Housing unit, recording apparatus, and holding method

Abstract

The invention provides a housing unit which can be easily inserted into a housing, a recording apparatus, and a holding method. The housing unit is provided with: a housing (21) provided with an opening; and a scanning unit (3) capable of switching between a closed posture in which the opening of the housing (21) is closed and an open posture in which the opening of the housing (21) is open by 52 degrees or more from the closed posture by the scanning unit (3) by rotating about a rotation axis with respect to the housing (21), the scanning unit (3) having a first protruding portion, the housing (21) having a third supporting portion, and the scanning unit (3) having a second protruding portion. The first protruding part can move in the direction along the rotation axis together with the scanning unit (3), the first protruding part and the third supporting part can be clamped by moving the first protruding part in the direction along the rotation axis, and the scanning unit (3) is kept in the open posture by clamping the first protruding part and the third supporting part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing unit, a recording device and a holding method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printer in which a scanning unit is disposed on the upper side of a housing. In this printer, the scanning unit can be opened and closed relative to the housing, and when performing maintenance, the scanning unit can be opened upward to reach into the housing. In addition, in order to improve the workability during maintenance, a support rod is provided in this printer for holding the scanning unit in an open state.

[0003] However, in the printer described in Patent Document 1, the support rod supports the end portion of the scanner portion on the open side, that is, the end portion that moves up and down when opening and closing. Therefore, depending on the content of the work, the support rod may hinder the insertion into the housing.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-190873 Summary of the invention

[0005] The shell unit is characterized in that it comprises: a shell, which is provided with an opening; an opening and closing part, which can switch between a closed posture in which the opening of the shell is closed and a first open posture in which the opening of the shell is opened by rotating relative to the shell with the rotation axis as the center, the opening and closing part has a first locking part, and the shell has a second locking part. The opening and closing part is opened from the closed posture by more than a first angle, and then the first locking part or the second locking part moves in the direction along the rotation axis, so that the first locking part and the second locking part can be locked, and the opening and closing part is maintained in the first open posture by the locking of the first locking part and the second locking part.

[0006] The recording device is characterized by comprising: the housing unit described above; and a recording section which is accommodated in the housing and records on a medium.

[0007] The holding method is characterized in that it is a method for holding an opening and closing portion in a first open posture, wherein the opening and closing portion is capable of switching between a closed posture in which the opening of the shell is closed and a first open posture in which the opening of the shell is opened by rotating relative to a shell provided with an opening about a rotation axis. In the holding method, the opening and closing portion is opened by more than a first angle from the closed posture, and in a state in which the opening and closing portion is opened by more than the first angle, the opening and closing portion is moved in a direction along the rotation axis, and in a state in which the opening and closing portion has moved in the direction along the rotation axis, a first engaging portion of the opening and closing portion and a second engaging portion of the shell are engaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the printer.

[0009] Figure 2 A top view of the printer.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the printer with the scanning unit opened 25 degrees.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the printer with the scanning unit opened 45 degrees.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the printer with the scanning unit removed.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the scanning unit as viewed from the bottom side.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the first support portion of the housing.

[0015] Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the first protrusion of the scanning unit.

[0016] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism when the opening angle is 25 degrees.

[0017] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism when the opening angle is 55 degrees.

[0018] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism when the opening angle is 25 degrees.

[0019] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism when the opening angle is 55 degrees.

[0020] Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism in a state where the scanning unit is opened to 55 degrees and moved in the +X direction.

[0021] Fig.14 This is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism in a state where the scanning unit is moved in the +X direction and then lowered.

[0022] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first support portion when the opening angle is 45 degrees.

[0023] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the second support portion when the opening angle is 45 degrees.

[0024] Fig.17 This is a flowchart for explaining a method for holding the scanning unit in an open posture with an opening angle of 45 degrees. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The printer 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0026] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the printer 1, Figure 2 It is a top view of the printer 1.

[0027] The printer 1 is an inkjet printer that performs recording by ejecting liquid such as ink onto a medium such as recording paper. The printer 1 is an example of a recording device.

[0028] In each of the drawings, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown. The X-axis is parallel to the installation surface of the printer 1 and corresponds to the width direction of the printer 1. The Y-axis is parallel to the installation surface of the printer 1 and corresponds to the depth direction of the printer 1. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the installation surface of the printer 1 and corresponds to the height direction of the printer 1.

[0029] Hereinafter, the +X direction parallel to the X axis is the left direction when facing the front surface of the printer 1. The -X direction parallel to the X axis is the opposite direction to the +X direction. The +Y direction parallel to the Y axis is the direction from the back side to the front side of the printer 1. The -Y direction parallel to the Y axis is the opposite direction to the +Y direction. The +Z direction parallel to the Z axis is the direction from the installation surface of the printer 1 to the top. The -Z direction parallel to the Z axis is the opposite direction to the +Z direction.

[0030] The printer 1 is a multifunction device including a device body 2 and a scanning unit 3. The scanning unit 3 is disposed on the upper portion of the device body 2. The scanning unit 3 is an example of a reading device for reading a document. The device body 2 has a box-shaped housing 21, and various components are provided inside and outside the housing 21. The device body 2 and the scanning unit 3 are configured so that the side surfaces in the ±X direction and the ±Y direction are substantially flush.

[0031] The device body 2 has a function of recording on a medium, and the scanning unit 3 has a function of reading a manuscript. The device body 2 includes an ink ejection head 22 as an example of a recording unit. The ink ejection head 22 records on a medium by ejecting ink as an example of a liquid. The ink ejection head 22 is provided on a carriage 23 that moves in the ±X direction. The ink ejection head 22 is supplied with ink from an ink storage unit 26 as an example of a liquid storage unit described later via an ink tube not shown.

[0032] The scanning unit 3 includes a unit main body 31 and a document feeding device 32. The upper surface of the unit main body 31 is a document table (not shown) composed of a glass plate or the like. The unit main body 31 includes a reading sensor 31a extending in the ±Y direction below the document table. The reading sensor 31a is composed of a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) in this embodiment, and reads the document placed on the document table while moving in the ±X direction.

[0033] The document feeding device 32 is arranged at the upper part of the unit main body 31. The document feeding device 32 is connected to the unit main body 31 via a hinge (not shown) provided on the back side of the printer 1. The rotation axis of the hinge is parallel to the ±X direction. The document feeding device 32 can be opened and closed relative to the unit main body 31 by the hinge. The user can expose the document table by opening the document feeding device 32, and thus set the document on the document table or take out the document.

[0034] An openable and closable top cover 32a is disposed on the upper surface of the manuscript feeding device 32. When the manuscript is read by the manuscript feeding device 32, the manuscript is set in a paper feed port (not shown) exposed when the top cover 32a is opened, and is transported to the manuscript table. The reading sensor 31a reads the transported manuscript while being stopped at the end in the +X direction relative to the manuscript table. In this case, the first side of the manuscript is read by the reading sensor 31a, and the second side opposite to the first side is read by the reading sensor (not shown) disposed inside the manuscript feeding device 32.

[0035] An operation panel 33 for performing various setting operations is provided on the front surface of the printer 1. In this embodiment, the operation panel 33 is not supported by the device body 2 but by the unit body 31 of the scanning unit 3 (see Figure 3 However, the operation panel 33 may be provided on the device body 2. The device body 2 includes an openable and closable front cover 24 below the operation panel 33. When the front cover 24 is opened, a paper discharge tray 25 for receiving the medium after recording and being discharged appears (see Figure 3 ) and a medium storage box (not shown) disposed on the lower side thereof.

[0036] The media storage box stores a plurality of media before recording. The media stored in the media storage box is fed in the -Y direction by a feed roller (not shown), then reversed and fed in the +Y direction while recording is performed, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 25. In addition, the front cover 24 and the operation panel 33 in the closed state are as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, they are substantially flush.

[0037] On the front surface of the apparatus main body 2, an ink storage section 26 as an example of a liquid storage section is provided on the -X side. A plurality of ink tanks (not shown) are provided inside the ink storage section 26, and each ink tank contains ink of a different color. A remaining amount visual confirmation section 27 is provided below the ink storage section 26 to visually confirm the remaining amount of each ink.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the printer 1 in a state where the scanner unit 3 is opened.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the printer 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the scanning unit 3 can be opened and closed relative to the device body 2, that is, the housing 21. The housing 21 is provided with an opening facing upward, that is, in the +Z direction. In addition to the ink ejection head 22 and the carriage 23 described above, a moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the carriage 23 in the ±X directions, a conveying mechanism (not shown) for conveying the medium, etc. are also accommodated inside the housing 21. By opening the scanning unit 3, the opening of the housing 21 is opened, and the interior of the housing 21 can be inserted through the opening. In addition, by closing the scanning unit 3, the opening of the housing 21 is closed.

[0040] In the event of a paper jam inside the housing 21, the user can remove the jam by opening the scanning unit 3. An opening and closing mechanism 5 for opening and closing the scanning unit 3 is provided on the inner side of the housing 21, that is, on the -Y side (see FIG. Figure 4), and the scanning unit 3 can be opened by lifting the end of the front surface side, that is, the +Y side of the scanning unit 3. The opening and closing mechanism 5 is a mechanism for rotating the scanning unit 3 around the rotation axis along the ±X direction. That is, the scanning unit 3 can switch its posture between a closed posture of closing the opening of the shell 21 and an open posture of opening the opening of the shell 21 by rotating relative to the shell 21 around the rotation axis. The scanning unit 3 is an example of an opening and closing part. In addition, a structure including the shell 21 and the scanning unit 3 that can be opened and closed relative to the shell 21 is an example of a shell structure.

[0041] The printer 1 includes a long plate-shaped retaining plate 4 extending in the up-down direction, and the housing 21 and the scanning unit 3 are connected via the retaining plate 4. That is, the retaining plate 4 is connected to both the housing 21 and the scanning unit 3. The retaining plate 4 is disposed at the end of the +Y direction and the end of the +X direction of the printer 1. Therefore, compared with the case where the retaining plate 4 is disposed in the center of the ±X direction, it is possible to suppress the retaining plate 4 from obstructing the extension into the housing 21. The upper end of the retaining plate 4 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the scanning unit 3 around a rotation axis along the ±X direction. When the scanning unit 3 is closed, the lower end of the retaining plate 4 is located inside the device body 2. On the other hand, when the scanning unit 3 is opened at a predetermined angle, the lower end of the retaining plate 4 is secured by a locking portion 28 (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ) and is stuck, and becomes unable to further open the scanning unit 3. That is, the holding plate 4 limits the opening of the scanning unit 3 to a predetermined angle.

[0042] When the scanning unit 3 is opened to a position close to the predetermined angle and then slightly lowered, the lower end of the holding plate 4 is guided by the stopper 28 to be located at the holding plate support 29 (see FIG. 2 ) provided on the housing 21. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ). At this time, the scanning unit 3 is supported by the holding plate support portion 29 via the holding plate 4. In this state, the scanning unit 3 will be maintained in an open state even if it is not lifted by the user. Therefore, the user can use both hands to perform operations such as removing the medium. In the present embodiment, the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 when the scanning unit 3 is held by the holding plate 4 is approximately 25 degrees. The opening angle refers to the angle by which the scanning unit 3 is rotated from the closed position. The posture of the scanning unit 3 when the opening angle is approximately 25 degrees is an example of a second open posture. In addition, the holding plate 4 is an example of a holding portion that holds the scanning unit 3 in the second open posture. The second open posture is a posture in which the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 is smaller than the first open posture described later.

[0043] When the user slightly lifts the scanning unit 3 after the operation is completed, the lower end of the holding plate 4 is guided from the holding plate support portion 29 to a downwardly open position by the locking portion 28. In this state, when the user lowers the scanning unit 3, the holding plate 4 moves downward inside the housing 21, and the scanning unit 3 is closed.

[0044] As described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment can hold the scanning unit 3 at an opening angle of about 25 degrees so that the user can perform simple operations. In addition, the printer 1 can also open the scanning unit 3 at an opening angle larger than 25 degrees so that the manufacturer's staff can perform more complicated maintenance operations, repairs, etc. That is, operations at an opening angle of about 25 degrees are assumed to be operations performed by the user, and operations at an opening angle larger than 25 degrees are assumed to be operations performed by the manufacturer's staff.

[0045] The holding plate 4 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and has rigidity that can support the scanning unit 3, and on the other hand, has elasticity to the extent that it can be twisted and deformed with the longitudinal direction as the axis. If the worker twists the lower end side of the holding plate 4 while lifting the scanning unit 3 to an opening angle of about 25 degrees, the locking by the locking portion 28 is released. In other words, the holding plate 4 can be attached and detached relative to the housing 21. Moreover, by removing the holding plate 4 from the housing 21, the scanning unit 3 can be opened at an opening angle greater than 25 degrees.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the printer 1 in a state where the scanner unit 3 is opened 45 degrees.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, when the scanning unit 3 is opened to 45 degrees, it becomes easier to extend into the inside of the device body 2 than when it is opened to 25 degrees. In addition, the lower end of the holding plate 4 is removed from the housing 21 and is in a state of hanging down from the scanning unit 3. The opening and closing mechanism 5 for opening and closing the scanning unit 3 is provided on the inner side of the printer 1, that is, the -Y side.

[0048] Figure 5 2 is a perspective view showing the printer 1, that is, the device body 2, in a state where the scanning unit 3 is removed. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the scanning unit 3 when viewed from the bottom side. Figure 6 The coordinate axes shown are the coordinate axes when the scanning unit 3 is closed. Hereinafter, when the shape of the scanning unit 3 and the like are described, the description will be made using the coordinate axes.

[0049] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, the opening and closing mechanism 5 includes a fixed side mechanism 5 a provided on the housing 21 and a movable side mechanism 5 b provided on the scanning unit 3 .

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixed side mechanism 5a includes a first support portion 51 and a second support portion 52 that protrude in the +Z direction as a whole. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 are separated in the ±X direction, and the second support portion 52 is arranged closer to the +X direction than the first support portion 51. A through hole 51a is formed at the end of the +Z side of the first support portion 51, which penetrates in the ±X direction. On the other hand, a concave opening portion 52a is formed on the surface of the +X side at the end of the +Z side of the second support portion 52, which is concave in the -X direction. That is, the housing 21 has a through hole 51a and an opening portion 52a. The shapes of the through hole 51a and the opening portion 52a when viewed from the +X side are both circular. The through hole 51a and the opening portion 52a are an example of a bearing portion. In addition, substantially U-shaped recesses 51b and 52b that are concave in the +Y direction are formed on the surface of the -Y side of the first support portion 51 and the surface of the -Y side of the second support portion 52, respectively.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the scanning unit 3 has a plate-shaped support member 34 constituting the bottom of the unit body 31. The support member 34 has a first protrusion 61 and a second protrusion 62 protruding in the -Y direction on the inner side, that is, the -Y side. The first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 are integrally provided with respect to the scanning unit 3 and constitute the movable side mechanism 5b. The first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 are separated in the ±X directions, and the second protrusion 62 is arranged closer to the +X direction than the first protrusion 61. At the end of the -Y side of the first protrusion 61, a cylindrical first shaft portion 61a protruding in the -X direction is formed on the surface of the -X side. In addition, at the end of the -Y side of the second protrusion 62, a cylindrical second shaft portion 62a protruding in the -X direction is formed on the surface of the -X side. That is, the scanning unit 3 has a first shaft portion 61a protruding from the first protrusion 61 and a second shaft portion 62a protruding from the second protrusion 62. The first shaft portion 61a and the second shaft portion 62a are examples of shaft portions, and constitute a rotation axis for opening and closing the scanning unit 3. In addition, the ±X directions correspond to directions along the rotation axis.

[0052] When the scanning unit 3 is mounted on the device body 2, the first protrusion 61 of the scanning unit 3 is located on the +X side of the first support portion 51 of the housing 21, and the second protrusion 62 of the scanning unit 3 is located on the +X side of the second support portion 52 of the housing 21. Furthermore, the first shaft portion 61a is fitted with the through hole 51a formed in the first support portion 51, and the second shaft portion 62a is fitted with the opening portion 52a formed in the second support portion 52. When the scanning unit 3 is opened or closed, the first shaft portion 61a slides in the circumferential direction relative to the inner surface of the through hole 51a, and the second shaft portion 62a slides in the circumferential direction relative to the inner surface of the opening portion 52a.

[0053] The opening and closing mechanism 5 of this embodiment has a holding mechanism that holds the scanning unit 3 in a state of opening 45 degrees. With this holding mechanism, the worker no longer needs to support the scanning unit 3 when the scanning unit 3 is opened further than the second opening posture, so maintenance and repair can be easily performed.

[0054] Specifically, when the worker removes the holding plate 4 from the housing 21 and lifts the scanning unit 3 so that the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 is greater than 52 degrees, the scanning unit 3 can move in the +X direction relative to the device body 2. Then, when the scanning unit 3 is lowered after being moved a predetermined distance in the +X direction, a part of the fixed side mechanism 5a and a part of the movable side mechanism 5b are engaged, and the scanning unit 3 is maintained in a posture with an opening angle of about 45 degrees. The posture of the scanning unit 3 when the opening angle is about 45 degrees is an example of the first opening posture. In this way, the scanning unit 3 of the present embodiment can switch the posture to a closed posture with an opening angle of 0 degrees, a second opening posture with an opening angle of about 25 degrees, and a first opening posture with an opening angle of about 45 degrees.

[0055] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the first support portion 51 of the housing 21. Figure 8 It is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the first protrusion 61 of the scanning unit 3 .

[0056] like Figure 7As shown, on the +X side of the first support portion 51, a third support portion 54 integrally formed with the housing 21 is provided with a gap 53. That is, the housing 21 has a third support portion 54. The third support portion 54 has a convex portion 55 on its -X side. The convex portion 55 is in the shape of a plate that is substantially parallel to the YZ plane, and protrudes in a direction having a +Y component and a +Z component. In addition, an inclined surface 55a having a normal direction in the protruding direction is formed on the convex portion 55. The third support portion 54 can be engaged with the first protrusion 61 of the scanning unit 3 at the convex portion 55. The first protrusion 61 is an example of a first engaging portion, and the third support portion 54 is an example of a second engaging portion.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, a concave groove 63 is formed at the end of the -Y direction of the first protrusion 61 of the scanning unit 3, which is recessed in the +Y direction and extends in the ±Z direction. The first protrusion 61 enters the groove 63 through the convex portion 55 and engages with the third supporting portion 54. The width of the groove 63, that is, the dimension in the ±X direction, is greater than the width of the convex portion 55, that is, the dimension in the ±X direction.

[0058] In addition, the width of the first protrusion 61, i.e., the dimension in the ±X direction, is smaller than the width of the gap 53 between the first support portion 51 and the third support portion 54, i.e., the dimension in the ±X direction. Normally, the first protrusion 61 is located in the gap 53, and the scanning unit 3 is opened and closed in a state where the first protrusion 61 is located in the gap 53.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism 5 when the opening angle is 25 degrees, Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism 5 when the opening angle is 55 degrees.

[0060] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 is less than 52 degrees, the first protrusion 61 of the scanning unit 3 is sandwiched between the first support portion 51 and the third support portion 54 of the housing 21. That is, when viewed from the +X side, the first protrusion 61 overlaps the third support portion 54, so the scanning unit 3 cannot move in the +X direction. On the other hand, Fig.10As shown, when the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 is more than 52 degrees, the first protrusion 61 of the scanning unit 3 no longer overlaps with the third support portion 54 when viewed from the +X side. That is, the scanning unit 3 is freed from the restriction imposed by the third support portion 54 and can move in the +X direction. In this way, when the scanning unit 3 is not opened more than 52 degrees from the closed position, the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 interfere with each other, thereby restricting the movement of the scanning unit 3 in the +X direction. On the other hand, when the scanning unit 3 is opened more than 52 degrees from the closed position, the scanning unit 3 can move in the +X direction. 52 degrees is an example of the first angle.

[0061] In addition, if Fig.10 As shown in the figure, when the scanning unit 3 is opened to 55 degrees, the cover member 31b constituting the back side of the unit main body 31 abuts against the recessed portion 51b of the first supporting portion 51 and the recessed portion 52b of the second supporting portion 52. Therefore, the scanning unit 3 cannot be opened more than 55 degrees. That is, the cover member 31b, the first supporting portion 51 and the second supporting portion 52 are an example of a limiting portion that limits the opening of the scanning unit 3 to more than 55 degrees. 55 degrees, which is an angle greater than 52 degrees, is an example of the second angle.

[0062] Figures 11 to 14 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing mechanism 5 when viewed upward along the inclined surface 55a from the front. Fig.11 This is the diagram when the opening angle is 25 degrees. Fig.12 This is the diagram when the opening angle is 55 degrees. Fig.13 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state where the scanning unit 3 is opened to 55 degrees and moved in the +X direction. Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a state in which the scanning unit 3 is moved in the +X direction and then lowered.

[0063] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the opening angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 52 degrees, the first protrusion 61 is sandwiched between the first support portion 51 and the third support portion 54 and therefore cannot move in the ±X direction. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the worker opens the scanning unit 3 to an opening angle of 52 degrees or more, the +X side of the first protrusion 61 is opened, so the scanning unit 3 can move in the +X direction. Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the worker moves the scanning unit 3 in the +X direction by a predetermined distance D, the first protrusion 61 moves together with the scanning unit 3 in the +X direction by a distance D. Furthermore, the groove 63 of the first protrusion 61 and the convex portion 55 of the third supporting portion 54 are opposed to each other, so that the first protrusion 61 and the third supporting portion 54 can be engaged. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig.14As shown in FIG. 1 , when the scanning unit 3 is lowered from this state, the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 engage. As a result, the scanning unit 3 is supported by the housing 21 via the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54. At this time, the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 is about 45 degrees. In other words, the scanning unit 3 can be maintained at an opening angle of 45 degrees without being supported by the staff (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ).

[0064] Thus, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the first protrusion 61 can move in the +X direction by opening the scanning unit 3 by more than 52 degrees from the closed position. In addition, the first protrusion 61 can be engaged with the third support portion 54 by moving the first protrusion 61 in the +X direction by a distance D. Furthermore, the scanning unit 3 is held in a position with an open angle of 45 degrees by engaging the first protrusion 61 with the third support portion 54.

[0065] When the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 are engaged, the convex portion 55 of the third support portion 54 enters the groove 63 of the first protrusion 61. Therefore, if the scanning unit 3 is to be moved in the ±X direction in this state, the side surface of the convex portion 55 abuts against the inner wall of the groove 63. In other words, the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 interfere with each other, thereby restricting the movement of the scanning unit 3 in the ±X direction.

[0066] Fig.15 as well as Fig.16 This is a cross-sectional view of the opening and closing mechanism 5 when the opening angle is 45 degrees as viewed from the back side. Fig.15 2 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the first support portion 51. Fig.16 It is a diagram showing the vicinity of the second support portion 52 .

[0067] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the scanning unit 3 moves a distance D in the +X direction and the first protrusion 61 is engaged with the third support portion 54, the first shaft portion 61a is still engaged with the through hole 51a. Fig.16 As shown, the second shaft portion 62a is still fitted in the opening portion 52a when the first protrusion 61 is engaged with the third support portion 54. Therefore, even when the scanning unit 3 is moved by a distance D in the +X direction, the scanning unit 3 can be opened and closed stably.

[0068] Fig.17 It is a flowchart for explaining a method for holding the scanning unit 3 in an open posture with an open angle of 45 degrees.

[0069] like Fig.17As shown, first, the staff lifts the scanning unit 3 in the closed position and opens the scanning unit 3 until the opening angle from the closed position becomes about 25 degrees (step S101). Next, the retaining plate 4 is twisted and the retaining plate 4 is removed from the housing 21 (step S102). Then, the staff further lifts the scanning unit 3 and opens the scanning unit 3 until the opening angle from the closed position becomes more than 52 degrees (step S103). Next, the staff moves the scanning unit 3 in the +X direction by a distance D while the scanning unit 3 is opened by more than 52 degrees (step S104). Finally, the scanning unit 3 is lowered while the scanning unit 3 is moved in the +X direction by a distance D, so that the first protrusion 61 is engaged with the third support portion 54 (step S105). Thus, the scanning unit 3 is maintained in a state where the opening angle is 45 degrees.

[0070] After the staff has performed necessary operations such as maintenance and repair, the scanning unit 3 can be returned to the closed state by performing the reverse operation to the above. That is, the scanning unit 3 is kept at an opening angle of 45 degrees (see Fig.14 ), the worker lifts the scanning unit 3 until the opening angle becomes greater than 52 degrees (refer to Fig.13 ) and move the scanning unit 3 in the -X direction (refer to Fig.12 Then, the worker lowers the scanning unit 3 until the opening angle approaches 25 degrees (see Fig.11 ), twist the lower end side of the holding plate 4 to make it locked with the locking portion 28, and place the holding plate 4 on the holding plate support portion 29. Further, the worker slightly lifts the scanning unit 3 and then lowers it, so that the holding plate 4 moves downward inside the housing 21, and the scanning unit 3 is closed.

[0071] As described above, according to the housing structure, printer 1 , and holding method of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the scanning unit 3 having the first protrusion 61 is moved in the +X direction, and the first protrusion 61 is engaged with the third support portion 54, so that the scanning unit 3 is held in an open posture of 45 degrees. Thus, a component for supporting the scanning unit 3 at the end of the open side is not required, so that the scanning unit 3 can be easily inserted into the housing 21.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 can be engaged with each other by moving the scanner unit 3 in the +X direction, the operation of holding the scanner unit 3 in the 45-degree open posture becomes easy.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 is less than 52 degrees, the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 interfere with each other, thereby limiting the movement of the scanning unit 3 in the +X direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the scanning unit 3 moves unexpectedly. In addition, since the movement of the scanning unit 3 is limited by the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 for engagement, it is not necessary to add a component for limiting, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the first protrusion 61 is engaged with the third support portion 54, the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 interfere with each other, thereby restricting the movement of the scanning unit 3 in the +X direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the scanning unit 3 is accidentally moved and the engagement is disengaged. In addition, since the movement of the scanning unit 3 is restricted by the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 for engagement, it is not necessary to add a component for restriction, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the scanning unit 3 moves in the +X direction and the first protrusion 61 is engaged with the third support portion 54, the first shaft portion 61a is still fitted in the through hole 51a, and the second shaft portion 62a is still fitted in the opening portion 52a. Therefore, the scanning unit 3 can be stabilized in the 45-degree open posture.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the first shaft portion 61a, which is the rotation axis of the scanning unit 3, protrudes from the first protrusion 61 engaged with the third support portion 54. That is, the scanning unit 3 and the housing 21 are engaged with each other near the rotation axis. Therefore, in the 45-degree open posture, the opening of the housing 21 can be opened more widely, making it easier to reach into the housing 21. Furthermore, since the first shaft portion 61a and the first protrusion 61 are integrated, the housing structure can be simplified compared to a structure in which the first shaft portion 61a and the first protrusion 61 are separated.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the cover member 31b of the scanner unit 3 abuts against the recessed portion 51b of the first support portion 51 and the recessed portion 52b of the second support portion 52, thereby restricting the scanner unit 3 from opening more than 55 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the scanner unit 3 from accidentally opening too far and causing the printer 1 to fall over.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the scanning unit 3 can be held in an open posture of 45 degrees, and can also be held in an open posture of 25 degrees by the holding plate 4, an appropriate posture can be selected according to the content of the work, etc. In particular, when performing a simple work, it is not necessary to open the scanning unit 3 more than necessary.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the holding plate 4 is attachable to and detachable from the housing 21 , the scanner unit 3 can be opened more widely by removing the holding plate 4 .

[0081] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the scanning unit 3 can be opened and closed relative to the housing 21. Since the scanning unit 3 is heavier than a simple opening and closing cover, it is difficult for a worker to hold it by himself while performing maintenance, etc. In other words, by keeping the scanning unit 3 in a predetermined open posture, the operability during maintenance, repair, etc. can be improved.

[0082] This embodiment is based on the above-mentioned structure, and partial changes or omissions of the structure can be made within the scope of the main purpose of the present disclosure. In addition, this embodiment and the modified examples described below can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction. The modified examples are described below.

[0083] In the above embodiment, although the scanning unit 3 that can rotate relative to the housing 21 is shown to be movable along the rotation axis, the housing 21 may be movable along the rotation axis. In other words, the third support portion 54 integrally provided relative to the housing 21 may be movable along the rotation axis together with the housing 21.

[0084] In addition, the first protrusion 61 is not limited to the structure in which the first protrusion 61 moves integrally with the scanning unit 3, and the first protrusion 61 may be movable along the rotation axis relative to the scanning unit 3. In other words, in order to engage the first protrusion 61 with the third support portion 54, only the first protrusion 61 may be moved instead of moving the entire scanning unit 3. Alternatively, only the third support portion 54 may be moved relative to the housing 21.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the scanning unit 3 has the first shaft portion 61a and the second shaft portion 62a, and the housing 21 has the through hole 51a and the opening 52a respectively engaged with the first shaft portion 61a and the second shaft portion 62a, but the structure may be the opposite. In other words, the housing 21 may have the first shaft portion 61a and the second shaft portion 62a, and the scanning unit 3 may have the through hole 51a and the opening 52a.

[0086] In addition, when the scanning unit 3 has the through hole 51a and the opening 52a, it is preferred that the through hole 51a and the opening 52a are formed on the first protrusion 61 of the scanning unit 3. According to this structure, the scanning unit 3 and the housing 21 are engaged with each other near the rotation axis. Therefore, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, in the 45-degree open posture, the opening of the housing 21 can be opened larger, and it becomes easier to extend into the housing 21. In addition, compared with a structure in which the through hole 51a and the opening 52a are formed on a component separated from the first protrusion 61, the housing structure can be simplified.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the holding plate 4 is detachable from the housing 21, but it may be detachable from the scanning unit 3, or detachable from both the housing 21 and the scanning unit 3. In other words, the holding plate 4 only needs to be detachable from at least one of the housing 21 and the scanning unit 3.

[0088] In the above embodiment, when the opening angle of the scanning unit 3 is less than 52 degrees, the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 interfere with each other, thereby limiting the movement of the scanning unit 3 in the X direction, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the structure may be such that the movement is limited by the interference between the parts different from the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54.

[0089] In the above embodiment, when the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 are engaged, the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 interfere with each other, thereby limiting the movement of the scanning unit 3 in the +X direction, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, a structure in which the movement is limited by the interference between the parts different from the first protrusion 61 and the third support portion 54 may be adopted.

[0090] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the scanning unit 3 becomes movable in the +X direction when it is opened to a first angle of 52 degrees or more. Moreover, the scanning unit 3 can be maintained in the first open posture with an open angle of 45 degrees by moving in the +X direction. Thus, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the method in which the first angle (52 degrees) movable in the +X direction is greater than the open angle (45 degrees) of the first open posture is described, but it is not limited to this method. That is, the first angle can be the same as the open angle of the first open posture, or it can be less than the open angle of the first open posture. For example, it can also be the following method, that is, the scanning unit 3 becomes movable in the +X direction in a state of being opened to a first angle or more that is smaller than the open angle of the first open posture, and is opened more widely after the movement to become the first open posture.

[0091] In the above embodiment, although the scanning unit 3 is shown to be openable and closable relative to the housing 21, it may be a structure in which a unit different from the scanning unit 3 is opened and closed, or it may be a structure in which only the cover member is opened and closed. In addition, in the above embodiment, the scanning unit 3 may be a structure not having the original feeding device 32. In such a case, an openable and closable cover is provided on the upper surface of the unit body 31 of the scanning unit 3.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the printer 1 is a device for recording on a medium, and may be a serial printer, a horizontal printer, a line printer, a page printer, etc. In addition, the printing method is not limited to inkjet, and may be thermal, dot-print, laser, etc.

[0093] Explanation of symbols

[0094] 1…Printer; 2…Device body; 3…Scanning unit; 4…Retaining plate; 5…Opening and closing mechanism; 5a…Fixed side mechanism; 5b…Moveable side mechanism; 21…Casing; 22…Ink ejection head; 23…Slide; 24…Front surface cover; 25…Paper discharge tray; 26…Ink storage unit; 27…Remaining amount visual confirmation unit; 28…Lock unit; 29…Retaining plate support unit; 31…Unit body; 31a…Reading sensor; 31b…Cover member; 32… Document feeding device; 32a…top cover; 33…operation panel; 34…support member; 51…first support portion; 51a…through hole; 51b…recess; 52…second support portion; 52a…opening; 52b…recess; 53…gap; 54…third support portion; 55…convex portion; 55a…inclined surface; 61…first protrusion; 61a…first shaft portion; 62…second protrusion; 62a…second shaft portion; 63…groove; D…distance.

Claims

1. A housing unit, characterized in that: have: a housing having an opening; an opening and closing portion that is capable of switching between a closing posture for closing the opening of the shell and a first opening posture for opening the opening of the shell by rotating relative to the shell about a rotation axis, The opening and closing portion has a first engaging portion, The housing has a second engaging portion. The opening and closing portion is opened from the closed position by more than a first angle, and the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion moves in a direction along the rotation axis, so that the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can engage with each other. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other, thereby holding the opening and closing portion in the first open posture.

2. The housing unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first engaging portion is provided on the opening and closing portion, and moves in a direction along the rotation axis together with the opening and closing portion.

3. The housing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that When the opening and closing portion is not opened by more than the first angle from the closed position, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion interfere with each other, thereby restricting movement of the opening and closing portion in the direction along the rotation axis.

4. The housing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that In a state where the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion interfere with each other, thereby restricting movement of the opening and closing portion in a direction along the rotation axis.

5. The housing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that One of the housing and the opening and closing portion has a shaft portion constituting the rotation axis, The other of the housing and the opening and closing portion has a bearing portion engaged with the shaft portion. In a state where the opening and closing portion moves in a direction along the rotation axis and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged, the shaft portion is still fitted in the bearing portion.

6. The housing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The opening and closing portion includes the shaft portion, The shaft portion protrudes from the first engaging portion.

7. The housing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The opening and closing portion includes the bearing portion, The bearing portion is formed on the first engaging portion.

8. The housing unit according to claim 1, wherein: A restriction portion is further provided that restricts the opening and closing portion from opening to a second angle greater than the first angle.

9. The housing unit according to claim 1, wherein: A holding portion is further provided for holding the opening and closing portion in a second open posture in which an angle of the opening and closing portion is smaller than the first open posture.

10. The housing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that The holding portion is connected to both the opening and closing portion and the housing, and is attachable to and detachable from at least one of the opening and closing portion and the housing.

11. A recording device, characterized in that: have: The housing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The recording unit is housed in the housing and records on a medium.

12. The recording device according to claim 11, characterized in that The opening and closing portion is a reading device for reading a document.

13. A holding method, characterized in that: A method for maintaining an opening and closing portion in a first open posture, wherein the opening and closing portion is capable of switching between a closed posture in which the opening of the shell is closed and the first open posture in which the opening of the shell is opened by rotating the opening and closing portion relative to a shell provided with an opening about a rotation axis. In the holding method, Open the opening and closing portion from the closed position to a first angle or more, When the opening and closing portion is opened by more than the first angle, the opening and closing portion is moved in a direction along the rotation axis, In a state where the opening and closing portion has moved in a direction along the rotation axis, the first engaging portion of the opening and closing portion and the second engaging portion of the housing are engaged with each other.

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