Conveying device and printing device

Abstract

The present application provides a conveying device and a printing device. In the case of opening the conveying path, since there are descending and ascending sections in a part of the conveying path, the components may interfere with each other, and the conveying path may not be opened. The conveying device comprises a device body, a cover section, a first path forming section, a second path forming section, and a moving section. The device body forms a conveying path in which a descending path and an ascending path overlap in the Z direction. The cover section opens and closes the conveying path. The first path forming section can move to a first position and a second position. The second path forming section forms the ascending path and, together with the first path forming section, forms the descending path. The moving section moves the first path forming section in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover section. In the closed state, the first path forming section is located in a moving area. The moving section moves the first path forming section to the second position through the opening action of the cover section, and moves the first path forming section to the first position through the closing action of the cover section.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with priority date of December 23, 2020, filing date of December 22, 2021, application number 202111583822.3, entitled "Conveying Device and Printing Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to conveying devices and printing devices. Background Technology

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet recording apparatus in which the recording medium rises from an upstream conveyor roller toward a downstream conveyor roller in the conveying direction.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-14253

[0005] In the inkjet recording apparatus of Patent Document 1, as a structure that does not increase the size of the apparatus but increases the length of the transport path, a structure is considered in which a descending part and a rising part are provided in a part of the transport path in such a way that a part of the transport path overlaps in the height direction of the apparatus. The transport path is composed of a component remaining in the main body of the apparatus and a component that can be opened and closed relative to the main body of the apparatus.

[0006] However, in this structure, when the conveying path is open, the components may interfere with each other due to the presence of a descending and ascending section in a part of the conveying path, making it impossible to open the conveying path. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The conveying device according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a device body having a conveying path in which a descending path for conveying a medium downward in the device height direction and an ascending path for conveying the medium upward in the device height direction overlap in the device height direction; a cover portion provided in the device body and capable of opening and closing the conveying path; a first path forming portion provided in the device body in a manner movable to a first position and a second position, forming a portion of the descending path at the first position and retracting from the descending path at the second position; and a second path forming portion provided in... The cover, in its closed state where the conveying path is closed, forms the ascending path and together with the first path forming part, forms the descending path; and the moving part moves the first path forming part to one of the first and second positions as the cover opens and closes, at least a portion of the first path forming part being located in the moving area of ​​the second path forming part in the closed state, the moving part moving the first path forming part to the second position when the cover opens, and moving the first path forming part to the first position when the cover closes. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the paper transport path of the printer involved in the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the paper transport path of the printer involved in the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the printer's transport path in the embodiment as being open.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the lower guide member and the moving part of the conveying section as seen from below in the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the lower guide member of the conveying section according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state in which the lower guide member of the conveying section involved in the embodiment is supported by the main frame.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state in which the lower guide member of the conveying section according to the embodiment is supported by the support section.

[0015] Figure 8This is a perspective view showing the state in which the rod member of the conveying section and the contact surface of the cover section are in contact according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram that enlarges a portion of the transport path of the transport unit involved in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a side view showing the state in which the lower guide member moves from the first position to the second position as the rod member of the conveying unit according to the embodiment rotates.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the transport path is opened by the opening action of the printer cover according to the embodiment.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0020] 10…Printer; 12…Main body of the device; 12A…Opening; 13…Ejection section; 14…Paper tray; 15…Main frame; 15A…Bottom wall; 15B…Support wall; 15C…Longitudinal wall; 15D…Through hole; 16…Pick-up roller; 17…Transport roller pair; 18…Transport roller pair; 19…Manual tray; 21…Pulley; 22…Conveyor belt; 23…Registration adjustment roller pair; 24…Transport roller pair; 25…Baffle; 26…Media width sensor; 27…Ink tank; 28…Line printhead; 29…Control unit ; 30… Conveying section; 31… Feeding roller pair; 32… Cover section; 34… Tilting path forming member; 36… Upper part; 38… Lower part; 42… First path forming section; 43… First rotating shaft; 44… Bearing; 45… First conveying roller; 46… Lower guide member; 47… Upper wall; 47A… Upper surface; 47B… Rib; 48… Front wall; 49… Receiving section; 49A… Groove section; 51… Rear wall; 52… Side wall; 53… Support roller; 53A… Shaft section; 53B… Outer peripheral surface; 54… Arm section; 55… Notch 56…Reinforcing part; 57…Longitudinal wall; 58…Supported part; 58A…End face; 59…Receiving part; 60…Moving part; 62…Second rotating shaft; 64…Rod part; 65…Mounting part; 66…Extension part; 67…Contact part; 67A…Contact surface; 68…Support part; 69…First plate part; 69A…Upper surface; 71…Second plate part; 71A…Upper surface; 74…Second path forming part; 76…Upper guide member; 77…Bottom wall; 78…Recess; 78A…Sloping surface; 78B…Sloping surface; 79… …Protrusion; 81…Second conveyor roller; 81A…Shaft; 82…Opposing roller; 82A…Shaft; 84…Contacted part; 85…Longitudinal wall; 86…Contacted surface; 87…Rib; K1…Imaginary line; K2…Imaginary line; N1…Clamping part; N2…Clamping part; P…Paper; Q…Ink; R1…Introduction path; R2…Descending path; R3…Ascending path; S…Moving area; T…Conveying path; T1…Conveying path; T2…Conveying path; T3…Conveying path; T4…Tilting path; ZA…Range. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in a general sense.

[0022] The conveying device according to the first method is characterized by comprising: a device body having a conveying path in which a descending path for conveying the medium downward in the device height direction and an ascending path for conveying the medium upward in the device height direction overlap in the device height direction; a cover portion disposed in the device body and capable of opening and closing the conveying path; a first path forming portion disposed in the device body in a manner movable to a first position and a second position, forming a portion of the descending path at the first position and retracting from the descending path at the second position; and a second path forming portion disposed in the cover portion. The device comprises a portion that, in the closed state where the cover closes the conveying path, forms the ascending path and, together with the first path forming portion, forms the descending path; and a moving portion that moves the first path forming portion toward one of the first and second positions as the cover opens and closes, wherein at least a portion of the first path forming portion is located in the moving area of ​​the second path forming portion in the closed state, and when the cover opens, the moving portion moves the first path forming portion toward the second position, and when the cover closes, the moving portion moves the first path forming portion toward the first position.

[0023] According to this method, compared with a structure having a conveying path that extends in a straight line along the height direction of the device, the structure has an upward path and a downward path that overlap in the height direction of the device, thereby increasing the path length of the conveying path.

[0024] Furthermore, at least a portion of the first path forming portion is located in the moving area of ​​the second path forming portion when the cover is in the closed state. In other words, at least a portion of the first path forming portion and at least a portion of the second path forming portion are arranged to overlap in the height direction of the device, thereby enabling the miniaturization of the conveying device.

[0025] Furthermore, when the cover opens, the moving part moves the first path forming part to the second position, thereby moving the first path forming part away from the moving area of ​​the second path forming part. Therefore, the opening action of the cover is less likely to be restricted, and the conveying path can be easily opened. This allows for the easy removal of media that are stuck in the conveying path due to paper jams or the like.

[0026] Based on the first method, the conveying device involved in the second method is characterized in that the first path forming part and the second path forming part are arranged opposite each other by a predetermined interval to form the descending path, and when the moving part moves the first path forming part to the second position, the interval between the first path forming part and the second path forming part becomes an interval of more than the predetermined interval.

[0027] According to this method, when the first path forming part moves to the second position, a distance of more than the specified interval is maintained. In other words, the first path forming part and the second path forming part are unlikely to come into contact, thus suppressing the breakage of the medium remaining in the transport path.

[0028] Based on the first or second method, the conveying device involved in the third method is characterized in that the first path forming part includes: a medium support member capable of supporting the medium; and a first rotating shaft that supports the medium support member so that it can rotate toward one of the first position and the second position, wherein the first rotating shaft is located below the moving area of ​​the second path forming part in the height direction of the device.

[0029] According to this method, the first path forming part moves to one of the first position and the second position by rotating about the first rotation axis. Therefore, the first path forming part can be moved with a simple structure. In addition, the first rotation axis is located below the moving area of ​​the second path forming part, so it is possible to prevent the first rotation axis from contacting the second path forming part.

[0030] Based on the third method, the conveying device involved in the fourth method is characterized by having a holding part that holds the first path forming part in the first position and releases the holding state of the first path forming part when the cover performs the opening action.

[0031] According to this method, when the cover performs the opening operation, the retaining part releases the retaining state of the first path forming part. Here, the first path forming part becomes a cantilevered state based on the first rotation axis by releasing the retaining state, and rotates due to its own weight. Therefore, the moving area of ​​the second path forming part can be opened with a simple structure.

[0032] Based on the fourth embodiment, the conveying device involved in the fifth embodiment is characterized in that the holding part includes: a second rotating shaft; a rod fixed to the second rotating shaft, which rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing action of the cover; and a support part fixed to the second rotating shaft and supporting the medium support member at the first position. The rod part contacts the cover when the cover is in the closed state and moves away from the cover when the cover is in the open state. When the rod part is in contact with the cover, the support part supports the medium support member.

[0033] According to this method, when the cover is in the closed state, the rod contacts the cover, thereby applying pressure to the rod. This causes the rod to rotate the second rotating shaft and the support. Furthermore, while rotating, the support pushes the medium support member upward, supporting the medium support member at the first position.

[0034] When the cover is in the open state, the medium support member descends due to its own weight, thereby rotating the support and opening the moving area of ​​the second path forming part.

[0035] In this way, by opening and closing the cover, the medium support member, i.e. the first path forming part, can be displaced.

[0036] Based on the fourth or fifth method, the sixth method is characterized in that the moving part also serves as the holding part.

[0037] According to this method, it is not necessary to provide the holding part as a different structure from the moving part, so the structure for moving and holding the first path forming part can be simplified.

[0038] Based on any one of the third to sixth methods, the conveying device involved in the seventh method is characterized in that the first rotating shaft is provided with a first conveying roller capable of conveying the medium, the second path forming part is provided with a second conveying roller that conveys the medium together with the first conveying roller, when the cover is in the closed state, the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller form a clamping part that clamps the medium, and when the cover is in the open state, the formation of the clamping part is released.

[0039] According to this method, the clamping part formed by the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller in the clamping part of the roller pair conveying the medium in the above-mentioned conveying path is released in conjunction with the cover part in an open state, so that the medium remaining in the above-mentioned conveying path can be easily removed.

[0040] Based on any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the conveying device involved in the eighth embodiment is characterized in that the first path forming part is provided with a support roller for supporting the medium, the second path forming part is provided with a counter roller, the counter roller conveys the medium by being opposite to and rotating together with the support roller, when the first path forming part is arranged in the first position, the support roller and the counter roller are clamped together, and when the first path forming part is arranged in the second position, the clamping state of the support roller and the counter roller is released.

[0041] According to this method, the clamping state formed by the support roller and the opposing roller in the clamping part of the roller pair that conveys the medium in the above-mentioned conveying path is released in conjunction with the opening state of the cover part, so that the medium remaining in the above-mentioned conveying path can be easily removed.

[0042] Based on the eighth method, the conveying device involved in the ninth method is characterized in that the moving part pushes the support roller upward to a position where it clamps the opposing roller by moving the first path forming part upward in the height direction of the device.

[0043] According to this method, the moving part moves the first path forming part, thereby clamping the support roller and the opposing roller. Therefore, compared with the structure that performs the movement of the first path forming part and the clamping operation of the support roller and the opposing roller respectively, the support roller and the opposing roller can be clamped with a simple structure.

[0044] The printing apparatus according to the 10th method is characterized by comprising: a conveying device as described in any one of the 1st to 9th methods; and a recording unit that records on a medium conveyed by the conveying device.

[0045] According to this method, the effects and functions described in any of the methods 1 to 9 can be obtained.

[0046] Hereinafter, the conveying unit 30, which is an example of a conveying device according to the present invention, and the printer 10, which is an example of a printing device, will be specifically described.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the printer 10 is configured as an inkjet device that records data by ejecting ink Q, a liquid, onto paper P, which is an example of a medium. Furthermore, the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0048] The X direction is the width direction of the device as observed by the operator of the printer 10, and it is horizontal. The leftward direction within the X direction is designated as the +X direction, and the rightward direction as the -X direction.

[0049] The Y direction is the width direction that intersects the paper P's conveying direction and the device's depth direction, and it is horizontal. The forward direction of the Y direction is defined as the +Y direction, and the direction towards the depth is defined as the -Y direction.

[0050] The Z-direction is an example of the height direction of the device, and it is a vertical direction. The direction above the Z-direction is defined as +Z, and the direction below it as -Z. In this embodiment, "above" refers to a direction that includes the upper component of the Z-direction. "Below" refers to a direction that includes the lower component of the Z-direction.

[0051] In printer 10, paper P is transported along the transport path T, indicated by the dashed line. Furthermore, the transport direction of paper P is along the transport path T, and therefore varies in different sections of the transport path T.

[0052] The printer 10 includes a main body 12, a transport section 30 (described later), and a line print head 28.

[0053] The device body 12 includes a housing that forms its outer contour. A discharge section 13, including a space for discharging recorded paper P, is formed at the center of the device body 12 in the Z direction and near the +Z direction. Additionally, the device body 12 is provided with a plurality of paper trays 14. Furthermore, an opening 12A, opening in the X direction, is formed at the end of the device body 12 in the -X direction. When the opening 12A is open, the transport path T, described later, is exposed.

[0054] Multiple paper trays 14 hold paper P. The paper P stored in the paper trays 14 is conveyed along the conveying path T by the pickup roller 16 and the conveying roller pairs 17 and 18. The conveying path T is a combination of a conveying path T1 (not shown) that conveys paper P from an external device and a conveying path T2 that conveys paper P from a manual tray 19 provided on the device body 12 via the feed roller pair 31. The portion of the printer 10 located closer to the center in the X direction than in the -X direction is configured as a conveying section 30, which is an example of a conveying device for conveying paper P. Details of the conveying section 30 will be described later. As an example, the main body of the conveying section 30 also serves as the device body 12.

[0055] The conveyor path T is equipped with two pulleys 21, a conveyor belt 22 wound around the two pulleys 21, a pair of alignment adjustment rollers 23 for correcting the skewness of the paper P, multiple pairs of conveyor rollers 24 for conveying the paper P, multiple baffles 25 for switching the path of the paper P, and a media width sensor 26 for detecting the width of the paper P in the Y direction. Downstream of the conveyor path T from the conveyor belt 22, there is a conveyor path T3 leading to the discharge section 13 and a flipping path T4 for flipping the back of the paper P.

[0056] A curved path R is formed on the transport path T upstream of the medium width sensor 26.

[0057] The curved path R is formed as a path having a set of hills and valleys. Specifically, the curved path R has: an inlet path R1, which curves from the conveyor roller pair 18 toward a position in the +X and +Z directions; a descending path R2, which curves while descending from the +X end of the inlet path R1 toward a position in the +X and -Z directions; and an ascending path R3, which curves while ascending from the +X end of the descending path R2 toward the +X and +Z directions.

[0058] In addition, the main body 12 of the device is provided with an ink tank 27 for containing ink Q, a line print head 28, and a control unit 29 for controlling the operation of various parts of the printer 10.

[0059] The line printhead 28 is located downstream of the media width sensor 26 in the paper P transport direction. Furthermore, the line printhead 28 is an example of a recording unit, and records are made on the paper P transported by the transport unit 30 by ejecting ink Q supplied from the ink tank 27.

[0060] The control unit 29 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory) and memory (not shown), and controls the transport of paper P of the printer 10 and the operation of various parts including the line print head 28 and the transport unit 30.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the device body 12 has a main frame 15 that forms part of the device body 12.

[0062] The main frame 15 is located in the -Z direction relative to the first path forming portion 42 described later. Furthermore, as an example, the main frame 15 is formed by bending sheet metal at multiple locations, and when viewed from the Y direction, it is formed in a U-shape opening towards the +Z direction. Specifically, the main frame 15 has: a bottom wall 15A along the XY plane; a support wall 15B that stands upright in the +Z direction at the -X end of the bottom wall 15A; and a longitudinal wall 15C formed by cutting a portion of the bottom wall 15A along the +Z direction. A through hole 15D extending in the Y direction is formed in the longitudinal wall 15C.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, as an example, the conveying unit 30 includes a device body 12, a cover 32, a first path forming unit 42, a second path forming unit 74, and a moving unit 60.

[0064] As described above, the main body 12 of the device has a conveying path T having an inlet path R1, a descent path R2, and an ascending path R3.

[0065] The descent path R2 is the path that transports the paper P downwards in the +Z direction.

[0066] The ascending path R3 is positioned downstream of the descending path R2 in the conveying direction of paper P. Furthermore, the ascending path R3 is the path that conveys paper P upwards in the Z direction.

[0067] The descending path R2 and the ascending path R3 are formed by the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74, which will be described later. The descending path R2 and the ascending path R3 contained in the transport path T overlap in the Z-direction range ZA.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 32 is formed in the shape of a plate with a predetermined thickness. The cover 32 is provided at the end of the device body 12 in the -X direction and at the end of the opening 12A in the -Y direction via a hinge portion (not shown). Thus, the cover 32 can rotate about an axis along the Z direction.

[0069] The cover 32 can open or close the conveyor path T by rotating the opening 12A. In other words, the cover 32 can be rotated to an open position that exposes the conveyor path T and a closed position that blocks the conveyor path T. Furthermore, as an example, the cover 32 is equipped with a flipping path forming member 34 and a second path forming part 74, which will be described later.

[0070] The flip path forming member 34 has: forming a flip path T4 ( Figure 1 The upper part 36 is located above the center of the Z-direction of the inner wrapping path T4; and the lower part 38 is located below the center of the Z-direction of the inner wrapping path T4. The lower part 38 is equipped with the second path forming part 74.

[0071] Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 The first path forming unit 42 and the moving unit 60 are shown in the state of forming the transport path T.

[0072] The first path forming unit 42 is provided in the device body 12 in a manner that allows it to move to a first position and a second position. When the first path forming unit 42 is in the first position, it forms a portion of the descending path R2. Furthermore, when the first path forming unit 42 is positioned in the second position, it is retracted from the descending path R2 to the -Z direction.

[0073] As an example, the first path forming part 42 includes: a lower guide member 46 capable of supporting the paper P; and a first rotation axis 43 supporting the lower guide member 46 so that it can rotate toward one of the first position and the second position.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the first rotating shaft 43 is located in the -Z direction relative to the transport path T at the connection and bend of the descending path R2 and the ascending path R3. Furthermore, the first rotating shaft 43 is located in the Z direction below the moving area S of the second path forming section 74, which will be described later.

[0075] A portion of the first path forming section 42 located in the -X direction closer to the center section is situated within the moving area S of the second path forming section 74 when the cover section 32 is closed.

[0076] The second conveyor roller 81 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first rotation axis 43. The second conveyor roller 81 has a shaft portion 81A along the Y direction, which, together with the first conveyor roller 45 described later, clamps the paper P and conveys the paper P downstream while rotating.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the first rotating shaft 43 is formed as a cylinder extending along the Y direction. The two ends of the first rotating shaft 43 in the Y direction are connected to the device body 12 ( Figure 1 The frame (not shown) is supported by a bearing 44 that allows it to rotate. A first conveying roller 45 is provided at the center of the first rotating shaft 43 in the Y direction.

[0078] The first conveyor roller 45 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating shaft 43. Furthermore, the first conveyor roller 45 is capable of conveying paper P. In this embodiment, as an example, two first conveyor rollers 45 are provided at intervals in the Y direction.

[0079] The lower guide member 46 is an example of a medium support member, and is composed of an upper wall 47, a front wall 48, a rear wall 51, two side walls 52, two arm portions 54, a reinforcing portion 56, and a supported portion 58. Furthermore, the configuration of each structure will be described here with the lower guide member 46 positioned in the second position, i.e., along the X direction.

[0080] The upper wall 47 is formed as a quadrilateral plate with a specified thickness in the Z direction. The width of the upper wall 47 in the Y direction is greater than the width of the paper P in the Y direction.

[0081] The front wall 48 extends from the end of the upper wall 47 in the -X direction towards the -Z direction. Furthermore, the connection between the upper wall 47 and the front wall 48 forms an R-surface.

[0082] The rear wall 51 extends from the end of the upper wall 47 in the +X direction toward the -Z direction.

[0083] Two side walls 52 extend from the two ends of the upper wall 47 in the Y direction to the -Z direction and connect the front wall 48 and the rear wall 51 in the X direction.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown,

[0085] The support roller 53 is cylindrical and has a shaft portion 53A and an outer peripheral surface 53B. A portion of the outer peripheral surface 53B protrudes from the upper surface 47A in the +Z direction. Furthermore, the support roller 53 supports the conveyed paper P and conveys it downstream.

[0086] The upper surface 47A has a plurality of ribs 47B. A receiving portion 49, recessed from the upper surface 47A towards the -Z direction, is formed at a position on the upper wall 47 near the center in the X direction. The receiving portion 49 is configured to support the roller 53 and be rotatable about the Y direction. Furthermore, the receiving portion 49 has a groove 49A that guides the shaft portion 53A (described later) in the Z direction.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, a spring storage portion 59 is provided on the outer side of the lower guide member 46 in the Y direction relative to the storage portion 49. The spring storage portion 59 houses a coil spring 61.

[0088] The helical spring 61 is capable of extending and retracting in the Z direction and pressing the shaft 53A in the +Z direction.

[0089] When the support roller 53 is subjected to an external force, it moves in the -Z direction, but is pressed in the +Z direction by the helical spring 61 through the shaft 53A, thereby stopping at a position where the external force and the reaction force are in balance.

[0090] like Figure 4As shown, the arm portion 54 extends from both ends of the side wall 52 in the +X direction toward the rear wall 51 in the +X direction. The length of the arm portion 54 in the X direction is greater than the length corresponding to the radius of the first conveying roller 45. In addition, a notch portion 55 is formed at the end of the arm portion 54 in the +X direction.

[0091] When viewed from the Y direction, the notch 55 is formed in a U-shape that opens in the +X direction. The notch 55 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first rotation axis 43 and can slide. In other words, the lower guide member 46 can rotate or swing around the first rotation axis 43 when the notch 55 is in contact with the first rotation axis 43.

[0092] The reinforcing section 56 is composed of multiple longitudinal walls 57 extending from the upper wall 47 in the -Z direction.

[0093] The supported portion 58 is formed as part of the reinforcing portion 56 and is a wall portion extending from the center of the upper wall 47 in the X direction towards the -Z direction. The end face 58A of the supported portion 58 in the -Z direction is a plane along the XY plane.

[0094] The moving part 60 is accompanied by the cover part 32 ( Figure 3 The opening and closing action of the cover 32 causes the first path forming part 42 to move towards one of the previously described first and second positions. Specifically, when the cover 32 is opened, the moving part 60 moves the first path forming part 42 to the second position, and when the cover 32 is closed, it moves the first path forming part 42 to the first position.

[0095] The movement here is not limited to structures that move by applying force to the lower guide member 46, but also includes structures that move by releasing the support of the lower guide member 46, and structures that move the lower guide member 46 by moving while the lower guide member 46 is supported.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moving part 60 is also an example of a holding part that holds the first path forming part 42 in the first position. In other words, the moving part 60 also functions as a holding part. Moreover, when the cover part 32 is opened, the moving part 60 releases the holding state of the first path forming part 42.

[0097] As an example, the moving part 60 includes a second rotating shaft 62, a rod part 64, and a support part 68.

[0098] The second rotating shaft 62 is located in the -Z direction relative to the lower guide member 46. Furthermore, the second rotating shaft 62 is formed as a cylinder extending along the Y direction. The two ends of the second rotating shaft 62 in the Y direction are connected by the longitudinal walls 15C of the main frame 15. Figure 6The support is rotatable. A support portion 68, described later, is provided at the center of the second rotation axis 62 in the Y direction.

[0099] As an example, the rod 64 is fixed to the end of the second rotation shaft 62 in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the rod 64 is positioned in the +Y direction relative to the sidewall 52 in the +Y direction. Moreover, the rod 64 contacts the cover 32 via the contact surface 86 (described later). Figure 8 The rod 64 has a mounting portion 65 extending radially from the second rotation axis 62; an extension portion 66 extending from the end of the mounting portion 65 in a direction intersecting the radial direction; and a contact portion 67 formed at the front end of the extension portion 66.

[0100] When viewed from the +Y direction, the extension 66 extends in the +Z direction compared to the upper wall 47.

[0101] The contact portion 67 protrudes from the extension 66 in the -X direction. When viewed from the +Y direction, the contact portion 67 is formed into a trapezoidal shape with an upper base in the -X direction. A contact surface 67A is formed at the position corresponding to the upper base of the trapezoid of the contact portion 67.

[0102] As an example, the support portion 68 is fixed to the second rotation axis 62 and supports the lower guide member 46 in the first position. In addition, the support portion 68 has: a first plate portion 69 extending from the second rotation axis 62 toward the lower guide member 46 in the -X direction and the +Z direction; and a second plate portion 71 extending from the portion of the first plate portion 69 opposite to the side of the second rotation axis 62 in the -X direction.

[0103] The upper surface 71A in the +Z direction of the second plate portion 71 contacts the end face 58A, thereby the support portion 68 supports the lower guide member 46. In other words, the moving portion 60 holds the lower guide member 46.

[0104] When the moving unit 60 moves the first path forming unit 42 to the second position, it also moves the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74 (described later) together. Figure 2 The interval of ) is called the specified interval d( Figure 2 The interval d is defined as the shortest interval between the first path forming section 42 and the second path forming section 74 in the Z direction when the first path forming section 42 is positioned in the first position and is opposite to the second path forming section 74, and paper P can be conveyed.

[0105] Furthermore, by moving the first path forming section 42 upward in the Z direction, the moving section 60 pushes the support roller 53 upward toward the opposing roller 82 (described later). Figure 2 Until the position where it is clamped.

[0106] The rod 64 contacts the cover 32 when the cover 32 is closed, and moves away from the cover 32 when the cover 32 is open. Specifically, when the cover 32 is closed, the contact surface 67A of the rod 64 contacts the contact surface 86 of the contacted part 84 (described later). Figure 8 )touch.

[0107] With the rod 64 in contact with the cover 32, the support 68 supports the lower guide member 46.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, when the first path forming portion 42 is positioned in the second position, the lower guide member 46 is positioned along the X direction. Here, the upper surface 69A of the first plate portion 69 in the +Z direction contacts the end face 58A, thereby the support portion 68 supports the lower guide member 46. Thus, as an example, the support portion 68 supports the lower guide member 46 regardless of whether the first path forming portion 42 is in the first or second position.

[0109] like Figure 2 As shown, the second path forming portion 74 is provided at the end of the cover portion 32 in the -Z direction. Furthermore, when the cover portion 32 is in the closed state (i.e., the cover portion 32 closes the opening 12A, thus closing the transport path T), the second path forming portion 74 forms an upward path R3 and, together with the first path forming portion 42, forms a downward path R2. In this embodiment, the second path forming portion 74 refers to the portion of the member of the cover portion 32 that forms both the downward path R2 and the upward path R3.

[0110] The area enclosed by an imaginary line K1 passing through the +Z end of the second path forming section 74 and along the X direction when viewed from the Y direction, and an imaginary line K2 passing through the -Z end of the second path forming section 74 and along the X direction, is called the moving area S of the second path forming section 74.

[0111] The movable area S is the area in which the second path forming part 74 moves when the cover 32 is opened and closed. Figure 2 In the diagram, the moving region S is shown as a region represented by a diagonal line.

[0112] like Figure 9 As shown, as an example, the second path forming section 74 is provided with an upper guide member 76, a second conveying roller 81, an opposing roller 82, and a contacted section 84. Figure 8 ).

[0113] The upper guide member 76 has a bottom wall 77 located at its lower end in the -Z direction. The bottom wall 77 has a recess 78 opposite to the lower guide member 46 in the Z direction; and a protrusion 79 located downstream of the recess 78 in the paper transport direction P.

[0114] The recess 78 is a portion that is recessed in the +Z direction. Furthermore, the recess 78 has: a slope 78A extending in both the +X and +Z directions; and a slope 78B extending downstream of slope 78A in both the +X and -Z directions. Slope 78B is opposite the upper surface 47A in the Z direction.

[0115] The protrusion 79 is a portion that protrudes in the -Z direction. The top of the protrusion 79 is opposite to the first conveyor roller 45 in the Z direction.

[0116] Here, the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74 are arranged opposite each other, separated by the previously described predetermined interval d, thereby forming a descending path R2.

[0117] As an example, a second conveyor roller 81 is disposed on the top of the protrusion 79. The second conveyor roller 81 has a shaft portion 81A extending along the Y direction. The shaft portion 81A is supported by a bearing (not shown) disposed on the upper guide member 76 so that it can rotate. Moreover, the second conveyor roller 81, together with the first conveyor roller 45, clamps the paper P and conveys the paper P while rotating.

[0118] When the cover 32 is in the closed state, a clamping part N1 is formed where the first conveyor roller 45 and the second conveyor roller 81 clamp the paper P. When the cover 32 is in the open state, the clamping part N1 is released.

[0119] As an example, the opposing roller 82 is positioned in the +X direction relative to the most recessed part of the recess 78. The opposing roller 82 has a shaft portion 82A extending along the Y direction. The shaft portion 82A is supported by a bearing (not shown) on the upper guide member 76 so that it can rotate. Moreover, the opposing roller 82 is opposite to the support roller 53 in the Z direction, and together with the support roller 53, it clamps the paper P and rotates to transport the paper P.

[0120] When the first path forming section 42 is positioned in the first position, the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 are clamped together, forming a clamping section N2. The cover section 32 is in an open state. When the first path forming section 42 is positioned in the second position, the clamping state of the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 is released.

[0121] like Figure 8 As shown, a contactable portion 84 is provided at the end of the upper guide member 76 in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the contactable portion 84 is included in the cover portion 32 ( Figure 2 ).

[0122] As an example, the contacted portion 84 has a longitudinal wall 85 that stands upright along the YZ plane and ribs 87 that support the longitudinal wall 85 from the -X direction. The end face of the longitudinal wall 85 in the +X direction becomes the contacted surface 86 along the YZ plane.

[0123] During the closing action of the cover 32 and in the closed state, the contact surface 86 contacts the contact portion 67 in the X direction. Through the contact between the contact surface 86 and the contact portion 67, a pressing force in the +X direction is applied from the cover 32 to the rod portion 64 via the contact surface 86 and the contact portion 67. This causes the rod portion 64 to rotate, and the first path forming portion 42 ( Figure 2 It is configured in position 1.

[0124] Next, the function of printer 10 will be explained.

[0125] like Figure 2 As shown, in the closed state, the cover 32 closes the opening 12A. The lower guide member 46 is tilted towards the -X and +Z directions. In this closed state, the cover 32 opens.

[0126] like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, with the movement of the cover 32 in the -X direction, the contact part 84 ( Figure 8 The rod 64 is then removed from the support. As a result, the rod 64 becomes free to rotate, and the supporting force of the lower guide member 46 supported by the support 68 weakens.

[0127] Here, the lower guide member 46 in the -X direction descends due to its own weight, causing the support 68 to rotate and the rod 64 to rotate as well. Furthermore, the first plate 69 and the main frame 15 ( Figure 6 The first path forming part 42 contacts the second path forming part 74, thus stopping the rotation of the lower guide member 46. At this time, the lower guide member 46 is located in the second position along the X direction. In other words, the movement area S of the first path forming part 42 relative to the second path forming part 74 is... Figure 9 It then retreats in the -Z direction.

[0128] Since the first path forming section 42 retracts in the -Z direction, there are no components restricting the movement of the second path forming section 74 within the movement area S of the second path forming section 74. As a result, the cover section 32 can open until the opening section 12A and the conveying path T are open.

[0129] On the other hand, when the cover 32 is closed from the open state of the conveying path T, the contact part 67 and the contacted surface 86 ( Figure 8 The rod 64 rotates in the opposite direction upon contact. Furthermore, as the rod 64 rotates in the opposite direction, the support 68 also rotates in the opposite direction, causing the second plate 71 to push the -X direction end of the lower guide member 46 upward in the +Z direction. As a result, the lower guide member 46 rotates in the opposite direction and is positioned in the first position. At this time, clamping portions N1 and N2 are formed. Figure 9 ).

[0130] In this way, the cover 32 closes the conveying path T and the opening 12A.

[0131] As explained above, according to the conveying unit 30, compared with a structure having a conveying path that extends in a straight line along the Z direction, the path length of the conveying path T can be increased by having an upward path R3 and a downward path R2 that overlap in the Z direction.

[0132] Furthermore, a portion of the first path forming section 42 is located in the moving region S of the second path forming section 74 when the cover section 32 is closed. In other words, a portion of the first path forming section 42 and a portion of the second path forming section 74 are arranged to overlap in the Z direction, thereby enabling the conveying section 30 to be miniaturized.

[0133] Furthermore, when the cover 32 is opened, the moving part 60 moves the first path forming part 42 to the second position, thereby moving the first path forming part 42 away from the moving area S of the second path forming part 74. Therefore, the opening action of the cover 32 is not easily restricted, and the transport path T is easily opened. As a result, paper P that is stuck in the transport path T due to paper jams or the like can be easily removed.

[0134] According to the conveying unit 30, when the first path forming unit 42 moves to the second position, a distance of at least a predetermined interval d is maintained. In other words, the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74 are unlikely to come into contact, thus preventing the paper P that is stuck in the conveying path T from breaking.

[0135] According to the conveying unit 30, the first path forming unit 42 moves to one of the first position and the second position by rotating about the first rotating shaft 43. Therefore, the first path forming unit 42 can be moved with a simple structure. In addition, the first rotating shaft 43 is located below the moving area S of the second path forming unit 74, so it is possible to prevent the first rotating shaft 43 from contacting the second path forming unit 74.

[0136] According to the conveying unit 30, when the cover 32 is opened, the moving unit 60 releases the holding state of the first path forming unit 42. Here, since the holding state is released, the first path forming unit 42 becomes a cantilevered state based on the first rotation axis 43 and rotates due to its own weight. Therefore, the moving area S of the second path forming unit 74 can be opened with a simple structure.

[0137] According to the conveying unit 30, when the cover 32 is in the closed state, the rod 64 contacts the contact surface 86 of the cover 32, thereby applying pressure to the rod 64. As a result, the rod 64 causes the second rotating shaft 62 and the support 68 to rotate. Moreover, while rotating, the support 68 pushes the guide member 46 upward and downward, supporting the guide member 46 in the first position.

[0138] When the cover 32 is in the open state, the lower guide member 46 descends due to its own weight, thereby causing the support 68 to rotate, and the moving area S of the second path forming part 74 is opened.

[0139] In this way, by opening and closing the cover 32, the lower guide member 46, i.e. the first path forming part 42, can be displaced.

[0140] Since the conveying unit 30 does not need to be provided as a holding unit as a different structure from the moving unit 60, the structure of moving and holding the first path forming unit 42 can be simplified.

[0141] According to the conveying unit 30, the clamping part N formed by the first conveying roller 45 and the second conveying roller 81 in the clamping part of the roller pair that conveys the paper P in the conveying path T is released in conjunction with the cover part 32 in an open state, so that the paper P remaining in the conveying path T can be easily removed.

[0142] According to the conveying unit 30, the clamping state formed by the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 in the clamping part of the roller pair that conveys the paper P in the conveying path T is released in conjunction with the cover 32 becoming open, so that the paper P remaining in the conveying path T can be easily removed.

[0143] According to the conveying unit 30, the moving unit 60 moves the first path forming unit 42, thereby clamping the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82. Therefore, compared with the structure that performs the movement of the first path forming unit 42 and the clamping operation of the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 respectively, the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 can be clamped with a simple structure.

[0144] According to the printer 10, the function and effect of the conveying unit 30 can be obtained.

[0145] The conveying unit 30 and printer 10 according to the embodiments of the present invention are based on the structure described above, and it goes without saying that some structural changes or omissions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0146] Alternatively, in printer 10, the first path forming unit 42 may be entirely located in the moving area S.

[0147] It can also be a structure in which the descending path R2 and the ascending path R3 are configured in opposite directions in the X direction, that is, a part of the conveying path T becomes a mountain-shaped structure in the +Z direction.

[0148] The medium is not limited to paper (P), it can also be a film.

[0149] Alternatively, when the moving part 60 moves the first path forming part 42 to the second position, it moves the first path forming part 42 in such a way that the distance between the first path forming part 42 and the second path forming part 74 is maintained at a predetermined distance d.

[0150] In the printer 10, the first path forming part 42 is not limited to a structure that rotates the lower guide member 46, but can also be a structure that slides the lower guide member 46 in the -Z direction or diagonally downward.

[0151] Alternatively, a moving part 60 and a holding part that holds the first path forming part 42 in the first position can be provided separately. For example, the holding part may have a spring, which applies pressure to the first path forming part 42 when the first path forming part 42 is in the first position, thereby holding the position of the first path forming part 42. Alternatively, the holding part may be composed of a member that moves up and down in the Z direction and a motor, and the motor is driven as the cover part 32 opens and closes, thereby holding the first path forming part 42.

[0152] Alternatively, the printer 10 may not have the first conveyor roller 45 and the second conveyor roller 81. Additionally, the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 may also be omitted.

[0153] The moving part 60 may also not push the support roller 53 upward to the clamping position.

[0154] The recording unit is not limited to the line print head 28, but can also be a structure with a serial head that moves back and forth in the width direction of the paper P.

[0155] The height direction of the device can also be a direction that intersects with the vertical direction.

Claims

1. A conveying device, characterized in that, have: The main body of the device forms a conveying path for the conveying medium; A cover is provided on the main body of the device and is capable of opening and closing the conveying path; The first path forming unit is provided in the main body of the device in a manner that allows it to move to a first position and a second position, forming a part of the conveying path at the first position and retracting from the conveying path at the second position; The second path forming part is provided on the cover portion, and forms a part of the conveying path in the closed state where the cover portion is closed relative to the main body of the device; as well as The moving part causes the first path forming part to move towards one of the first position and the second position in conjunction with the opening and closing action of the cover part. When the cover is viewed from the front in its closed state, at least a portion of the first path forming portion overlaps with the second path forming portion. When the cover is opened, the moving part moves the first path forming part to the second position; when the cover is closed, the moving part moves the first path forming part to the first position. When viewed from the front, the direction of the cover in its closed state is along the horizontal plane.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the first path forming portion at the first position and at least a portion of the second path forming portion form part of the transport path opposite each other in the closed state.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying path is a curved path that conveys the medium from above to below via a descending path in the height direction of the device, and then from below to above via an ascending path. The ascending path and the descending path overlap in the height direction of the device.

4. The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first path forming unit and the second path forming unit are arranged opposite each other at a predetermined interval to form a part of the conveying path. When the moving part moves the first path forming part to the second position, the interval between the first path forming part and the second path forming part becomes an interval greater than or equal to the predetermined interval.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first path forming section includes: a medium support member capable of supporting the medium; and a first rotation axis supporting the medium support member so as to be rotatable towards one of the first position and the second position. When the cover is viewed from the front in its closed state, the first rotation axis does not overlap with the second path forming portion.

6. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying device is provided with a holding part, which holds the first path forming part at the first position. When the cover performs the opening action, the retaining part releases the retaining state of the first path forming part.

7. The conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first path forming section includes: a medium support member capable of supporting the medium; and a first rotation axis supporting the medium support member so as to be rotatable towards one of the first position and the second position. The retaining part includes: Second rotation axis; The rod is fixed to the second rotating shaft, and the second rotating shaft rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing action of the cover; and The support portion is fixed to the second rotating shaft and supports the medium support member at the first position. The rod contacts the cover when the cover is in the closed state, and moves away from the cover when the cover is in the open state. With the rod in contact with the cover, the support portion supports the medium support member.

8. The conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The moving part also serves as the holding part.

9. The conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft is equipped with a first conveying roller capable of conveying the medium. The second path forming section is provided with a second conveying roller that conveys the medium together with the first conveying roller. When the cover is in the closed state, the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller form a clamping part to hold the medium; when the cover is in the open state, the formation of the clamping part is released.

10. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first path forming section is provided with a support roller that supports the medium. The second path forming section is provided with an opposing roller, which transports the medium by being opposite to and rotating together with the support roller. When the first path forming part is positioned at the first position, the support roller and the opposing roller are clamped together. When the first path forming part is positioned at the second position, the clamping state between the support roller and the opposing roller is released.

11. The conveying device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The moving part moves the support roller to a position where it clamps the opposing roller by moving the first path forming part toward the first position.

12. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and The recording unit records data on the medium conveyed by the conveying device.

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