Printing device

Abstract

A printing device that suppresses the sudden opening of an opening and closing cover when the opening and closing cover is automatically opened by the power of a carriage, thereby achieving smooth opening. The printing device (1) is a printing device having an automatic release mechanism (3) for the opening and closing cover, the automatic release mechanism having an operating lever (11) that receives the power of a carriage (15) to rotate to release the closed state of the opening and closing cover (5), the opening and closing cover receiving a force (F) in the direction of opening, and having a braking mechanism (103) that contacts the base end (101) of the opening and closing cover to brake the opening action of the opening and closing cover. The braking mechanism (103) comprises: a braking operating lever (107) that contacts a contacted portion (105) located at the base end (101) of the opening and closing cover to apply a braking force (B); a rotating fulcrum (109) that supports the base end of the braking operating lever so that it can rotate; and a spring component (110) that generates a braking force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device having an automatic opening and closing mechanism for an opening and closing cover. Background Art

[0002] An example of such a printing device is the device described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which a rotation damper is provided on a rotation shaft of a paper discharge tray.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-119172.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which a rotary damper is provided on the rotating shaft of a paper discharge tray. However, the structure is complex, its placement is limited, and the space required for installation hinders miniaturization. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The printing device according to the present invention, which is used to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, has an automatic releasing mechanism for an opening and closing cover, and is characterized in that it has a printing head for printing on a medium and a slide that moves in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the medium. The automatic releasing mechanism has a joystick that receives power from the slide to release the opening and closing cover from being maintained in a closed state, the opening and closing cover receives force in the direction of opening, and the printing device has a braking mechanism that contacts the base end of the opening and closing cover to brake the opening action of the opening and closing cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the printing device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the first embodiment with the opening and closing cover opened.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an overall plan view showing a state in which the main internal parts of the first embodiment are visible.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the oblique rear.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of Embodiment 1 as viewed obliquely from the front.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an enlarged top view of the main part of the joystick portion of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view of a main portion of the power receiving portion of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 It is an enlarged side sectional view of the opening and closing cover of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 9 (A) Figure 9 (B) is a perspective view of the main parts of the sensor portion of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a wall member is provided in front of the joystick so as to be retractable in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the threshold values of the current value for controlling the moving range of the carriage in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a side view of the main parts of the printing device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a side view of the main parts of the printing device according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a side view of a main portion of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment, showing a portion thereof on an enlarged scale.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the printing device according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a side view of the main parts of the printing device according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the main parts of the printing device according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a side sectional view of a main part of a printing device according to a third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 19 Graph showing the relationship between the opening angle of the opening and closing lid and the moment associated with opening and closing the lid.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a side sectional view of a main part of a printing device according to a third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 21 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of a mounting bracket of a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0029] Explanation of symbols

[0030] 1. Printing device; 2. Inkjet printer; 3. Automatic release mechanism for opening and closing cover; 4. Scanner unit; 5. Opening and closing cover; 6. One end; 7. Ejection tray; 8. Other end; 9. Rotation fulcrum; 10. Base end; 11. Joystick; 12. Ink tank; 13. Stopper; 14. Lower plate; 15. Slide; 16. Upper plate; 17. Power receiving portion; 18. Stopper; 19 (19a, 19b) Sliding portion; 20. Stopper body; 21. Contact protrusion; 22. Guide groove; 23. Contact recess; 24. Guide groove ; 25. Sensor; 26. Power transmission shaft; 27. Action piece; 28. Recess; 29. Inspection piece; 30. Frame; 32. Upper surface; 34. Through hole; 36. Protrusion; 38. Torsion coil spring; 40. One end; 42. Opening and closing action fulcrum; 44. Wall member; 46. Change in current; 48. Second threshold value; 50. First threshold value; 52. Area; 54. Area; 56. Position at which the opening and closing cover begins to open; 58. Rotation fulcrum axis; 65. Print head; P, Printed material; G, Center of gravity; W, Range of reciprocating movement of the carriage; 61. Discharge unit; 62. Discharge roller; 63. Discharge port area; 64. Receiving unit; 66. Driving roller; 67. Pressing plate; 68. Driven roller; 69. Motor; 70. Frame; 71. Shaft; 72. Frame; 75. Transport roller; 76. Area; 77. Gear train; 78. Transport gear; 79. Ink supply tube; 80. Discharge gear; 81. Partition hinge; 82. Connecting gear; 86. Shaft; 88. Area; 90. Frame; 92. Frame; 94. Area; 98. Area; A. Movement range of the carriage; L, - Range of movement in the X direction; R, range of movement in the +X direction; 101, base end portion; 102, bracket; 103, brake mechanism; 104, torsion coil spring; 105, contacted portion; 106, one end; 107, brake lever; 108, other end; 109, pivot point; 110, spring member; 111, cam surface; 112, shaft; 113, first line segment; 114, contact point; 115, second line segment; 116, housing; 118, portion located on the outside; θ, angle; PW, transport path of printed matter P. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] First, the present invention will be briefly described below.

[0032] The first aspect of the present invention, which is used to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, relates to a printing device having an automatic releasing mechanism for an opening and closing cover, and is characterized in that it has a printing head for printing on a medium and a slide that moves in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the medium, the automatic releasing mechanism has a joystick that receives power from the slide to release the opening and closing cover from being maintained in a closed state, the opening and closing cover receives force in the direction of opening, and the printing device has a braking mechanism that contacts the base end of the opening and closing cover to brake the opening action of the opening and closing cover.

[0033] According to this aspect, a braking mechanism is provided that contacts the base end of the access cover, which is released from its closed state by the automatic release mechanism and moves in the opening direction, to brake the opening of the access cover. This allows the access cover to be automatically opened using the power of the carriage. Furthermore, because the braking mechanism brakes the movement of the access cover during opening, the structure is simplified, and a sudden opening of the access cover is suppressed, allowing for smooth opening.

[0034] The printing device involved in the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the braking mechanism includes: a brake operating lever that contacts a contacted portion located at the base end of the opening and closing cover to apply a braking force; a rotating fulcrum that supports the base end of the brake operating lever so as to be rotatable; and a spring component that generates the braking force.

[0035] According to this aspect, the braking mechanism comprises: a brake lever that contacts the contacted portion of the access cover to apply a braking force; a pivot point for the brake lever; and a spring member that generates the braking force. Thus, a braking mechanism for achieving the aforementioned smooth opening can be realized with a simple structure.

[0036] A printing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect, a braking force of the braking mechanism is set smaller than a force in the direction of opening the access cover.

[0037] According to this aspect, the braking force of the braking mechanism is set to be smaller than the force in the direction of opening the access cover. Thus, even if the braking force acts on the access cover, the possibility of the access cover stopping in the middle of opening can be reduced.

[0038] The printing device involved in the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect or the third aspect, the part of the contacted part that contacts the brake operating lever is a cam surface, and the cam surface has a shape in which the difference between the opening direction torque and the closing direction torque is within a fixed range, the opening direction torque is generated by the force in the opening direction of the opening and closing cover performing an opening action in the opening direction, and the closing direction torque is generated by the braking force of the brake operating lever.

[0039] According to this aspect, the cam surface has a shape such that the difference between the opening moment and the closing moment is within a fixed range. The opening moment is generated by the force in the opening direction of the access cover when it is opened in the opening direction, and the closing moment is generated by the braking force of the brake lever. This allows the speed of the access cover to be opened to be substantially constant.

[0040] Furthermore, by setting the difference between the opening direction torque and the closing direction torque to be small, the door can be opened at a slow, substantially constant speed.

[0041] The printing device involved in the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the cam surface has a shape in which the angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment is an obtuse angle, the first line segment connects the contact point of the cam surface with the brake lever and the rotation fulcrum of the brake lever, and the second line segment connects the contact point of the cam surface with the brake lever and the opening and closing action fulcrum of the opening and closing cover.

[0042] According to this aspect, the cam surface has an obtuse angle formed between the first line segment and the second line segment. By setting this obtuse angle, a moment in the closing direction is always generated on the opening and closing cover, and the possibility of the opening and closing cover stopping during opening can be reduced with a simple structure.

[0043] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a printing device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, characterized in that the printing device includes a sensor that detects an open / closed state of the opening / closing cover.

[0044] According to this aspect, a sensor for detecting the open / close state of the opening / closing cover is provided. Thus, by setting the opening / closing cover to be fully opened and the state in which the discharged printed matter is not jammed as "open", the occurrence of jams in printed matter can be reduced.

[0045] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a printing device according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the rotation fulcrum of the brake lever is located below a power transmission mechanism that transmits power from the motor.

[0046] According to this aspect, the rotation fulcrum of the brake lever is located below the power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor. This makes design and manufacturing easier because the brake lever is arranged so as not to overlap with the power transmission mechanism located nearby.

[0047] Furthermore, if the rotation fulcrum of the brake lever is arranged so as to overlap with the power transmission mechanism in the depth direction of the device while being located below the power transmission mechanism, miniaturization in the depth direction can be achieved.

[0048] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to seventh aspects, the braking mechanism is located outside in a width direction intersecting with a conveyance direction of a conveyance path of printed matter.

[0049] According to this aspect, the braking mechanism is located outside the width direction of the conveyance path of the printed matter. Thus, the braking mechanism can be arranged without affecting the conveyance of the printed matter.

[0050] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a printing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the braking mechanism is arranged to overlap in a depth direction with an ink supply tube that supplies ink to the print head.

[0051] According to this aspect, the braking mechanism is arranged so as to overlap with the ink supply tube in the depth direction. This can prevent the printing apparatus from being enlarged in the depth direction.

[0052] Implementation Method 1

[0053] The following is based on Figures 1 to 9 The automatic opening and closing cover release mechanism according to the first embodiment and the printing device including the same will be described in detail.

[0054] In the following description, as shown in the figures, three mutually orthogonal axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. In the figures, the directions indicated by the arrows for the three axes (X, Y, and Z) are the positive directions for each direction.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the printing device 1 according to this embodiment includes an automatic opening and closing mechanism 3 ( Figure 3 ) The printing device 1 includes a print head 65 that prints on a medium P, and a carriage 15 that moves in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the medium P is conveyed. Figure 2The figure shows a state in which the access cover 5 located on the front side (+Y direction) of the printing device 1 is opened and the discharge tray 7 stored inside the device is further extended. The configuration is such that the discharge tray 7, which receives the medium P (hereinafter also referred to as "printed material P"), can be opened by opening the access cover 5. Alternatively, a supply cassette (not shown) storing the printing medium can be operated.

[0056] The printing device 1 is a multifunction device having an inkjet printer 2 located below and a scanner unit 4 located above. An access cover 5 is provided adjacent to an ink tank 12 of the printing device 1. The ink tank 12 can be filled with ink.

[0057] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 of the opening and closing cover includes a lever 11 that can rotate by means of a rotation fulcrum 9, and a lever 11 located at one end thereof and connected to the force F ( Figure 1 、 Figure 8 ) of the closed state of the opening and closing cover 5 to maintain the closed state of the opening and closing cover 5, and the other end of the operating rod 11 and the slide 15 ( Figure 7 ) contacts a power receiving portion 17 to receive power from the slide 15.

[0058] The operating lever 11 is rotated when the slider 15 contacts and pushes the power receiving portion 17 , thereby releasing the closed state of the access cover 5 maintained by the locking portion 13 .

[0059] Each component is described in detail below.

[0060] Joystick for automatic release mechanism

[0061] In this embodiment, the joystick 11 is Figures 4 to 6 As shown, it is a shape extending in the Y-axis direction which is the horizontal direction.

[0062] One end of the operating lever 11 has a locked portion 18 ( Figures 2 to 4 、 Figure 6 ) of the locking portion 13. It should be noted that, Figure 6 The figure shows the locking portion 13 of the operating lever 11 disengaged from the locked portion 18 of the access cover 5. The locking portion 13 has a convex curved surface protruding in the -X direction and is integrally molded with the resin locking portion body 20 extending in the Y-axis direction. The locking portion 13 is provided on the side surface of the locking portion body 20 at the distal end in the +Y direction.

[0063] Furthermore, a power receiving portion 17 is provided at the other end of the operating lever 11 to receive the power of the moving carriage 15. In this embodiment, the power receiving portion 17 is composed of a sliding portion 19 that is pushed and slid by the carriage 15. The sliding portion 19 is composed of two guide grooves 22 and 24 ( Figure 5 The two parts 19a and 19b of the sliding portion 19 are connected as one body and move as one body in the moving direction of the carriage 15, that is, in the X direction.

[0064] The sliding portion 19 a guided by the guide groove 22 constitutes the power receiving portion 17 .

[0065] In this embodiment, the sliding portion 19b guided by the guide groove 24 is connected to the locking portion body 20 via a metal power transmission shaft 26. One end 6 ( Figure 6 ) is connected and fixed as a whole with the base end portion 10 of the locking portion main body 20, while the other end 8 is connected in a non-fixed state by being inserted into the recess 28 of the sliding portion 19b and contacting the inner surface of the recess 28.

[0066] When the integrated sliding portion 19b is pushed by the carriage 15 via the sliding portion 19a and moves in the -X direction, the other end 8 of the power transmission shaft 26 moves while in contact with the inner surface of the recess 28. This allows the joystick 11 to rotate relative to the rotation fulcrum 9. In other words, the horizontal linear motion of the carriage 15 is converted and transmitted to the rotational motion of the joystick 11.

[0067] Rotation structure of the joystick of the automatic release mechanism

[0068] The joystick 11 is rotatably mounted in a horizontal plane on a rotation fulcrum shaft 58, which forms the rotation fulcrum 9. The rotation fulcrum 9 is formed by the axial center of the rotation fulcrum shaft 58. In this embodiment, the rotation fulcrum shaft 58 is fixed to the device structural members, namely, the lower plate 14 and the upper plate 16, in an orientation extending in the vertical direction.

[0069] The locking portion body 20 of the joystick 11 is located on the upper surface of the upper plate 16, and the bottom of the base end portion 10 is rotatably connected to the rotation fulcrum shaft 58. A through hole 34 ( Figure 4 ), the protrusion 36 provided on the locking portion body 20 enters the through hole 34 in a penetrating state. The through hole 34 is formed to a size and shape that allows the locking portion body 20 to rotate around the rotation fulcrum 9 on the base end portion 10 side.

[0070] A torsion coil spring 38 ( Figure 4), one end 40 of the torsion coil spring 38 is locked to the protrusion 36 of the locking portion body 20. Thus, the locking portion body 20 is configured to receive the spring force of the torsion coil spring 38 and rotate in the direction in which the locking portion 13 is locked to the locked portion 18 of the open-close cover 5.

[0071] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the sliding portion 19a has a contact projection 21 that contacts the carriage 15, and the carriage 15 is provided with a contact recess 23 at a position that contacts the contact projection 21. When the sliding portion 19a of the operating lever 11 is pushed by the carriage 15, the contact projection 21 enters the contact recess 23, making it easier for the sliding portion 19a to move integrally with the carriage 15.

[0072] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the opening and closing cover 5 is made into a structure with a self-weight moment on the opening side. Specifically, the position of the center of gravity G of the opening and closing cover 5 is set so that it opens relative to the opening and closing action fulcrum 42 by its own weight.

[0073] That is, since the force F in the opening direction is generated by the own weight of the opening and closing cover 5, the opening and closing cover 5 is configured to automatically open by the action of its own weight when the closed state is released.

[0074] It should be noted that the force F in the opening direction is not limited to the structure using the self-weight moment, and it is also possible to use the elasticity of a spring to apply the force F in the opening direction.

[0075] In addition, if Figure 9 (A) Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1B , in this embodiment, a sensor 25 is provided for detecting the open / close state of the access cover 5. The sensor 25 is composed of an action piece 27 provided on the inner surface of the access cover 5 and a detection piece 29 provided to press against a device component of the printing device 1 in the ejection direction.

[0076] exist Figure 9 In (A), the detection by sensor 25 corresponds to the OFF state. That is, because the operating piece 27 is not pressing the inspection piece 29, the sensor 25 detects that the access cover 5 is open. It should be noted that the range within which sensor 25 detects that the access cover 5 is open is set to an angle at which printed matter will not be jammed even if the access cover 5 is stopped mid-open. Here, this angle is set to 70 degrees.

[0077] exist Figure 9 In (B), the detection by the sensor 25 corresponds to the open state. That is, because the operating piece 27 presses the inspection piece 29, the sensor 25 detects that the opening and closing cover 5 is in the closed state.

[0078] In this embodiment, the operation of releasing the closed state of the access cover 5 is controlled to be executed after the main switch of the printing device 1 is turned on and before printing begins. This configuration is such that the control unit (not shown) executes the release operation when the main switch of the printing device 1 is turned on as a trigger.

[0079] That is, the operation of releasing the closed state of the opening / closing cover 5 is performed at an appropriate timing.

[0080] Alternatively, when the closed state of the access cover 5 is detected, the printing operation is stopped and the operation of releasing the closed state of the access cover 5 is performed. Even if the access cover 5 is closed during the printing operation, the access cover 5 can be opened after the printing operation is stopped to resume the printing operation.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the carriage 15 reciprocates during printing, and the automatic opening mechanism 3 of the opening and closing cover is located outside the reciprocating range W of the carriage 15 .

[0082] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the automatic release mechanism 3 of the opening and closing cover is arranged outside the reciprocating range W of the carriage 15 during printing. That is, the automatic release mechanism 3 is configured in the printing apparatus 1 so as not to affect the printing operation.

[0083] Specifying carriage movement via wall elements

[0084] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the wall member 44 is provided in front of the power receiving portion 17 of the operating lever 11, that is, in front of the sliding portion 19a, so as to be able to extend and retract in the vertical direction. When the carriage 15 is moved and the automatic release mechanism 3 is activated to open the access cover 5, the wall member 44 is retracted, that is, it is lowered and retracted.

[0085] On the other hand, when the automatic release mechanism 3 is not in operation, the wall member 44 is in the raised position, that is, in the upper position. For example, when the carriage 15 is moved to check its position, the position check can be performed by temporarily placing the carriage 15 against the wall member 44. In this case, although the carriage 15 contacts the wall member 44, it does not contact the power receiving portion 17 of the joystick 11, thereby preventing the automatic release mechanism 3 from being accidentally activated.

[0086] It should be noted that the wall member 44 may be moved forward and backward using a power source such as a motor included in the printing device 1. Reference numeral 65 denotes a printing head.

[0087] Control the movement range of the slide by the current value

[0088] Figure 11 Graph showing threshold values of current values for controlling the moving range of the carriage 15. The horizontal axis represents the moving distance D of the carriage 15 from the origin, and the vertical axis represents the current value I flowing to the carriage 15.

[0089] After the carriage 15 begins to move from its origin and contacts the power receiving portion 17 of the operating lever 11 of the automatic release mechanism 3, it begins to move against the spring force of the torsion coil spring 38. Therefore, the current value I flowing through the carriage 15 begins to increase. Reference numeral 46 in the figure indicates the change in the current value I flowing through the carriage 15 at this time.

[0090] Reference numeral 56 indicates the position at which the carriage 15, which maintains the closed state of the access cover 5, is released, i.e., the position at which the latching portion 13 of the operating lever 11 is released from the latched portion 18, and the access cover 5 begins to open. Reference numeral 50 denotes the first threshold value, and reference numeral 48 denotes the second threshold value. The first threshold value 50 is set within the region 52 from the point at which the carriage 15 contacts the power receiving portion 17 of the operating lever 11 to the position 56 at which the access cover 5 begins to open. The second threshold value 48 is set within the region 54 at which the access cover 5 begins to open.

[0091] according to Figure 11 It can be understood that the region 52 is a region where, in a portion closer to the origin than the position 56, although the carriage 15 is in contact with the power receiving portion 17 of the joystick 11, the amount of rotation of the joystick 11 is still small, and the opening and closing cover 5 remains closed. The first threshold 50 set in this region 52 can be used to check the position of the carriage 15 without activating the automatic release mechanism 3. Figure 10 In the embodiment, the position of the carriage 15 is checked by temporarily attaching the carriage 15 to the wall member 44, but Figure 11 This is done by checking a first threshold value 50 .

[0092] On the other hand, since the opening of the opening and closing cover 5 begins in the region 54 , the second threshold value 48 set in the region 54 can be used to check the open state of the opening and closing cover 5 .

[0093] Operation of the automatic release mechanism of the opening and closing cover

[0094] Figure 1 The illustrated opening and closing cover 5 is in a closed state. First, the carriage 15 moves in the -X direction, contacts the power receiving portion 17 of the sliding portion 19a of the operating lever 11, and further pushes it. The operating lever 11 receives the power of the carriage moving in the -X direction and rotates around the rotation fulcrum 9. As the operating lever 11 rotates, the locking portion 13 of the operating lever 11 is removed from the locked portion 18 of the opening and closing cover 5. Then, the opening and closing cover 5 opens by its own weight and reaches Figure 2Status. Figure 2 In the process, the discharge tray 7 is further pulled out.

[0095] Description of the Effects of the Implementation

[0096] (1) According to the automatic release mechanism 3 of this embodiment, the operating lever 11 rotates when the slide 15 contacts and pushes the power receiving portion 17. This rotation of the operating lever 11 releases the closed state of the access cover 5 maintained by the locking portion 13. Because the access cover 5 receives the force F in the opening direction during this release, it is transformed from the closed state to the open state by the action of this force F. Therefore, because the power of the slide 15 is utilized, no additional power is required, and the cost of the mechanism for automatically releasing the access cover 5 can be reduced, and further space can be saved.

[0097] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the opening and closing cover 5 is structured to have a self-weight moment on the open side. Therefore, once the locking state achieved by the locking portion 13 is released, the self-weight will cause the cover 5 to transition from the closed state to the open state. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for opening the opening and closing cover 5, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0098] (3) According to this embodiment, the sensor 25 for detecting the open / close state of the access cover 5 is provided. This eliminates unnecessary operation of the automatic release mechanism 3 when the access cover 5 is already open, thereby improving usability.

[0099] (4) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the power receiving portion 17 of the joystick 11 is a sliding portion 19 (19a, 19b) that slides while being pushed by the carriage 15. Thus, since the joystick 11 receives the power of the carriage 15 in the form of the sliding portion 19 sliding, the power of the carriage 15 can be effectively utilized.

[0100] (5) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the sliding portion 19a is pushed by the carriage 15, the contact projection 21 of the sliding portion 19a enters the contact recess 23 of the carriage 15. This makes it easier for the sliding portion 19a to move integrally with the carriage 15, and reduces the possibility of the sliding portion 19a being caught in the carriage 15.

[0101] (6) Furthermore, the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes the print head 65 mounted on the carriage 15, the access cover 5 receiving the force F in the opening direction, and the automatic release mechanism 3 for the access cover having the above-described structure. Thus, the printing device 1 can achieve the effects of the automatic release mechanism 3 described above.

[0102] (7) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the carriage 15 reciprocates during printing, and the automatic release mechanism 3 is located outside the reciprocating range W of the carriage 15. Thus, the automatic release mechanism 3 exists independently of the normal printing operation of the printing device 1. In other words, the automatic release mechanism 3 can be provided in the printing device 1 without affecting the structure for executing the printing operation, and it is possible to easily distinguish between models equipped with the automatic release mechanism 3 and models without the automatic release mechanism 3.

[0103] (8) According to this embodiment, the ejection tray 7 etc. for receiving printed materials P can be accessed by opening the access cover 5. This can reduce the possibility of damage or failure caused by accidentally touching the ejection tray 7 etc. for receiving printed materials P.

[0104] (9) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the closed state of the access cover 5 is detected during the printing operation, the printing operation is stopped and the closed state of the access cover 5 is released. Thus, even if the access cover 5 is closed during the printing operation, the access cover 5 can be opened after the printing operation is stopped, and the printing operation can be resumed.

[0105] (10) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the operation of releasing the closed state of the access cover 5 is performed after the main switch of the printing device 1 is turned on and before the printing operation is started. Thus, since the operation of releasing the closed state of the access cover 5 is performed at an appropriate timing, the access cover 5 can be prevented from being accidentally opened.

[0106] Implementation Method 2

[0107] Next, based on Figures 12 to 15 A description will be given of a printing device according to Embodiment 2. The same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0108] like Figure 2 and Figure 12 As shown, the printing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a print head 65 for printing on a medium P, a carriage 15 that moves in a direction intersecting the direction in which the medium P is conveyed, and an automatic release mechanism 3 for opening and closing the cover. The automatic release mechanism 3 includes a lever 11 that receives power from the carriage 15 to rotate and release the cover 5 from its closed state. The specific structure of the automatic release mechanism 3 in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, so identical components are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. It should be noted that the specific structure of the automatic release mechanism 3 is not limited to that described above.

[0109] In this embodiment, a discharge unit 61 is provided, which is exposed when the access cover 5 is open, and discharges the medium, i.e., the printed material P. The discharge unit 61 discharges the printed material P to the outside of the printing apparatus 1 (in the +Y direction). The automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged so as to overlap with the discharge port area 63 of the discharge unit 61 in the height direction.

[0110] Here, the “discharge port region 63 of the discharge portion 61” is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, it refers to the area between the discharge roller 62 that transports the printed material P to the outside of the printing device 1 and the receiving portion 64 that is located below the discharge roller 62 and receives the discharged printed material P. The discharge roller 62 is composed of a pair of driving rollers 66 and driven rollers 68, and the pair of driving rollers 66 and driven rollers 68 clamps the printed material P to apply a transport force in the discharge direction (+Y direction). In this embodiment, the receiving portion 64 is composed of a discharge tray 7 that is provided on the inner side of the opening and closing cover 5 so as to be able to be pulled out and receives the discharged printed material P in the pulled-out state. As shown Figure 2 As shown, the discharge tray 7 is located above the access cover 5 in the opened state when it is pulled out.

[0111] It should be noted that Figure 12 This is the state where the receiving portion 64 is housed in the printing device 1 before being pulled out. Figure 2 The receiving portion 64 is shown in a state where it is pulled out.

[0112] In addition, the word “overlap” in “configured to overlap with the discharge port area 63 of the discharge portion 61 in the height direction” is used to mean that as long as the area occupied by the components constituting the automatic release mechanism 3 overlaps with the discharge port area 63 in at least a portion in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0113] In this embodiment, the components constituting the automatic release mechanism 3 are composed of a locking portion main body 20 constituting the operating lever 11, having a locking portion 13 and a protrusion 36, a sliding portion 19 (19a, 19b) having a power receiving portion 17, a rotating fulcrum shaft 58 having a torsion coil spring 38, and a power transmission shaft 26.

[0114] In addition, if Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the automatic releasing mechanism 3 is arranged so as to overlap in the height direction with the medium supporting member located at a position opposite to the print head 65, that is, the pressure plate 67. Figure 13 In the figure, the area occupied by the components constituting the automatic releasing mechanism 3 is framed by a frame 70 for easy understanding.

[0115] The print head 65 is mounted on the carriage 15. When a printing medium (not shown) conveyed through the conveyance path passes through the printing area of the print head 65, the platen 67 supports the printing medium from below.

[0116] In addition, in this embodiment, the automatic releasing mechanism 3 is arranged so as to overlap with the motor 69 which is the driving source of the conveying roller 75 in the height direction. Figure 13 In FIG. 1 , reference numeral 74 indicates an area occupied by the motor 69 in the height direction.

[0117] exist Figure 13 In the figure, the area occupied by the components constituting the platen is framed by a frame 72 for easy understanding. The gear train for transmitting the power of the motor 69 as the driving source to the conveying roller 75 will be described below.

[0118] In addition, as shown in the enlarged view of a part Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic unwinding mechanism 3 is arranged so as to overlap in height with a circular scale 73 provided on a shaft 71 of a conveying roller 75 that conveys the printed material P in the conveying direction (+Y direction). Reference numeral 76 indicates the area where the automatic unwinding mechanism 3 overlaps with the circular scale 73.

[0119] The circular plate scale 73 is a member for checking the transport distance of the printed material P transported by the transport roller 75 , and has a known structure with a slit pattern marked on the peripheral edge.

[0120] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged so as to overlap in height with a gear train 77, a power transmission mechanism that transmits power from the motor 69. In this embodiment, the gear train 77 comprises a conveying gear 78 mounted on the shaft 71 of the conveying roller 75, a discharge gear 80 mounted on the shaft of the discharge roller 62, and a connecting gear 82 connecting the two gears 78 and 80. Reference numeral 86 denotes a shaft for the connecting gear 82.

[0121] The reference numeral 76 also indicates the area where the automatic release mechanism 3 and the gear train 77 overlap.

[0122] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) with the ink supply tube 79 that supplies ink to the print head 65. In this embodiment, the ink supply tube 79 is an ink tube for four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0123] exist Figure 14 In the figure, the area occupied by the ink supply tube 79 in the depth direction is framed by a frame 90 for easy understanding. Reference numeral 88 shows the area where the automatic release mechanism 3 and the ink supply tube 79 overlap.

[0124] In addition, if Figure 14As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap in the depth direction with the partition hinge 81 for the scanner unit 4 formed on the upper part of the printing device 1. The partition hinge 81 is used when opening the scanner unit 4 and is made into a well-known structure.

[0125] Here, in order to explain the overlap in the depth direction, the illustration is simplified so that the partition hinge 81 is shown by a quadrilateral frame 92. Reference numeral 98 shows the region where the automatic release mechanism 3 and the partition hinge 81 overlap.

[0126] In addition, as shown in the enlarged view of a part Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged so as to overlap with the operating range of the carriage 15 in the carriage's moving direction. The carriage's operating range A includes a reciprocating range W during printing, as well as a moving range R in the +X direction and a moving range L in the -X direction within this range W.

[0127] Reference numeral 94 indicates an area where the automatic release mechanism 3 and the operating range A of the carriage overlap.

[0128] Description of the Effects of the Implementation

[0129] (1) The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an automatic release mechanism 3 for the opening and closing cover. The automatic release mechanism 3 includes a lever 11 that receives power from the carriage 15 to rotate and release the opening and closing cover 5 from its closed state. The automatic release mechanism 3 also includes a discharge section 61 for printed matter P that is exposed when the opening and closing cover 5 is open. The automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap with a discharge port area 63 of the discharge section 61 in the height direction. This can prevent the printing apparatus 1 from increasing in size in the height direction.

[0130] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a discharge tray 7 is provided inside the opening / closing cover 5 so as to be pullable and to receive the discharged printed matter P in the pulled-out state. That is, in the printing apparatus 1 including the discharge tray 7 for receiving the printed matter P, the discharge tray 7 can be used as the receiving portion 64 for the printed matter P to achieve the same effect as in (1) above.

[0131] (3) According to this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap in the height direction with the platen 67 located at a position facing the print head 65. This can prevent the printing apparatus 1 from being increased in size in the height direction.

[0132] (4) According to this embodiment, the automatic unwinding mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap in height with the circular scale 73 provided on the shaft of the conveying roller 75 that conveys the printed material P. This can prevent the printing apparatus 1 from being enlarged in height.

[0133] (5) According to this embodiment, the automatic releasing mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap in the height direction with the motor 69, which is the driving source of the conveying roller 75. This can prevent the printing device 1 from being increased in size in the height direction.

[0134] (6) According to this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap in the height direction with the gear train 77 that transmits the power of the motor 69. This can prevent the printing device 1 from being increased in size in the height direction.

[0135] (7) According to the present embodiment, the automatic releasing mechanism 3 is arranged so as to overlap in the depth direction with the ink supply tube 79. This can suppress an increase in the size of the printing apparatus 1 in the depth direction.

[0136] (8) According to this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap in the depth direction with the partition hinge 81 for the scanner unit 4 included in the printing device 1. This can prevent the printing device 1 from becoming larger in the depth direction.

[0137] (9) According to this embodiment, the automatic release mechanism 3 is arranged to overlap with the operating range A of the carriage 15 in the moving direction of the carriage 15. This can prevent the printing device 1 from being enlarged in the moving direction of the carriage 15.

[0138] Implementation 3

[0139] Next, based on Figures 16 to 21 A description will be given of a printing device according to Embodiment 3. The same components as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0140] like Figures 16 to 18 As shown, in the printing device 1 according to this embodiment, the access cover 5 receives a force F in the opening direction and is equipped with an automatic release mechanism 3 for the access cover. The automatic release mechanism 3 includes a lever 11 that receives power from the carriage 15 to rotate and release the access cover 5 from the closed state. Furthermore, the printing device 1 includes a print head 65 for printing on a medium P and a carriage 15 that moves in a direction intersecting the direction in which the medium P is conveyed.

[0141] Since the specific structure of the automatic release mechanism 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and their description is omitted. It should be noted that the specific structure of the automatic release mechanism 3 is not limited to the above structure as long as the operating lever 11 receives the power of the slide 15 to rotate to release the closed state of the access cover 5.

[0142] In this embodiment, a brake mechanism 103 is provided that contacts the base end portion 101 of the opening and closing cover 5 to brake the opening of the opening and closing cover 5 . The opening and closing cover 5 is opened in the opening direction after the automatic opening mechanism 3 releases the closed state.

[0143] In this embodiment, the brake mechanism 103 includes: a brake operating lever 107, which contacts the contacted portion 105 located at the base end portion 101 of the open and close cover 5 to apply a braking force B; a rotation fulcrum 109, which supports the base end of the brake operating lever 107 so that it can rotate; and a spring component 110, which generates the braking force B.

[0144] Reference numeral 102 denotes a bracket to which a brake lever 107 is assembled. The brake lever 107 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 112 fixed to the bracket 102. The shaft 112 forms a rotation fulcrum 109. The bracket 102 is mounted on a housing 116 ( Figure 21 ).

[0145] The spring member 110 is formed of a torsion coil spring 104 . One end 106 of the torsion coil spring 104 is locked to a locked portion of the bracket 102 , while the other end 108 is locked to a locked portion of the brake lever 107 , thereby generating a braking force B on the access cover 5 .

[0146] In this embodiment, the portion of the contacted portion 105 that contacts the brake lever 107 serves as a cam surface 111. The cam surface 111 is convexly curved, so that a contact point 114 between the cam surface 111 and the brake lever 107 moves smoothly on the convex surface as the opening angle of the access cover 5 increases.

[0147] The braking force B of the brake mechanism 103 is set smaller than the force F in the direction of opening the lid 5. That is, even if the braking force B acts on the lid 5, the lid 5 does not stop in the middle of opening.

[0148] Furthermore, the relationship between the force F in the opening direction of the opening and closing cover 5, the braking force B of the brake operating lever 107 and the shape of the cam surface 111 is such that the difference MD between the opening direction torque MO and the closing direction torque MC is within a fixed range, and the opening direction torque MO is generated by the force F in the opening direction of the opening and closing cover 5, and the closing direction torque MC is generated by the braking force B of the brake operating lever 107.

[0149] according to Figure 19 The relationship between the force F, the braking force B, and the shape of the cam surface 111 will be described in detail. Figure 19 Graph 1 shows the relationship between the opening angle (horizontal axis) of the opening / closing cover 5 and the moment (vertical axis) associated with the opening / closing cover 5. The moment in the direction in which the opening / closing cover 5 opens is assumed to be positive.

[0150] As shown in the figure, the opening moment MO varies within the positive range relative to the opening angle of the lid 5. On the other hand, the closing moment MC varies within the negative range relative to the opening angle of the lid 5. Furthermore, the relationship is designed so that the difference MD between the opening moment MO and the closing moment MC remains substantially constant within the positive range relative to the opening angle of the lid 5.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, Figure 20 As shown, when a first line segment 113 is provided connecting the contact point 114 between the cam surface 111 and the brake operating lever 107 and the rotation fulcrum 109 of the brake operating lever 107, and a second line segment 115 is provided connecting the contact point 114 between the cam surface 111 and the brake operating lever 107 and the opening and closing action fulcrum 42 of the opening and closing cover 5, the cam surface 111 has a shape in which the angle θ formed by the first line segment 113 and the second line segment 115 is an obtuse angle.

[0152] By setting the angle θ to an obtuse angle, a moment in the closing direction is always generated on the open-close cover 5 .

[0153] In addition, in this embodiment, similarly to the embodiment 1, a sensor 25 for detecting the open / close state of the opening / closing cover 5 is provided. Figure 9 The description is the same, so it is omitted here.

[0154] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 18 As shown, the rotation fulcrum 109 of the brake operating lever 107 is located at the transmission motor 69 ( Figure 13 ) is located below the gear train 77, which is a power transmission mechanism for the power of the vehicle. That is, it is arranged in a form that does not overlap with the gear train 77 located nearby.

[0155] Furthermore, the rotation fulcrum 109 of the brake operating lever 107 is arranged so as to overlap with the gear train 77 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the printing device 1 while being located below the gear train 77. Here, the rotation fulcrum 109 is located below the discharge gear 80 of the gear train 77 and overlaps with the discharge gear 80 in the depth direction.

[0156] In the present embodiment, the rotation fulcrum 109 is arranged so as to overlap with the gear train 77 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the printing apparatus 1 .

[0157] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 17 As shown, the brake mechanism 103 is located outside (−X direction) in the width direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the conveyance direction (+Y direction) of the conveyance path PW of the printed material P.

[0158] Specifically, if Figure 21 As shown, the bracket 102 to which the brake lever 107 is assembled is attached to the housing 116 of the printing device 1. Specifically, the bracket 102 is attached to a portion 118 of the housing 116 located outside the automatic release mechanism 3.

[0159] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 17 As shown, the brake mechanism 103 is arranged to overlap in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) with the ink supply tube 79 that supplies ink to the print head 65. In this embodiment, the ink supply tube 79 is an ink tube for four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0160] Braking the opening and closing cover by the braking mechanism

[0161] If the opening and closing cover 5 is in the closed state ( Figure 1 ), if the automatic release mechanism 3 is issued an action command to release the closed state of the opening and closing cover 5, then the locking portion 13 will retreat from the locked portion 18 as described above and the opening and closing cover 5 will start to open automatically due to the force F. Figure 18 As shown, the structure is such that when the opening angle of the opening and closing cover 5 reaches approximately 10 degrees, the brake operating lever 107 comes into contact with the contacted portion 105 of the base end portion 101 of the opening and closing cover 5. When the opening angle of the opening and closing cover 5 is approximately 10 degrees or less, the brake operating lever 107 and the contacted portion 105 of the opening and closing cover 5 are in a non-contact state.

[0162] When the brake lever 107 contacts the contacted portion 105 of the opening lid 5, a braking force B is applied to the opening lid 5. Then, the contact point 114 between the cam surface 111 and the brake lever 107 smoothly contacts and moves on the convex surface as the opening angle of the opening lid 5 increases. Figure 19 Due to the difference MD between the opening moment MO and the closing moment MC, the opening and closing cover 5 is opened smoothly while being restrained from opening suddenly due to the force F. In addition, a part of the base end 101 of the opening and closing cover 5 is received in the sponge-like receiving portion 120, thereby achieving a soft landing with less impact, thereby achieving a smooth opening. Figure 16 、 Figure 17 status.

[0163] Description of the Effects of the Implementation

[0164] (1) The printing device 1 of this embodiment includes a brake mechanism 103 that contacts the base end 101 of the access cover 5 to brake the opening movement of the access cover 5, which is released from its closed state by the automatic release mechanism 3 and moves in the opening direction. This allows the access cover 5 to be automatically opened using the power of the carriage 15. Furthermore, since the brake mechanism 103 brakes the movement of the access cover 5 during its opening, the structure is simplified, and the access cover 5 can be opened smoothly, preventing it from opening suddenly.

[0165] (2) According to this embodiment, the brake mechanism 103 includes: a brake lever 107 that contacts a contacted portion 105 located at the base end portion 101 of the opening / closing cover 5 to apply a braking force B; a rotation fulcrum 109 that rotatably supports the base end of the brake lever 107; and a spring member 110 that generates the braking force B. Thus, the brake mechanism 103 for achieving the above-described smooth opening can be realized with a simple structure.

[0166] (3) According to this embodiment, the braking force B of the brake mechanism 103 is set smaller than the force F in the direction of opening the lid 5. This reduces the possibility that the lid 5 stops during opening even if the braking force B acts on the lid 5.

[0167] (4) Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the portion of the contacted portion 105 that contacts the brake lever 107 is the cam surface 111, and the cam surface 111 has a shape such that the difference MD between the opening moment MO generated by the force F in the opening direction of the access cover 5 that is moving in the opening direction and the closing moment MC generated by the braking force B of the brake lever 107 is within a fixed range. Thus, the speed at which the access cover 5 opens can be kept substantially constant.

[0168] Furthermore, by setting the difference MD between the opening direction torque MO and the closing direction torque MC to be small, the door can be opened at a slow, substantially constant speed.

[0169] (5) According to this embodiment, the cam surface 111 has a shape in which the angle θ formed by the first line segment 113 and the second line segment 115 is an obtuse angle. The first line segment 113 connects the contact point 114 between the cam surface 111 and the brake lever 107 and the rotation fulcrum 109 of the brake lever 107. The second line segment 115 connects the contact point 114 between the cam surface 111 and the brake lever 107 and the opening and closing operation fulcrum 42 of the access cover 5. By setting this obtuse angle θ, a moment in the closing direction is always generated on the access cover 5, and the possibility of the access cover 5 stopping in the middle of opening can be reduced with a simple structure.

[0170] (6) In addition, according to this embodiment, a sensor 25 is provided for detecting the open / close state of the access cover 5. Thus, by setting the access cover 5 to be fully opened and the state in which the discharged printed matter P is not jammed as "open", the occurrence of jams in the printed matter P can be reduced.

[0171] (7) According to this embodiment, the rotation fulcrum 109 of the brake lever 107 is located below the gear train 77 that transmits power from the motor 69. This facilitates design and manufacturing because the brake lever 107 is arranged so as not to overlap with the gear train 77 located nearby.

[0172] Furthermore, by arranging the rotation fulcrum 109 of the brake lever 107 below the gear train 77 and overlapping with the gear train 77 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the device, miniaturization in the depth direction can be achieved.

[0173] (8) According to the present embodiment, the brake mechanism 103 is located outside in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the transport path PW of the printed material P. This allows the brake mechanism 103 to be arranged without interfering with the transport of the printed material P.

[0174] (9) According to the present embodiment, the brake mechanism 103 is arranged so as to overlap with the ink supply tube in the depth direction. This can prevent the printing apparatus 1 from being enlarged in the depth direction.

[0175] Other implementations

[0176] The automatic cap releasing mechanism 3 and the printing device 1 according to the present invention basically have the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but some configurations may be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that Equipped with an automatic release mechanism for opening and closing the cover, The printing device includes a print head for printing on a medium and a carriage for moving in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the medium. The automatic release mechanism includes a lever that receives power from the slide to release the closed state of the openable / closable cover. The opening and closing cover receives a force in the opening direction. The printing device includes a brake mechanism that contacts the base end of the opening and closing cover to brake the opening movement of the opening and closing cover. The braking mechanism comprises: a brake operating lever that contacts a cam surface of a contacted portion located at a base end portion of the open-close cover to impart a braking force; A rotation fulcrum rotatably supports the base end of the brake operating lever; as well as a spring member, generating the braking force, The contact point between the cam surface and the brake lever moves on the cam surface as the opening angle of the opening and closing cover increases. The cam surface has a shape in which the difference between the opening direction torque and the closing direction torque is within a fixed range. The opening direction torque is generated by the force in the opening direction of the opening and closing cover performing an opening action in the opening direction, and the closing direction torque is generated by the braking force of the brake operating lever.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The braking force of the braking mechanism is set to be smaller than the force in the opening direction of the openable / closable cover.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cam surface has a shape in which the angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment is an obtuse angle, the first line segment connects the contact point between the cam surface and the brake lever and the rotation fulcrum of the brake lever, and the second line segment connects the contact point between the cam surface and the brake lever and the opening and closing action fulcrum of the opening and closing cover.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The printing device includes a sensor that detects an open / closed state of the opening / closing cover.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The rotation fulcrum of the brake lever is located below a power transmission mechanism that transmits power from the electric motor.

6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The braking mechanism is located on the outside in a width direction intersecting with a conveyance direction of a conveyance path of printed matter.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The braking mechanism is arranged so as to overlap with an ink supply tube that supplies ink to the print head in a depth direction.

Images