. In other words, the guide pin 545 extending from the movable joint member 542 is configured to be movable relative to the carriage 360.

  Thus, the movable side joint member 542 can move relative to the fixed side joint member 541. Therefore, even if there is a shift in the mounting position caused by a manufacturing error between the movable joint member 542 and the fixed joint member 541, the shift is absorbed and the guide pin 545 is inserted into the guide hole 304. can do. Therefore, any of the guide pins 545 extending from the joint members 541 and 542 can be easily inserted into the guide hole 304, and any of the joint members 541 and 542 can be easily connected to the recording head 300. Further, when the guide pin 545 is inserted into the guide hole 304, the needle portion 546 extending from the joint members 541 and 542 can be reliably inserted into the head inlet 305. Thereby, the connection for supplying ink between the joint members 541 and 542 and the recording head 300 can be more reliably performed.

  In the present embodiment, the guide pin 545 is formed in a tapered shape with a thin tip, and has a tapered shape. Therefore, the guide pin 545 can be easily inserted into the guide hole 304. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the CR cover 361 is closed and the guide pin 545 is inserted into the guide hole 304, the joint lever 582 rotates about the rotation shaft 366, and the position shown in FIG. Locked by. Since the joint holder 580 is pushed toward the recording head 300 side with the rotation of the joint lever 582, the joint members 541 and 542 are disposed at positions where they abut against the recording head 300. Further, the needle portion 546 is inserted into the head inlet 305 of the recording head 300 in the process in which the joint holder 580 moves in the direction approaching the recording head 300 side.

  At this time, since the guide pin 545 is already inserted into the guide hole 304, the joint member 580 moves to the recording head 300 side in a state where the joint member 580 is disposed at an appropriate position in the process of moving the joint member 580. . Therefore, the needle portion 546 is reliably inserted into the head inlet 305. When the joint lever 582 is locked at the position shown in FIG. 8, the joint members 541 and 542 come into contact with the recording head 300. Therefore, the needle portion 546 and the head inlet 305 communicate with each other, and the position of the joint holder 580 where the supply tube 530 and the recording head 300 are connected is maintained.

  When the needle portion 546 is inserted into the head inlet 305, a supply flow path for ink supply from the supply tube 530 to the recording head 300 is formed. Accordingly, the ink stored in the main tank 520 can be supplied to the recording head 300, and the ink jet recording apparatus 100 can be in a state where ink can be ejected from the recording head 300. At that time, the connection to the recording head 300 by the supply tube 530 can be performed more easily.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, since a gap is formed between the positioning boss 581 and the guide hole 544 in the movable side joint member 542, the movable side joint member 542 can be moved relative to the fixed side joint member 541. It is configured. Therefore, even if there is a variation in position between the needle portions 546 extending from the joint members 541 and 542 attached to the same joint holder 580, these needle portions 546 are easily inserted into the respective head inlets 305. can do.

  If each of a plurality of joint members attached to the same joint holder is attached without play, all needle parts may not be easily inserted into the head inlet. There is. If there is a variation in the mounting position between the multiple needle parts when they are mounted without play, the positions of some needle parts will deviate from the corresponding head inlet position, and the needle parts will be There is a possibility that it cannot be easily inserted into the head inlet. Therefore, there is a possibility that all the needle portions cannot be easily inserted into the corresponding head inflow ports at once. When the needle part of one joint member is inserted into the head inlet, the needle part of the other joint member may not be easily inserted into the head inlet.

  As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the ink jet recording apparatus 100 capable of easily and reliably connecting the supply tube and the recording head 300. Thereby, it is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having excellent handling properties.

  In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated the structure by which each one of the fixed side joint member and the movable side joint member was hold | maintained at one joint holder, the structure of this invention is not limited to this. Three or more joint portions may be held by one joint holder. In that case, the structure in which one joint holder is provided with two or more fixed side joint members or two or more movable side joint members may be sufficient. Further, when one needle portion is formed on one joint member, it can be easily inserted into the head inflow port corresponding to variations in the attachment positions of the needle portions.

300 recording head 520 main tank 530 supply tube 541 fixed joint member 542 movable joint member 580 joint holder

Claims (10)

A liquid reservoir for storing liquid;
A liquid discharge head for temporarily storing the liquid stored in the liquid storage section and discharging the stored liquid;
A liquid supply path connected between the liquid storage section and the liquid discharge head, for circulating the liquid;
A joint member for connecting the liquid supply path and a liquid flow path formed inside the liquid discharge head at a connection portion to the liquid discharge head in the liquid supply path;
A holder member for holding the joint member,
A plurality of the joint members are held by the holder member,
The plurality of joint members are fixed between the holder member and the first joint member, which is held so as to be relatively movable with respect to the holder member, from the first range. And a second joint member that is relatively movably held in a larger second range. A hole is formed in the joint member;
The holder is provided with a boss extending toward the liquid discharge head,
The holder member holds the joint member in a state where the boss is inserted into the hole,
The joint member is relatively movable between the holder member and the holder member within a range corresponding to a size of a gap formed between the boss and the hole. Liquid discharge device.   The first joint member and the second joint member are relatively movable with respect to the holder member in a surface direction intersecting a connection direction in which the liquid supply path is connected to the liquid discharge head. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is provided.   4. The liquid ejection according to claim 1, wherein the holder member is attached to a carriage on which the liquid ejection head is mounted, and is movable relative to the carriage. 5. apparatus.   The said holder member is relatively movable between the said carriage in the surface direction which cross | intersects the connection direction in which the said liquid supply path is connected to the said liquid discharge head. Liquid discharge device. The joint member is formed with a guide member extending toward the liquid discharge head,
A guide hole into which the guide member is inserted is formed in the liquid discharge head,
6. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide member has a tapered shape with a tapered end portion. The joint member is formed with a needle portion that extends toward the liquid discharge head and has a flow path that communicates with the liquid supply path therein.
In the liquid discharge head, the liquid flow path is formed to extend from an inflow port formed on a surface facing the joint member toward a discharge port for discharging liquid,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the needle member is inserted into the inlet and the joint member is attached to the liquid ejecting head.   8. The method according to claim 1, wherein one joint member communicates a plurality of the liquid supply passages with the liquid flow path formed inside the liquid discharge head. 10. Liquid ejection device.   9. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply path is a flexible tube having a flow path through which liquid flows.   10. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the joint member connects a plurality of the liquid supply paths to the liquid ejection head. 10.

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