Medium conveying device and recording apparatus

Abstract

A medium transport device includes: a separation unit (40) that separates and transports a plurality of media (19); and at least one first guide member (43) that guides the medium (19) to the separation unit (40), the separation unit (40) having a transport roller (41) and a separation roller (42) that are capable of sandwiching the medium (19) within a sandwiching range (NR), and the transport roller (41) and the separation roller (42) being capable of sandwiching the medium (19) within the sandwiching range (NR). A distal end (43b) of a first guide member (43) for guiding the medium (19) is located at a position that does not overlap the separation section (40) when viewed from the conveyance direction (Dc) and overlaps the nip range (NR) when viewed from the axial direction (Da) of the separation roller (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveying device and a recording device. Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming apparatus that is an example of a recording apparatus that forms an image on a sheet as an example of a medium. The image forming apparatus includes a guide sheet, a delivery roller as an example of a conveying roller, and a retard roller as an example of a separation roller.

[0003] The guide piece guides the end of the sheet material to prevent the end of the sheet material from being bent.

[0004] The delivery roller and the retard roller sandwich the medium at a nip portion, which is an example of a nip range, and separate and convey a plurality of sheets one by one.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-45242

[0006] By positioning the guide piece in Patent Document 1 close to the nip, sheet guiding accuracy can be improved. However, the guide piece in Patent Document 1 is positioned so as to overlap the retard roller when viewed in the conveying direction. Therefore, there is a risk that if the guide piece is positioned close to the nip, the tip of the guide piece may become caught in the nip, resulting in poor sheet conveyance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The medium conveying device for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a separation part, which separates and conveys multiple media; and at least one first guide component, which guides the medium to the separation part, the separation part having a conveying roller and a separation roller, the conveying roller and the separation roller being able to clamp the medium within a clamping range, the conveying roller contacts the first surface of the medium and conveys the medium in a conveying direction, the separation roller contacts the second surface opposite to the first surface of the medium, and the separation roller is able to switch to a separation state for separating the multiple media and a conveying state for conveying the separated medium, and the end of the first guide component for guiding the medium is located at a position that does not overlap with the separation part when viewed from the conveying direction, and overlaps with the clamping range when viewed from the axial direction of the separation roller.

[0008] A recording device for solving the above technical problem includes: a medium conveying device of the above structure, and a recording unit for recording on the medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a recording device.

[0010] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a medium transport device included in a recording device.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a medium transport device included in a recording device.

[0012] Description of Reference Numerals

[0013] 11…Recording device, 12…Casing, 13…Stacker, 14…Recording unit, 15…Control unit, 16…Cassette, 17…Media conveying device, 19…Media, 19a…First surface, 19b…Second surface, 19f…First medium, 19s…Second medium, 21…Nozzle surface, 22…Nozzle, 24…Hopper, 26…Feed mechanism, 28…Roller pair, 29…Conveyor belt, 30…Pulley, 32…Conveyor path, 33…Reversing path, 34…Baffle, 36…Conveyor surface, 38…Moving Mechanism, 39…feed roller, 40…separating portion, 41…conveying roller, 42…separating roller, 43…first guide member, 43a…base end, 43b…tip end, 44…second guide member, 45…drive source, 46…torque limiter, 48…rotating axis, CP…contact point, Da…axial direction, Dc…conveying direction, L1…first virtual line segment, L2…second virtual line segment, L3…virtual perpendicular line, MP…midpoint, NR…clamping range, R1…forward rotation direction, R2…reverse rotation direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Implementation Method

[0015] An embodiment of a media transport device and a recording device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For example, the recording device of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper. In the accompanying drawings, the recording device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane. The Z axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X and Y axes represent directions along the horizontal plane. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other.

[0016] Recording device

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 may include a housing 12 , a stacker 13 , a recording unit 14 , a control unit 15 , a cassette 16 , and a medium transport device 17 .

[0018] The housing 12 houses various components of the recording device 11 .

[0019] The stacker 13 receives media 19 fed by the media feed device 17. The stacker 13 can load multiple recorded media 19. In this embodiment, two consecutively fed media 19 among the multiple media 19 are referred to as a first medium 19f and a second medium 19s. The first medium 19f is the medium 19 fed first. The second medium 19s is the medium 19 fed after the first medium 19f. In the following description, when there is no distinction between the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s, they are simply referred to as the medium 19.

[0020] Alternatively, the recording unit 14 may include a nozzle surface 21. Multiple nozzles 22 are opened in the nozzle surface 21. Alternatively, the nozzle surface 21 of the recording unit 14 may be arranged at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. The recording unit 14 records on the transported medium 19 by ejecting liquid from the nozzles 22. The recording unit 14 of this embodiment is a line head that performs recording while stopped relative to the transported medium 19.

[0021] The control unit 15 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording device 11 and controls various operations performed by the recording device 11 .

[0022] The control unit 15 can be configured to include α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination of these circuits. For example, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, which stores program code or instructions configured to enable the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0023] The recording device 11 may also include multiple cartridges 16. Each cartridge 16 may also include a hopper 24. The cartridge 16 can be inserted into and removed from the device. Alternatively, the cartridge 16 can store multiple media 19 in a stacked state. The hopper 24 lifts the loaded media 19. When loaded into the cartridge 16, the first medium 19f is positioned above the second medium 19s. Loading refers to a state of being placed on top of another medium, allowing it to be moved by applying an external force.

[0024] Media conveying device

[0025] The medium transport device 17 transports the medium 19 placed in the inserted cassette 16. The medium transport device 17 includes a feed mechanism 26. Alternatively, the medium transport device 17 may include the same number of feed mechanisms 26 as the cassettes 16. Alternatively, the medium transport device 17 may include a transport belt 29, a pair of pulleys 30, and one or more roller pairs 28.

[0026] The roller pair 28 includes a roller that contacts the first surface 19a of the medium 19 and a roller that contacts the second surface 19b of the medium 19. The second surface 19b is the surface opposite to the first surface 19a. Alternatively, one of the two rollers may be driven to rotate, while the other may be driven to rotate.

[0027] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the conveying path 32 and the reversing path 33, through which the medium 19 is conveyed, are indicated by a dashed line. The conveying path 32 connects the cassette 16 and the stacker 13. The reversing path 33 connects the conveying path 32 downstream of the recording unit 14 and the conveying path 32 upstream of the recording unit 14. The reversing path 33 is a path for returning the medium 19, which has been recorded on one side, to a position upstream of the recording unit 14 when recording is performed on both sides of the medium 19. The medium conveying device 17 may also include a damper 34 for switching the path along which the medium 19 is conveyed.

[0028] The medium transport device 17 may include a plurality of roller pairs 28. Alternatively, the plurality of roller pairs 28 may be provided in the transport path 32 and the reversing path 33. The roller pairs 28 rotate while sandwiching the medium 19, thereby transporting the medium 19 along the transport path 32 or the reversing path 33.

[0029] The conveyor belt 29 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 29 is mounted on a pair of pulleys 30. The conveyor belt 29 travels around the pair of pulleys 30 as one pulley 30 rotates. The conveyor belt 29 has a conveying surface 36 for conveying the medium 19. The conveying surface 36 is a plane on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 29 that supports the medium 19, for example, by electrostatic adsorption. Alternatively, the conveyor belt 29 may be arranged so that the conveying surface 36 is parallel to the nozzle surface 21. The conveyor belt 29 supports the portion of the medium 19 recorded by the recording unit 14. The conveyor belt 29 conveys the medium 19 in the conveying direction Dc by traveling in a circular manner while supporting the medium 19. The conveying direction Dc is a direction along the conveying path 32, and is a direction from the cassette 16 toward the stacker 13.

[0030] The feeding mechanism 26 feeds the medium 19 stored in the corresponding cassette 16 from the corresponding cassette 16. Feeding means delivering the medium 19 stacked in the cassette 16 one by one. The feeding mechanism 26 may include a moving mechanism 38, a feeding roller 39, and a separating unit 40.

[0031] The moving mechanism 38 moves the feed roller 39. Alternatively, the moving mechanism 38 may be configured to include, for example, a solenoid, a cam, and an air cylinder. The moving mechanism 38 moves the feed roller 39 to Figure 1The contact position is shown, and the separated position is not shown. The contact position is where the feed roller 39 contacts the first surface 19a of the medium 19. The feed roller 39 in the contact position sandwiches the medium 19 between the feed roller 39 and the hopper 24. Alternatively, the first surface 19a of the loaded medium 19 may be the top surface of the medium 19. The feed roller 39 contacts the medium 19 from above. The separated position is where the feed roller 39 separates from the medium 19.

[0032] The feed roller 39 contacts the first surface 19a of the placed medium 19 and conveys the medium 19. The feed roller 39 rotates at the contact position to feed the medium 19 toward the separator 40. The feed roller 39 is provided upstream of the separator 40 in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the separation unit 40 includes a conveying roller 41 and a separating roller 42. The medium conveying device 17 includes at least one first guide member 43. Alternatively, the medium conveying device 17 includes a second guide member 44, a driving source 45, a torque limiter 46, and a rotating shaft 48.

[0034] The conveyor roller 41 and the separator roller 42 can clamp the medium 19 within a clamping range NR. Clamping means clamping the medium 19 in the thickness direction. When there is no medium 19 between the conveyor roller 41 and the separator roller 42, the clamping range NR is the range where the conveyor roller 41 and the separator roller 42 are in contact with each other. Alternatively, the conveyor roller 41 and the separator roller 42 may be elastic rollers, such as rubber rollers. If at least one of the conveyor roller 41 and the separator roller 42 is deformable, the clamping range NR has a length in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0035] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the conveying roller 41 contacts the first surface 19a of the medium 19 and conveys the medium 19 in the conveying direction Dc. The conveying roller 41 conveys the medium 19 by rotating while sandwiching the medium 19 between the conveying roller 41 and the separation roller 42 .

[0036] The separation roller 42 contacts the second surface 19b of the medium 19. The separation roller 42 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 48 in a forward rotation direction R1 and a reverse rotation direction R2. The forward rotation direction R1 feeds the first medium 19f in the conveying direction Dc. The reverse rotation direction R2 is opposite to the forward rotation direction R1. The separation roller 42 is not fixed to the rotation shaft 48. Therefore, the separation roller 42 can rotate while sliding relative to the rotation shaft 48.

[0037] The driving source 45 rotates the separation roller 42 in the reverse rotation direction R2. Specifically, the driving source 45 rotates the rotation shaft 48 in the reverse rotation direction R2. However, when the separation roller 42 contacts the rotating conveying roller 41, the separation roller 42 is driven by the conveying roller 41 and rotates in the forward rotation direction R1.

[0038] The torque limiter 46 switches the transmission of driving force to the separation roller 42. Alternatively, the torque limiter 46 may apply a rotational load to the separation roller 42 when the separation roller 42 and the rotating shaft 48 rotate in different directions. Specifically, the torque limiter 46 may apply a rotational load to the separation roller 42 when the rotating shaft 48 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 and the separation roller 42 rotates in the forward rotation direction R1. Alternatively, the torque limiter 46 may not apply a rotational load to the separation roller 42 when the separation roller 42 and the rotating shaft 48 rotate in the same direction. Specifically, the torque limiter 46 may not apply a rotational load to the separation roller 42 when the rotating shaft 48 and the separation roller 42 rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2.

[0039] The separation roller 42 can switch between a separation state, in which it separates a plurality of media 19, and a conveying state, in which it conveys the separated media 19. The separation state is when the separation roller 42 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2. The conveying state is when the separation roller 42 rotates in the forward rotation direction R1. A torque limiter 46 applies a rotational load to the separation roller 42 in the conveying state.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, when the separating section 40 is not holding the medium 19, the force exerted by the conveying roller 41 to rotate the separating roller 42 in the forward rotational direction R1 is greater than the rotational load of the torque limiter 46. Consequently, the separating roller 42 rotates in the forward rotational direction R1 following the conveying roller 41. In other words, the separating roller 42 is in the conveying state before the medium 19 is conveyed to the separating section 40.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, when the separator 40 is holding a sheet of medium 19, the force exerted by the medium 19 fed by the feed roller 41 to rotate the separator roller 42 in the forward rotational direction R1 is greater than the rotational load of the torque limiter 46. Consequently, the separator roller 42 rotates in the forward rotational direction R1 following the medium 19 fed in the feed direction Dc. That is, when the separator 40 is feeding a sheet of medium 19, the separator roller 42 is in the feed state.

[0042] When the separator 40 clamps multiple media 19, the force exerted by the conveying roller 41 and the media 19 to rotate the separator 42 in the forward rotation direction R1 becomes smaller than when no media 19 is clamped or when a single media 19 is clamped. Specifically, the force exerted by the conveying roller 41 and the media 19 to rotate the separator 42 in the forward rotation direction R1 becomes smaller than the rotational load of the torque limiter 46. Therefore, the separation roller 42 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 due to the rotational load from the torque limiter 46. In other words, when the separator 40 clamps multiple media 19, the separation roller 42 is in a separated state. When the separator 40 clamps multiple media 19, the separation roller 42 pushes back the second and subsequent media 19. Specifically, when the separator 40 clamps the first and second media 19f, the separation roller 42 pushes back the second media 19s. The separation roller 42 separates the first and second media 19f, 19s. The separator 40 separates and conveys the multiple media 19.

[0043] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the first guide member 43 guides the medium 19 to the separation section 40. Alternatively, when the feed mechanism 26 includes a plurality of first guide members 43, the plurality of first guide members 43 may be provided on both sides of the separation section 40 in the axial direction Da. Alternatively, the axial direction Da may be the direction in which the axis of the separation roller 42, i.e., the rotation axis 48, extends, i.e., a direction parallel to the Y-axis.

[0044] The first guide member 43 can be displaced to Figure 2 The first position shown, and Figure 3 The second position shown. Alternatively, the first guide member 43 may be made of a resin such as polyester. Alternatively, the first guide member 43 may be flexible. Alternatively, in the first guide member 43, the tip 43b may be displaced relative to the fixed base end 43a. Alternatively, the first guide member 43 may be deformed by collision with the transported medium 19 and displaced to the second position. Alternatively, the degree of deformation of the first guide member 43 may vary in accordance with the thickness, weight, and rigidity of the medium 19. Alternatively, the first guide member 43 displaced to the second position may return to the first position due to elasticity when the medium 19 has passed through.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the first position of the first guide member 43 is a position in which the medium 19 is not guided. The first guide member 43 in the first position intersects the conveyance path 32 upstream of the nip range NR in the conveyance direction Dc. Alternatively, the first guide member 43 in the first position may intersect the conveyance path 32 at a position further outward than the separation roller 42 in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 48.

[0046] Alternatively, the base end 43a of the first guide member 43 may be located below the conveyance path 32. Alternatively, the base end 43a may be located upstream of the clamping range NR in the conveyance direction Dc. Alternatively, the tip 43b of the first guide member 43 in the first position may be located above the conveyance path 32. The first guide member 43 is arranged obliquely relative to the conveyance path 32 so that the tip 43b is located downstream of the base end 43a in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the second position of the first guide member 43 is the position for guiding the medium 19. The first guide member 43 contacts the second surface 19b of the medium 19. Alternatively, the first guide member 43 in the second position may be located below the conveyance path 32. The distal end 43b of the first guide member 43 guiding the medium 19 is located so as not to overlap with the separator 40 when viewed in the conveyance direction Dc. In other words, the distal end 43b of the first guide member 43 in the second position is located so as not to overlap with the conveyance roller 41 and the separator roller 42 when viewed in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0048] Alternatively, the first guide member 43 and the separation roller 42 may be arranged side by side along the axial direction Da. The distal end 43b of the first guide member 43 for guiding the medium 19 is located at a position overlapping the nip range NR when viewed from the axial direction Da of the separation roller 42. The distal end 43b of the first guide member 43 located at the second position contacts the medium 19 within the nip range NR.

[0049] The second guide member 44 is provided between the feed roller 39 and the conveying roller 41 in the conveying direction Dc. The second guide member 44 may be provided at a position overlapping with the separating portion 40 when viewed in the conveying direction Dc. At least a portion of the second guide member 44 may be provided at the same position as at least one of the conveying roller 41 and the separating roller 42 in the axial direction Da.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the line connecting the rotation center of the feed roller 39 and the rotation center of the conveyor roller 41 is referred to as the first virtual line segment L1. The first virtual line segment L1 is perpendicular to the axis of the feed roller 39 and the axis of the conveyor roller 41. In this embodiment, the line connecting the contact point CP of the feed roller 39 with the medium 19 and the clamping range NR is referred to as the second virtual line segment L2. Alternatively, the second virtual line segment L2 is a line along the conveyor path 32. In this embodiment, the line perpendicular to the midpoint MP of the first virtual line segment L1 is referred to as the virtual perpendicular line L3.

[0051] Alternatively, the second guide member 44 may be disposed between the first virtual line segment L1 and the second virtual line segment L2. Alternatively, the second guide member 44 may be disposed opposite the hopper 24 with no medium 19 between them. Alternatively, the second guide member 44 may be disposed so as to intersect the virtual vertical line L3. The second guide member 44 contacts the first surface 19a of the medium 19 and guides the medium 19.

[0052] The role of implementation methods

[0053] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, when the separating section 40 is not clamping the medium 19, the separating roller 42 is driven by the conveying roller 41 and rotates in the forward rotation direction R1. When the separating roller 42 rotates in the forward rotation direction R1, even if the end of the medium 19 collides with the separating roller 42, the rotating separating roller 42 guides the medium 19 to the clamping range NR.

[0055] However, for example, if the separation roller 42 is worn, it may become easy for the separation roller 42 to slip relative to the transport roller 41. Specifically, the separation roller 42 may rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2 even when the separation unit 40 is not gripping the medium 19. The separation roller 42 rotating in the reverse rotation direction R2 may cause the medium 19 to rebound if it strikes the separation roller 42, thereby creating a risk that the separation unit 40 may be unable to grip the medium 19.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first guide member 43 guides the medium 19 into the clamping range NR. For example, if the medium 19 is weak, the separation roller 42 rotating in the reverse rotation direction R2 may not be able to clamp the medium 19 even if the medium 19 is guided into the clamping range NR. However, the second guide member 44 presses the deflected medium 19, forcing it into the clamping range NR. Therefore, even when the separation roller 42 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, the medium 19 is inserted into the clamping range NR. Once the separation unit 40 clamps the medium 19, the separation roller 42 rotates in the forward rotation direction R1, driven by the conveyed medium 19.

[0057] Effects of implementation methods

[0058] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0059] (1-1) The distal end 43b of the first guide member 43, which guides the medium 19, is located so as not to overlap with the separator 40 when viewed in the conveyance direction Dc, but to overlap with the clamping range NR when viewed in the axial direction Da. Therefore, the distal end of the medium 19 guided by the first guide member 43 can directly reach the clamping range NR while still being guided by the first guide member 43. This makes it easier to convey the medium 19 into the clamping range NR, thereby improving the conveyance accuracy of the medium 19.

[0060] (1-2) The first guide member 43 is displaceable. For example, by displacing the first guide member 43 due to the weight of the guided medium 19, the medium 19 can be easily guided to the nip range NR even when the medium 19 is of different types.

[0061] (1-3) For example, a rigid first guide member 43 requires a spring or the like to displace the first guide member 43. However, since the first guide member 43 is flexible, it can be displaced between the first and second positions by flexing. This simplifies the structure.

[0062] (1-4) The first guide member 43 and the separation roller 42 are in contact with the second surface 19b. This reduces the risk of the trailing end 43b of the medium 19 colliding with the separation roller 42, compared to when the first guide member 43 is in contact with the first surface 19a.

[0063] (1-5) The plurality of first guide members 43 are provided on both sides of the separation portion 40 in the axial direction Da. Therefore, the medium 19 can be guided to the nip range NR more easily than when the first guide member 43 is provided on one side.

[0064] (1-6) The method of rotating the separation roller 42 with the drive source 45 is referred to as an active delay method. In the case of the active delay method, for example, if the separation roller 42 wears and the friction coefficient decreases, the separation roller 42 sliding relative to the conveying roller 41 may rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2. If the medium 19 collides with the separation roller 42 rotating in the reverse rotation direction R2, the medium 19 cannot reach the clamping range NR, resulting in poor conveying. To address this issue, the first guide member 43 guides the medium 19 into the clamping range NR. Therefore, even when the separation roller 42 is rotating in the reverse rotation direction R2, the medium 19 can be conveyed into the clamping range NR, thereby extending the life of the separation roller 42.

[0065] (1-7) The medium 19 is subjected to a force in the conveying direction Dc from the feed roller 39 and a force in the direction opposite to the conveying direction Dc from the separation roller 42. Consequently, there is a risk that the medium 19 may deform between the feed roller 39 and the separation section 40. To address this issue, the second guide member 44 contacts the first surface 19a of the medium 19 between the feed roller 39 and the conveying roller 41. Specifically, the second guide member 44 suppresses deformation of the medium 19, thereby facilitating the conveyance of the medium 19 into the nip range NR.

[0066] (1-8) The deformation of the medium 19 tends to increase at a position intersecting the virtual perpendicular line L3. In view of this, the second guide member 44 intersects the virtual perpendicular line L3, and thus can effectively press the portion of the medium 19 that is easily deformed.

[0067] (1-9) The second guide member 44 is provided at a position overlapping the separator 40 when viewed in the conveying direction Dc. Therefore, even when the width of the medium 19 is small, the second guide member 44 can suppress deformation of the medium 19.

[0068] (1-10) The second guide member 44 is provided between the first imaginary line segment L1 and the second imaginary line segment L2. That is, the second guide member 44 is provided closer to the transported medium 19 than the first imaginary line segment L1, thereby effectively suppressing deformation of the medium 19.

[0069] (1-11) The medium 19 is placed on the cassette 16. The cassette 16 can be inserted into and removed from the device, so the medium 19 can be easily placed.

[0070] (1-12) For example, if the second guide member 44 contacts the medium 19 at a position away from the clamping range NR in the axial direction Da relative to the medium 19 being transported, there is a risk that the medium 19 may tilt. To address this issue, the second guide member 44 is positioned so as to overlap with the separator 40 when viewed in the transport direction Dc. This prevents the medium 19 from tilting.

[0071] Change Example

[0072] This embodiment can be implemented by modifying the following aspects: This embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a range that does not technically conflict.

[0073] The second guide member 44 may be flexible. The second guide member 44 may be made of a resin such as polyester, similar to the first guide member 43. The second guide member 44 may be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, thereby optimizing the sliding of the medium 19 relative to the second guide member 44.

[0074] At least a portion of the second guide member 44 may be located at a position offset from between the first virtual line segment L1 and the second virtual line segment L2 .

[0075] The second guide member 44 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the separation portion 40 when viewed in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0076] The feed mechanism 26 may include multiple second guide members 44. Alternatively, the multiple second guide members 44 may be arranged at positions staggered in the axial direction Da. Alternatively, the multiple second guide members 44 may be arranged at positions staggered in the conveying direction Dc. At least one of the multiple second guide members 44 may be arranged at a different position from the separating portion 40 in the axial direction Da, or at least one may be arranged at the same position as the separating portion 40.

[0077] The second guide member 44 may be provided at a position that does not intersect the virtual perpendicular line L3.

[0078] The medium transport device 17 may be configured not to include the torque limiter 46. For example, the medium transport device 17 may switch the transmission of the driving force to the separation roller 42 using a clutch, for example.

[0079] The medium transport device 17 may include one first guide member 43 .

[0080] The plurality of first guide members 43 in the above embodiment may be configured as one member in which the base ends 43 a are connected to each other, for example.

[0081] At least one of the plurality of feed mechanisms 26 may include the first guide member 43. At least one of the plurality of feed mechanisms 26 may include the second guide member 44.

[0082] The first surface 19a of the medium 19 may be the lower surface of the medium 19 when loaded in the cassette 16. The feed roller 39 may contact the medium 19 from below. The conveying roller 41 may be located below the conveying path 32. The separating roller 42 and the first guide member 43 may be located above the conveying path 32 and the conveying roller 41. In other words, the conveying roller 41, the separating roller 42, and the first guide member 43 may be arranged in a top-to-bottom configuration opposite to that of the embodiment. In this case, the second guide member 44 may be located below the conveying path 32.

[0083] The first guide member 43 may be rigid. The first guide member 43 may be a stopper that can be displaced between a first position and a second position. The medium transport device 17 includes a cam mechanism that displaces the first guide member 43 between the first position and the second position.

[0084] The first guide member 43 may not be displaced. For example, the first guide member 43 may be fixed at the second position.

[0085] The first guide member 43 may be provided so as to be in contact with the first surface 19 a of the medium 19 .

[0086] The medium transport device 17 may transport the medium 19 placed on the tray. The tray on which the medium 19 is placed may be fixed to the device or may be detachable.

[0087] The medium transport device 17 may be provided in a scanner including a reading unit for reading an image on the medium 19 .

[0088] The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may be a laser printer, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, a digital printer, or the like.

[0089] The recording device 11 may be a liquid ejecting device that ejects or sprays liquids other than ink to perform recording. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting device as a tiny amount of droplets includes a state in which the tail is elongated in granular, tear-like, or linear shapes. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejecting device. For example, the liquid may be a liquid in which the substance is in a liquid phase, and may include fluid bodies such as high-viscosity or low-viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and molten metals. In addition to liquids that are one state of matter, the liquid may include liquids in which particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink refers to inks of various liquid compositions including conventional water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, hot melt inks, and the like. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices for ejecting liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in a dispersed or dissolved form, which are used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid ejection devices may also be devices for ejecting bioorganic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, devices for ejecting liquids that serve as samples used as precision pipettes, printing and dyeing devices, micro-dispensers, and the like. Liquid ejection devices may also be devices for accurately ejecting lubricating oil onto precision machines such as clocks and cameras, or devices for ejecting transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet curing resins onto substrates in order to form tiny hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, and the like used in optical communication components. Liquid ejection devices may also be devices for ejecting etching liquids such as acids or alkalis in order to etch substrates.

[0090] definition

[0091] The expression "at least one" as used in this specification means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, when there are two options, the expression "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "both options." As another example, when there are three or more options, the expression "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options."

[0092] appendix

[0093] The following describes the technical ideas and effects grasped from the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples.

[0094] (A) The medium conveying device comprises: a separation portion for separating and conveying a plurality of media; and at least one first guide member for guiding the medium to the separation portion, the separation portion having a conveying roller and a separation roller, the conveying roller and the separation roller being capable of clamping the medium within a clamping range, the conveying roller being in contact with a first surface of the medium and conveying the medium in a conveying direction, the separation roller being in contact with a second surface opposite to the first surface of the medium, and the separation roller being capable of switching between a separation state for separating the plurality of media and a conveying state for conveying the separated medium, the end of the first guide member for guiding the medium being located at a position not overlapping with the separation portion when viewed from the conveying direction and overlapping with the clamping range when viewed from the axial direction of the separation roller.

[0095] With this structure, the distal end of the first guide member, which guides the media, is positioned so that it does not overlap with the separation portion when viewed in the conveying direction, but overlaps with the clamping range when viewed axially. Consequently, the distal end of the media guided by the first guide member can directly reach the clamping range while still being guided by the first guide member. This makes it easier to feed the media into the clamping range, thereby improving media conveyance accuracy.

[0096] (B) In the medium conveying device described in (A), the first guide member may be capable of being displaced to a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is the position where the first guide member is located when the medium is not guided, and the second position is the position where the first guide member is located when the medium is guided.

[0097] According to this configuration, the first guide member can be displaced. For example, by utilizing the weight of the guided medium to displace the first guide member, the medium can be easily guided to the gripping range even when the medium is of different types.

[0098] (C) In the medium transport device described in (B), the first guide member may be flexible.

[0099] For example, a rigid first guide member would require a spring or the like to displace the first guide member. However, this configuration allows the first guide member to be flexible, allowing it to be displaced between the first and second positions by bending. This simplifies the structure.

[0100] (D) In ​​the medium transport device described in (A) to (C), the first guide member may be in contact with the second surface of the medium.

[0101] According to this configuration, the first guide member and the separation roller are in contact with the second surface, thereby reducing the risk of the trailing end of the medium colliding with the separation roller compared to a case where the first guide member is in contact with the first surface.

[0102] (E) In the medium transport device described in (A) to (D), the medium transport device may include a plurality of the first guide members, and the plurality of the first guide members may be provided on both sides of the separation portion in the axial direction.

[0103] According to this configuration, the plurality of first guide members are provided on both sides of the separation portion in the axial direction. Therefore, the medium can be guided to the clamping range more easily than when the first guide member is provided on only one side.

[0104] (F) The medium conveying device described in (A) to (E) may further include: a driving source for rotating the separation roller in a reverse rotation direction; and a torque limiter for switching transmission of the driving force to the separation roller.

[0105] The method in which the drive source rotates the separation roller is called the active delay method. In the active delay method, for example, if the separation roller wears and the friction coefficient decreases, the separation roller sliding against the conveying roller may rotate in the reverse direction. If the media collides with the separation roller rotating in the reverse direction, the media cannot reach the clamping range, resulting in conveying failure. To address this issue, according to this structure, the first guide member guides the media into the clamping range. This allows the media to be conveyed into the clamping range even when the separation roller is rotating in the reverse direction, thereby extending the life of the separation roller.

[0106] (G) In the medium conveying device described in (F), the medium conveying device may also include: a feed roller that contacts the first surface of the medium placed thereon and conveys the medium; and a second guide member that contacts the first surface of the medium and guides the medium, the feed roller being arranged upstream of the separation portion in the conveying direction, and the second guide member being arranged between the feed roller and the conveying roller in the conveying direction.

[0107] The media is subjected to a force in the conveying direction from the feed roller and a force in the opposite direction from the separation roller. Consequently, there is a risk of the media deforming between the feed roller and the separation section. To address this issue, with this structure, the second guide member contacts the first surface of the media between the feed roller and the conveying roller. This second guide member suppresses deformation of the media, allowing the media to be easily fed into the nip range.

[0108] (H) In the medium conveying device described in (G), the second guide member may intersect with a virtual perpendicular line perpendicular to the midpoint of a first virtual line segment connecting the rotation center point of the feed roller and the rotation center point of the conveying roller.

[0109] The deformation of the medium tends to increase at a position intersecting the virtual vertical line. In view of this, according to this configuration, the second guide member intersects the virtual vertical line, so that the portion of the medium that is easily deformed can be effectively pressed.

[0110] (I) In the medium conveying device described in (G) or (H), the second guide member is provided at a position overlapping with the separation portion when viewed from the conveying direction.

[0111] According to this configuration, the second guide member is provided at a position overlapping the separation portion when viewed from the conveying direction. Therefore, even when the width of the medium is small, for example, the second guide member can suppress deformation of the medium.

[0112] (J) In the medium conveying device described in (G) to (I), the second guiding component may be arranged between a first virtual line segment and a second virtual line segment, the first virtual line segment connecting the rotation center point of the feed roller and the rotation center point of the conveying roller, and the second virtual line segment connecting the contact point of the feed roller contacting the medium and the clamping range.

[0113] According to this configuration, the second guide member is provided between the first and second virtual line segments. That is, the second guide member is provided closer to the conveyed medium than the first virtual line segment, so deformation of the medium can be effectively suppressed.

[0114] (K) A recording device includes the medium transport device described in (A) to (J), and a recording unit that records on the medium.

[0115] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned medium transport device can be achieved.

[0116] (L) In the recording device described in (K), the recording device may include a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the device, and the medium transport device may transport the medium placed on the inserted cartridge.

[0117] According to this structure, the medium is placed in the cassette. Since the cassette can be inserted into and removed from the device, the medium can be easily placed.

Claims

1. A medium conveying device, characterized in that: have: a separation unit that separates and transports a plurality of media; and at least one first guide member, guiding the medium to the separation portion, The separation unit includes a conveying roller and a separation roller, and the conveying roller and the separation roller are capable of clamping the medium within a clamping range. The conveying roller contacts the first surface of the medium and conveys the medium in a conveying direction. The separation roller contacts a second surface of the medium opposite to the first surface, and the separation roller can be switched between a separation state for separating the plurality of media and a conveyance state for conveying the separated media. The tip of the first guide member for guiding the medium is located at a position that does not overlap with the separation portion when viewed from the conveying direction and overlaps with the nip range when viewed from the axial direction of the separation roller.

2. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first guide member is displaceable to a first position where the first guide member is located when not guiding the medium and a second position where the first guide member is located when guiding the medium.

3. The medium conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first guide member has flexibility.

4. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first guide member is in contact with the second surface of the medium.

5. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medium conveying device includes a plurality of the first guide members. The plurality of first guide members are provided on both sides of the separation portion in the axial direction.

6. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: a driving source to rotate the separation roller in a reverse rotation direction; and The torque limiter switches transmission of the driving force from the driving source to the separation roller.

7. The medium conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that: have: a feed roller that contacts the first surface of the placed medium and conveys the medium; and a second guide member contacting the first surface of the medium and guiding the medium; The feed roller is disposed upstream of the separation portion in the conveying direction. The second guide member is provided between the feed roller and the conveying roller in the conveying direction.

8. The medium conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second guide member intersects a virtual vertical line perpendicular to a midpoint of a first virtual line segment connecting a rotation center point of the feed roller and a rotation center point of the transport roller.

9. The medium conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second guide member is provided at a position overlapping the separation portion when viewed from the conveying direction.

10. The medium conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second guide member is disposed between a first virtual line segment connecting a rotation center point of the feed roller and a rotation center point of the conveying roller, and a second virtual line segment connecting a contact point of the feed roller contacting the medium and the clamping range.

11. A recording device, characterized in that: have: The medium conveying device according to claim 1; and The recording unit records on the medium.

12. The recording device according to claim 11, characterized in that The recording device includes a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the recording device. The medium transport device transports the medium placed on the inserted cassette.

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