JP7470600B2 - Connection structure between inkjet head and control board and printing device using the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet head/control board connection structure that electrically connects an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets to a control board that outputs electrical signals for operating the inkjet head, and a printing device that uses the same.

An inkjet printing device is equipped with an inkjet head. The inkjet head ejects ink droplets to print on a print medium. The inkjet head ejects ink droplets. To achieve this, an electrical signal is given to the inkjet head from a control board. The inkjet head and the control board are configured in such a way that replacement is required in the event that either one of them breaks down. Specifically, the inkjet head and the control board are detachably connected by a connector.

The connector consists of a plug (also known as a male connector) and a socket (also known as a female connector). The plug and socket each have contacts inside their housings. The contacts are made of conductive metal to transmit electrical signals. For example, in the above example, the plug is attached to the control board, and the socket is attached to the inkjet head. When electrically connecting the inkjet head and the control board, the socket of the inkjet head is connected to the plug of the control board.

However, the inkjet head and the control board are generally placed in a small space. This is due to the high demand for miniaturization of the housings of inkjet printing devices. As a result, workers have difficulty visually checking the plug on the control board, and must connect the socket of the inkjet head to the plug on the control board by feel. When doing so, the socket is moved by feel on the control board so that the socket and plug are facing each other. This creates the risk of the socket housing damaging the contacts of the plug or the circuitry of the control board.

To resolve these issues, various connection structures have been proposed to make it easier to connect connectors.

The first type of device has a guide pin on one side of the plug or socket of the connector, and a guide hole on the member to which the other is attached (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

A second type of device has a guide pin on one side of the member to which the connector plug or socket is attached, and a guide hole on the member to which the other side is attached (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

A third device is a connector connection aid that improves the workability of connecting a connector plug and socket (see, for example, Patent Document 3). With this third device, the plug and socket to be connected are placed on the connector connection aid. Then, one of the socket or the plug is slid toward the other. This allows the socket and plug to be connected on the connector connection aid.

JP 2008-010592 A JP 2002-329535 A JP 2014-4063706 A

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in the conventional first and second devices, there is no problem if the guide pins and guide holes can be aligned almost accurately and the guide pins can be smoothly inserted into the guide holes under good working conditions. However, in a printing device where connection work is forced to be performed in a narrow space where it is difficult to see, such good working conditions cannot be used. Therefore, there is a risk that the guide pins may accidentally come into contact with the connector contacts or circuits, damaging the connector contacts or circuits. Furthermore, in the first device, the connector needs to be modified to add guide pins, which increases the size of the connector. This is therefore disadvantageous to miniaturization and high density. In addition, the connector is a special connector that is different from standard connectors available on the market, which increases the cost of the connector.

In the second device, it is necessary to form guide pins and guide holes in the control board. This requires a change in the design of the control board. Also, it is necessary to enlarge the control board in order to accommodate the same number of components. This increases the cost of the control board.

In addition, when working with the third device, a connector connection aid with a special guide shape that corresponds to the shape of the connector must be prepared. Also, when working, the worker must place the plug and socket on the connector connection aid, so they must work while directly visually checking. This creates a problem that it is not practical to work in a small space.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board that can prevent damage during connection regardless of working conditions, does not hinder the miniaturization of the control board, and suppresses cost increases, and a printing device using the same.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the invention described in claim 1 provides a connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board that electrically connects an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets and a control board that outputs electrical signals for operating the inkjet head, the connection structure comprising: a board connector attached to the control board; a head connector that is connectable to the board connector and is attached to the inkjet head; and a plate-shaped guide plate attached along the surface of the control board, the guide plate being formed to surround the outer shape of the board connector when viewed from the insertion/removal direction in which the head connector is moved when connected to the board connector, and having a guide opening that allows the head connector to be connected to the board connector.

[Functions and Effects] According to the invention described in claim 1, the worker slides the head connector along the surface of the guide plate. When the head connector reaches the position of the guide opening, the head connector can be pushed into the guide opening. Therefore, even under blind work conditions where the worker cannot see the board connector, damage to the board connector and head connector during connection can be prevented. Moreover, the guide plate is simply attached to the control board. Therefore, the external shape of the board connector does not increase. Therefore, it does not hinder the miniaturization of the control board. Furthermore, no modifications are required to the control board or connector. Therefore, increases in costs can be suppressed.

In the present invention, it is also preferable that when the guide plate is attached to the control board, the height of the surface around the guide opening opposite the control board is higher than the height of the board connector (Claim 2).

The board connector does not protrude from the guide plate. Therefore, even if an operator slides the head connector along the surface of the guide plate, the head connector and the board connector do not come into contact. This prevents damage to the head connector and the board connector.

In the present invention, it is also preferable that the guide opening is configured to allow the head connector to move in and out of the guide opening only along the insertion/removal direction relative to the board connector (claim 3).

The guide opening is configured so that the head connector can move forward and backward only along the insertion/removal direction relative to the board connector. This prevents the head connector from moving away from the insertion/removal direction. As a result, the head connector is not inserted or removed at an angle relative to the board connector. This prevents the head connector and board connector from coming into contact with each other in a manner that deviates from the normal insertion/removal direction, preventing damage.

In the present invention, it is also preferable that the guide plate is formed so that only the edge of the guide opening protrudes toward the board connector, and has a guide portion that suppresses tilting in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction when the head connector advances and retreats in the insertion/removal direction through the guide opening (Claim 4).

The guide portion prevents the head connector from tilting in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction. As a result, damage to the board connector and head connector caused by tilting during insertion/removal can be reduced. In addition, the guide plate excluding the guide portion can be made thinner, making it possible to reduce weight.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the guide plate has a thickness that can suppress tilting in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction when the head connector advances and retreats in the insertion/removal direction through the guide opening (Claim 5).

The thickness of the guide plate prevents the head connector from tilting in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction. As a result, damage to the board connector and head connector caused by tilting during insertion/removal can be reduced.

In the present invention, it is also preferable that the control board has a plurality of alignment pins arranged in the insertion/removal direction, the guide plate has a plurality of alignment holes having an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the alignment pins, and the guide plate is disposed opposite the control board with the alignment pins inserted through the alignment holes (claim 6).

The alignment pins and alignment holes allow the guide plate to be positioned opposite the control board. This allows the guide opening and board connector to be precisely aligned. As a result, poor connection caused by misalignment between the guide opening and board connector can be prevented.

In the present invention, it is also preferable that the guide plate is made of a heat-conductive material (Claim 7).

The control board generates heat as a result of electrical operations that operate the inkjet head. However, if the guide plate is made of a thermally conductive material, the heat generated in the control board can be more easily dissipated through the guide plate.

In the present invention, it is also preferable that the guide plate has a heat dissipation block made of a thermally conductive and insulating material on the surface facing the control board (claim 8).

The heat dissipation block promotes heat dissipation from the control board. Because the heat dissipation block is insulating, it does not adversely affect the circuitry of the control board.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the inkjet head includes an inkjet head body and wiring that is connected to the inkjet head body at one end and extends outward, and that the head connector is connected to the other end of the wiring (claim 9).

This allows for greater freedom when sliding the other end of the wiring extending from the inkjet main body along the guide plate. This improves workability when sliding the head connector along the surface of the guide plate.

In the present invention, it is also preferable that the guide plate is provided with a disconnection mechanism that removes the head connector from the control board in the insertion/removal direction (Claim 10).

When the head connector is connected to the board connector, the head connector is embedded in the guide opening of the guide plate. Therefore, it is not easy to remove the head connector. Therefore, the connection release mechanism makes it easy to remove the head connector embedded in the guide opening.

In the present invention, a print head is provided which is constructed by connecting an inkjet head for ejecting ink droplets and a control board for outputting electrical signals for operating the inkjet head with a connection structure for the inkjet head and the control board described in any one of claims 1 to 10, a transport mechanism for transporting a print medium, and a frame on which the print head is attached so that the print head can print on the print medium, and the frame is preferably characterized in that the print head is attached in a state in which the guide opening is difficult to see during maintenance work (claim 11).

The print head that prints on the print medium transported by the transport mechanism is attached to the frame in a state in which the guide opening is difficult to see during maintenance work. The worker slides the head connector along the surface of the guide plate, and when the head connector reaches the position of the guide opening, the worker can push the head connector into the guide opening. Therefore, even under working conditions where the worker cannot see the guide opening, damage to the board connector and head connector during connection can be prevented. Moreover, the guide plate is simply attached to the control board. Therefore, the external dimensions of the board connector do not increase. Therefore, there is no hindrance to miniaturizing the control board. Furthermore, no modifications are required to the control board or connector. Therefore, increases in costs can be suppressed.

According to the connection structure between the inkjet head and the control board of the present invention, the worker slides the head connector along the surface of the guide plate. When the head connector reaches the position of the guide opening, the head connector can be pushed into the guide opening. Therefore, even under blind work conditions where the worker cannot see the board connector, damage to the board connector and head connector during connection can be prevented. Moreover, the guide plate is simply attached to the control board. Therefore, the external shape of the board connector does not increase. Therefore, there is no hindrance to miniaturization of the control board. Furthermore, no modification is required to the control board or the connector. Therefore, an increase in costs can be suppressed.

1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a guide plate. 100-100 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 100-100, showing the state before the guide plate is attached to the control board. 100-100 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 100-100, showing the state in which the guide plate is attached to the control board. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the plug and socket of the connector are arranged opposite each other. 101-101 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 101-101 for explaining the operation of connecting the connectors. 101-101 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 101-101 for explaining the operation of connecting the connectors. 101-101 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 101-101 for explaining the operation of connecting the connectors. 101-101 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 101-101 for explaining the operation of connecting the connectors. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the guide plate. FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a disconnection mechanism. FIG. 13 illustrates a second example of a disconnection mechanism. FIG. 13 illustrates a third example of a disconnection mechanism. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus and a partially enlarged view thereof;

<Connection structure>

Below, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view showing the schematic configuration of the connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of a guide plate. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows 100-100, showing the state before the guide plate is attached to the control board. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows 100-100, showing the state after the guide plate has been attached to the control board. Figure 5 is a side view showing the state in which the plug and socket of the connector are arranged opposite each other.

The print head 1 ejects ink droplets to print on a print medium (e.g., paper, film, etc.) (not shown). The print head 1 includes an inkjet head 3 and a control box 5. The inkjet head 3 ejects ink droplets for printing. The control box 5 outputs an electrical signal to the inkjet head 3 to operate the inkjet head 3. The control box 5 is given an electrical signal corresponding to print data from a control unit (not shown). The control box 5 converts the electrical signal according to the inkjet head 3 and outputs an electrical signal to operate the inkjet head 3. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the control board 27 is the Z direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction is the X direction.

The inkjet head 3 includes an inkjet head body 9 and wiring 11. The inkjet head body 9 includes a frame (not shown) and a head module 13 on the lower surface of the frame. The inkjet head body 9 is attached so that the head module 13 is exposed on the lower surface, and the head module 13 and the inkjet head body 9 are electrically connected. The head module 13 has a plurality of ejection holes for ejecting ink droplets formed on its lower surface. One end of the wiring 11 is electrically connected to the inkjet head body 9. The other end of the wiring 11 is electrically connected to the control box 5. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the wiring 11 is made of, for example, a flexible substrate (also called a flexible printed wiring board). The wiring 11 generally includes a plurality of signal lines for transmitting electrical signals. For this reason, if a plurality of signal lines are integrated into the same member, such as a flexible substrate, and the member has flexibility, it can be easily handled.

As shown in FIG. 3, the other end of the wiring 11 is connected to, for example, a socket 17 of a connector 15. The socket 17 has a socket housing 19. The socket housing 19 has a recess. The socket housing 19 has a contact 21 in the recess. The contact 21 is an electrode.

The connector 15 described above corresponds to the "head connector" in this invention.

The control box 5 includes a case 23, a cooling jacket 25, a control board 27, and a guide plate 29.

The case 23 is a container with a bottom. The case 23 is made of metal (e.g., aluminum) for heat dissipation. The cooling jacket 25 cools the control board 27. The cooling jacket 25 is injected with a cooling medium from an inlet (not shown), for example. The cooling jacket 25 is equipped with a serpentine pipe (not shown) whose one end is connected to the inlet. The serpentine pipe is connected to an outlet at the other end. The cooling medium that absorbs the heat of the control board 27 is discharged from the outlet. The case 23 has a plurality of board spacers 31 (e.g., four board spacers) attached to the bottom. A screw hole (not shown) is formed at the tip of the board spacer 31. The board spacer 31 fixes the position of the control board 27 in the height direction (X direction in FIG. 4).

A control board 27 is disposed on the upper part of the cooling jacket 25. An electronic circuit 33 is formed on the control board 27. The electronic circuit 33 generates an electrical signal for operating the inkjet head 3. A plug 37 of the connector 35 is attached to the electronic circuit 33. The plug 37 includes a plug housing 39. The plug housing 39 can be inserted into the socket housing 19 described above. The plug housing 39 has a protrusion that corresponds to the recess of the socket housing 19. The plug housing 39 includes a contact 41 on the protrusion. The contact 41 is an electrode.

The connector 35 described above corresponds to the "board connector" in this invention.

Alignment pins 43 are erected on the control board 27. In this embodiment, for example, four alignment pins 43 are provided. The alignment pins 43 position the guide plate 29 relative to the surface direction of the control board 27 (Y direction in Figures 3 and 4). Therefore, at least two alignment pins 43 are required. The alignment pins 43 are formed to be longer in the height direction (X direction in Figures 3 and 4) than the board spacer 31.

2, the guide plate 29 has tapped holes 45 formed at positions corresponding to the board spacers 31. The guide plate 29 is preferably made of a heat-conducting (thermally conductive) material. Specifically, the guide plate 29 is made of, for example, stainless steel plate (SUS). The board spacers 31 are attached to the outer side near the edge of the case 23. This allows the control board 27 to be attached to the case 23 more firmly than if the board spacers 31 were provided closer to the center, farther from the edge of the case 23. The guide plate 29 has alignment holes 47 formed at positions corresponding to the alignment pins 43. The alignment holes 47 have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the alignment pins 43. In detail, the alignment holes 47 have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the alignment pins 43. This allows the guide plate 29 to be completely unable to move in the surface direction when the guide plate 29 is attached. The guide plate 29 has a guide opening 49 formed in the center. The guide opening 49 is formed at a position corresponding to the connector 35 of the control board 27.

The alignment pins 43 are used to precisely determine the relative horizontal positions of the connector 35 and the guide opening 49. If the horizontal position of the guide plate 29 can be determined with high precision by the board spacer 31, the alignment pins 43 are not necessary. However, while the board spacer 31 can generally fix the position of the control board 27 with high precision, it cannot precisely fix the horizontal position of the part attached to the top of it. Therefore, the alignment pins 43 and alignment holes 47 allow the guide plate 29 to be fixed with high precision.

The guide opening 49 is formed so as to surround the outer shape of the connector 15, 35 when viewed from the insertion/removal direction (X direction in Figs. 1, 3 to 5) in which the connector 15 is moved when the connector 15 is connected to the connector 35. In other words, the guide opening 49 is formed so that the side wall of the guide opening 49 is located slightly outside the socket housing 19 of the connector 15. The guide opening 49 is formed to allow the connector 15 to be connected to the connector 35. Preferably, the guide opening 49 is configured so that the connector 15 is allowed to move forward and backward only in the insertion/removal direction. In other words, the guide opening 49 is preferably formed so that when the connector 15 is inserted into or removed from the connector 35, the connector 15 is not shifted as much as possible from the insertion/removal direction toward the surface direction of the guide plate 29. Specifically, the thickness of the guide plate 29 is preferably at least 1/3 of the height of the socket housing 19 of the connector 15, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. With this thickness, it is possible to prevent the connector 15 from tilting significantly in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction when the connector 15 is inserted or removed.

The thickness of the guide plate 29 and the height of the board spacer 31 are specified so that the height of its top surface (the surface opposite to the surface on which the control board 27 is arranged) is higher than the height of the plug housing 39 of the connector 35 when the guide plate 29 is screwed to the board spacer 31 with the screws 31a. This prevents the connector 35 from protruding upward from the top surface of the guide plate 29. Therefore, even if the operator slides the connector 15 along the surface of the guide plate 29, the connector 15 and the connector 35 do not come into contact with each other except when entering the connection operation. This prevents damage to the connector 15 and the connector 35 when the connector 15 is moved blindly along the guide plate 29.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide plate 29 has a heat dissipation block 51 in a portion of its lower surface (the surface on which the control board 27 is arranged). The heat dissipation block 51 is composed of, for example, an upper layer 53 on the guide plate 29 side and a lower layer 55 on the control board 27 side. Specifically, the upper layer 53 is composed of, for example, a heat-conductive and electrically conductive material. Specifically, the upper layer 53 is, for example, the same material as the guide plate 29. The lower layer 55 is composed of, for example, a heat-conductive and electrically insulating material.

In detail, the lower layer 55 is preferably made of a material mainly composed of a silicon resin having thermal conductivity, insulation, and flexibility. More specifically, a sheet-shaped thermally conductive gel is exemplified. The heat dissipation block 51 is preferably thick enough that the lower layer 55 envelops the electronic circuit 33 of the control board 27 when the guide plate 29 is attached. When the guide plate 29 is attached to the case 23, the exposed surface of the control board 27 is reduced. Therefore, there is a risk that the heat dissipation from the control board 27 through the air may deteriorate. However, it is possible to transmit part of the heat of the electronic circuit 33 to the guide plate 29 through the heat dissipation block 51. Therefore, the provision of the guide plate 29 can suppress the decrease in heat dissipation efficiency. Since the heat dissipation block 51 has a two-layer structure of the upper layer 53 and the lower layer 55 in this way, there is an advantage that it is easy to respond when a design change occurs in the electronic circuit 33 in the control board 27. In other words, as a result of a design change in the electronic circuit 33, the arrangement of the electronic components constituting the electronic circuit 33 is significantly changed, and as a result, the electronic circuit 33 may no longer contact the heat dissipation block 51. In such a case, heat dissipation can be ensured by simply increasing the thickness of the lower layer 55. Therefore, even if there are design changes to the control board 27, the flexibility to ensure heat dissipation can be provided.

It is preferable to attach an insulating material to the surface of the guide plate 29 facing the control board 27, excluding the heat dissipation block 51. This makes it possible to avoid short-circuiting the electronic circuit 33 of the control board 27 when attaching the guide plate 29.

The guide plate 29 is first placed with the board spacer 31 aligned with the tapped hole 35 and the alignment pin 43 aligned with the alignment hole 47. The guide plate 29 is then fixed to the case 23 by screwing the screw 31a into the tapped hole 45. At this time, the alignment pin 43 is inserted into the alignment hole 47, and the horizontal position is precisely fixed. As a result, the guide plate 29 is positioned opposite the control board 27 with a specified distance between them.

Now, please refer to Figures 6 to 9. Figures 6 to 9 are cross-sectional views taken along the line 101-101, which are provided to explain the operation of connecting the connectors.

For example, the following describes the operation when the inkjet head 3 breaks down, is replaced with a new inkjet head 3, and the connector 15 of the new inkjet head 3 is connected to the connector 35 of the control board 27. Note that the operator at this time cannot directly see the connector 35 and the guide opening 49.

First, although the worker cannot directly see the guide opening 49, he or she can grasp the general position of the guide opening 49 by touching it. Therefore, it is preferable to start the work with the connector 15 positioned near the guide opening 49 by touching it. The worker abuts the connector 15 on the upper surface of the guide plate 29 as shown in FIG. 6. In this state, the worker slides the connector 15 and moves it along the surface of the guide plate 29 while pushing the connector 15 against the upper surface of the guide plate 29 by touching it (the two-dot chain line with arrow in FIG. 6). At this time, the contacts 21 of the socket 17 of the connector 15 are attached inside the socket housing 19 and are not exposed to the outside. Therefore, the connector 15 is not damaged by this operation. When the socket housing 19 of the connector 15 is positioned in the guide opening 49, the lower part of the socket housing 19 of the connector 15 enters the guide opening 49. The worker can sense that this state has been reached by the sense of touch. After that, the worker strongly pushes the connector 15 toward the connector 35 side. This allows connector 15 to be connected to connector 35, as shown in Figure 7.

During the above-mentioned work, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the connector 15 is inserted into the guide opening 49 in an inclined position while being moved. In this case, the thickness of the guide plate 29 is set as described above. Therefore, the guide plate 29 can prevent the connector 15 from being pushed into the guide opening 49 while being inclined. In other words, the connector 15 in the position shown in FIG. 8 is pushed into the guide opening 49. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the thickness of the guide opening 49 of the guide plate 29 corrects the connector 15 so that its position is linear with respect to the connector 35. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector 15 from being connected to the connector 35 while in an inclined position, which would cause damage to the contacts 21 and 41 of each other.

According to this embodiment, the worker slides the connector 15 along the surface of the guide plate 29. When the connector 15 reaches the position of the guide opening 49, the connector 15 can be pushed into the guide opening 49. Therefore, even under blind work conditions where the worker cannot see the connector 35, damage to the connectors 15, 35 during connection can be prevented. Moreover, the guide plate 29 is simply attached to the control board 27. Therefore, the external shape of the connector 35 does not increase. Therefore, there is no hindrance to miniaturizing the control board 27. Furthermore, there is no need to modify the control board 27 or the connectors 15, 35. Therefore, an increase in costs can be suppressed.

<Modified connection structure>

A modified example of the above-mentioned connection structure will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the guide plate.

Guide plate 29A is formed with an overall thickness thinner than guide plate 29 described above. However, guide plate 29A has a guide portion 61 formed only at the edge of guide opening 49 on the control board 27 side that protrudes toward the control board 27 side. This guide portion 61 has the same effect as the thickness of guide plate 29. In other words, guide portion 61 suppresses the inclination of connector 15 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction of connector 15. This prevents connector 15 from being inserted or removed at an angle relative to connector 35. Therefore, connector 15 and connector 35 do not come into contact with each other while deviating from the normal insertion/removal direction, and damage to connectors 15 and 35 can be prevented.

In addition, the thickness of the guide plate 29A excluding the guide portion 61 can be reduced, making it lighter.

<Disconnect mechanism>

Next, the connection/disconnection mechanism will be described. Here, reference is made to Figs. 11 to 13. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of the connection/disconnection mechanism. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of the connection/disconnection mechanism. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of the connection/disconnection mechanism.

In the above-described connection structure, when the connectors 15 and 35 are connected, the connector 15 is buried in the guide plate 29. This makes it difficult to remove the connector 15 from the connector 35. Therefore, the following configuration can be used to solve this problem.

<First example>

As shown in FIG. 11, the connection/disconnection mechanism 71 has two through holes 73 and two release pins 75. The through holes 73 are formed in a position adjacent to the guide opening 49 in the guide plate 29. The position where the through holes 73 are formed is a position facing the underside of the flange of the connector 15. In other words, it is a position facing the flange of the connector 15 that protrudes to the side in the insertion/removal direction. The release pin 75 has a length that extends from the upper surface of the guide plate 29 beyond the lower surface of the case 23. The release pin 75 has a pin head 77 formed at the top on the connector 15 side. The pin head 77 is formed so that the diameter in a plan view is larger than the through holes 73. Therefore, the release pin 75 does not fall off from the through holes 73 to the case 23 side.

The disconnection mechanism 71 configured in this manner is operated by an operator as follows. That is, with the connector 15 connected to the connector 35, the end of the release pin 75 opposite the pin head 77 is pushed toward the case 23. Then, the pin head 77 of the release pin 75 pushes up the flange of the connector 15. This moves the connector 15 away from the connector 35, and the connection is released. The operator can easily disconnect the connectors 15 and 35 by simply pushing the release pin 75.

<Second example>

As shown in FIG. 12, the connection/disconnection mechanism 81 has two release levers 83. The release lever 83 has a width in the Z direction in FIG. 12. The width is, for example, approximately the same as the width of the flange of the connector 15 when viewed from the insertion/removal direction. The release lever 83 has a bent portion between its long side and short side. The release lever 83 is attached to be able to swing at the bent portion by a fulcrum portion 85. The fulcrum portion 85 is fixed to the upper surface of the guide plate 29. The short side of the release lever 83 is sandwiched between the flange of the connector 15 and the guide plate 29.

The disconnection mechanism 81 configured in this manner is operated by an operator as follows. That is, the long side of the release lever 83 is pushed toward the guide plate 29. This causes the short side of the release lever 83 to swing about the fulcrum 85, and the short side of the release lever 83 moves away from the surface of the guide plate 29. This moves the connector 15 away from the connector 35, and the connection is released. The operator can easily disconnect the connectors 15, 35 by simply pushing the release lever 83.

<Third example>

As shown in FIG. 13, the disconnection mechanism 91 includes two leaf springs 93. The leaf springs 93 have a width in the Z direction in FIG. 13. The width is, for example, approximately the same as the width of the flange of the connector 15 when viewed from the insertion/removal direction. The leaf springs 93 have two bent portions. One end of the leaf spring portion 93 that is far from the connector 15 is fixed to the guide plate 29 by a fixing portion 95. A guide hole 97 is formed on the upper surface of the guide plate 29 close to the guide opening 49. The guide hole 97 prevents the connector 15 side of the leaf springs 93 from coming off. The guide hole 97 guides the other end of the leaf spring 93 on the connector 15 side to push up the flange of the connector 15 when the leaf spring 93 expands.

The disconnection mechanism 91 configured in this manner is operated as follows. That is, of the two bent portions of the leaf spring 93, the fixed portion 95 side is pressed toward the guide plate 29 side. Then, the other end of the leaf spring 93 pushes up the flange portion of the connector 15. This moves the connector 15 away from the connector 35, and the connection is released. The operator only needs to press the leaf spring 93, so the connection between the connectors 15 and 35 can be easily released.

<Printing device>

Here, we will explain a printing device using the above-mentioned connection structure. Figure 14 shows the overall configuration of an inkjet printing device and an enlarged view of a portion of it.

The inkjet printing device 101 in the embodiment includes a paper feed unit 103, a conveying unit 105, a printing unit 107, a drying unit 109, and a paper discharge unit 111.

The inkjet printing device 101 corresponds to the "printing device" in this invention.

The paper feed unit 103 supplies a print medium, for example, a continuous film WF, to the transport unit 105. The transport unit 105 transports the continuous film WF to the printing unit 107 while subjecting the continuous film WF to pre-processing and the like. The printing unit 107 performs a printing process on the continuous film WF. The drying unit 109 performs a drying process on the continuous film WF printed by the printing unit 107. The paper discharge unit 111 takes up the dried continuous film WF.

The printing unit 107 includes a printing mechanism 113. The printing mechanism 113 includes a frame 115. The frame 115 is mounted on a slide mechanism 117 provided in the printing unit 107. The frame 115 includes, for example, six print heads 1. The slide mechanism 117 holds the frame 115 movably in the Y direction in FIG. 14. The printing mechanism 113 is attached to a transport mechanism 119. The transport mechanism 119 transports the continuous film WF so that the print heads 1 can print on the continuous film WF. The printing mechanism 113 includes six print heads 1, which are mounted on the frame 115 at narrow intervals in the transport direction of the continuous film WF in order to reduce size. Therefore, the print heads 1 are attached to the frame 115 in a state in which the above-mentioned connector 35 and guide opening 49 are difficult to see from the side. Specifically, for example, the print head 1 is mounted on the frame 115 so that the right end of the print head 1 in FIG. 1 is located at the rear in the Y direction in FIG. 14. Therefore, even if the frame 115 is pulled out to the front, the gap between each print head 1 is narrow enough for an operator to reach in. Therefore, it is difficult for an operator to directly see the connector 35 and guide opening 49 of the print head 1.

However, as described above, the print head 1 is provided with a guide plate 29. The worker slides the connector 15 along the surface of the guide plate 29, and when the connector 15 reaches the position of the guide opening 49, the worker can push the connector 15 into the guide opening 49. Therefore, even under working conditions where the worker cannot visually see the guide opening 49, damage to the connector 15 and connector 35 during connection can be prevented. This inkjet printing device 101 can quickly complete electrical connection even when the inkjet head 3 is replaced in this way. Therefore, the downtime of the inkjet printing device 101 can be reduced. As a result, the operating rate of the inkjet printing device 101 can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be modified as follows:

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the height of the surface surrounding the guide opening 49 is configured to be higher than the height of the connector 35. However, this configuration is not essential to the present invention. For example, the height of the surface surrounding the guide opening 49 may be made the same as the height of the connector 35.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the thickness of the guide plate 29 is set to a predetermined thickness or more to suppress tilting of the connector 15. However, if the connector 15 can be inserted into and removed from the guide opening 49 without tilting the connector 15, the guide plate 29 does not need to have a thickness greater than the predetermined thickness.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the guide plate 29 has an alignment hole 47. However, if the guide plate 29 can be accurately aligned with the control board 27 and attached, there is no need to provide the alignment hole 47. This simplifies the configuration of the guide plate 29 and reduces costs.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the guide plate 29 is made of a heat-conductive material. However, the present invention does not require a heat-conductive material.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the guide plate 29 is provided with a heat dissipation block 51. However, the present invention does not necessarily require the guide plate 29 to be provided with a heat dissipation block 51. This simplifies the configuration of the guide plate 29 and reduces costs.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, one end of the wiring 11 is connected to the inkjet head body 9 and is extended, and the connector 15 is connected to the other end of the wiring 11. However, the present invention does not require the wiring 11. For example, the configuration may be such that the wiring 11 is not provided and the connector 15 is attached directly to the inkjet head body 9.

As described above, the present invention is suitable for a structure that connects an inkjet head and a control board.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 ... print head 3 ... inkjet head 5 ... control box 9 ... inkjet head body 11 ... wiring 15 ... connector (head connector)
17 ... Socket 19 ... Socket housing 21 ... Contact 23 ... Case 27 ... Control board 29 ... Guide plate 31 ... Board spacer 35 ... Connector (board connector)
37 plug 39 plug housing 41 contact 43 alignment pin 45 tap hole 47 alignment hole 49 guide opening

Claims (11)

1. A connection structure between an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets and a control board that outputs electrical signals for operating the inkjet head, comprising:
a board connector attached to the control board;
a head connector connectable to the board connector and attached to the inkjet head;
a guide plate having a plate shape and attached along a surface of the control board;
Equipped with
A connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board, characterized in that the guide plate is formed to surround the outer shape of the board connector when viewed from the insertion/removal direction in which the head connector is moved when connected to the board connector, and is provided with a guide opening that allows the head connector to be connected to the board connector. 2. The connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 1,
A connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board, characterized in that when the guide plate is attached to the control board, the height of the surface around the guide opening opposite the control board is higher than the height of the board connector. 3. The connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 1,
A connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board, characterized in that the guide opening is configured to allow the head connector to move forward and backward relative to the board connector only along the insertion/removal direction when the head connector moves forward and backward through the guide opening. 4. The connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 3,
A connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board, characterized in that the guide plate is formed so that only the edge of the guide opening protrudes toward the board connector, and is provided with a guide portion that suppresses tilting in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction when the head connector is advanced or retreated in the insertion/removal direction through the guide opening. 4. The connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 3,
A connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board, characterized in that the guide plate has a thickness that can suppress tilting in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction when the head connector is advanced or retreated in the insertion/removal direction through the guide opening. 6. The connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 1,
the control board includes a plurality of alignment pins extending in the insertion/removal direction;
the guide plate includes a plurality of alignment holes having inner diameters corresponding to outer diameters of the plurality of alignment pins;
a control board that is connected to an inkjet head by a plurality of alignment pins that are inserted into the alignment holes of the control board; 7. The connection structure of an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 1,
13. A connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board, wherein the guide plate is made of a heat-conductive material. 8. The connection structure of an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 7,
1 is a schematic diagram showing a structure for connecting an inkjet head and a control board according to an embodiment of the present invention; 9. The connection structure of an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 1,
the inkjet head includes an inkjet head body and a wiring having one end connected to the inkjet head body and extending therefrom;
A connection structure between an inkjet head and a control board, wherein the head connector is connected to the other end of the wiring. 10. The connection structure of an inkjet head and a control board according to claim 1,
11. A connection structure for an inkjet head and a control board, wherein the guide plate is provided with a connection release mechanism that removes the head connector from the control board in the insertion/removal direction. a print head formed by connecting an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets and a control board that outputs electrical signals for operating the inkjet head by the inkjet head/control board connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10;
a transport mechanism for transporting the print medium;
a frame to which the print head is mounted so that the print head can print on the print medium;
Equipped with
an inkjet printing apparatus, wherein the print head is attached to the frame in a state in which the guide opening is difficult to see during maintenance work;

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