Medium conveying device and recording apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses a medium conveying apparatus and a recording apparatus. When viewed from a medium width direction that intersects the conveyance direction, an end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction overlaps an end portion of the second path forming member in the first direction in a state in which the first cover and the second cover are closed, and an end portion of the second path forming member in the second direction overlaps an end portion of the second path forming member in the first direction in a state in which the first cover and the second cover are closed. The end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction is positioned closer to the second direction than the end portion of the second cover in the first direction in a state where the first cover and the second cover are closed, and the end portion of the second path forming member in the first direction is positioned closer to the second direction than the end portion of the first cover in the second direction in a state where the first cover and the second cover are closed. When the first cover is opened from the closed state, an end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction moves toward the inside of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device for transporting a medium, and a recording device including the medium transport device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a rotatable cover on the back of the apparatus, and enabling paper jam handling by opening the cover to expose a sheet conveyance path.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus including a fixed conveying guide and a movable conveying guide, and a sheet conveying path can be opened by opening the movable conveying guide. In this image forming apparatus, the connection between the fixed conveying guide and the movable conveying guide is a comb-tooth structure.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-070556

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-032040

[0006] When the cover is enlarged to open a wider range of sheet conveying paths, operability is reduced or a large space is required to open the cover. Therefore, in order to open a wider range of sheet conveying paths, it is preferred to divide the cover. Hereinafter, one of the adjacent covers is referred to as a first cover, and the other cover is referred to as a second cover.

[0007] Furthermore, it is necessary to provide a path member such as the fixed conveying guide and the movable conveying guide inside the cover. Hereinafter, the path member provided in the first cover is referred to as a first path forming member, and the path member provided in the second cover is referred to as a second path forming member.

[0008] In order to allow the sheet to advance from one of the first path forming member and the second path forming member to the other without getting caught, it may be necessary to adopt a comb-tooth structure as disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0009] Since the comb tooth structure is formed by the first path forming component protruding toward the second cover side and the second path forming component protruding toward the first cover side, when the first cover is about to be opened, the front end of the first path forming component will be stuck on the second cover. In addition, when the second cover is about to be opened, the front end of the second path forming component will be stuck on the first cover.

[0010] In order to avoid such a problem, the gap between the first cover and the second cover needs to be widened. However, with such a structure, dust and the like are likely to enter the inside of the device through the gap between the first cover and the second cover. Summary of the invention

[0011] 20. The medium conveying device of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned technical problems is characterized in that it comprises: a frame; a conveying path arranged on the inner side of the frame, and conveying the medium along a conveying direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first cover that can be rotated to an open state in which a part of the conveying path is exposed, and a closed state in which the medium is not exposed; a second cover that can be rotated to an open state in which a part of the conveying path is exposed, and a closed state in which the medium is not exposed, and the second cover is arranged in the second direction relative to the first cover in a manner aligned with the first cover; a first path forming component that is arranged on the inner side of the first cover and forms a part of the conveying path; and a second path forming component that is arranged on the inner side of the second cover and is located in the second direction relative to the first path forming component. two directions, forming a part of the conveying path. When observed from a direction intersecting the conveying direction, that is, the medium width direction, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the first path forming component in the second direction overlaps with the end of the second path forming component in the first direction. When the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the first path forming component in the second direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the second cover in the first direction. When the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the second path forming component in the first direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the first cover in the second direction. When the first cover is opened from a closed state, the end of the first path forming component in the second direction moves toward the inside of the device.

[0012] Furthermore, a recording device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording unit that performs recording on a medium; and the above-mentioned medium transport device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a media transport path of a printer.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the printer with the first cover and the second cover closed.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the printer with the first cover open and the second cover closed.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the printer with the first cover closed and the second cover open.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the printer with the first cover, the second cover, and the inner door opened.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the first path forming member and the second path forming member in a state where the first cover and the second cover are closed.

[0019] Figure 7 It is an enlarged perspective view of a connection portion between the first path forming member and the second path forming member.

[0020] Figure 8 It is an enlarged view of the protruding portion of the first path forming member and the receiving portion of the third path forming member.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view of main parts of the first path forming member, the second path forming member, and the third path forming member.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of main parts of the first path forming member, the second path forming member, and the third path forming member.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a diagram schematically showing a comparative example of a first cover, a second cover, a first path forming member, and a second path forming member.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a diagram schematically showing main parts of a first cover, a second cover, a first path forming member, and a second path forming member.

[0025] Description of Reference Numerals

[0026] 1: inkjet printer; 2: frame; 3: first medium box; 7: discharge part in the shell; 8: inclined panel; 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D: ink container; 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D: mounting part; 12: waste liquid container; 13: conveyor belt; 14, 15: pulley; 19: supply roller; 20: separation roller; 21: pickup roller; 25: feed roller pair; 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35A, 35B, 36, 37, 38: conveyor roller pair; 41: baffle; 43: head unit; 44: line head; 51: first cover; 51a: Rotating axis; 51c: holding portion; 52: second cover; 52a: hinge portion; 52c: holding portion; 53: middle door; 53a: rotating axis; 61: first path forming member; 61a: protrusion; 62: second path forming member; 62a: recess; 62b: bottom surface; 63: third path forming member; 63a: receiving portion; 90: post-processing unit; 91: processing tray; 92: post-processing portion; 93: loading tray; 100: medium conveying device; T1: conveying path during recording; T2: turning path; T3: connecting path; T4: flipping path; T5: discharge path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention will be briefly described below.

[0028] The medium conveying device involved in the first embodiment is characterized by comprising: a frame; a conveying path arranged on the inner side of the frame, and conveying the medium along a conveying direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first cover that can be rotated to an open state in which a part of the conveying path is exposed, and a closed state in which the medium is not exposed; a second cover that can be rotated to an open state in which a part of the conveying path is exposed, and a closed state in which the medium is not exposed, and the second cover is arranged in the second direction relative to the first cover in a manner aligned with the first cover; a first path forming component that is arranged on the inner side of the first cover and forms a part of the conveying path; and a second path forming component that is arranged on the inner side of the second cover and is located in the second direction relative to the first path forming component. Forming a part of the conveying path, when viewed from a direction intersecting the conveying direction, i.e., a medium width direction, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the first path forming component in the second direction overlaps with the end of the second path forming component in the first direction, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the first path forming component in the second direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the second cover in the first direction, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the second path forming component in the first direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the first cover in the second direction, and when the first cover is opened from a closed state, the end of the first path forming component in the second direction moves toward the inside of the device.

[0029] According to this method, when viewed from the width direction of the medium, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, a portion of the first path forming member overlaps with a portion of the second path forming member, thereby preventing the medium conveyed in the conveying path from getting stuck on the first path forming member or the second path forming member.

[0030] In addition, since the structure is such that: when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the first path forming member in the second direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the second cover in the first direction, when the first cover is opened from the closed state, the end of the first path forming member in the second direction moves toward the inside of the device. Therefore, when the first cover is opened, the end of the first path forming member in the second direction will not interfere with the second cover, and the first cover can be opened and closed independently.

[0031] In addition, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the second path forming member in the first direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the first cover in the second direction. Therefore, when the second cover is opened, the end of the second path forming member in the first direction does not interfere with the first cover, and the second cover can be opened and closed independently.

[0032] As described above, interference between components can be avoided when the first cover and the second cover are opened and closed. Therefore, it is not necessary to ensure a large gap between the first cover and the second cover, and intrusion of dust into the inside of the device can be suppressed.

[0033] The second method is a method subordinate to the first method, and is characterized in that a protrusion protruding toward the second direction is provided at the end of the first path forming member in the second direction, and a recess is formed at the end of the second path forming member in the first direction, the recess is a recess for receiving the protrusion and has a bottom surface along the conveying path, and the protrusion enters the recess when the first cover and the second cover are closed, so that when viewed from the width direction of the medium, a portion of the first path forming member overlaps with a portion of the second path forming member.

[0034] According to this method, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the protrusion enters the recess to form a structure that conforms to the teeth of a comb, so that the medium is less likely to be stuck when it moves from one side of the first path forming member and the second path forming member to the other side. In addition, the recess has a bottom surface along the conveying path, so that dust and the like can be suppressed from entering the inside of the device through the connection portion between the first path forming member and the second path forming member.

[0035] The third method is a method subordinate to the first method, and is characterized in that the first direction is a vertical upward direction and the second direction is a vertical downward direction, the vertical dimension of the second cover is larger than the vertical dimension of the first cover, the axis of rotation of the first cover is along the width direction of the medium, the first cover is opened and closed by rotating the end in the first direction as a free end, and the axis of rotation of the second cover is along the vertical direction.

[0036] In a configuration in which the second cover has a larger vertical dimension than the first cover, when the second cover is rotated with the upper end as a free end or with the lower end as a free end, a space required for opening and closing increases.

[0037] According to this aspect, since the axis of rotation of the second cover is along the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the space required for opening and closing the second cover.

[0038] In addition, this aspect is not limited to being subordinate to the above-mentioned first aspect, and may be subordinate to the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0039] A fourth aspect is a aspect subordinate to the third aspect, wherein the first cover and the second cover are provided on the right side or the left side of the frame, and the second cover is opened and closed by rotating the front end in the depth direction of the device as a free end.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the first cover and the second cover are arranged on the right side or the left side of the frame, and the second cover is opened and closed by rotating the end portion on the front side in the depth direction of the device as a free end, so that when the second cover is opened from a closed state, it opens toward the rear of the device. Therefore, when the second cover is opened to perform a paper jam handling operation, the second cover is unlikely to become an obstacle.

[0041] In addition, in this specification, the paper jam handling job means a job of removing a jammed medium.

[0042] A fifth aspect is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized in that, in the transport path, a portion formed by the end portion of the first path forming member in the first direction is curved.

[0043] According to this method, in the conveying path, the portion formed by the end of the first direction of the first path forming component is bent, so paper jams of the medium are likely to occur at this portion, but the first cover is opened and closed by rotating the end of the first direction as a free end, so when the first cover is opened, the bent portion is widely opened, and paper jam handling operations can be easily performed.

[0044] In addition, this aspect is not limited to being subordinate to the above-mentioned third aspect, and may be subordinate to the above-mentioned fourth aspect.

[0045] The sixth method is a method subordinate to the first method, and is characterized in that it comprises: a third path forming component, which is a component arranged opposite to the first path forming component and forms a part of the conveying path, and a receiving portion is provided in the third path forming component, and the receiving portion receives the end of the first path forming component in the second direction when the first cover is opened.

[0046] According to this embodiment, in the third path forming member disposed opposite to the first path forming member, since the third path forming member is provided with a receiving portion for receiving the end of the first path forming member in the second direction when the first cover is opened, it is possible to avoid the end of the first path forming member in the second direction from colliding with the third path forming member when the first cover is opened. In addition, in the case where there is a medium stuck between the first path forming member and the third path forming member, it is possible to prevent the end of the first path forming member in the second direction from sinking into the medium when the first cover is opened.

[0047] In addition, this aspect is not limited to being subordinate to the above-mentioned first aspect, and may be subordinate to any one of the above-mentioned second to fifth aspects.

[0048] The seventh method is a method subordinate to the first method, and is characterized in that it comprises: a second conveying path, which is used as the first conveying path and is located closer to the inside of the device than the first conveying path; a middle door, which is opposite to the second path forming component, and forms a part of the first conveying path and a part of the second conveying path. The middle door can be rotated to an open state in which a part of the second conveying path is exposed, and a closed state in which the part is not exposed.

[0049] According to this aspect, in a configuration in which the second conveying path is provided further inside the device than the first conveying path, a portion of the second conveying path can be exposed by opening the middle door, and a jam handling operation can be performed when a medium jam occurs in the second conveying path.

[0050] In addition, this aspect is not limited to being subordinate to the above-mentioned first aspect, and may be subordinate to any one of the above-mentioned second to sixth aspects.

[0051] An eighth aspect is an aspect dependent on the seventh aspect, and is characterized in that the middle door is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the first cover and the first path forming member when opened and closed.

[0052] According to this aspect, the middle door is disposed at a position where it does not interfere with the first cover and the first path forming member when opened and closed. Therefore, the middle door can be opened and closed without opening the first cover, thereby improving the usability of the device.

[0053] A recording device according to a ninth aspect is characterized by comprising: a recording unit that performs recording on a medium; and the medium transport device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0054] According to this aspect, in the recording device, the effects of any one of the first to eighth aspects described above can be obtained.

[0055] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0056] Next, as an example of a recording device, an inkjet printer 1 will be described. The inkjet printer 1 performs recording by ejecting ink as an example of liquid onto a medium represented by recording paper. Hereinafter, the inkjet printer 1 is simply referred to as a printer 1.

[0057] In addition, from the viewpoint of conveying a medium, a configuration in which a line head 44 described later is removed from the printer 1 can be understood as the medium conveying device 100 . The printer 1 is configured to include the medium conveying device 100 and the line head 44 .

[0058] The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system, and the Y-axis direction is a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the medium, that is, the width direction of the medium, and also the depth direction of the device. In the Y-axis direction, the +Y direction is a direction from the front surface of the device toward the back surface of the device, and the -Y direction is a direction from the back surface of the device toward the front surface of the device. In addition, in this embodiment, an inclined panel 8 constituting an operation portion for performing various operation settings is provided on the front surface of the device (see Figure 2 to Figure 5 ), among the sides of the device, the side provided with the inclined panel 8 is the front surface of the device.

[0059] The X-axis direction is the width direction of the device. When viewed from an operator facing the inclined panel 8, the +X direction is the left direction and the -X direction is the right direction. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, which is the normal direction relative to the mounting surface G of the printer 1, that is, the height direction of the device. In the Z-axis direction, the +Z direction is the upward direction and the -Z direction is the downward direction. In addition, the +Z direction is an example of the first direction and the -Z direction is an example of the second direction.

[0060] In the following, the direction in which the medium is transported is sometimes referred to as "downstream", and the opposite direction is sometimes referred to as "upstream". Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the medium conveying path is shown by a dotted line. Figure 1 The medium is transported along the medium transport path shown by the dotted line.

[0061] The F axis direction is the medium conveying direction between the line head 44 and the conveyor belt 13 described later, that is, in the recording area, the +F direction is the downstream of the conveying direction, and the opposite -F direction is the upstream of the conveying direction. The V axis direction is the direction orthogonal to the F axis direction.

[0062] The printer 1 is configured so that an expansion unit (not shown) can be connected to the lower portion of the housing 2, and so that the medium can be fed from the expansion unit. Figure 1 In the figure, reference numeral 28 denotes a pair of conveying rollers for conveying a medium fed from an additional unit (not shown) into the interior of the housing 2 .

[0063] The printer 1 may also be configured as a multifunction peripheral including a scanner unit (not shown) as an example of an image reading device on the upper portion of the housing 2 .

[0064] The housing 2 includes a first medium cassette 3 for storing a medium at the bottom. A pickup roller 21 for sending the stored medium in the −X direction is provided with respect to the first medium cassette 3. The medium sent by the pickup roller 21 is sent toward the transport roller pair 31 by the feed roller pair 25.

[0065] In addition, below, unless otherwise specified, the “roller pair” is composed of a driving roller that is driven by a driving source (not shown) to apply a conveying force to the medium and a driven roller that contacts the driving roller or the medium and rotates drivenly.

[0066] In addition, the supply roller 19 and the separation roller 20 provided near the conveying roller pair 38 are Figure 1 The roller pair for delivering the medium from the supply tray is omitted in the figure.

[0067] The medium receiving the conveying force from the conveying roller pair 31 is conveyed to a position between a line head 44 as an example of a recording unit and the conveying belt 13, that is, facing the line head 44. Hereinafter, the medium conveying path from the conveying roller pair 31 to the conveying roller pair 32 is referred to as a recording conveying path T1.

[0068] The line head 44 constitutes the head unit 43. The line head 44 ejects ink onto the surface of the medium to perform recording. The line head 44 is an ink ejection head configured so that the nozzles ejecting ink cover the entire area in the width direction of the medium, and is configured so that the ink ejection head can record in the entire area of ​​the width of the medium without moving in the width direction of the medium. However, the ink ejection head is not limited to this, and may be a type that is mounted on a carriage and ejects ink while moving in the width direction of the medium.

[0069] The head unit 43 is provided to be able to advance and retreat relative to the recording conveyance path T1 , and is provided to be able to move between a recording position where it enters the recording conveyance path T1 and records on the medium and a retreat position where it retreats from the recording conveyance path T1 .

[0070] Figure 1 The state where the head unit 43 is located at the recording position is shown, and recording is performed on the medium in this state.

[0071] Reference numerals 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are ink containers serving as liquid containers. Ink ejected from the line head 44 is supplied from each ink container to the line head 44 via a tube (not shown). The ink containers 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are provided to be attachable to and detachable from the mounting portions 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, respectively.

[0072] Indicated at 12 is a waste liquid storage portion that stores ink as waste liquid ejected from the line head 44 toward a flushing cap (not shown) for maintenance.

[0073] The conveyor belt 13 is an endless belt hung around pulleys 14 and 15, and at least one of the pulleys 14 and 15 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The medium is adsorbed to the belt surface of the conveyor belt 13 and conveyed to a position facing the line head 44. The medium can be adsorbed to the conveyor belt 13 by a known adsorption method such as an air suction method and an electrostatic adsorption method.

[0074] Here, when recording through the position opposite to the line head 44, the conveying path T1 intersects both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and conveys the medium upward. That is, the F-axis direction intersects both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Therefore, in the line head 44, the ejection surface 44a that ejects ink is also parallel to the F-axis direction and intersects both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the angle α formed by the F-axis direction and the horizontal direction is 75°. In addition, the angle α can also be appropriately changed to other angles within the range of 0°<α≤90°. For example, the angle α can also be set to a range of 45°≤α≤80°. In addition, in the case of miniaturizing the printer 1, it is preferably 60°≤α≤80°.

[0075] The medium on which the recording has been performed on the first surface by the line head 44 is further transported upward by the transport roller pair 32 located downstream of the transport belt 13 .

[0076] A baffle 41 is provided downstream of the conveying roller pair 32, and the conveying direction of the medium is switched by the baffle 41. When the medium is conveyed to the post-processing unit 90 described later, the medium is conveyed to the upper discharge path T5 by the baffle 41. The medium conveyed to the discharge path T5 is conveyed to the post-processing unit 90 by the conveying roller pair 35A and the conveying roller pair 35B downstream thereof.

[0077] When recording is performed on the first side of the medium and then recording is performed on the second side, the conveying direction of the medium is directed toward the branch position K1 due to the baffle 41. Then, the medium passes through the branch position K1 and enters the turning path T2. In this embodiment, the turning path T2 is a medium conveying path on the upper side of the branch position K1. The turning path T2 is provided on the inner side of the frame 2 and is an example of a conveying path for conveying the medium along the conveying direction including the +Z direction and the -Z direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the conveying direction including the +Z direction and its opposite −Z direction means that it is not necessarily required to be strictly parallel to the +Z direction and the −Z direction as long as it includes a +Z direction component or a −Z direction component.

[0079] The switchback path T2 has a curved path portion T2 a in which the medium is curved.

[0080] The switchback path T2 is provided with a pair of conveying rollers 36 and 37. The medium entering the switchback path T2 is conveyed upward by the pair of conveying rollers 36 and 37. When the lower end of the medium passes the branch position K1, the rotation direction of the pair of conveying rollers 36 and 37 is switched, thereby conveying the medium downward.

[0081] The turning path T2 is connected to the connecting path T3. In the present embodiment, the connecting path T3 is set as a medium conveying path from the branch position K1 to the conveying roller pair 34. In addition, the connecting path T3 is connected to the reversing path T4. In the present embodiment, the reversing path T4 is set as a medium conveying path from the conveying roller pair 34 through the conveying roller pair 38 to the conveying roller pair 31. The reversing path T4 is a conveying path that is upstream of the position opposite to the line head 44, and is located vertically below the line head 44. In addition, the reversing path T4 is a path portion that is convex vertically below, and is a path that bends and reverses the medium upward.

[0082] The medium conveyed downward from the branch position K1 receives conveying force from the conveying roller pairs 33 and 34 , reaches the conveying roller pair 38 , is reversed, and is conveyed to the conveying roller pair 31 .

[0083] The medium conveyed again to the position facing the line head 44 faces the line head 44 on the second side opposite to the first side on which recording has been performed. Thus, the line head 44 can perform recording on the second side of the medium.

[0084] The upper portion of the switchback path T2 described above can be exposed by opening a first cover 51 to be described later, thereby enabling a paper jam handling operation to be performed.

[0085] Furthermore, the lower portion of the switchback path T2 can be exposed by opening a second cover 52 to be described later, thereby enabling a paper jam handling operation to be performed.

[0086] Furthermore, a portion of the discharge path T5 can be exposed by opening a middle door 53 described later, thereby enabling a paper jam handling operation.

[0087] Then, the medium transported on the discharge path T5 is discharged to the in-shell discharge unit 7. The in-shell discharge unit 7 is provided in the internal space of the printer 1 and is a space for discharging the recorded medium. It is a space open in the -Y direction and the +X direction. When viewed from the +Z direction, the in-shell discharge unit 7 overlaps with the top surface of the frame 2.

[0088] The post-processing unit 90 is provided in the in-shell discharge portion 7. The post-processing unit 90 may be detachable from the in-shell discharge portion 7. In addition, when the post-processing unit 90 is not installed, a discharge tray (not shown) may be installed instead of the post-processing unit 90.

[0089] The post-processing unit 90 includes a processing tray 91, and the medium discharged through the discharge path T5 is temporarily loaded on the processing tray 91. The medium loaded on the processing tray 91 can be subjected to stapling processing by the post-processing unit 92. The medium subjected to stapling processing is discharged to the loading tray 93 by the discharge unit (not shown) and loaded on the loading tray 93.

[0090] In addition, the stapling process of a stapler is an example of post-processing, and the post-processing is not limited to the stapling process. Other processes such as the punching process of punching holes in the medium, the saddle stitching process of saddle stitching a stack of media, and the shift discharge process of discharging the stack of media in an alternately staggered manner in the width direction of the medium.

[0091] Next, refer to Figure 2 The first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are described in the following figures.

[0092] The printer 1 includes a first cover 51 on the right side and a second cover 52 below the first cover 51 .

[0093] The first cover 51 is a cover that can be rotated with a rotation axis 51a ( Figure 1 , Fig. 9 ) is the center of rotation of the cover. Figure 2 In the figure, reference numeral La1 shows the axis center line of the rotating shaft 51a, that is, the axis of rotation of the first cover 51. In this embodiment, the axis La1 is parallel to the Y axis. The first cover 51 can be rotated to an open state ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ), and a closed state in which it is not exposed ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 ).

[0094] The rotation axis 51 a of the first cover 51 is provided in the vicinity of the end portion in the −Z direction of the first cover 51 , and thus the end portion in the +Z direction of the first cover 51 is a free end during rotation.

[0095] The first cover 51 is provided with a grip portion 51 c near the end portion in the +Z direction, and the first cover 51 can be opened by placing a finger in the grip portion 51 c.

[0096] The second cover 52 can be hinged with two hinge parts 52a ( Figure 4 ) is a cover that rotates around the first cover 51 and is arranged in the -Z direction relative to the first cover 51. Figure 2 , reference numeral La2 indicates the axis of rotation of the second cover 52. In the present embodiment, the axis La2 is parallel to the Z axis.

[0097] The second cover 52 can be rotated to an open state ( Figure 4 ), and a closed state in which it is not exposed ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0098] The hinge portion 52 a of the second cover 52 is provided in the vicinity of the end portion in the +Y direction of the second cover 52 , and thus the end portion in the −Y direction of the second cover 52 serves as a free end when rotating.

[0099] In the second cover 52 , a grip portion 52 c is provided near the end portion in the −Y direction, and the second cover 52 can be opened by placing a finger in the grip portion 52 c .

[0100] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a middle door 53 is provided on the inner side of the second cover 52. The middle door 53 is a door that can be rotated with a rotation axis 53a ( Figure 1 ) is an opening and closing body that rotates around the first cover 51 and the first path forming member 61 described later, and is arranged at a position closer to the -Z direction. In this embodiment, the axis center line of the rotating shaft 53a is parallel to the Z axis.

[0101] The middle door 53 can be rotated to an open state ( Figure 5 ), and a closed state in which it is not exposed ( Figure 4 ).

[0102] The rotation axis 53a of the middle door 53 is provided in the vicinity of the end in the +Y direction of the middle door 53, and thus the end in the -Y direction of the middle door 53 is used as a free end when rotating.

[0103] The middle door 53 can be opened and closed without affecting the opening and closing state of the first cover 51 when the second cover 52 is opened.

[0104] The middle door 53 forms a part of the switchback path T2 and a part of the discharge path T5. When the middle door 53 is opened, a part of the discharge path T5 is exposed. Thus, when a paper jam occurs in the discharge path T5, a paper jam handling operation can be performed.

[0105] Inside the first cover 51 , a first path forming member 61 forming a part of the turn path T2 is provided integrally with the first cover 51 .

[0106] Furthermore, inside the second cover 52 , a second path forming member 62 is provided which is located in the −Z direction relative to the first path forming member 61 and forms a part of the switchback path T2 so as to be integrated with the second cover 52 .

[0107] If the first cover 51 is opened, the upper portion of the turning path T2, particularly the curved path portion T2a ( Figure 1 ) is exposed. Thus, when a paper jam occurs in the upper part of the switching path T2, a paper jam handling operation can be performed.

[0108] When the second cover 52 is opened, the lower part of the switchback path T2 is exposed. Thus, when a paper jam occurs in the lower part of the switchback path T2, a paper jam handling operation can be performed. In addition, when the second cover 52 is opened, the clamping of the conveying roller pair 36 and 37 is released.

[0109] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the first path forming member 61 has a protrusion 61a at the end in the -Z direction, which protrudes toward the second path forming member 62. A plurality of protrusions 61a are provided at appropriate intervals along the Y-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction.

[0110] In addition, if Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the second path forming member 62 has a recess 62a at the end in the +Z direction. A plurality of recesses 62a are provided at appropriate intervals along the Y-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction. The recess 62a can receive the protrusion 61a when the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are closed.

[0111] With such a configuration, when viewed from the medium width direction, the end portion in the -Z direction, which is a portion of the first path forming member 61, and the end portion in the +Z direction, which is a portion of the second path forming member 62, are aligned. Fig.12 In other words, the ends of the first path forming member 61 in the -Z direction and the ends of the second path forming member 62 in the +Z direction form a comb structure. This can prevent the leading end of the medium from getting stuck on the first path forming member 61 when the medium moves from the -Z direction to the +Z direction.

[0112] The first cover 51 can be opened and closed independently without being affected by the opening and closing state of the second cover 52. In addition, the second cover 52 can also be opened and closed independently without being affected by the opening and closing state of the first cover 51.

[0113] Below, this situation is described in detail.

[0114] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a technical problem to be solved by the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, and is a comparative example of the present embodiment. Fig.11 In the drawings, reference numerals 151 , 152 , 161 , and 162 correspond to the first cover 51 , the second cover 52 , the first path forming member 61 , and the second path forming member 62 , respectively.

[0115] exist Fig.11 In the comparative example, the rotation axis 151a of the first cover 151 is provided near the end in the +Z direction in the first cover 151, and the first cover 151 rotates with the end in the -Z direction as a free end. In addition, the axis center line of the rotation axis 151a is parallel to the Y axis.

[0116] The rotation shaft 152a of the second cover 152 is provided near the end in the -Z direction in the second cover 152, and the second cover 152 rotates with the end in the +Z direction as a free end. The axis center line of the rotation shaft 152a is parallel to the Y axis.

[0117] The first path forming member 161 and the second path forming member 162 are respectively arranged in a comb-tooth structure at the opposing parts, like the first path forming member 61 and the second path forming member 62 described above. Reference numeral 161a is a protrusion provided at the end in the -Z direction in the first path forming member 161. In addition, reference numeral 162a is a protrusion provided at the end in the +Z direction in the second path forming member 162. The protrusions 161a and the protrusions 162a are alternately provided along the Y-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction, to form a comb-tooth structure.

[0118] Such a comb structure is required in order to allow the front end of the medium to advance from one of the first path forming member 161 and the second path forming member 162 to the other without being caught. However, there is a concern that when the first cover 151 is about to be opened, the protrusion 161a of the first path forming member 161 is caught on the second cover 152, and further, when the second cover 152 is about to be opened, the protrusion 162a of the second path forming member 162 is caught on the first cover 151. Therefore, in order to avoid such a problem, it is necessary to Fig.11 Although the gap G1 between the first cover 151 and the second cover 152 is ensured as shown, with such a structure, dust and the like are likely to enter the inside of the device through the gap G1.

[0119] Therefore, in this embodiment, the gap G1 between the first cover 151 and the second cover 152 is reduced while ensuring the comb-teeth structure by configuring as follows.

[0120] like Fig.12 As shown, when the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are closed, the end M1 of the first path forming member 61 in the −Z direction, that is, the end M1 of the protrusion 61 a is located closer to the −Z direction than the end N2 of the second cover 52 in the +Z direction.

[0121] In addition, when the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are closed, the +Z direction end M2 of the second path forming member 62 is located closer to the −Z direction than the −Z direction end N1 of the first cover 51 .

[0122] When the first cover 51 is opened from the closed state, the end M1 of the first path forming member 61 in the -Z direction moves toward the +X direction, that is, toward the inside of the device. This is because the rotation axis 51a is along the Y axis direction and the end M1 is located below the rotation axis 51a.

[0123] As described above, the structure is as follows: when the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are closed, the end M1 of the first path forming member 61 is located closer to the -Z direction than the end N2 of the second cover 52 in the +Z direction. When the first cover 51 is opened from the closed state, the end M1 of the first path forming member 61 moves toward the inside of the device. Therefore, when the first cover 51 is opened, the end M1 of the first path forming member 61 will not interfere with the second cover 52, and the first cover 51 can be opened and closed independently.

[0124] In addition, when the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are closed, the end M2 of the second path forming component 62 is located closer to the -Z direction than the end N1 of the first cover 51. Therefore, when the second cover 52 is opened, the end M2 of the second path forming component 62 will not interfere with the first cover 51, and the second cover 52 can be opened and closed independently.

[0125] As described above, when the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are opened and closed, interference between the components can be avoided. Therefore, there is no need to ensure a large gap between the first cover 51 and the second cover 52, and intrusion of dust into the device can be suppressed.

[0126] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 7 , Fig. 9 As shown, the recessed portion 62a formed in the second path forming member 62 has a bottom surface 62b along the turning path T2. Thus, when the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are closed, dust and the like can be prevented from entering the device through the connection portion of the first path forming member 61 and the second path forming member 62.

[0127] However, instead of providing the recessed portion 62 a at the end portion in the +Z direction of the second path forming member 62 , a protrusion (not shown) protruding in the +Z direction may be provided to form a comb-teeth structure together with the protrusion 61 a of the first path forming member 61 .

[0128] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the vertical dimension Z2 of the second cover 52 is larger than the vertical dimension Z1 of the first cover 51. In addition, the rotation axis La1 of the first cover 51 (see Figure 2 ) Along the Y-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction, the first cover 51 is opened and closed by rotating with the end in the +Z direction as a free end. In addition, the rotation axis La2 of the second cover 52 (refer to Figure 2 ) along the vertical direction.

[0129] Thus, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in a configuration where the vertical dimension Z2 of the second cover 52 is larger than the vertical dimension Z1 of the first cover 51, assuming that the axis La2 of rotation of the second cover 52 is along the Y-axis direction, the upper end is rotated as a free end, or the lower end is rotated as a free end, the space required for opening and closing becomes larger.

[0130] However, according to the present embodiment, since the axis La2a of the rotation of the second cover 52 is along the vertical direction, the space required for opening and closing the second cover 52 can be reduced.

[0131] In addition, the second cover 52 is opened and closed by rotating the end in the -Y direction, i.e., the front side, as a free end in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the depth direction of the device. Thus, when the second cover 52 is opened from the closed state, the second cover 52 opens toward the rear of the device, and when the second cover 52 is opened to perform a paper jam handling operation, the second cover 52 is unlikely to become an obstacle.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are provided on the right side of the device, but they may be provided on the left side, or on the back side, or on the front side of the device.

[0133] In addition, the second cover 52 may be configured to be opened and closed by rotating with the end portion on the rear side in the depth direction of the device as a free end.

[0134] In addition, the rotation axis La2 of the second cover 52 may be arranged to be parallel to the Y-axis direction. In this case, the free end of the second cover 52 may be the end in the +Z direction or the end in the -Z direction.

[0135] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the turn path T2 , a portion formed by the end portion in the +Z direction of the first path forming member 61 is curved to form a curved path portion T2 a .

[0136] Therefore, a medium jam is likely to occur in the curved path portion T2a. However, the first cover 51 is opened and closed by rotating the end in the +Z direction as a free end. Therefore, when the first cover 51 is opened, the curved path portion T2a is widely opened, and the jam handling operation can be easily performed.

[0137] Next, the third path forming member 63 will be described. The third path forming member 63 is a member disposed to face the first path forming member 61 and forms a part of the switchback path T2.

[0138] When Figure 3 , Figure 5 When the first cover 51 is opened as shown, the third path forming member 63 is exposed.

[0139] like Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 As shown, the third path forming member 63 is provided with a receiving portion 63 a that receives the protruding portion 61 a that is an end portion of the first path forming member 61 in the −Z direction when the first cover 51 is opened.

[0140] The receiving portion 63 a is formed to be recessed in the +X direction and is provided at a position corresponding to the protruding portion 61 a along the Y-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction.

[0141] Thus, when the first cover 51 is opened, it is possible to avoid the protrusion 61a of the first path forming member 61 from colliding with the third path forming member 63. Furthermore, in the case where there is a medium stuck between the first path forming member 61 and the third path forming member 63, when the first cover 51 is opened, it is possible to prevent the protrusion 61a of the first path forming member 61 from sinking into the medium.

[0142] Next, the middle door 53 will be further described.

[0143] If the switchback path T2 is set as the first conveying path, the second conveying path is set further inside the device than the first conveying path. In this embodiment, the second conveying path is the discharge path T5. In other words, the second conveying path is located in the +X direction relative to the first conveying path.

[0144] The middle door 53 is an opening and closing body facing the second path forming member 62, and forms a part of the switchback path T2 and a part of the discharge path T5. By opening the middle door 53, a jam can be handled when a medium jam occurs in the discharge path T5.

[0145] Here, the middle door 53 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the first cover 51 and the first path forming member 61 when opened and closed. Specifically, the middle door 53 is arranged at a position closer to the first cover 51 and the first path forming member 61 in the -Z direction.

[0146] Thus, the middle door 53 can be opened and closed without opening the first cover 51, thereby improving the usability of the device.

[0147] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and such modifications are naturally also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A medium conveying device, characterized in that: have: Frame; A conveying path, disposed inside the frame, for conveying the medium along a conveying direction including a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first cover rotatable between an open state in which a portion of the conveying path is exposed and a closed state in which a portion of the conveying path is not exposed; a second cover rotatable between an open state in which a portion of the conveying path is exposed and a closed state in which a portion of the conveying path is not exposed, and arranged in the second direction relative to the first cover in a manner aligned with the first cover; a first path forming member, disposed on the inner side of the first cover and forming a part of the conveying path; as well as a second path forming member, which is disposed inside the second cover and is located in the second direction relative to the first path forming member and forms a part of the conveying path; When viewed from a direction intersecting the conveying direction, that is, a medium width direction, when the first cover and the second cover are closed, an end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction overlaps an end portion of the second path forming member in the first direction. When the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the first path forming member in the second direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the second cover in the first direction. When the first cover and the second cover are closed, the end of the second path forming member in the first direction is located closer to the second direction than the end of the first cover in the second direction. When the first cover is opened from a closed state, the end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction moves toward the inside of the device.

2. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protrusion protruding in the second direction is provided at an end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction, A recessed portion is formed at an end portion of the second path forming member in the first direction, the recessed portion receiving the protruding portion and having a bottom surface along the conveying path, By the protrusion entering the recess in a state where the first cover and the second cover are closed, a portion of the first path forming member overlaps a portion of the second path forming member when viewed from the medium width direction.

3. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first direction is a vertical upward direction and the second direction is a vertical downward direction, The second cover has a vertical dimension greater than that of the first cover. The rotation axis of the first cover is along the width direction of the medium. The first cover is opened and closed by rotating with the end portion in the first direction as a free end. The axis of rotation of the second cover is along the vertical direction.

4. The medium conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first cover and the second cover are arranged on the right side or the left side of the frame. The second cover is opened and closed by rotating the second cover with the front end in the depth direction of the device as a free end.

5. The medium conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the transport path, a portion formed by the end portion of the first path forming member in the first direction is curved.

6. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: A third path forming member is disposed opposite to the first path forming member and forms a part of the conveying path. A receiving portion is provided in the third path forming member, and when the first cover is opened, the receiving portion receives the end portion of the first path forming member in the second direction.

7. The medium conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: a second conveying path, which uses the conveying path as the first conveying path and is located further inside the device than the first conveying path; and a middle door, which is opposite to the second path forming member and forms a part of the first conveying path and a part of the second conveying path, The middle door is rotatable between an open state in which a portion of the second conveying path is exposed and a closed state in which a portion of the second conveying path is not exposed.

8. The medium conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The middle door is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the first cover and the first path forming member when opened and closed.

9. A recording device, characterized in that: have: a recording unit that records on a medium; and The medium conveying device as described in claim 1.

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