The present invention relates to a method of replacing a liquid ejection apparatus and the ejection unit.
BACKGROUND
[0002]
　For example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 3, conventionally, various liquid ejection apparatus including a discharge unit capable of discharging the liquid have been used. Among these, patent as represented by documents 1 and 2, is a liquid discharge apparatus is often used and a discharge portion for discharging liquid with an installed media reciprocally movable carriage and the carriage with respect to the medium there. Then, as represented by Patent Document 3, in a large-sized liquid discharge apparatus or the like, often a plurality of discharge portions are provided on the carriage.
CITATION
Patent Document
[0003]
Patent Document 1: JP 2013-75361 JP
Patent Document 2: JP 2015-166153 Patent Publication
Patent Document 3: JP 2007-237446 JP
Summary of the Invention
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0004]
　In such multiple large liquid discharge apparatus discharging portion is provided on the carriage, when trouble occurs in any of the plurality of ejection portions, it is possible to replace the discharge portion a problem occurs. However, in the large liquid ejecting apparatus or the like, since device carriage is large as well large, there is a case where the worker is unlikely to reach the discharge unit to be replaced, a large load to exchange ejection portions malfunction has occurred It had occurred.
[0005]
　An object of the present invention is to reduce the load when exchanging the discharge portion in the carriage can be attached a plurality of ejection portions.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006]
　A liquid ejection apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention to solve the above problems, a carriage reciprocally movable relative to the medium, and a plurality of ejection portions for ejecting liquid to the medium mounted on said carriage, wherein the carriage is a plurality of exchange positions in the reciprocating direction of the carriage, it can be exchanged the discharge portion, in a case where the carriage is in the replacement position, from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid, characterized in that to the discharge unit to be replaced is accessibly configuration.
[0007]
　According to this embodiment, the carriage are interchangeable discharge portions of a plurality of exchange positions in the reciprocating direction, it is accessible to the discharge unit to be replaced from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid when the carriage is in the exchange position . Therefore, it is possible to replace the discharge portion of the easy-to-replace position changing position of each can access the discharge portion from the component less position out of the way by accessing the discharge portion from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid it can. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load when exchanging the discharge portion in the carriage can be attached a plurality of ejection portions.
　Note that "access to the discharge unit to be replaced from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid", in addition to the case accessible to a discharge unit to be replaced only from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid, downstream of the discharge direction of the liquid If accessible to a discharge unit to be replaced from a direction other than is meant to include also.
[0008]
　A second aspect of the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention, in the first aspect, the exchange position, based on the central portion of the reciprocation range of the carriage, are provided on both sides in the reciprocating direction it is characterized in.
[0009]
　According to this embodiment, the exchange position, based on the central portion of the reciprocation range of the carriage, are provided on both sides in the reciprocating direction. In other words, changing position is provided in such vicinity of both ends in the reciprocating direction. Therefore, it is possible to access the discharge portion at parts of lesser positions in the way, it is possible to particularly effectively, to reduce the load at the time of exchanging the discharge portion.
[0010]
　The third liquid discharge apparatus aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, at least one of the components in a position facing the discharge portion when said carriage is in said exchange position, moves possible, characterized in that a.
[0011]
　According to this embodiment, at least one component at a position opposite to the ejection portion when the carriage is in the exchange position is movable. Therefore, the when replacing the discharge unit can reduce the load at the time of exchanging the discharge portion by moving the component, place the part at a position opposite to the ejection portion when not replacing the discharge portion it can be space saving device by.
[0012]
　The fourth liquid ejection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the third aspect, among the exchange position, the replacement position where there is the part that is movable, than the exchange position the component is not movable, exchange possible number of the discharge portion is that said more.
[0013]
　According to this embodiment, the change position is movable component, than the exchange position is not movable components, a large number of replaceable discharge portion. An exchange position where there is a movable part than the exchange position is not movable part by increasing the number of replaceable discharge portion, it is possible to shorten the reciprocating range of the carriage. Thus, effectively the device can be space saving.
[0014]
　Liquid discharge apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth any one aspect from the first, the carriage is detachable to the discharge portion from an upstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid, the characterized in that from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid is fixable to the discharge portion.
[0015]
　According to this embodiment, the carriage is fixable discharge portion from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid. On the upstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid in the discharge section for members, such as a liquid flow path is formed, it is possible to fix the discharging portion without the member gets in the way. Further, according to this embodiment, a detachable discharge portions from the upstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid. Such easily densely arranged discharge portions in structure generates, effectively the device can be space saving.
[0016]
　Replacing the discharge portion of the sixth aspect of the present invention, a liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a carriage reciprocally movable, and a plurality of ejection portions for ejecting liquid to the medium mounted on the carriage to the medium a the discharge portion exchanging method of the carriage is positioned in the first exchange position, accessed from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid to exchange part of the discharge portion, the said carriage second 1 by positioning the different second exchange position to the exchange position, and wherein the exchange of the discharge portion of the partially accessed from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid.
[0017]
　According to this embodiment, the carriage is positioned in the first exchange position, accessed from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid to exchange part of the discharge portion, a second replacement position different from the first exchange position the carriage by positioning the exchange part of the discharge portion by accessing from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid. Therefore, it is possible to replace the discharge portion of the position easy exchange exchange position of each of the first changing position and a second replacement position, the parts that impede By accessing discharge portion from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid You can access the discharge portion from the small position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load when exchanging the discharge portion in the carriage can be attached a plurality of ejection portions.
[0018]
　Replacing the discharge portion of the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, at least one of the components in a position facing the discharge portion when the carriage is in the first exchange position, is movable, the number of the discharge portion to be exchanged the first exchange position, wherein the greater than the number of the ejection portions to be exchanged the second replacement position.
[0019]
　According to this embodiment, the carriage has at least one component at a position opposite to the ejection portion when in the first exchange position is movable, the number of the discharge portion to be exchanged first exchange position the second exchange larger than the number of the ejection portions to be exchanged positions. That is, by increasing the number of replaceable discharge portion than the exchange position is not capable parts move replacement position where there is a movable part, it is possible to shorten the reciprocating range of the carriage. Thus, effectively the device can be space saving.
[0020]
　Eighth exchange method of the discharge portion of the embodiment of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, in the first exchange position and the second exchange position, the discharge portion from an upstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid desorbed, characterized by fixing the discharge portion from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid.
[0021]
　According to this embodiment, by fixing the discharge portion from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid, it can be upstream of the member of the ejection direction of the liquid in the discharge portion is fixed to the discharge unit without being in the way. The device capable of desorbing the discharge portion from an upstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid, tends to densely arranged discharge portion, effectively the device can be space saving.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022]
[1] a schematic front view showing a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[2] a schematic perspective view showing a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Figure 3] a schematic side view showing the principal part of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Figure 4] a schematic plan view showing the principal part of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[5] a schematic perspective view showing the principal part of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[6] a schematic plan view showing the principal part of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023]
　Hereinafter, the recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
　Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Also, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the carriage 2 is a main part of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the carriage 2 is a main part of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a head mounting portion 10 constituting the carriage 2 is a main part of the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Then, FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating a state of being installed recording head 4 in the head mounting portion 10 which is represented by X area of FIG. In FIGS. 1-6, to express easy-to-understand summary of the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, and it represents partially omitted component.
[0024]
　Recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, is configured to be able to be transported in the transport direction A by the medium supporting portion 12 (FIGS. 1 and reference 2) transport mechanism (not shown) while supported by for recording there. Then, the medium is conveyed to the support portion 12 to support by while conveying direction A, by ejecting ink which is an example of a liquid from the recording head 4 as an ejection portion that is more attached to the carriage 2, the medium It has become configured to be capable of forming an image on. Here, the discharge direction C of the ink in the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the recording apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal plane, a vertically downward direction.
　Note that the carriage 2 can be reciprocated in the reciprocating direction B intersecting the transport direction A along the guide rails 6 and 7. Then, to form an image on a medium (recording) time, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the movement in the reciprocating direction B of the carriage 2 with the ejection of ink from the recording head 4, the transport direction A of the medium performed alternately transport and to the, the. In other words, when forming an image on a medium, in response to the reciprocating movement of the carriage 2, and intermittently to convey the medium.
[0025]
　As the medium, it is possible to use the material to be printed. The material to be printed, fabric or as a target of printing, clothing and, refers to such other apparel products. The fabric, cotton, include hemp, silk, natural fibers and chemical fibers such as nylon or woven composite fibers obtained by mixing these like wool, knitted, nonwoven or the like. In addition, the clothing and other apparel products, T-shirts after sewing, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, carrier bags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, other furniture such as bed cover, as part of sewing before the state fabric or the like before and after cutting to present also included.
[0026]
　Moreover, as a medium, in addition to the material to be printed, plain paper, it can be used high quality paper, and ink-jet recording special paper or the like, such as glossy paper. As the medium, for example, no surface treatment for ink jet printing (i.e., not to form an ink absorbing layer) plastic film, as well as those and plastic plastic is coated onto a substrate such as paper film can also be used those which are bonded. As the plastic, but are not limited to, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethanes, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
[0027]
　Moreover, as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, on one side (home position side) in the reciprocating direction B is the maintenance unit 8 is provided. Maintenance unit 8, not shown of the cap, the suction mechanism, a wiper or the like, in a state in which the carriage 2 is in the maintenance position (home position is a position facing the maintenance unit 8), the cap of the recording head 4, the recording head 4 suction of ink from the nozzles of the constructed ink ejection can be performed and wiping of the recording head 4.
[0028]
　Moreover, as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the side opposite to the home position side in the reciprocating direction B is capable set of ink cartridges in which ink containing a for ejecting from the recording head 4 in the medium ink cartridge set portion 9 is provided. As represented in FIG. 3, but from an ink cartridge set portion 9 to the recording head 4 is connected by tube 15, the tube 15 is flexible, the ink cartridge set portion 9 in Figures 1 and 2 it can be moved from the position represented. That is, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the home position side in the reciprocating direction B the carriage 2 when is positioned on the opposite side, it becomes possible to free the bottom.
[0029]
　Moreover, as represented in Figure 3, the carriage 2 of the present embodiment is susceptible mounting a plurality of recording heads 4, each recording head 4 the ink cartridge and the tube 15 which is set in the ink cartridge set portion 9 It is connected. Then, each recording head 4 is connected to the driving substrate 3 of the recording head 4 in the cable 5 is a flexible flat cable (FFC). As represented in Figure 3, the cable 5 is placed from the driving substrate 3 to head mounting portion 10, and is connected to the recording head 4 via the position of the side surface side of the recording head 4. In this embodiment, the cable 5, as the position of the side surface of the recording head 4, the side of the viewed from the direction along the conveying direction A one side to the recording head 4 only (front side in FIG. 3) It is connected, but is not limited to such a configuration. From both sides of the side surface as seen from the direction along the conveying direction A (the near side and the far side in FIG. 3) may be connected to the recording head 4.
[0030]
　Moreover, as represented in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the carriage 2 of the present embodiment can mount a plurality of recording heads 4. Therefore, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, among the plurality of recording heads 4, when a malfunction occurs in part of the recording head 4, which can replace only the recording head 4 unmoving condition occurs configuration It has become. Here, each of the recording head 4 is attached to the head mounting portion 10, represented in Figure 5.
　When replacing the recording head 4, the operator M is, the head mounting portion 10 upper recording head 4 (the upstream side in the discharge direction C) is placed at a predetermined position of the head mounting portion 10, the head mounting portion 10 I stopped to fix the screw to the lower head mounting portion 10 of the recording head 4 from (discharge direction C downstream of). Specifically, as represented in Figure 6, the head mounting unit 10 exchanges the positioning pins 14 for positioning of the recording head 4 is formed with a plurality, positioned in the positioning pin 14 positions the recording head 4 is placed from above and screwed from the lower side in screwing portion 11 for fixing the recording head 4 in the head mounting portion 10. That is, when replacing a recording head 4, the operator M, to desorb the recording head 4 from the upstream side of the discharge direction C, and fixed from the downstream side of the discharge direction C.
[0031]
　Here, changing position of the recording head 4, the position of the carriage 2 shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 (home position), the position of the carriage 2 shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 (home opposite side) and position side, a two (ie multiple). Figure 1 shows a state where the operator M is by mounting the recording head 4 aboard platform 13 from the upper side to the head installation unit 10. As represented in Figure 1, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, large relative to the operator M. Therefore, when changing position of the recording head 4 was only one place, the large load consuming to replace the recording head 4 as the back side when viewed from the position of the operator M. On the other hand, as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is the exchange position of the recording head 4 2 or owned. Therefore, the recording head 4 to be far side when viewed from the position of the operator M on one side can be replaced on the opposite side to the one side of the. Here, the position of the carriage 2 shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 the first exchange position (opposite to the home position side), the position of the carriage 2 shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 (home Furthermore the outer side) and a second exchange position than the home position to a position side.
[0032]
　Here, summary, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a carriage 2 reciprocally movable relative to the medium, a plurality of recording heads 4 to eject ink with an installed media on the carriage 2, the . Then, the carriage 2, a plurality of exchange positions in the reciprocating direction B of the carriage 2 in the (first exchange position and a second exchange position), a replaceable recording head 4, when the carriage 2 is in the exchange position , from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of ink (lower) it is configured in the recording head 4 to be replaced accessibly.
　Therefore, it is possible to replace the recording head 4 in position easy exchange exchange position of each of the first changing position and a second replacement position, access from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink to the recording head 4 (in this example You can access the recording head 4 from the component less position out of the way by screwing) to be. Thus, it has a configuration capable of reducing the load at the time of exchanging the recording head 4 in the carriage 2 which is fitted with a plurality of recording heads 4. In addition, by being in the recording head 4 and accessible structure from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of ink (lower), and also possible to place the recording head 4 at a high density, reducing the carriage 2 It is also possible. This, for example, when configured to screw from the upstream side (upper side) of the discharge direction C of the ink while arranged at a high density recording head 4, the interval of the recording head 4 to each other becomes narrow, a tool for screwing screwed by inserting the space becomes smaller is because it becomes difficult.
　Note that "access to the recording head 4 to be replaced from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink", in addition to the case to the recording head 4 can be accessed to replace only from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink, this embodiment as the recording apparatus 1, it is meant to include also the recording head 4 to be replaced accessible from a direction other than the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink. The downstream only accessible to the recording head 4 to be replaced from the side structure of the discharge direction C of the ink, for example, fixing the recording head 4 from below as with the recording head 4 from below can be inserted into the carriage 2 the carriage 2 configuration and the like that can be. Furthermore, in order to replace the recording head 4, in addition to the case where direct access to the recording head 4, it is also the case with an indirect connection to the installation base 10 and the carriage 2 as screwing that "access to the recording head 4" to include.
[0033]
　In other representations for the above, using a carriage 2 reciprocally movable relative to the medium, a plurality of recording heads 4 to eject ink with an installed media on the carriage 2, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment comprises a Te, the carriage 2 is positioned in the first exchange position, replacing the part of the recording head 4 by accessing from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink, the second changing position different from the carriage 2 first exchange position by positioning the can perform replacing of the discharge portion to replace a portion of the recording head 4 by accessing from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink (recording head 4).
　By executing such a method of replacing the discharge portion, it is possible to replace the recording head 4 in position easy exchange exchange position of each of the first changing position and a second replacement position, the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink You can access the recording head 4 from the low position of components that impede by accessing to the recording head 4 from. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load when exchanging the recording head 4 in the carriage 2 which is fitted with a plurality of recording heads 4.
[0034]
　The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the access from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of ink (screwing), access from the upstream side of the discharge direction C of ink (to head mounting portion 10 of the recording head 4 and placing), it is both the required configuration. However, it can only as an exchange configurable recording head 4 accesses from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink is obvious.
[0035]
　Further, as described above, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as an exchange position of the recording head 4, the home position side has a first exchange position opposite to the second changing position of the home position side there. In other words, changing position in the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, with reference to the central portion of the reciprocation range of the carriage 2, are provided on both sides in the reciprocating direction B. In other words, changing position is provided in such vicinity of both ends in the reciprocating direction B. Therefore, it is possible to access the recording head 4 in parts less position out of the way, particularly effective, is to the configuration can reduce the load when exchanging the recording head 4.
[0036]
　Further, as described above, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, an ink cartridge set portion 9 is movable. In other words, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, at least one of the components in a position facing the recording head 4 when the carriage 2 is in the replacement position is movable. Therefore, when the time to replace the recording head 4 can reduce the load when exchanging the recording head 4 by moving the component (ink cartridge set portion 9), not to replace the recording head 4 the apparatus by placing the ink cartridge set portion 9 at a position facing the recording head 4 is space saving.
[0037]
　The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, of the exchange position, in the first exchange position where there is a movable part, than the second changing position no movable parts, the number of replaceable recording head 4 It is configured much so as. By increasing the number of exchangeable recording head 4 than the exchange position is not movable component replacement positions have movable parts, it is possible to shorten the reciprocating range of the carriage 2.
　As represented in Figure 1, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, access from the lower side in the first exchange position for all of the recording head 4 by moving the ink cartridge setting section 9 (screwed) while it has become possible, in the second exchange position is no longer able to access from the lower side of the recording head 4 of the part opposite to the home position side. This is because, if the structure that is accessible from below for all of the recording head 4 in the second replacement position, since the maintenance unit 8 of this embodiment can not be moved further outward reciprocal movement range of the home position side of the carriage 2 Although device should not not extended to becomes large, because that suppress an increase in size of the apparatus. That is, the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is effectively the device is space saving.
[0038]
　Stated another way, the carriage 2 by using the recording device 1 of at least one embodiment is movable component in a position facing the recording head 4 in the case in the first exchange position, the first exchange position in can be executed the number of the recording head 4 to be replaced, the replacing of the discharge portion to be greater than the number of the recording head 4 to be replaced by the second replacement position. In this way, by increasing the number of replaceable discharge portion than the exchange position is not movable component replacement position where there is a movable part (recording head 4), shortening the reciprocation range of the carriage 2 it becomes possible. Thus, effectively the device can be space saving.
[0039]
　The carriage 2 of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is detachable recording head 4 from the upstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink, it is possible to fix the recording head 4 from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink.
　Since the upstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink in the recording head 4 is the member such as the ink flow path is formed, by a fixed configurable recording head 4 from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink, the member can be fixed recording head 4 without being in the way. Further, by making the detachable structure of the recording head 4 from the upstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink, it becomes the recording head 4 easily arranged at high density, effectively the device can be space saving.
[0040]
　In other words, the discharge section in the first exchange position and a second replacement position, the recording head 4 from the upstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink desorbed, to fix the recording head 4 from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink it is possible to perform the method of replacement. Thus, by fixing the recording head 4 from the downstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink, is possible to fix the recording head 4 without upstream of the member of the discharge direction C of the ink in the recording head 4 is in the way it can. The recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment capable of desorbing the recording head 4 from the upstream side of the discharge direction C of the ink becomes a recording head 4 easily arranged at high density, effectively the device space saving can do.
[0041]
　Incidentally, as represented by FIGS. 1-5, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the both ends of the upstream and downstream in the transport direction A of the carriage 2, recording head 4 for driving the recording head 4 and a driving substrate 3. By providing the driving substrate 3 side end portions of the carriage 2, can be configured only shorter cable 5 than the case of providing the one end portion, it tends to cause a loss of adverse effects (transmission by the longer cable, noise pickup cheap, etc.) can be suppressed. The driving substrate 3 are connected with being supported by the main board and the shape modifiable cable supporting portion (not shown) provided in the main body of the recording apparatus 1 cable.
[0042]
　The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when to place the recording head 4 in the head mounting portion 10 at the time of exchanging the recording head 4, as represented in Figure 1, the operator M is the reciprocating direction B It is configured to access to the recording head 4 from the end portion side in. Therefore, the driving substrate 3, so as not to interfere when replacing the recording head 4 are provided on both ends of the upstream and downstream in the transport direction A in the carriage 2. However, not limited to such a configuration, for example, if the front side of the recording apparatus 1 is configured to access the recording head 4 is constructed at both ends of the reciprocating movement direction B of the carriage 2 it may be. Alternatively, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the driving substrate 3 is formed in upper and lower stages, for example, it is constituted by one stage at each end of the conveying direction A and the reciprocating direction B (square) it may be. By reducing the overall height of the driving substrate 3, because the easily access the recording head 4 when replacing the recording head 4. However, in a case where such a structure, it is particularly desirable when replacing the recording head 4 is the structure where removal of the driving substrate 3. Operator M is specifically to easily access to the recording head 4. Further, for easy access by the operator M to the recording head 4 may be movable constituting the driving substrate 3.
[0043]
　The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims, it goes without saying that they are also included within the scope of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS
[0044]
　1 ... recording apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus), 2 ... carriage, 3 ... driving substrate, 4 ... recording head (ejecting portion), 5 ... cable, 6 ... guide rail, 7 ... guide rail, 8 ... maintenance unit, 9 ... Ink cartridge set portion (part), 10 ... head mounting portion, 11 ... screwed portion, 12 ... support portion, 13 ... springboard, 14 ... positioning pin, 15 ... tube, M ... worker

WE claims

A carriage reciprocally movable relative to the medium,
　attached to the carriage and a plurality of ejection portions for ejecting liquid to said medium,
　said carriage, a plurality of exchange positions in the reciprocating direction of the carriage, wherein a discharge portion exchangeable,
　when the carriage is in the replacement position, the liquid discharge to the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid, characterized in that it is configured to be accessible to the discharge unit to be replaced apparatus.
[Requested item 2]
　A liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
　wherein the exchange position, based on the central portion of the reciprocation range of the carriage, the liquid discharge apparatus characterized in that provided on both sides in the reciprocating direction.
[Requested item 3]
　A liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
　at least one component in a position facing the discharge portion when said carriage is in said replacement position, the liquid discharge, characterized in that the movable apparatus.
[Requested item 4]
　A liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3,
　of the exchange position, the replacement position where there is the part that is movable, than the exchange position is not the part that is movable, a large number of replaceable said discharge portion a liquid discharge apparatus characterized by.
[Requested item 5]
　A liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, any one of 4,
　the carriage is detachable to the discharge portion from an upstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid, said from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid a liquid discharge apparatus characterized by the discharge unit can be fixed.
[Requested item 6]
　A carriage reciprocally movable relative to the medium, a the discharge portion replacement process of the plurality of the discharge portion, a liquid discharge device comprising a discharging liquid to the medium mounted on said carriage,
　said carriage second by positioning the first exchange position, replace a portion of the discharge portion by accessing from the downstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid,
　and the carriage is located in a different second replacement position from the first exchange position, replacing of the discharge portion, characterized in that the exchange of the discharge portion from the downstream side of the portion by accessing the ejection direction of the liquid.
[Requested item 7]
　In replacing the discharge portion according to claim 6,
　wherein at least one component in a position facing the discharge portion when the carriage is in the first exchange position is movable,
　said first exchange the number of the discharge portion, replacing the discharge portion, characterized in that more than the number of the discharge portion to be exchanged the second exchange position to exchange positions.
[Requested item 8]
　In replacing the discharge portion according to claim 6 or 7,
　in the first exchange position and the second replacement position, from the upstream side of the discharge direction of the liquid the discharge unit to desorb, the ejection direction of the liquid replacing of the discharge portion, characterized in that to fix the discharging portion from the downstream side.