Transport path, recording device, recording system, and transport device

Abstract

The present application relates to a transport path, a recording apparatus, a recording system, and a transport apparatus. In a transport path, if path members constituting the transport path are replaced in the entire width direction of the transport path, it can result in replacement of a portion of the path members that does not need to be replaced. A transport path (TR) is a transport path (TR) that transports a medium (P) in a transport direction, has a plurality of path members (XP) that guide the medium (P) in an X-axis direction that intersects the transport direction, and the arrangement positions of the plurality of path members (XP) are interchangeable.

Description

Conveying path, recording device, recording system, and conveying device Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a conveying path, a recording device, a recording system, and a conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus, which is an example of a recording apparatus equipped with a paper feed roller unit for conveying recording paper. Furthermore, it discloses that in this image forming apparatus, when a user needs to replace a component based on the wear rate of the paper feed roller unit and the usage rate of the paper feed element, a notification is issued to prompt the user to replace the paper feed roller unit. Recording paper is an example of a medium.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-276604

[0004] However, the degree of wear on the path components can vary along the width of the transport path. Therefore, if the path components constituting the transport path are replaced along the entire width of the transport path in the same way as the replacement of the feed roller unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, it may result in the replacement of parts of the path components that do not need to be replaced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A conveying path is a conveying path for conveying media in a conveying direction. The conveying path has multiple path components in the path width direction that intersects the conveying direction. The path components guide the media, and the positions of the multiple path components can be interchanged.

[0006] The recording device includes: the aforementioned transport path; a recording unit for recording the medium transported in the transport path; and a control unit that, based on recording information related to the recording specifications, calculates the degree of performance degradation of the guiding medium for each of the plurality of path components, and if there are path components where the degree of degradation exceeds a set value and path components where the degree of degradation does not exceed the set value, the control unit provides a notification prompting to replace the path component where the degree of degradation exceeds the set value and the path component where the degree of degradation does not exceed the set value.

[0007] The recording system includes: a recording device for recording on a medium; a conveying device for conveying the medium recorded by the recording device and having the aforementioned conveying path; and a control unit for controlling the recording device and the conveying device.

[0008] The conveying device is a conveying device for conveying the medium recorded by the recording device, and has the above-mentioned conveying path. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a recording device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the transport path in the recording device.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the recording device with the opening and closing parts open.

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the recording device with the media receiving tray open.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the structure with the sliding part removed.

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the recording device with the sliding part withdrawn.

[0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the recording device with the front cover open.

[0016] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the recording device with the front cover open and the sliding part pulled out.

[0017] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the details of the transport path.

[0018] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the conveying path when the opening and closing parts are open.

[0019] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the transport path when the media receiving tray is opened.

[0020] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the conveying path when the sliding part is pulled out.

[0021] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the flipping section and the feed path of the flipping path.

[0022] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the flipping section and the feed path of the flipping path.

[0023] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the notification section that displays a notification prompting the component to change the path.

[0024] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the flipping section and the feed path of the flipping path.

[0025] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the upper section of the flipping path.

[0026] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the upper section of the flipping path.

[0027] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing how the path components are installed.

[0028] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing how the path components are installed.

[0029] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating other embodiments of the path component.

[0030] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the recording system.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 10…Recording device; 12…Main body of the device; 14…Scanning unit; 15…Control unit; 16…Media collection box; 17…Hopper; 17a…Rotating shaft; 18…Recording unit; 19…Display panel; 20…Media receiving tray; 21…Conveying path; 22…Straight path; 24…Rotating path; 24a…Opening; 26…Tilting path; 26a…Upper section; 26b…Tilting part; 28…Downward discharge path; 28a…Outlet; 30…Feeding path; 32…Feed roller; 33…Separation roller pair; 33a, 33b…Rollers; 34…First conveying roller pair; 34a, 34b…Rollers; 34c…Drive shaft; 34d…Through hole; 34e…Support part; 36…Second conveying roller pair; 36a, 36b…Rollers; 38…Third conveyor roller pair; 38a, 38b…rollers; 40…toothed roller; 42…Fourth conveyor roller pair; 42a, 42b…rollers; 44…toothed roller; 46…First baffle; 48…recording head; 50…Second baffle; 52…Fifth conveyor roller pair; 52a, 52b…rollers; 54…Sixth conveyor roller pair; 54a, 54b…rollers; 56…Seventh conveyor roller pair; 56a, 56b…rollers; 56c…drive shaft; 56e…support; 58…Eighth conveyor roller pair; 58a, 58b…rollers; 60…Ninth conveyor roller pair; 60a, 60b…rollers; 62…Tenth conveyor roller pair; 62a, 62b…rollers; 64…toothed roller; 66…Eleventh conveyor roller pair; 66a, 66b…rollers; 68…toothed roller; 7 0…Twelfth conveyor roller pair; 70a, 70b…rollers; 72…Thirteenth conveyor roller pair; 72a, 72b…rollers; 74…Fourteenth conveyor roller pair; 74a, 74b…rollers; 76, 76a, 76b…toothed rollers; 78…upper component; 80…rotation fulcrum; 84…third baffle; 86…front-facing discharge tray; 88…manual feed path; 90…manual tray; 92…opening and closing part; 94…sliding part; 96…structure; 98…guide rail component; 100…rod; 102…opening and closing cover; 104…frame; 106…opening; 108…front cover; 210…conveyor; 221…conveyor path; 310…sorter; 321…conveyor path; 510…recording system; DP, DP1, DP 2. DP3, DP4, DP5, DP6… Path components; DPa… Adjacent part; DPc… Restricting part; DPd, DPe… Mounting part; DPf, DPh… Assembled part; DPg… Assembled part; DPk, DPm… Guide part; DPn, DPp… Holding part; FP, FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, FP6… Path components; FPa… Adjacent part; FPc… Restricting part; FPd, FPe… Mounting part; FPf, FPh… Assembled part; FPg… Assembled part; FPk, FPm… Guide part; FPn, FPp… Holding part; HP, HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, HP6… Path components; HPa… Adjacent part; HPc… Restricting part;HPd, HPe… Mounting section; HPf, HPh… Assembled section; HPg… Assembly section; HPk, HPm… Guide section; HPn, HPp… Holding section; M… Marker; RI… Recording information; RP… Path component; SC… Notification; SP… Path component; TP… Path component; TR… Conveyor path; UP, UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, UP6… Path component; UPa… Adjacent section; UPd, UPe… Mounting section; UPr, UPs… Positioning section; UPt… Fixing hook; UPU… Gripping section; XP… Path component. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present disclosure will now be described based on embodiments. In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted. It should be noted that in this specification, "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" not only mean completely identical, but also include cases where they are identical considering measurement errors, cases where they are identical considering manufacturing deviations of the components, and cases where they are identical to the extent that they do not impair functionality. Therefore, for example, "both have the same dimensions" means that, considering measurement errors and manufacturing deviations of the components, the dimensional difference between the two is within ±10% of the dimension of one, more preferably within ±5%, and particularly preferably within ±3%.

[0034] In addition, in each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes will be designated as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction. When specifying orientation, positive directions are designated as "+", and negative directions are designated as "-". Both positive and negative signs are used in the direction markings, and the direction pointed to by the arrows in each figure is designated as the "+" direction, and the opposite direction of the arrows is designated as the "-" direction.

[0035] In addition, the Z-axis direction represents the direction of gravity, the +Z direction represents vertically upward, and the -Z direction represents vertically downward. Furthermore, the plane including the X and Y axes is designated as the XY plane, the plane including the X and Z axes as the XZ plane, and the plane including the Y and Z axes as the YZ plane. The XY plane is a horizontal plane. Moreover, the three spatial axes X, Y, and Z, whose positive and negative directions are not defined, are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis for explanation.

[0036] It should be noted that in the figures, the X-axis direction represents the depth direction of the recording device 10, the path width direction of the transport path 21, and the width direction of the medium P. The -X direction within the X-axis is the direction from the back of the recording device 10 towards the front of the recording device 10. Conversely, the +X direction is the direction from the front of the recording device 10 towards the back of the recording device 10.

[0037] The Y-axis direction is the width direction of the recording device 10, along the transport direction of the medium P. Within the Y-axis direction, the -Y direction is the rightward direction as viewed from the user when the front of the recording device 10 faces the user, while the +Y direction is the leftward direction as viewed from the user at that time. The Z-axis direction is the height direction of the recording device 10. In this embodiment, the side of the recording device 10 where the display panel 19 is located is the front of the recording device 10.

[0038] 1. Implementation Method 1

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 10 is, for example, an inkjet printer capable of recording on a medium P. The recording device 10 is configured as a multifunction printer comprising a device body 12 and a scanning unit 14. The device body 12 has multiple media storage boxes 16 for storing the medium P. Each media storage box 16 is detachably mounted from the -X direction side of the device body 12. It should be noted that, in this specification, the medium P, as an example, refers to plain paper, thick paper, photographic paper, or similar paper. Furthermore, the multiple media storage boxes 16 can store media P of different sizes.

[0040] Furthermore, in the Z-axis direction of the device body 12, between the scanning unit 14 and the media receiving box 16, a media receiving tray 20 is provided to receive the media P that has been recorded in the recording unit 18 (described later). Additionally, in the device body 12, at a position on the -X direction side of the scanning unit 14 and the +Z direction side of the media receiving tray 20, a display panel 19 is provided for notifying the user. The display panel 19 is an example of a notification unit.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, the recording device 10 includes a transport path 21 for transporting the medium P. The transport path 21 consists of a straight path 22, a rotary path 24, a flipping path 26, a downward discharge path 28, and a feed path 30 connecting the medium receiving box 16 to the straight path 22. The transport path 21 is an example of a transport path TR.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the medium P stored in the medium receiving box 16 is supported on the hopper 17 disposed inside the medium receiving box 16. The hopper 17 rotates around the rotation shaft 17a disposed in the hopper 17 as a fulcrum, lifting the medium P in the +Z direction. At this time, the feed roller 32 contacts the uppermost medium P supported by the medium P in the hopper 17, conveying the medium P downstream in the conveying direction. At this time, sometimes the next position after the uppermost medium P and the medium P thereafter are also conveyed together with the uppermost medium P, but the separating roller pair 33 separates the uppermost medium P from the next position after the uppermost medium P, and only the uppermost medium P is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction.

[0043] It should be noted that in the following description, the case where one roller in each pair of conveying rollers appears in this specification is configured as a driven roller and the other roller is configured as a drive roller driven to rotate by a drive source (not shown). Furthermore, in this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, one roller is configured as a toothed roller with multiple teeth on its outer periphery, and the other roller, i.e., the drive roller, is configured as a rubber roller, as an example. The driven roller and the drive roller are examples of the conveying section for conveying medium P.

[0044] In this embodiment, each drive roller is controlled by a control unit 15 located within the main body 12 via a drive source (not shown). Additionally, the recording head 48, described later, is also controlled by the control unit 15. In other words, the control unit 15 is configured to perform the control required for recording operations in the recording apparatus 10.

[0045] The control unit 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown and a memory not shown. The CPU is capable of executing various programs stored in the memory, such as making various judgments and issuing various commands. The memory stores various programs, such as programs for transporting the medium P, programs for calculating the degree of performance degradation D of the boot medium P based on the recording information RI for each of the multiple path components XP described later, programs related to the display method for displaying the status of the recording device 10 on the display panel 19, various tables related to the recording information RI, and various counter values.

[0046] The control unit 15 controls the entire recording apparatus 10. For example, when recording on a medium P, the control unit 15 records by controlling the recording head 48 and the transport section of the recording unit 18 (described later), ejecting ink from the recording head 48 onto the medium P transported to the transport path 21. Additionally, the control unit 15 reads images recorded on the original document by controlling the scanning unit 14. Furthermore, the control unit 15 issues a notification SC to display information related to the status of the recording apparatus 10 on the display panel 19.

[0047] The feed path 30 includes a path component FP that guides the medium P along the conveying direction. The path component FP is an example of the path component XP of the conveying path TR. In this embodiment, the X-axis direction is the path width direction of the conveying path TR. In the feed path 30, a feed roller 32, a separation roller pair 33, and a first conveying roller pair 34 are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction of the medium P. The feed roller 32 is driven to rotate by a drive source (not shown). One roller 33a of the separation roller pair 33 is a driven roller that rotates under a predetermined rotational resistance, and separates the medium P by clamping it between itself and the other driven roller 33b.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, one roller 34a of the first conveying roller pair 34 is configured as a driven roller that rotates in response to the driving rotation of the other roller 34b, and the other roller 34b is configured as a driven roller that is driven to rotate by a driving source not shown.

[0049] Here, the description assumes that the medium P is discharged downwards into the medium receiving tray 20 with the recording surface facing downwards. A second conveyor roller pair 36 is provided downstream of the first conveyor roller pair 34 in the conveying direction. The second conveyor roller pair 36 also includes one roller 36a and another roller 36b.

[0050] In this embodiment, at the position of the second conveyor roller pair 36, the feed path 30 is connected to the straight path 22. That is, the feed path 30 is set as the path from the medium receiving box 16 to the second conveyor roller pair 36.

[0051] The straight path 22 includes a path component RP that guides the medium P along the conveying direction and is configured as a straight path extending in a linear manner. The path component RP is an example of the path component XP of the conveying path TR. In the straight path 22, a second conveying roller pair 36, a third conveying roller pair 38, a recording unit 18, a toothed roller 40, a fourth conveying roller pair 42, a toothed roller 44, and a first baffle 46 are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the straight path 22 is set as a path from the second conveying roller pair 36 to the first baffle 46. That is, the straight path 22 is set as a path that passes through the recording unit 18 and extends upstream and downstream of the recording unit 18 in the conveying direction.

[0052] The third transport roller pair 38 includes one roller 38a and another roller 38b. The recording unit 18 includes a recording head 48. The recording head 48 is configured to eject ink onto the recording surface of the medium P to perform recording when the medium P is transported to a position facing the recording head 48. In this embodiment, the recording head 48 is a recording head provided in such a way that the nozzle ejecting ink covers the entire width direction of the medium P, and is configured as a so-called line head that can perform recording on the entire width direction of the medium P without accompanying movement in the X-axis direction.

[0053] Next, a first baffle 46 is provided downstream of the toothed roller 44 in the conveying direction. The first baffle 46 is configured to be switchable by a drive mechanism controlled by the control unit 15 to connect the straight path 22 and the rotary path 24, or to connect the straight path 22 and the downward discharge path 28. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism driving the first baffle 46 is composed of a solenoid.

[0054] When the straight path 22 and the rotary path 24 are connected by the first baffle 46, the medium P is conveyed from the straight path 22 to the rotary path 24 by the fourth conveyor roller pair 42. Additionally, when the straight path 22 and the downward discharge path 28 are connected, the medium P is conveyed from the straight path 22 to the downward discharge path 28 by the fourth conveyor roller pair 42.

[0055] The second baffle 50 is positioned in the Z-axis direction in the +Z direction of the first baffle 46. Furthermore, the second baffle 50 and the first baffle 46 are linked and driven by a linkage mechanism (not shown). In other words, the second baffle 50 is controlled by the control unit 15 via the first baffle 46 and the aforementioned linkage mechanism.

[0056] With the first baffle 46 connecting the straight path 22 and the turning path 24, the second baffle 50 is positioned to block the connection between the turning path 24 and the flipping path 26. On the other hand, with the first baffle 46 connecting the straight path 22 and the downward discharge path 28, the second baffle 50 is positioned to connect the turning path 24 and the flipping path 26.

[0057] The downward discharge path 28 extends from the straight path 22 in the +Z direction along the Z-axis while bending and flipping. The downward discharge path 28 includes a fifth pair of conveying rollers 52, a sixth pair of conveying rollers 54, a seventh pair of conveying rollers 56, an eighth pair of conveying rollers 58, a ninth pair of conveying rollers 60, a tenth pair of conveying rollers 62, multiple toothed rollers 64, and a path component DP that guides the medium P along the conveying direction. The path component DP is an example of the path component XP present in the conveying path TR.

[0058] The downward discharge path 28 is the path from the first baffle 46 to the outlet 28a located downstream of the tenth conveying roller pair 62 in the conveying direction. In other words, the downward discharge path 28 is a conveying path connected to the straight path 22, and is a path that bends the medium P passing through the recording section 18, causing it to flip and be discharged.

[0059] The medium P, whose recording surface has been recorded by the recording unit 18, is sequentially held and conveyed in the downward discharge path 28 from the first baffle 46 along the conveying direction by the fifth conveying roller pair 52, the sixth conveying roller pair 54, the seventh conveying roller pair 56, the eighth conveying roller pair 58, the ninth conveying roller pair 60, and the tenth conveying roller pair 62. Then, the medium P is discharged from the outlet 28a to the medium receiving tray 20.

[0060] Here, when the medium P is conveyed on the downward discharge path 28, the recording surface last recorded by the recording unit 18 is conveyed in the +Z direction. Then, the recording surface is bent inward on the curved part of the downward discharge path 28 and conveyed. Then, the recording surface is directed in the -Z direction and discharged from the outlet 28a to the medium receiving tray 20.

[0061] In addition, one roller 52a of the fifth conveyor roller pair 52, one roller 54a of the sixth conveyor roller pair 54, one roller 56a of the seventh conveyor roller pair 56, one roller 58a of the eighth conveyor roller pair 58, one roller 60a of the ninth conveyor roller pair 60, one roller 62a of the tenth conveyor roller pair 62, and a plurality of toothed rollers 64 are arranged on the curved inner side of the downward discharge path 28, that is, on the side facing the recording surface that is last recorded in the recording unit 18.

[0062] Furthermore, the other roller 52b of the fifth conveyor roller pair 52, the other roller 54b of the sixth conveyor roller pair 54, the other roller 56b of the seventh conveyor roller pair 56, the other roller 58b of the eighth conveyor roller pair 58, the other roller 60b of the ninth conveyor roller pair 60, and the other roller 62b of the tenth conveyor roller pair 62 are arranged on the outside of the curve of the downward discharge path 28, that is, on the opposite side of the side facing the last recorded surface in the recording section 18.

[0063] As shown in Figure 2, the media receiving tray 20 is configured to tilt upwards from the outlet 28a of the downward discharge path 28 to the +Z direction, i.e., the -Y direction side, to hold the media P discharged from the downward discharge path 28. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the media receiving tray 20 is located on the +Z direction side of the recording section 18 in the Z-axis direction.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, the rotation path 24 and the flip path 26 are the paths that medium P takes when recording the second side after recording the first side, i.e., when performing double-sided recording. It should be noted that the same applies when recording the second side but not the first side; medium P also takes the rotation path 24 and the flip path 26.

[0065] The rotary path 24 is located inside the downward discharge path 28, which bends and flips in the +Z direction, in the Z-axis direction, and extends along the downward discharge path 28. Furthermore, the rotary path 24 includes an eleventh conveying roller pair 66 and a plurality of toothed rollers 68. Additionally, the rotary path 24 includes a path member SP that guides the medium P along the conveying direction. The path member SP is an example of the path member XP of the conveying path TR. One roller 66a and the plurality of toothed rollers 68 of the eleventh conveying roller pair 66 are arranged inside the rotary path 24 in the bending direction. The other roller 66b of the eleventh conveying roller pair 66 is arranged outside the rotary path 24 in the bending direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, the rotary path 24 is defined as a path from the second baffle 50 to the opening 24a at the front end of the rotary path 24. As shown in FIG9, when the rotary path 24 and the straight path 22 are connected by the first baffle 46, the medium P is fed from the recording unit 18 into the rotary path 24 by the fourth conveyor roller pair 42 via the first baffle 46. The medium P is fed into the rotary path 24 until it reaches the position where it is held by the eleventh conveyor roller pair 66 at the rear end in the conveying direction.

[0067] Additionally, when the first baffle 46 switches from a state where the straight path 22 and the turning path 24 are connected to a state where the straight path 22 and the turning path 24 are not connected, the second baffle 50 switches to a state where the turning path 24 and the flipping path 26 are connected.

[0068] Therefore, the control unit 15 rotates the eleventh conveying roller pair 66 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the medium P is fed into the rotary path 24, and feeds the medium P out onto the reversing path 26 with the rear end side of the medium P as the front end side. In other words, the medium P is rotated. Therefore, the rotary path 24 is a conveying path connected to the straight path 22, and it is a path that feeds the medium P, which has passed through the recording unit 18, in, and then rotates it to convey it in the opposite direction to the feeding direction.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the flipping path 26 is set to be the path from the second baffle 50 through the +Z direction side of the recording unit 18 to the second conveying roller pair 36 of the straight path 22.

[0070] The flipping path 26 includes a twelfth conveyor roller pair 70, a thirteenth conveyor roller pair 72, a fourteenth conveyor roller pair 74, and a plurality of toothed rollers 76. In the flipping path 26, the other roller 70b of the twelfth conveyor roller pair 70, the other roller 72b of the thirteenth conveyor roller pair 72, and the other roller 74b of the fourteenth conveyor roller pair 74 are disposed on the inner side of the conveying path relative to the recording unit 18, i.e., close to the recording unit 18. In addition, one roller 70a of the twelfth conveyor roller pair 70, one roller 72a of the thirteenth conveyor roller pair 72, one roller 74a of the fourteenth conveyor roller pair 74, and the toothed rollers 76 are disposed on the outer side of the conveying path.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper section 26a is defined as the section from the toothed roller marked with reference numeral 76a through the twelfth conveyor roller pair 70 and the thirteenth conveyor roller pair 72 to the toothed roller marked with reference numeral 76b, and the section from the toothed roller marked with reference numeral 76b to the second conveyor roller pair 36 is defined as the turning section 26b.

[0072] Additionally, the reversing path 26 includes path components TP, UP, and HP that guide the medium P along the conveying direction. Path component TP is located on the +Z direction side of the upper section 26a, forming the +Z direction side of the upper section 26a. Path component UP is located on the -Z direction side of the upper section 26a, forming the -Z direction side of the upper section 26a. Path component HP forms the reversing section 26b. Path components TP, UP, and HP are examples of path component XP present in the conveying path TR.

[0073] Additionally, as shown in Figure 2, the flipping path 26 has an upper component 78 on the +Z direction side. A path component TP forming the +Z direction side of the upper section 26a is provided on the upper component 78. Furthermore, a media receiving tray 20 is formed on the +Z direction side of the upper component 78. That is, the top surface of the upper component 78 constitutes the media receiving tray 20, and its bottom surface constitutes a part of the upper section 26a.

[0074] Furthermore, a rotation fulcrum 80 is provided at the end of the upper component 78 on the +Y direction side. Therefore, the upper component 78 can be in a closed position constituting the upper section 26a (see the solid line portion in Figure 2) and in an open position constituting the upper section 26a (see the double-dotted line portion in Figure 2). It should be noted that the rotation of the upper component 78 will be explained in detail later.

[0075] Additionally, in the flipping path 26, the toothed rollers 76, 76a, 76b, roller 70a of the twelfth conveyor roller pair 70, and roller 72a of the thirteenth conveyor roller pair 72 located in the upper section 26a are rotatably mounted to the upper component 78.

[0076] The outlet side of the flipping section 26b is configured to merge with the straight path 22 at an upstream position in the conveying direction of the second conveyor roller pair 36 in the straight path 22. Furthermore, the medium P is fed back into the straight path 22. In other words, the flipping path 26 is a conveying path connected to the rotary path 24, configured such that the medium P, conveyed in the opposite direction (rotation), detours and flips on the +Z direction side of the recording section 18, merging with the second conveyor roller pair 36 located upstream in the conveying direction of the recording section 18 in the straight path 22.

[0077] The above is a summary of the transport path 21 when the media receiving tray 20 is discharged downwards in the recording device 10. In this embodiment, when the media P is recorded on both sides in the recording device 10, that is, when the first and second sides of the media P are recorded, the transport path 21 of the media P is from the media storage box 16 through the straight path 22, the recording unit 18, the rotation path 24, and the flipping path 26, and then through the straight path 22 and the recording unit 18 again, and arrives at the media receiving tray 20 via the downward discharge path 28.

[0078] Alternatively, the recording device 10 in this embodiment can also be configured to discharge upwards. As shown in FIG9, in the downward discharge path 28, a portion of the path component between the other roller 54b of the sixth conveying roller pair 54 and the other roller 56b of the seventh conveying roller pair 56 is configured as a third baffle 84. The third baffle 84 is configured to switch between the posture of the conveying path constituting the downward discharge path 28 (refer to FIG2 and FIG9) and the upward discharge posture (not shown). It should be noted that in this embodiment, the third baffle 84 is controlled by the control unit 15.

[0079] By switching the third baffle 84 to the upward discharge posture, the medium P, which is sent from the straight path 22 to the downward discharge path 28, is discharged through the third baffle 84 with the recording surface of the medium P facing the +Z direction to the upward discharge tray 86 shown in FIG5.

[0080] Furthermore, the dashed line marked with reference numeral 88 in Figure 2 indicates the manual feed path 88 for the medium P supplied from the manual tray 90 when the manual tray 90 (refer to Figure 1) is rotated open relative to the device body 12. The manual feed path 88 is configured to merge with the feed path 30. Thus, the medium P supplied from the manual feed path 88 is also configured to perform both single-sided and double-sided recording in the recording device 10.

[0081] Next, the configuration of the paper jam that can handle the medium P generated in the transport path 21 in the main body 12 and the path components FP, RP, DP, SP, TP, UP, HP that can reach the transport path 21 will be described.

[0082] First, the flipping section 26b of the feed path 30 and the flipping path 26 will be explained. In FIG10, the dashed section marked with reference numeral 92 indicates the opening / closing section 92 that can be opened and closed relative to the device body 12. It should be noted that, for ease of explanation, in FIG10, the opening / closing section 92 is shown in a state where it moves horizontally from the conveying path 21. The opening / closing section 92 can be in a closed state relative to the device body 12 as shown in FIG1, and in an open state relative to the device body 12 as shown in FIG3. The opening / closing section 92 has a pivot point (not shown) at its end on the +X direction side. The opening / closing section 92 is configured to be able to rotate relative to the device body 12 about the pivot point.

[0083] As shown in Figures 4 and 10, the opening / closing section 92 includes a manually operated tray 90 that can be opened and closed relative to the opening / closing section 92. Furthermore, when the opening / closing section 92 is in a closed state relative to the device body 12, as shown in Figure 2, the opening / closing section 92 forms part of the path in the feed path 30 from the first conveyor roller pair 34 to the confluence position where it merges with the manual feed path 88, and a portion of the flipping section 26b of the flipping path 26. Additionally, as shown in Figure 10, the opening / closing section 92 includes a roller 74a of the fourteenth conveyor roller pair 74.

[0084] Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 10, when the opening / closing part 92 is in the open state relative to the device body 12, the path in the feed path 30 from the first conveyor roller pair 34 to the confluence position where it merges with the manual feed path 88, and a portion of the flipping part 26b of the flipping path 26 are exposed to the outside of the device body 12. At this time, as shown in Figure 10, one roller 34a of the first conveyor roller pair 34 separates from the other roller 34b, and the clamping state in the first conveyor roller pair 34 is released. Therefore, the medium P that is blocking the feed path 30 can be easily removed. In addition, the user can access the path component FP that constitutes the feed path 30.

[0085] Similarly, since one roller 74a and the other roller 74b of the fourteenth conveyor roller pair 74 are also separated from each other, the clamping state in the fourteenth conveyor roller pair 74 is released. Therefore, the medium P that is blocked in the flipping section 26b of the flipping path 26 can be easily removed. In addition, the user can reach the path component HP that constitutes the flipping section 26b of the flipping path 26.

[0086] Next, the upper section 26a of the flipping path 26 will be described. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the upper component 78 can rotate from a closed state relative to the main body 12 to the +Z direction side with the rotation fulcrum 80 provided at the end of the +Y direction side as the fulcrum, and become an open state relative to the main body 12.

[0087] When the upper component 78 is in an open state relative to the main body 12, the upper section 26a of the flipping path 26 is opened. That is, the upper section 26a of the flipping path 26 is exposed to the outside of the main body 12. In addition, the rollers 70a and 70b of the twelfth conveyor roller pair 70 disposed in the upper section 26a separate from each other, and the clamping state in the twelfth conveyor roller pair 70 is released. Similarly, the rollers 72a and 72b of the thirteenth conveyor roller pair 72 disposed in the upper section 26a separate from each other, and the clamping state in the thirteenth conveyor roller pair 72 is released.

[0088] Furthermore, since the toothed rollers 76, 76a, and 76b arranged in the upper section 26a are located in the upper component 78, when the upper component 78 rotates, only roller 70b of the twelfth conveying roller pair 70 and roller 72b of the thirteenth conveying roller pair 72, which support the medium P in the -Z direction, remain in the upper section 26a. Therefore, since there are no components obstructing the +Z direction side of the upper section 26a, it is easy to handle any blockages to the medium P. In addition, the user can reach the path components TP and UP of the upper section 26a that constitute the flipping path 26.

[0089] Next, the rotary path 24 and the downward discharge path 28 will be described. In Figure 12, the double-dotted line portion labeled 94 indicates the sliding portion 94, which can be in a first state forming the conveying path 21 relative to the device body 12 and a second state opening the conveying path 21. It should be noted that in Figure 12, only the toothed rollers associated with the sliding portion 94 among the plurality of toothed rollers provided in the conveying path 21 are labeled with reference numerals, and the reference numerals for other toothed rollers are omitted.

[0090] The sliding section 94 includes: a path in the straight path 22 from the downstream side of the fourth conveyor roller pair 42 in the conveying direction to the first baffle 46 and the second baffle 50, and a path in the rotary path 24 from the second baffle 50 through the eleventh conveyor roller pair 66 to the midway of the curved and flipped section. Furthermore, the sliding section 94 includes: a path in the downward discharge path 28 from the first baffle 46 through the fifth conveyor roller pair 52, the sixth conveyor roller pair 54, the seventh conveyor roller pair 56, and the eighth conveyor roller pair 58, to the midway of the path from the eighth conveyor roller pair 58 toward the ninth conveyor roller pair 60.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, the sliding part 94 is configured to move along the Y-axis relative to the structure 96 that forms the transport path 21 within the device body 12. In this embodiment, it is configured to be able to enter and exit the structure 96 via a pair of guide rail members 98 provided in the structure 96.

[0092] Additionally, as shown in FIG6, a rod 100 is provided at the end of the sliding portion 94 on the +Z direction side. The rod 100 is configured to engage with a locking mechanism (not shown) provided within the device body 12. In the closed state of the sliding portion 94 relative to the device body 12 (see FIG7), i.e., in the first state in which the sliding portion 94 forms the transport path 21, the rod 100 is engaged with the locking mechanism. Thus, the movement of the sliding portion 94 relative to the device body 12 is restricted.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, by lifting the lever 100 to release the engagement with the locking mechanism, the sliding part 94 can be pulled out relative to the device body 12 by pulling the lever 100. That is, when the lever 100 is released from the locking mechanism, pulling the lever 100 along the +Y direction, as shown in FIG6, the sliding part 94 is pulled out from the device body 12, that is, the second state of opening the conveying path 21.

[0094] As shown in Figure 12, when the sliding part 94 is in the second state of being pulled out relative to the device body 12, a portion of the straight path 22, a portion of the rotary path 24, and a portion of the downward discharge path 28 are exposed to the outside of the device body 12. Especially when paper jams occur in the rotary path 24 and the downward discharge path 28, these paths become visually identifiable, making it easier to handle blockages in these paths. Furthermore, the user can reach the path component SP that forms part of the rotary path 24 and the path component DP that forms part of the downward discharge path 28.

[0095] Additionally, as shown in Figure 6, an opening / closing cover 102 rotatable relative to the sliding portion 94 is provided on the sliding portion 94. When the opening / closing cover 102 is in the open state relative to the sliding portion 94 (not shown), the upward discharge tray 86 provided on the sliding portion 94 is exposed to the outside of the device body 12, allowing the medium P discharged into the upward discharge tray 86 to be removed from the device body 12. Furthermore, the user can access the path component DP, which forms part of the downward discharge path 28.

[0096] Next, the straight path 22 and the nearby conveying path will be described. As shown in FIG5, a frame 104 is erected on the -X direction side of the structure 96. An opening 106 is formed in the frame 104. In the frame 104, the sliding part 94 is in a first state relative to the structure 96, that is, the sliding part 94 constitutes the conveying path 21, as shown in FIG9, the opening 106 is formed at a position corresponding to the fourth conveying roller pair 42, the fifth conveying roller pair 52, the sixth conveying roller pair 54, the eleventh conveying roller pair 66, the first baffle 46, and the second baffle 50. It should be noted that in FIG9 and FIG12, the double-dotted line portion labeled with reference numeral 106 indicates the opening 106.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 12, when the sliding part 94 is in a second state relative to the structure 96, i.e., when the sliding part 94 is withdrawn from the structure 96 and the conveying path 21 is open, the user can reach the recording part 18 or a part of the straight path 22 in the conveying path 21, such as the fourth conveying roller pair 42 or its surroundings, from the side of the conveying path 21, i.e., the -X direction side, through the opening 106. Additionally, the inlet of the rotary path 24 or the downward discharge path 28 can also be reached.

[0098] Additionally, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, a front cover 108 is provided at a position in the Z-axis direction of the device body 12 corresponding to the structure 96, i.e., on the -X direction side of the frame 104. The front cover 108 has a rotatable pivot point at its lower end relative to the device body 12. By rotating the front cover 108 relative to the device body 12, the opening 106 is exposed to the outside of the device body 12.

[0099] Next, as shown in FIG8, when the sliding part 94 is pulled out from the device body 12, a portion of the sliding part 94 blocking the opening 106 moves along the +Y direction. As a result, the straight path 22 located deeper inside the device body 12 within the opening 106, such as the fourth conveyor roller pair 42 and its surrounding area located downstream of the recording part 18, can be visually observed.

[0100] Then, the user can insert his hand into the conveying path 21 through the opening 106 to clear any blockages. In addition, the user can reach the path component RP that forms the straight path 22 and its vicinity from the sliding part 94 side, which is the +Y direction side of the straight path 22.

[0101] It should be noted that when the sliding part 94 is pulled out from the structure 96, the roller 42a of the fourth conveying roller pair 42 separates from the roller 42b via a linkage mechanism (not shown), releasing the clamping state in the fourth conveying roller pair 42. This allows for easy handling of any blockages that may occur in the recording unit 18.

[0102] In the medium P conveyed in the conveying path 21, the ends of the medium P in the X-axis direction are prone to friction with the path components FP, RP, DP, SP, TP, UP, and HP, while the central portion in the X-axis direction is less prone to friction with the path components FP, RP, DP, TP, SP, UP, and HP. Therefore, among the path components FP, RP, DP, SP, TP, UP, and HP, the degree of wear, contamination, and paper dust adhesion can vary between the portion where the more frequently used size of medium P passes and the other portions. Therefore, in this embodiment, each path component FP, RP, DP, SP, TP, UP, and HP has multiple components in the X-axis direction; in this embodiment, there are six, to allow for replacement of portions where wear, contamination, and paper dust adhesion are aggravated.

[0103] Furthermore, based on the recording information RI, the control unit 15 calculates the degradation degree D of the guiding medium P's performance for each of the multiple path components XP provided in the X-axis direction of the transport path TR. The recording information RI, related to the recording specifications, includes: the size of the medium P, the orientation of the medium P relative to the transport direction, the type of the medium P, the time required to record the medium P (i.e., the recording speed), the amount of pigment adhering to the medium P during recording (i.e., the recording density), environmental information related to the usage environment during recording, and information about medium P experiencing transport malfunctions in the transport path TR. Based on the size of the medium P and the orientation of the medium P relative to the transport direction in the recording information RI, the control unit 15 determines the path component XP through which the end of the medium P passes in the X-axis direction, and adds a set summation value of the number of sheets of medium P passing through the path component XP to the determined degradation degree D of the path component XP.

[0104] For example, when a more resilient medium P passes through the path component XP, the control unit 15 increases the sum of the degradation degree D of the path component XP compared to the case where a less resilient medium P passes through the path component XP. Additionally, for example, when the recording speed of the medium P is faster, the control unit 15 increases the sum of the degradation degree D of the path component XP compared to the case where the recording speed is slower. Furthermore, for example, when the recording density of the medium P is higher, the control unit 15 increases the sum of the degradation degree D of the path component XP compared to the case where the recording density is lower.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, when the humidity is low during recording, the control unit 15 increases the sum of the degradation degree D of the path component XP compared to when the humidity is high. Additionally, for example, the degradation degree D of the path component XP through which the end of the medium P experiencing a transport malfunction in the transport path TR passes in the X-axis direction is likely to be close to the set value SV, which is set as a standard for changing the position of the path component XP. It should be noted that when calculating the degradation degree D by considering multiple recording information RIs other than the size of the medium P and the orientation of the medium P relative to the transport direction, the influence of the degradation degree D can also be considered to weight each recording information RI.

[0106] Furthermore, if in multiple path components XP, there are cases where the set value of the degradation degree D exceeds the set value SV and the set value of the degradation degree D does not exceed the set value SV and the set value of the path component NEX, a notification SC prompting to replace the path component EX with the set value exceeding the set value SV and the path component NEX with the set value not exceeding the set value SV will be displayed on the display panel 19.

[0107] Here, the configurations of path components FP, HP, DP, and UP will be described. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the descriptions of path components RP, SP, and TP, which have the same configuration as path component UP, are omitted.

[0108] First, the path component FP, which constitutes part of the feed path 30, and the assembly and disassembly of the path component FP relative to the opening / closing part 92 will be explained. It should be noted that the assembly and disassembly of the path component FP relative to the opening / closing part 92 are performed with the opening / closing part 92 open relative to the device body 12 shown in FIG3. However, in FIG13, FIG14 and FIG16, for ease of explanation, the directions of the spatial axes X, Y and Z are used when the opening / closing part 92 is closed relative to the device body 12.

[0109] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the feed path 30 includes an adjacent portion FPa, multiple path components FP (i.e., path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, FP6), and a limiting portion FPc. The adjacent portion FPa, path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, FP6, and limiting portion FPc are arranged relative to the opening / closing portion 92 in the X-axis direction, which is the path width direction of the feed path 30.

[0110] The adjacent portion FPa is provided at one end of the opening / closing portion 92 in the +X direction direction in the X-axis direction. The adjacent portion FPa includes an assembly portion FPf, a mounting portion FPd, and a mounting portion FPe. The assembly portion FPf is a recess provided on the -X direction side of the adjacent portion FPa and opening in the -X direction. The mounting portion FPd is a circular shaft extending from the adjacent portion FPa in the -X direction. The mounting portion FPe is a circular shaft extending from the adjacent portion FPa in the -X direction, and is provided spaced apart from the mounting portion FPd at a position relative to the mounting portion FPd in ​​the -Z direction direction. The cross-sectional diameter of the mounting portion FPe is set to be larger than that of the mounting portion FPd. Furthermore, the adjacent portion FPa supports a drive shaft 34c extending in the X-axis direction, enabling it to rotate about a center along the X-axis direction. The drive shaft 34c is located between the mounting portions FPd and FPe in the Z-axis direction.

[0111] In this embodiment, path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 have the same shape. Each path component FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 is provided with an assembly part FPg, an assembled part FPh, a guide part FPk, a guide part FPm, and a marker M. The assembly part FPg is a protrusion on the +X direction side surface of the path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6, protruding in the +X direction. The guide part FPk is a through hole extending along the X-axis direction, sized to allow the mounting part FPd to be inserted. The guide part FPm is a through hole extending along the X-axis direction, sized to allow the mounting part FPe to be inserted. The marker M is provided on the +Y direction side surface of the path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 in a manner that identifies each of them.

[0112] Furthermore, each path component FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 is supported by rollers 34b, which serve as drive rollers, enabling them to rotate about an axis center along the X-axis direction. A through-hole 34d extending along the X-axis is provided in each roller 34b. By inserting a drive shaft 34c into the through-hole 34d, the six rollers 34b supported by the path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 rotate synchronously with the rotation of the drive shaft 34c.

[0113] The limiting part FPc is detachably installed at one end of the opening / closing part 92 on the -X direction side, adjacent to the path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 in the X-axis direction. The limiting part FPc includes a holding part FPn, a support part 34e, and a holding part FPp. The holding part FPn is a through hole extending in the X-axis direction, sized to allow the mounting part FPd to be inserted. The holding part FPp is a through hole extending in the X-axis direction, sized to allow the mounting part FPE to be inserted. The support part 34e is a through hole extending in the X-axis direction, supporting the drive shaft 34c so that it can rotate.

[0114] For example, in the state shown in Figure 13, assuming that a large amount of medium P is transported through the dimensions of path components FP3 and FP4 at the end in the X-axis direction, and the degradation degree D of path components FP3 and FP4 calculated by the control unit 15 exceeds the set value SV. In this case, the set values ​​of path components FP3 and FP4 exceed those of path component EX. At this time, if there are path components FP1, FP2, FP5, and FP6 whose calculated degradation degree D does not exceed the set value SV and whose set value does not exceed that of path component NEX, the control unit 15 displays a notification SC on the display panel 19 prompting the replacement of path component EX with a set value exceeding that of path component EX and path component NEX with a set value not exceeding that of path component NEX.

[0115] Furthermore, when the degradation degree D of path components FP2 and FP5 is minimal, as shown in FIG15, the control unit 15 displays a notification SC on the display panel 19 prompting the user to swap the positions of path components FP2 and FP3, and to swap the positions of path components FP4 and FP5. At this time, using marker M, a notification SC is displayed on the display panel 19 prompting the user to swap the positions of path components FP2 and FP3, and to swap the positions of path components FP4 and FP5.

[0116] When the user removes path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 from the opening / closing section 92, firstly, by releasing the fixing of the limiting part FPc relative to the opening / closing section 92, the holding parts FPn and FPp of the limiting part FPc are slid relative to the mounting parts FPd and FPe in the -X direction, and the limiting part FPc is removed from the fixed position of the opening / closing section 92. Then, by sliding the guide parts FPk and FPm of the path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 relative to the mounting parts FPd and FPe in the -X direction, the path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 can be removed from the opening / closing section 92. In other words, the path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 are detachably mounted relative to the mounting parts FPd and FPe, and are slidable relative to the mounting parts FPd and FPe in the X-axis direction.

[0117] In Figure 13, the position where the path component FP1 is positioned adjacent to the adjacent portion FPa in the X-axis direction is designated as a predetermined position. Then, when path component FP1, one of the multiple path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 removed from the mounting portions FPd and FPe, is positioned at the predetermined position, the guide portions FPk and FPm of path component FP1 are inserted into the mounting portions FPd and FPe. Then, path component FP1 is slid along the mounting portions FPd and FPe in the +X direction. Finally, by assembling the assembly portion FPg of path component FP1 to the assembly portion FPf of the adjacent portion FPa, path component FP1 is brought into contact with the adjacent portion FPa, and thus positioned at the predetermined position. It should be noted that the adjacent portion FPa only needs to be adjacent to the predetermined position in the X-axis direction; contact is not required.

[0118] Next, in Figure 13, the position adjacent to the path component FP1 positioned at the predetermined location in the X-axis direction, and where the path component FP2 is also located, is designated as the adjacent position. Then, when the path component FP3, removed from the mounting portions FPd and FPe, is positioned at the adjacent position, the guide portions FPk and FPm of the path component FP3 are inserted into the mounting portions FPd and FPe. Then, the path component FP3 is slid along the mounting portions FPd and FPe in the +X direction. Then, by assembling the assembly portion FPg of the path component FP3 to the assembly portion FPh of the path component FP1, the path component FP3 is brought into contact with the path component FP1, and the path component FP3 is positioned at the adjacent position. Path component FP1 is an example of a first path component, and path component FP3 is an example of a second path component. It should be noted that the adjacent position only needs to be adjacent to the path component FP1 positioned at the predetermined location in the X-axis direction, or it may not need to be in contact.

[0119] Then, when the path components FP2, FP4, FP5, and FP6, which are removed from the mounting parts FPd and FPE, are arranged as shown in FIG16, the guide parts FPk and FPm of the path components FP2, FP5, FP4, and FP6 are inserted into the mounting parts FPd and FPE in the same order as when the path component FP3 is arranged in the adjacent position.

[0120] Then, the retaining parts FPn and FPp of the limiting part FPc and the supporting part 34e are inserted into the mounting parts FPd and FPe and the drive shaft 34c, fixing the limiting part FPc in the fixed position of the opening and closing part 92. Thus, the multiple path components FP are configured as shown in FIG16, where the positions of path component FP2 and path component FP3 are interchanged in the X-axis direction, and the positions of path component FP4 and path component FP5 are interchanged. That is, path components FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4, FP5, and FP6 are arranged in a mutually interchangeable manner in the feed path 30 constituting the conveying path 21. In other words, multiple path components FP are arranged in a mutually interchangeable manner in the conveying path 21.

[0121] Next, the path component HP, which constitutes the flipping part 26b of the flipping path 26, will be described. It should be noted that the method of assembling and disassembling the path component HP relative to the opening and closing part 92 is the same as that of the path component FP, so the description is omitted.

[0122] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the flipping part 26b of the flipping path 26 includes an adjacent part HPa, multiple path components HP (i.e., path components HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, HP6), and a limiting part HPc. The adjacent part HPa, path components HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, HP6, and limiting part HPc are arranged relative to the opening / closing part 92 in the X-axis direction, which is the path width direction of the flipping path 26.

[0123] Like adjacent part FPa, adjacent part HPa is located at one end of the opening / closing part 92 in the +X direction direction along the X-axis. Adjacent part HPa has the same assembly part HPf, mounting part HPd, and mounting part HPe as adjacent part FPa. It should be noted that since the path component HP does not have a drive roller and drive shaft, adjacent part HPa does not have the same configuration as adjacent part FPa, which supports the drive shaft for rotation.

[0124] In this embodiment, path components HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, and HP6 have the same shape. Each path component HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, and HP6 is provided with an assembly part HPg, an assembly part HPh, a guide part HPk, a guide part HPm, and a marker M, identical in configuration to that of path component FP. The marker M is provided on the +Y direction side surface of each path component HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, and HP6 in a manner that identifies each of them. Furthermore, each path component HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, and HP6 is supported by a roller 74a, which serves as a driven roller, and is capable of rotating about an axis center along the X-axis direction.

[0125] Similar to the limiting part FPc, the limiting part HPc is detachably mounted at one end of the opening / closing part 92 in the X-axis direction, adjacent to the path components HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, and HP6 on the X-axis side. The limiting part HPc has retaining parts HPn and HPp, which are identical in configuration to those of the limiting part FPc. It should be noted that since the path component HP does not have a drive roller and drive shaft, the limiting part HPc does not have the same configuration as the limiting part FPc, which supports the drive shaft for rotation.

[0126] As described above, the path components HP have the same configuration as the path component FP. Like the path component FP, path components HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, and HP6 are detachably mounted relative to the mounting portions HPd and HPe, and are slidable along the X-axis relative to the mounting portions HPd and HPe. Furthermore, path components HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, and HP6 are arranged in the flipping portion 26b of the flipping path 26 constituting the conveyor path 21 in a mutually interchangeable manner. In other words, multiple path components HP are arranged in the conveyor path 21 in a mutually interchangeable manner.

[0127] Next, the path component DP constituting the downward discharge path 28 will be described. As shown in Figures 6 and 12, the path component DP is attached to and detached from the sliding part 94 in the second state where the sliding part 94 is pulled out. Furthermore, when the opening / closing cover 102 is in the open state relative to the sliding part 94, the path component DP can be attached to and detached while visually confirming the mark M on the path component DP (described later). It should be noted that the method for attaching and detaching the path component DP from the sliding part 94 is the same as that for the path component FP, therefore, its description is omitted.

[0128] The downward discharge path 28 includes an adjacent portion DPa (not shown), multiple path components DP (i.e., path components DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, DP6), and a limiting portion DPc shown in FIG. 6. The adjacent portion DPa, path components DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, DP6, and limiting portion DPc are arranged relative to the sliding portion 94 in the X-axis direction, which is the path width direction of the downward discharge path 28.

[0129] Similar to adjacent part FPa, the adjacent part DPa is located at one end of the opening / closing part 92 in the +X direction direction along the X-axis. Adjacent part DPa includes, but is not shown, an assembly part DPf, a mounting part DPd, and a mounting part DPe, which have the same configuration as adjacent part FPa. Furthermore, like adjacent part FPa, adjacent part DPa supports drive shafts 56c and 58c (not shown) extending along the X-axis direction, enabling them to rotate about a center axis along the X-axis direction.

[0130] In this embodiment, path components DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6 have the same shape. Each path component DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6 has an assembly part DPg (not shown), an assembly part DPh, a guide part DPk, a guide part DPm, and a marker M, which are identical in configuration to those of path component FP. The marker M is provided on the +Y direction side surface of each path component DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6 in a manner that identifies each of them. Furthermore, each path component DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6, like path component FP, is supported by rollers 56b and 58b so that it can rotate about an axis center along the X-axis direction.

[0131] Similar to the limiting part FPc, the limiting part DPc is detachably mounted at a position adjacent to the path components DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6 on the -X direction side, i.e., at one end of the sliding part 94 on the -X direction side. The limiting part DPc is equipped with a retaining part HPn, support parts 56e and 58e (not shown), and a retaining part HPp, which have the same configuration as the limiting part FPc. The support parts 56e and 58e support the drive shafts 56c and 58c, enabling them to rotate.

[0132] As described above, the path components DP have the same configuration as the path component FP. Like the path component FP, path components DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6 are detachably mounted relative to the mounting portions DPd and DPe, and are slidable along the X-axis relative to the mounting portions DPd and DPe. Furthermore, path components DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6 are arranged in interchangeable positions on the downward discharge path 28 constituting the conveying path 21. In other words, multiple path components DP are arranged in interchangeable positions on the conveying path 21.

[0133] Next, the path component UP that constitutes the upper section 26a of the flipping path 26 will be described. As shown in FIG4, the path component UP is assembled and disassembled from the flipping path 26 with the upper component 78 open relative to the main body 12 of the device.

[0134] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the upper section 26a of the flipping path 26 includes rollers 70b and 72b, an adjacent portion UPa, and multiple path components UP, namely path components UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, and UP6. The path components UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, and UP6 are arranged relative to the adjacent portion UPa, which is the base component of the upper section 26a, in the X-axis direction, which is the path width direction of the flipping path 26.

[0135] Mounting portions UPd and UPe are provided at the adjacent portion UPa. As shown in Figures 17 to 20, the mounting portion UPd is a circular shaft extending in the X-axis direction. The mounting portion UPe is a circular shaft extending in the X-axis direction, and is provided at a distance from the mounting portion UPd at a position relative to the mounting portion UPd in ​​the -Y direction. The cross-sectional diameter of the mounting portion UPe is set to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the mounting portion UPd.

[0136] In this embodiment, the path components UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, and UP6 have the same shape. Each path component UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, and UP6 is provided with a positioning part UPR, a positioning part UPs, a fixing hook UPt, a gripping part UPU, and a marker M.

[0137] The positioning part UPr is a recess provided on the +Z direction side of the guide medium P in the path component UP, extending along the entire X-axis direction of the path component UP. The positioning part UPr is located on the +Y direction side of the path component UP in the Y-axis direction, closer to the center, and opens towards the +Y direction. By embedding the positioning part UPr into the mounting part UPd, the movement of the path component UP relative to the mounting part UPd in ​​the Z-axis direction and in the +Y direction is restricted.

[0138] The positioning parts UPs are stepped protrusions provided on the +Z direction side of the guide medium P in the path component UP, closer to the -Z direction side, and extending throughout the entire X-axis direction of the path component UP. In the Y-axis direction, the positioning parts UPs are located on the -Y direction side closer to the center of the path component UP and protrude towards the -Z direction. By contacting the mounting part UPe, the movement of the path component UP relative to the mounting part UPe in the -Z direction and in the -Y direction is restricted.

[0139] The retaining hook UPt is a hook-shaped protrusion located on the +Z side of the guide medium P in the path component UP, protruding towards the -Z direction. The retaining hook UPt is a so-called latch that engages with the mounting part UPE. By hooking the retaining hook UPt onto the mounting part UPE, movement of the path component UP relative to the mounting part UPE in the +Z direction is restricted.

[0140] The gripping parts UPU are a pair of recesses located on both sides of the path component UP in the X-axis direction. By gripping the gripping parts UPU, the user can remove the path component UP from the mounting parts UPd and UPE, or install it on the mounting parts UPd and UPE.

[0141] Marker M is set on the +Z side face of path components UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, and UP6 in such a way that each of them can be identified.

[0142] For example, when the path component UP3 is installed in the X-axis direction between the path components UP2 and UP4 shown in FIG. 18, the gripping part UPU of the path component UP3 is grasped, and as shown in FIG. 19, the path component UP3 is moved from a position that is in the +Z direction and in the -Y direction relative to the mounting part UPd towards the direction indicated by the hollow arrow, thereby embedding the positioning part UPr of the path component UP3 into the mounting part UPd. The direction indicated by the hollow arrow is the direction intersecting the X-axis direction.

[0143] Then, by further moving the path component UP3 in the direction indicated by the hollow arrow, the bottom surface of the recess of the positioning part UPr comes into contact with the mounting part UPd. Then, the path component UP3 is rotated about the mounting part UPd as its axis in the direction indicated by the black arrow. Thus, as shown in Figure 20, the fixing hook UPt hooks onto the mounting part UPE, the positioning part UPs contacts the mounting part UPE, and the path component UP3 is mounted on the mounting parts UPd and UPE. The direction indicated by the black arrow is the direction intersecting the X-axis.

[0144] Additionally, for example, when removing the path component UP3 from the mounting sections UPd and UPe, grasp the gripping part UPU of the path component UP3 and pull the path component UP3 in the opposite direction to the direction of the black arrow shown in FIG19, thereby releasing the fixing hook UPt on the mounting section UPe. Then, by moving the path component UP3 in the opposite direction to the direction of the hollow arrow shown in FIG19, the path component UP3 is removed from the mounting sections UPd and UPe.

[0145] Path components UP1, UP2, UP4, UP5, and UP6 have the same configuration as path component UP3. Therefore, the multiple path components UP, i.e., path components UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, and UP6, are detachably mounted relative to the mounting portions UPd and UPe in a direction intersecting the path width direction (X-axis direction) of the flipping path 26. Therefore, in this embodiment, when any one of the multiple path components UP is detached from the mounting portions UPd and UPe, it is not necessary to remove the other path components UP from the mounting portions UPd and UPe. Furthermore, path components UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, and UP6 are arranged in a mutually interchangeable manner on the flipping path 26 constituting the conveying path 21. In other words, multiple path components UP are arranged in a mutually interchangeable manner on the conveying path 21.

[0146] It should be noted that in this embodiment, by mounting the six path components UP1, UP2, UP4, UP5, and UP6 on the mounting portions UPd and UPe, the positions of the multiple path components UP in the X-axis direction are fixed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG18, if any one of the multiple path components UP is in a state of being removed from the mounting portions UPd and UPe, the other path components UP mounted on the mounting portions UPd and UPe can slide relative to the mounting portions UPd and UPe in the X-axis direction.

[0147] As described above, the following effects can be obtained according to the transport path 21 and the recording device 10 involved in Embodiment 1.

[0148] A transport path TR is a transport path for transporting medium P in the transport direction. It has multiple path components XP that guide the medium P in the X-axis direction intersecting the transport direction, and the positions of these path components XP can be interchanged. In the transport path TR, the ends of the medium P in the path width direction are prone to friction with the path components XP, while the central portion in the path width direction is less prone to friction. Therefore, in the path components XP, the degree of wear and paper dust adhesion can sometimes differ between the portion where the more frequently used size of medium P passes and the other portions. To address this, according to the transport path TR of this embodiment, by interchangeding the positions of the path components XP according to the degree of wear and paper dust adhesion, the reduction in the transport performance of the medium P in the transport path TR can be suppressed. That is, the reduction in the transport performance of the medium P in the transport path TR can be suppressed without replacing the unreplaceable parts of the path components.

[0149] Multiple path components XP have the same shape. Therefore, even if the positions of the path components XP can be interchanged, the configuration of the transport path TR does not easily become complicated.

[0150] The path component XP includes an assembly part FPg and an assembly part FPh. When two path components XP are designated as path component FP1 and path component FP3, and path component FP3 is positioned adjacent to path component FP1 which is positioned at a predetermined location, the assembly part FPg of path component FP3 is assembled to the assembly part FPh of path component FP1. Therefore, since path component FP3 can be positioned adjacent to path component FP1 when the assembly direction is correct, it is possible to prevent path component FP from being assembled in an incorrect assembly direction.

[0151] It also includes an adjacent portion FPa, which is adjacent to a predetermined position where a path component XP is disposed in the path width direction, and has an assembly portion FPf. The path component XP has an assembly portion FPg. When one of the multiple path components XP is designated as path component FP1 and is disposed at the predetermined position, the assembly portion FPg of path component FP1 is assembled to the assembly portion FPf of the adjacent portion FPa. Accordingly, since the path component FP1 can be disposed at the predetermined position when the assembly direction with the adjacent portion FPa is correct, it is possible to prevent the path component FP from being assembled in an incorrect assembly direction.

[0152] It also includes mounting sections FPd and FPe for detaching multiple path components XP, with the multiple path components XP being slidably mounted relative to the mounting sections FPd and FPe along the X-axis. Accordingly, by sliding the multiple path components XP relative to the mounting sections FPd and FPe to remove them, and by changing the installation order of the multiple path components XP, the positions of the path components XP can be interchanged.

[0153] It also includes mounting sections UPd and UPe for detaching multiple path components XP, which are detachably mounted relative to the mounting sections UPd and UPe in a direction intersecting the X-axis. Therefore, since the path components XP can be detached and mounted in a direction intersecting the path width direction, the position of the path components XP can be changed by detaching and mounting the path component XP to be swapped relative to the mounting sections UPd and UPe.

[0154] The path component XP has a roller 34b for conveying the medium P. Accordingly, by changing or replacing the position of the path component XP, any roller 34b that is aggravated by wear, paper dust adhesion, or contamination can be replaced.

[0155] The recording device 10 includes: a transport path TR; a recording unit 18 for recording the medium P transported in the transport path TR; and a control unit 15, which calculates the degradation degree D of the guiding medium P for each of the plurality of path components XP based on recording information RI related to the recording specifications. If, among the plurality of path components XP, there are path components EX where the degradation degree D exceeds a set value SV, or path components NEX where the degradation degree D does not exceed the set value SV, the control unit 15 issues a notification SC indicating that the path component EX has a set value exceeding the set value, or the path component NEX has a set value not exceeding the set value. Accordingly, by issuing the notification SC, the user can easily change the position of the path component XP.

[0156] In the notification SC, the control unit 15 indicates that the setting value of the path component EX is changed, and the setting value with the smallest deterioration degree D among the multiple path components XP does not exceed that of the path component NEX. Accordingly, by changing the position of the path component XP, the degradation of the transport performance of the medium P in the transport path TR can be easily suppressed. Therefore, the degradation of the recording quality of the recording device 10 can be suppressed, and the service life of the recording device 10 can be further extended.

[0157] The recording information RI includes at least one of the following: the type of medium P, the time required to record medium P (i.e., the recording speed), the amount of pigment adhering to medium P during recording (i.e., the recording density), and environmental information related to the usage environment during recording. Based on this, by calculating the degradation degree D from the recording information RI, the appropriate timing for replacing the path component XP can be predicted.

[0158] The recorded information RI includes information about the medium P that has experienced a transport malfunction in the transport path TR. For example, a transport malfunction is more likely to occur when the performance of the medium P guiding the path component XP deteriorates significantly. Therefore, by including information about the medium P that has experienced a transport malfunction in the transport path TR in the recorded information RI, it is possible to predict a more appropriate time to replace the path component XP.

[0159] Each path component XP is equipped with a marker M to identify it. The control unit 15 uses the marker M to send notifications SC indicating whether the setting value exceeds that of the path component EX or does not exceed that of the path component NEX. This allows the user to easily identify the path component XP to be replaced.

[0160] The recording device 10 also includes a display panel 19 for notifying the SC. Therefore, the user can check the information displayed on the display panel 19 while simultaneously changing the position of the path component XP.

[0161] While the transport path 21 and recording device 10 described in the above embodiments of this disclosure are based on the configuration described above, it is of course possible to make changes or omissions to some of the configurations without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the above embodiments and other embodiments described below can be combined and implemented within a technically compatible framework. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described.

[0162] When binding or punching the recorded media P in units of copies, as shown in FIG22, the recording device 10 of the above embodiment can also be applied to the recording system 510, which includes: a conveying device 210 having a conveying path 221 for conveying the recorded media P; and a processor 310 for binding or punching the recorded media P conveyed by the conveying device 210 in units of copies. In this case, the control unit 15 of the recording device 10 can also control the recording device 10, the conveying device 210, and the processor 310.

[0163] Alternatively, the conveying path 221 of the conveying device 210 may also have the same configuration as the conveying path 21 and the same path component XP as the conveying path 21. In this case, the conveying path 221 is an example of the conveying path TR. In other words, the conveying device 210 is a conveying device 210 that conveys the medium P recorded by the recording device 10 and has a conveying path TR. Accordingly, by changing the position of the path component XP in the conveying path TR, the reduction in the conveying performance of the medium P in the conveying device 210 can be easily suppressed without replacing the parts of the path component that do not need to be replaced.

[0164] In this case, the recording system 510 includes: a recording device 10 for recording on a medium P; a conveying device 210 for conveying the medium P recorded by the recording device 10, the conveying device 210 having a conveying path TR; and a control unit 15 for controlling the recording device 10 and the conveying device 210. Accordingly, the conveying device 210 has a conveying path TR having a path component XP. Therefore, by changing the position of the path component XP in the conveying path TR, the reduction in the conveying performance of the medium P in the recording system 510 can be easily suppressed without replacing the parts of the path component that do not need to be replaced.

[0165] Alternatively, in this case, the conveyor path 321 of the sorter 310 may have the same configuration as the conveyor path 21 and the same path component XP as the conveyor path 21. In this case, the conveyor path 321 is an example of the conveyor path TR.

[0166] In the above embodiments, the scanning unit 14 of the recording device 10, or the transport path for transporting the original document of the same scanning unit, may have the same configuration as the transport path 21 and the path component XP of the transport path 21.

[0167] In the above embodiments, the transport path TR may not have six path components XP in the X-axis direction. For example, as shown in FIG21, the transport path TR may also have three path components XP in the X-axis direction. Alternatively, for example, the transport path TR may have two path components XP in the path width direction, i.e., the X-axis direction. In this case, by interchanging the positions of the two path components XP, the position through which the end of the medium P in the X-axis direction passes in each of the two path components XP is different in the X-axis direction from before the interchanging, thereby suppressing the reduction in the transport performance of the medium P in the transport path TR.

[0168] In the above embodiments, the multiple path components XP may not be of the same shape. For example, as shown in FIG21, the width dimensions of the multiple path components XP, namely path components HP1, HP2, HP3 or path components FP1, FP2, FP3, in the X-axis direction may also be different from each other. In this case, for example, by swapping path component FP1 and path component FP3 among the three path components FP1, FP2, FP3, the position through which the end of the medium P in the X-axis direction passes in each of the three path components XP is different in the X-axis direction from before the swapping of path components FP1 and path component FP3, thereby suppressing the reduction in the conveying performance of the medium P in the conveying path TR.

[0169] In the above embodiments, it is not necessary to set all the positions of the multiple path components XP to be interchangeable. For example, as shown in FIG17, path component UP3, one of the multiple path components UP constituting the upper section 26a of the flip path 26 (i.e., path components UP1, UP2, UP3, UP4, UP5, UP6), may not need to be removed from the mounting parts UPd and UPe. In this case, path component UP3 may not have the mark M.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the control unit 15 calculates the performance degradation degree D of the guide medium P for each of the plurality of path components XP. If none of the path components XP has a set value that does not exceed the path component NEX, a notification SC indicating that the position of the path component XP cannot be changed can be issued, and the user is required to take appropriate action. Furthermore, if the set value of one of the plurality of path components XP does not exceed the path component NEX, the control unit 15 can also issue a notification SC indicating that the position of the path component XP cannot be changed when the last set value that does not exceed the path component NEX becomes the set value that exceeds the path component EX, and the user is required to take appropriate action in advance. It should be noted that specific examples of such actions include contacting technical service personnel to purchase a new path component XP, clean the path component XP, replace the recording device 10, and replace the transport path TR.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the recording device 10 may also omit the display panel 19. In this case, the control unit 15 may also use a communication interface (not shown), communication cable, or wireless communication line (not shown) provided by the recording device 10 to notify the user of the status of the recording device 10 displayed on a display unit of an external device (not shown). Examples of external devices include personal computers, smartphones, mobile phones, and mobile information terminals.

[0172] In the above embodiments, any one of the path component FP, path component HP, and path component DP may have the same configuration as path component UP. For example, when path component DP has the same configuration as path component UP, path components DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, DP5, and DP6 are detachably mounted relative to mounting portions DPd and DPe in a direction intersecting the path width direction, i.e., the X-axis direction, of the downward discharge path 28. Furthermore, in this case, with the opening / closing cover 102 of the sliding portion 94 open, the path component DP is detached from the mounting portions DPd and DPe from the +Y direction side.

[0173] As long as it has the transport path TR and multiple path components XP described in the above embodiments, the recording device 10 may not be an inkjet printer. For example, the recording device 10 may also be a laser printer that uses heat to melt toner powder and fix it onto the medium P.

Claims

1. A conveying path, characterized in that, The conveying path conveys the medium in the conveying direction. The conveying path has multiple path components in the path width direction that intersects the conveying direction. The path components guide the medium. The multiple path components are paths whose positions can be interchanged. Adjacent path components are in contact with each other.

2. The conveying path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple path components are of the same shape.

3. The conveying path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The path component has an assembly part and an assembly part. When two of the plurality of path components are designated as a first path component and a second path component, and the second path component is arranged at an adjacent position adjacent to the first path component arranged at a predetermined position, the assembly part of the second path component is assembled to the assembly part of the first path component.

4. The conveying path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying path also includes an adjacent portion, which is adjacent to a predetermined position where the path component is disposed in the path width direction, and includes an assembly portion. The path component includes an assembly portion. When one of the plurality of path components is designated as a first path component and the first path component is disposed at the predetermined position, the assembly portion of the first path component is assembled to the assembly portion of the adjacent portion.

5. The conveying path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying path also includes a mounting portion for detaching the plurality of path components, the plurality of path components being arranged relative to the mounting portion in a manner that allows them to slide along the width direction of the path.

6. The conveying path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying path also includes a mounting portion for detaching the plurality of path components, which are detachably mounted relative to the mounting portion in a direction intersecting the path width direction.

7. The conveying path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The path component has a conveying section for conveying the medium.

8. A recording device, characterized in that, The device comprises: a transport path as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; a recording unit for recording the medium transported in the transport path; and a control unit that, based on recording information related to the specifications of the recording, calculates the degree of performance degradation of the medium for each of the plurality of path components, and, in the case that there are path components where the degree of degradation exceeds a set value and path components where the degree of degradation does not exceed the set value, the control unit provides a notification prompting to replace the path component where the degree of degradation exceeds the set value and the path component where the degree of degradation does not exceed the set value.

9. The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the notification, the control unit prompts the replacement of the setting value exceeding the path component and the setting value of the path component with the lowest degradation among the plurality of path components not exceeding the path component.

10. The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The recording information includes at least one of the following: the type of medium, the time required to record the medium (i.e., the recording speed), the amount of pigment adhering to the medium during recording (i.e., the recording concentration), and environmental information related to the usage environment during recording.

11. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The recorded information includes information about the medium in which a transport malfunction occurred during the transport path.

12. The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multiple path components are equipped with tags that identify each path component. The control unit uses the tags to send notifications when the set value exceeds the path component and when the set value does not exceed the path component.

13. The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The recording device also includes a notification unit for making the notification.

14. A recording system, characterized in that, The device comprises: a recording device for recording on a medium; a conveying device for conveying the medium recorded by the recording device and having a conveying path as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; and a control unit for controlling the recording device and the conveying device.

15. A conveying device, characterized in that, The conveying device conveys the medium that has been recorded by the recording device and has a conveying path as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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