Recording apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a recording apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in cost, the recording apparatus including an image recording unit, a first accommodating unit, and a conveyance path including a first feed path (27), a first curved path (29), a flip path (31), and a second curved path (32) that intersect at an intersection point (54). The first curved path (29) has a first guide surface (56) that guides the recording medium transferred from the first feed path (27), and a first conveyance surface (57) that extends in the conveyance direction (Dc) from the downstream end of the first guide surface (56), and the first guide surface (56) forms an acute angle with respect to a first extension line (Le1) of the first conveyance surface (57). The second curved path (32) has a second guide surface (58) that guides the recording medium transferred from the inversion path (31), and a second conveyance surface (59) that extends in the conveyance direction (Dc) from a downstream end of the second guide surface (58), and the second guide surface (58) forms an acute angle with respect to a second extension line (Le2) of the second conveyance surface (59).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device such as a printer. Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a recording device that ejects a liquid from a recording head as an example of an image recording unit. The recording head records on a medium as an example of a recording medium. The recording device includes a medium tray as an example of a first accommodating unit for accommodating the medium. The recording device includes a first conveyance path as an example of a first feed path, a first bending path, a turning path as an example of a turning path, a second bending path, and a baffle. The medium fed from the medium tray is conveyed to the recording head through the first conveyance path and the first bending path.

[0003] In the case of recording on both sides of the medium, the medium that has been recorded on one side is conveyed to the turning path. The medium conveyed to the turning path crosses the first conveyance path and is conveyed to the second bending path. The baffle blocks the first conveyance path and guides the paper to the second bending path.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-099293

[0005] In the recording device described in Patent Document 1, a baffle is required to convey the medium. Therefore, the cost of the recording device increases.

[0006] In the recording device described in Patent Document 1, a second bending path is further provided separately from the first bending path for conveying the medium from the medium tray to the recording head. The recording device becomes larger in size corresponding to the increase in the paths. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The recording apparatus includes: an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; a first accommodating unit that can accommodate the recording medium; and a conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed. The conveyance path includes a first feeding path, a first bending path, a turning path, and a second bending path that intersect at an intersection. The first feeding path is a path that conveys the recording medium fed from the first accommodating unit to the first bending path. The first bending path is a path that conveys the recording medium to the image recording unit. The turning path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the second bending path. The second bending path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The first bending path has: a first guiding surface that guides the recording medium transferred from the first feeding path; and a first conveying surface that extends along the conveying direction from the downstream end of the first guiding surface. The first guiding surface is an acute angle with respect to the first extension line of the first conveying surface. The second bending path has: a second guiding surface that guides the recording medium transferred from the turning path; and a second conveying surface that extends along the conveying direction from the downstream end of the second guiding surface. The second guiding surface is an acute angle with respect to the second extension line of the second conveying surface.

[0008] The recording apparatus includes: an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; an accommodating unit that can accommodate the recording medium; a conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed; and a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium. The conveyance path includes a feeding path, a first bending path, a turning path, and a second bending path that intersect at an intersection. The feeding path is a path that conveys the recording medium fed from the accommodating unit to the first bending path. The first bending path is a path that conveys the recording medium to the image recording unit. The turning path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the second bending path. The second bending path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The conveying unit includes a first driving roller, a second driving roller, and a driven unit. The first driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the image recording unit and forms the first bending path. The driven unit has a driven roller that sandwiches the recording medium between the driven roller and the first driving roller. The second driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the first driving roller and forms the second bending path. The second driving roller overlaps the driven unit in the depth direction.

[0009] The recording apparatus includes: an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; a housing unit that can house the recording medium; a conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed; and a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium. The conveyance path includes a feeding path, a first bending path, a flipping path, and a second bending path that intersect at an intersection. The feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the housing unit to the first bending path. The first bending path is a path that conveys the recording medium to the image recording unit. The flipping path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the second bending path. The second bending path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The conveyance unit includes a first driving roller, a second driving roller, and a driven unit. The first driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the image recording unit and forms the first bending path. The driven unit has a driven roller that sandwiches the recording medium between the driven roller and the first driving roller. The second driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the first driving roller and forms the second bending path. The second driving roller overlaps with the driven unit when viewed axially. Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the recording apparatus.

[0011] Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view of the recording apparatus.

[0012] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of the recording apparatus.

[0013] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the recording apparatus.

[0014] Figure 5 is a top view schematic diagram of the first driving roller and the second driving roller.

[0015] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of the recording apparatus.

[0016] Description of Reference Numerals

[0017] 11… Recording device, 12… Housing, 13… Operating unit, 14… Control unit, 16… Discharge tray, 17… First accommodating part, 18… First feeding part, 19… Second accommodating part, 20… Second feeding part, 22… Manual feeding part, 23… Image recording part, 24… Conveying part, 26… Conveying path, 27… First feeding path, 28… Second feeding path, 29… First bending path, 30… Manual feeding path, 31… Inverting path, 32… Second bending path, 33… Discharge path, 36… Recording medium, 38… Carriage, 39… Print head, 41… First driving roller, 42… Second driving roller, 42b… Lower end, 42f… Front end, 42t… Upper end, 43… Driven unit, 44… Conveying roller, 45… Discharge roller, 47a… First driven roller, 47b… Second driven roller, 47c… Third driven roller, 47d… Fourth driven roller, 47r… Rear end, 48… Outer shell, 49… Driven shaft, 51… First shaft, 52… Second shaft, 54… Intersection point, 56… First guiding surface, 57… First conveying surface, 58… Second guiding surface, 59… Second conveying surface, θ1… First angle, θ2… Second angle, θ3… Third angle, θ4… Fourth angle, θ5… Fifth angle, Dc… Conveying direction, Le1… First extension line, Le2… Second extension line, Le3… Third extension line, Le4… Fourth extension line, Le5… Fifth extension line, Ls1… First line segment, Ls2… Second line segment, Ls3… Third line segment, X… Width direction, Y… Depth direction, Z… Vertical direction, 111… Recording device, 112… Housing, 113… Operating unit, 114… Control unit, 116… Discharge tray, 117… First accommodating part as an example of the accommodating part, 118… First feeding part, 119… Second accommodating part, 120… Second feeding part, 122… Manual feeding part, 123… Image recording part, 124… Conveying part, 126… Conveying path, 127… First feeding path as an example of the feeding path, 128… Second feeding path, 129… First bending path, 130… Manual feeding path, 131… Inverting path, 132… Second bending path, 133… Discharge path, 136… Recording medium, 138… Carriage, 139… Sprayer head, 141… First driving roller, 142… Second driving roller, 142b… Lower end, 142f… Front end, 142t… Upper end, 143… Driven unit, 143a… First driven unit, 143b… Second driven unit, 143c… Third driven unit, 143d… Fourth driven unit, 144… Conveying roller, 145… Discharge roller, 151… First shaft as an example of the shaft, 152… Second shaft as an example of the shaft, 154… Outer shell, 155… Driven shaft, 156… Spring, 157a… First driven roller, 157b… Second driven roller, 157c… Third driven roller, 157d… Fourth driven roller, 157r… Rear end, 159… Intersection point. Detailed implementation mode

[0018] [First Embodiment]

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the recording apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording apparatus 30 is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a recording medium such as paper for printing.

[0020] In the drawings, it is assumed that the recording apparatus 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, the Z-axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X-axis and Y-axis represent directions along the horizontal plane. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0021] <Recording Apparatus>

[0022] As Figure 1 shown, the recording apparatus 11 may include a housing 12, an operation unit 13, and a control unit 14. The recording apparatus 11 may include a discharge tray 16, a first storage unit 17, a first feeding unit 18, a second storage unit 19, and a second feeding unit 20. The recording apparatus 11 may include a manual feed unit 22, an image recording unit 23, and a conveyance unit 24.

[0023] The recording apparatus 11 has a conveyance path 26. In the drawings, the conveyance path 26 is indicated by a dotted line. The conveyance path 26 may include a first feeding path 27, a second feeding path 28, a first bending path 29, a manual feed path 30, a turning path 31, a second bending path 32, and a discharge path 33.

[0024] The housing 12 houses various components of the recording apparatus 11.

[0025] The operation unit 13 is used to operate the recording apparatus 11. The operation unit 13 of the present embodiment is provided on the front surface of the recording apparatus 11. The operation unit 13 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, a display, buttons, and the like.

[0026] The control unit 14 uniformly controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording apparatus 11. The control unit 14 controls various operations performed by the recording apparatus 11.

[0027] The control unit 14 can be configured to include α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a part of the various processes, or γ: a combination circuit thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium includes all readable media accessible by a general or dedicated computer.

[0028] The discharge tray 16 receives the recorded recording medium 36. The discharge tray 16 may also be provided on the front surface of the recording device 11.

[0029] The first accommodating portion 17 and the second accommodating portion 19 can accommodate the recording medium 36. The first accommodating portion 17 and the second accommodating portion 19 are formed, for example, in a box shape with an open upper portion. The first accommodating portion 17 and the second accommodating portion 19 can accommodate a plurality of recording media 36 in a stacked state. The first accommodating portion 17 and the second accommodating portion 19 can be detached separately. The first accommodating portion 17 and the second accommodating portion 19 can be disassembled and assembled in a state of accommodating the recording medium 36. The first accommodating portion 17 and the second accommodating portion 19 may also be installed by being pushed into the depth direction Y from the front surface of the recording device 11.

[0030] The first feeding portion 18 feeds out the plurality of recording media 36 accommodated in the first accommodating portion 17 one by one to the first feeding path 27.

[0031] The second feeding portion 20 feeds out the plurality of recording media 36 accommodated in the second accommodating portion 19 one by one to the second feeding path 28.

[0032] A plurality of recording media 36 can be placed on the manual feeding portion 22. The recording medium 36 is placed on the manual feeding portion 22 in a state where a part thereof is exposed to the outside. The manual feeding portion 22 feeds out the plurality of placed recording media 36 one by one to the manual feeding path 30.

[0033] The image recording portion 23 records an image on the recording medium 36. The image recording portion 23 may also include a carriage 38 and a print head 39. The carriage 38 of the present embodiment is configured to reciprocate in the width direction X. The print head 39 is mounted on the carriage 38. The print head 39 ejects a liquid from a plurality of nozzles (not shown). The print head 39 records on the recording medium 36 by ejecting the liquid while moving toward the recording medium 36. The recording device 11 of the present embodiment is configured as a serial printer in which the print head 39 moves. The recording device 11 may also be configured as a line printer in which the print head 39 is provided in a long strip in the width direction X.

[0034] <Transport Unit>

[0035] The transport unit 24 transports the recording medium 36 along the transport path 26. The direction in which the transport unit 24 transports the recording medium 36 is referred to as the transport direction Dc. The transport direction Dc is the direction along the transport path 26. The transport unit 24 may also include a first drive roller 41, a second drive roller 42, a plurality of driven units 43, a transport roller 44, and a discharge roller 45.

[0036] The first driving roller 41 is provided at a position behind the image recording unit 23 in the depth direction Y. The first driving roller 41 forms a part of the first bending path 29. The first driving roller 41 can rotate about the first shaft 51. The first driving roller 41 conveys the recording medium 36 in the first bending path 29 by rotating. The first driving roller 41 conveys the recording medium 36 in the reversing path 31 by rotating.

[0037] As Figure 2 shown, the second driving roller 42 is provided at a position behind the first driving roller 41 in the depth direction Y. The second driving roller 42 forms a part of the second bending path 32. The second driving roller 42 can rotate about the second shaft 52. The second driving roller 42 conveys the recording medium 36 in the second bending path 32 by rotating.

[0038] The diameter of the second driving roller 42 may also be smaller than the diameter of the first driving roller 41. That is, the curvature of the second bending path 32 is greater than the curvature of the first bending path 29. The second shaft 52 may also be located at a position lower than the first shaft 51. In the vertical direction Z, the lower end 42b of the second driving roller 42 may also be located at substantially the same position as the lower end of the first driving roller 41.

[0039] The configurations of the plurality of driven units 43 are the same. When distinguishing the plurality of driven units 43, they are also referred to as the first driven unit 43a, the second driven unit 43b, the third driven unit 43c, and the fourth driven unit 43d. The driven unit 43 has a driven roller. In the present embodiment, the driven rollers respectively included in the first driven unit 43a to the fourth driven unit 43d are also referred to as the first driven roller 47a to the fourth driven roller 47d.

[0040] The recording medium 36 is clamped between the first driven unit 43a and the second driven unit 43b and the first driving roller 41. The recording medium 36 is clamped between the third driven unit 43c and the fourth driven unit 43d and the second driving roller 42.

[0041] Hereinafter, the first driven unit 43a will be described, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the common configurations and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0042] As Figure 2 shown, the first driven unit 43a may also have a housing 48, a driven shaft 49, a spring (not shown), and a first driven roller 47a.

[0043] The housing 48 houses various components of the first driven unit 43a. The housing 48 holds the driven shaft 49.

[0044] The driven shaft 49 extends in the width direction X. The axial direction of the driven shaft 49 is parallel to the first shaft 51 and the second shaft 52. The axial direction of the driven shaft 49 is parallel to the width direction X.

[0045] A spring (not shown) presses the first driven roller 47a against the first driving roller 41 by pressing the driven shaft 49.

[0046] The first driven roller 47a is arranged to be rotatable about the driven shaft 49. The recording medium 36 is sandwiched between the first driven roller 47a and the first driving roller 41. Similarly, the recording medium 36 is sandwiched between the second driven roller 47b and the first driving roller 41. The recording medium 36 is sandwiched between the third driven roller 47c and the fourth driven roller 47d and the second driving roller 42. The first driven roller 47a to the fourth driven roller 47d rotate following the transported recording medium 36.

[0047] The first driven unit 43a is arranged behind the first driving roller 41 in the depth direction Y. The driven shaft 49 of the first driven unit 43a is arranged between the first shaft 51 and the second shaft 52 in the depth direction Y.

[0048] The driven shaft 49 of the first driven unit 43a may also be arranged in the depth direction Y with the first shaft 51 of the first driving roller 41. The driven shaft 49 of the first driven unit 43a may also be located at the same position as the first shaft 51 in the vertical direction Z.

[0049] The first driven unit 43a overlaps the second driving roller 42 in the depth direction Y. In other words, the second driving roller 42 overlaps the first driven unit 43a in the depth direction Y. The front end 42f of the second driving roller 42 of the present embodiment in the depth direction Y is located at a position more forward than the rear end 47r of the first driven roller 47a.

[0050] The second driving roller 42 overlaps the first driven unit 43a in the vertical direction Z. The first driven unit 43a is located between the upper end 42t and the lower end 42b of the second driving roller 42 in the vertical direction Z.

[0051] The second driving roller 42 overlaps the first driven unit 43a when viewed from the axial direction. That is, as Figure 2 shown, when the second driving roller 42 is observed from the axial direction, a part of the second driving roller 42 located at a position deeper than the first driven unit 43a is blocked by the first driven unit 43a.

[0052] As Figure 1As shown, the conveying roller 44 can rotate in the forward and reverse directions. The forward-rotating conveying roller 44 conveys the recording medium 36 in the conveying direction Dc from the first bending path 29 toward the discharge path 33. The conveying roller 44 rotates forward according to the movement of the image recording unit 23. The conveying roller 44 intermittently conveys the recording medium 36. The conveying roller 44 rotates forward at the timing when the reciprocating image recording unit 23 turns back.

[0053] The discharge roller 45 can also rotate in the forward and reverse directions according to the drive of the conveying roller 44. The forward-rotating discharge roller 45 conveys the recording medium 36 toward the discharge tray 16. The discharge roller 45 discharges the recorded recording medium 36 to the discharge tray 16.

[0054] The reverse-rotating conveying roller 44 and discharge roller 45 convey the recording medium 36 to the flipping path 31. In the case of recording on both sides of the recording medium 36, the conveying roller 44 and the discharge roller 45 convey the recording medium 36 with one side recorded to the flipping path 31.

[0055] <Conveying Path>

[0056] The conveying path 26 is a path for conveying the recording medium 36. The conveying path 26 in the present embodiment conveys the recording medium 36 fed from the first accommodating portion 17, the second accommodating portion 19, and the manual feed portion 22.

[0057] The first feed path 27, the first bending path 29, the flipping path 31, and the second bending path 32 intersect at the intersection point 54. The intersection point 54 is a space where the ends of multiple paths are located.

[0058] The first feed path 27 is a path between the first feed portion 18 and the intersection point 54. The first feed path 27 is a path for conveying the recording medium 36 fed from the first accommodating portion 17 to the first bending path 29.

[0059] The second feed path 28 is a path between the second feed portion 20 and the intersection point 54. The second feed path 28 is a path for conveying the recording medium 36 fed from the second accommodating portion 19 to the first bending path 29.

[0060] The first bending path 29 is a path straight ahead downstream of the first feed path 27 and the second feed path 28. The first bending path 29 in the present embodiment is located above the first feed path 27 and the second feed path 28 in the vertical direction Z. The first bending path 29 is a path between the intersection point 54 and the discharge roller 45. The first bending path 29 is a path for conveying the recording medium 36 to the image recording unit 23.

[0061] The manual feed path 30 is the path between the manual feed unit 22 and the first bending path 29. The manual feed path 30 is the path for conveying the recording medium 36 fed by the manual feed unit 22 to the first bending path 29.

[0062] The discharge path 33 is the path downstream of the discharge roller 45 in the conveying direction Dc.

[0063] The reverse path 31 is the path between the conveying roller 44 and the intersection point 54. The reverse path 31 is the path for conveying the recorded recording medium 36 to the second bending path 32.

[0064] The second bending path 32 is the path straight ahead from the downstream end of the reverse path 31. The downstream end of the second bending path 32 merges with the first bending path 29. The second bending path 32 is the path between the intersection point 54 and the first bending path 29. The second bending path 32 is the path for conveying the recorded recording medium 36 to the image recording unit 23. The recording medium 36 with one side recorded returns to the image recording unit 23 via the reverse path 31, the second bending path 32, and the first bending path 29.

[0065] As Figure 3 shown, the first bending path 29 has a first guide surface 56 and a first conveying surface 57. The second bending path 32 has a second guide surface 58 and a second conveying surface 59.

[0066] Figure 3 The first extension line Le1, the second extension line Le2, the third extension line Le3, the fourth extension line Le4, the fifth extension line Le5, the first line segment Ls1, the second line segment Ls2, and the third line segment Ls3 are shown as virtual lines.

[0067] The first extension line Le1 is the extension line of the first conveying surface 57. The first extension line Le1 is the tangent line at the upstream end of the first conveying surface 57. The first extension line Le1 is a straight line extending from the upstream end of the first conveying surface 57 to the upstream side in the conveying direction Dc. The first extension line Le1 can also be a vertical line.

[0068] The second extension line Le2 is the extension line of the second conveying surface 59. The second extension line Le2 is the tangent line at the upstream end of the second conveying surface 59. The second extension line Le2 is a straight line extending from the upstream end of the second conveying surface 59 to the upstream side in the conveying direction Dc. The second extension line Le2 can also be a horizontal line.

[0069] The third extension line Le3 is the extension line of the first feed path 27. The fourth extension line Le4 is the extension line of the reverse path 31. The fourth extension line Le4 can also be a horizontal line. The fifth extension line Le5 is the extension line of the second feed path 28. The fifth extension line Le5 can also be a vertical line.

[0070] The third extension line Le3, the fourth extension line Le4, and the fifth extension line Le5 are straight lines that further extend the wall surfaces in contact with the recording medium 36 in a frictional manner among the walls forming the respective paths from the downstream ends in the conveying direction Dc to the downstream side.

[0071] The first line segment Ls1 is a line connecting the downstream end of the first feeding path 27 and the upstream end of the first guiding surface 56. The second line segment Ls2 is a line connecting the downstream end of the inversion path 31 and the upstream end of the second guiding surface 58. The third line segment Ls3 is a line connecting the downstream end of the second feeding path 28 and the upstream end of the first guiding surface 56.

[0072] The first guiding surface 56 guides the recording medium 36 transferred from the first feeding path 27 and the second feeding path 28. The first guiding surface 56 and the first conveying surface 57 are the wall surfaces in contact with the recording medium 36 in a frictional manner among the walls forming the first bending path 29. The first guiding surface 56 is a flat surface. The first guiding surface 56 forms a space between it and the first extension line Le1. The first conveying surface 57 is a curved surface along the first driving roller 41. The first guiding surface 56 and the first conveying surface 57 are the wall surfaces on the outer side of the curved first bending path 29. The first guiding surface 56 and the first conveying surface 57 guide the recording medium 36. The first conveying surface 57 extends in the conveying direction Dc from the downstream end of the first guiding surface 56. The first guiding surface 56 is an acute angle with respect to the first extension line Le1. Let the angle formed by the first extension line Le1 and the first guiding surface 56 be the first angle θ1.

[0073] The second guiding surface 58 guides the recording medium 36 transferred from the inversion path 31. The second guiding surface 58 and the second conveying surface 59 are the wall surfaces in contact with the recording medium 36 in a frictional manner among the walls forming the second bending path 32. The second guiding surface 58 is a flat surface. The second guiding surface 58 forms a space between it and the second extension line Le2. The second guiding surface 58 is the wall surface on the lower side in the vertical direction Z. The second conveying surface 59 is a curved surface along the second driving roller 42. The second conveying surface 59 is the wall surface on the outer side of the curved second bending path 32. The second guiding surface 58 and the second conveying surface 59 guide the recording medium 36. The second conveying surface 59 extends in the conveying direction Dc from the downstream end of the second guiding surface 58. The second guiding surface 58 is an acute angle with respect to the second extension line Le2. Let the angle formed by the second extension line Le2 and the second guiding surface 58 be the second angle θ2.

[0074] Let the angle formed by the third extension line Le3 and the first line segment Ls1 be the third angle θ3. Let the angle formed by the fourth extension line Le4 and the second line segment Ls2 be the fourth angle θ4. Let the angle formed by the fifth extension line Le5 and the third line segment Ls3 be the fifth angle θ5.

[0075] Table 1 shows the simulation results when the unrecorded recording medium 36 is conveyed from the first feed path 27 to the first bending path 29. Table 1 shows the conveyance results of the recording medium 36 when the first angle θ1 and the third angle θ3 are changed.

[0076]

Table 1

[0077] Table 2 shows the simulation results when the recording medium 36 with one side recorded is conveyed from the flipping path 31 to the second bending path 32. Table 2 shows the conveyance results of the recording medium 36 when the second angle θ2 and the fourth angle θ4 are changed.

[0078]

Table 2

[0079] Table 3 shows the simulation results when the unrecorded recording medium 36 is conveyed from the second feed path 28 to the first bending path 29. Table 3 shows the conveyance results of the recording medium 36 when the first angle θ1 and the fifth angle θ5 are changed.

[0080]

Table 3

[0081] As shown in Tables 1 to 3, when the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are 40°, the recording medium 36 jams. Specifically, the leading end of the recording medium 36 hits the first guide surface 56 or the second guide surface 58 and stops.

[0082] When the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are 35°, the recording medium 36 can pass over the first guide surface 56 and the second guide surface 58. However, the leading end of the recording medium 36 hits the first guide surface 56 or the second guide surface 58 and temporarily stops, or the recording medium 36 bends at the intersection point 54, making the conveyance of the recording medium 36 unstable.

[0083] When the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are 30° or less, the recording medium 36 can be conveyed smoothly. Therefore, the first angle θ1 is preferably 30° or less. The second angle θ2 is preferably 30° or less.

[0084] When the third angle θ3, the fourth angle θ4, and the fifth angle θ5 are 15°, the recording medium 36 jams. Specifically, the leading end of the recording medium 36 does not reach the first guide surface 56 or the second guide surface 58.

[0085] When the third angle θ3, the fourth angle θ4, and the fifth angle θ5 are 20° or more, the recording medium 36 can be conveyed. Therefore, the third angle θ3 is preferably 20° or more. The fourth angle θ4 is preferably 20° or more. The fifth angle θ5 is preferably 20° or more.

[0086] <Function of the First Embodiment>

[0087] The function of the first embodiment will be described.

[0088] The recording medium 36 fed from the first accommodating portion 17 to the first feeding path 27 is transferred to the first bending path 29. The recording medium 36 fed from the second accommodating portion 19 to the second feeding path 28 is transferred to the first bending path 29. At this time, the leading end of the recording medium 36 is guided to the first guiding surface 56.

[0089] The recording medium 36 is conveyed along the first bending path 29 in the conveying direction Dc. The image recording unit 23 records the recording medium 36 conveyed to the position opposed to the print head 39. The image recording unit 23 records one side of the recording medium 36.

[0090] When recording one side of the recording medium 36, the control unit 14 discharges the recording medium 36 to the discharge tray 16.

[0091] When recording both sides of the recording medium 36, the control unit 14 conveys the recording medium 36 to the reversing path 31. The recording medium 36 conveyed to the reversing path 31 is transferred to the second bending path 32. At this time, the leading end of the recording medium 36 is guided to the second guiding surface 58.

[0092] After the recording medium 36 converges with the first bending path 29 from the second bending path 32, it is conveyed to the image recording unit 23. That is, the recording medium 36 with one side recorded passes through the reversing path 31, the second bending path 32, and the first bending path 29 and returns to the image recording unit 23. At this time, the back surface of the recording medium 36 opposite to the previously recorded surface faces the image recording unit 23. The image recording unit 23 records the back surface of the recording medium 36. The control unit 14 discharges the recording medium 36 with both sides recorded to the discharge tray 16.

[0093] <Effect of the First Embodiment>

[0094] The effect of the first embodiment will be described.

[0095] (1-1) The first bending path 29 has a first guiding surface 56 that is an acute angle with respect to the first extension line Le1 of the first conveying surface 57. The second bending path 32 has a second guiding surface 58 that is an acute angle with respect to the second extension line Le2 of the second conveying surface 59. By providing the first guiding surface 56 and the second guiding surface 58, the recording medium 36 can be transferred without using a baffle. Therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

[0096] The first guide surface 56 guides the recording medium 36 fed from the second accommodating portion 19. Therefore, even without using a baffle, the recording medium 36 accommodated in the first accommodating portion 17 and the second accommodating portion 19 can be transferred to the first bending path 29.

[0097] (1-3) The third angle θ3 formed by the third extension line Le3 and the first line segment Ls1 is 20° or more. That is, by extending the first guide surface 56 from the position where it intersects the third extension line Le3, the transfer of the recording medium 36 can be smoothly performed.

[0098] (1-4) The first angle θ1 formed by the first extension line Le1 and the first guide surface 56 is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the first guide surface 56 with respect to the first extension line Le1, the recording medium 36 received by the first guide surface 56 can be smoothly conveyed.

[0099] (1-5) The fourth angle θ4 formed by the fourth extension line Le4 and the second line segment Ls2 is 20° or more. That is, by extending the second guide surface 58 from the position where it intersects the fourth extension line Le4, the transfer of the recording medium 36 can be smoothly performed.

[0100] (1-6) The second angle θ2 formed by the second extension line Le2 and the second guide surface 58 is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the second guide surface 58 with respect to the second extension line Le2, the recording medium 36 received by the second guide surface 58 can be smoothly conveyed.

[0101] (1-7) The second driving roller 42 overlaps with the first driven unit 43a in the depth direction Y. Therefore, the second driving roller 42 can be disposed close to the first driving roller 41. Therefore, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus 11 can be suppressed.

[0102] (1-8) The second driving roller 42 overlaps with the first driven unit 43a when viewed axially. Therefore, compared with the case where the second driving roller 42 is disposed at a position where it does not overlap with the first driven unit 43a, the area occupied by the conveying portion 24 can be reduced. Therefore, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus 11 can be suppressed.

[0103] [Modification Example]

[0104] The first embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The first embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where there is no technical contradiction.

[0105] · The first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 can be the same angle or different angles. At least one of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 can also be greater than 30°. For example, by making the first guide surface 56 and the second guide surface 58 easy to slide, the possibility of the recording medium 36 colliding can be reduced.

[0106] · The recording device 11 may also be configured not to include the second accommodating portion 19. The recording device 11 may also be configured not to include the second feeding path 28. In this case, the downstream end of the first feeding path 27 and the first guiding surface 56 may be arranged closer to each other. When reducing the gap between the first feeding path 27 and the first bending path 29, the third angle θ3 may also be less than 20°. Similarly, the downstream end of the flipping path 31 and the second guiding surface 58 may be arranged closer to each other. When reducing the gap between the flipping path 31 and the second bending path 32, the fourth angle θ4 may also be less than 20°.

[0107] · The second feeding path 28 may also merge with other paths at a position different from the intersection point 54. For example, the second feeding path 28 may also merge with the second bending path 32.

[0108] · The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may also be a laser printer, a thermal printer, a dot matrix printer, a digital printer, etc.

[0109] · The recording device 11 may also be a liquid ejection device that ejects or sprays other liquids than ink for recording. The state of the liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device includes a granular state, a teardrop state, and a filamentous trailing state. The liquid described herein only needs to be a material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid only needs to be in a state when the substance is in a liquid phase, and includes fluid substances such as highly viscous or low-viscosity liquids, sols, gels, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and molten metals. The liquid includes not only a liquid as a state of a substance, but also a substance in which particles of a functional material composed of solid substances such as pigments or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. As a representative example of the liquid, ink or liquid crystal described in the above embodiments can be cited. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general aqueous ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot melt ink. As a specific example of the liquid ejection device, for example, there is a device that ejects a liquid containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects biological organic substances for manufacturing biochips, a device that is used as a precision pipette and ejects a liquid as a sample, a printing and dyeing device, a microdispenser, etc. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that sprays lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as watches or cameras using a needle tip, a device that sprays a transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curable resin onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens, an optical lens, etc. used in optical communication elements, etc. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that sprays an etching solution such as an acid or a base for etching a substrate or the like.

[0110] [Definition]

[0111] · The expression "at least one" used in this specification means "more than one" of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option" or "both of the two options". As other examples, when the number of options is more than three, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option", "a combination of any two options", or "a combination of any three or more options".

[0112] [Appendix]

[0113] Hereinafter, the technical ideas and their effects that can be grasped from the above first embodiment and modification examples will be described.

[0114] (1A) A recording apparatus includes: an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; a first accommodating unit that can accommodate the recording medium; and a conveyance path that conveys the recording medium therein. The conveyance path includes a first feeding path, a first bending path, a flipping path, and a second bending path that intersect at an intersection. The first feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the first accommodating unit to the first bending path. The first bending path is a path that conveys the recording medium to the image recording unit. The flipping path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the second bending path. The second bending path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The first bending path has: a first guiding surface that guides the recording medium transferred from the first feeding path; and a first conveying surface that extends along the conveying direction from the downstream end of the first guiding surface. The first guiding surface forms an acute angle with respect to the first extension line of the first conveying surface. The second bending path has: a second guiding surface that guides the recording medium transferred from the flipping path; and a second conveying surface that extends along the conveying direction from the downstream end of the second guiding surface. The second guiding surface forms an acute angle with respect to the second extension line of the second conveying surface.

[0115] According to this configuration, the first bending path has a first guiding surface that forms an acute angle with respect to the first extension line of the first conveying surface. The second bending path has a second guiding surface that forms an acute angle with respect to the second extension line of the second conveying surface. By providing the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface, the recording medium can be transferred without using a baffle. Therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

[0116] Alternatively, (1B) the recording apparatus may further include a second accommodating portion configured to accommodate the recording medium, the conveying path may include a second feeding path that intersects the first feeding path, the first bending path, the turning path, and the second bending path at the intersection point, the second feeding path is a path for conveying the recording medium fed from the second accommodating portion to the first bending path, and the first guiding surface receives the recording medium transferred from the second feeding path.

[0117] According to this configuration, the first guiding surface guides the recording medium fed from the second accommodating portion. Therefore, even without using a baffle, the recording media accommodated in the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion can be transferred to the first bending path.

[0118] Alternatively, (1C) in the recording apparatus, the angle formed by the third extension line of the first feeding path and the first line segment is 20° or more, and the first line segment connects the downstream end of the first feeding path and the upstream end of the first guiding surface.

[0119] According to this configuration, the angle formed by the third extension line and the first line segment is 20° or more. That is, by extending the first guiding surface from the position where it intersects the third extension line, the transfer of the recording medium can be smoothly performed.

[0120] Alternatively, (1D) in the recording apparatus, the angle formed by the first extension line and the first guiding surface is 30° or less.

[0121] According to this configuration, the angle formed by the first extension line and the first guiding surface is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the first guiding surface with respect to the first extension line, the recording medium received by the first guiding surface can be smoothly conveyed.

[0122] Alternatively, (1E) in the recording apparatus, the angle formed by the fourth extension line of the turning path and the second line segment is 20° or more, and the second line segment connects the downstream end of the turning path and the upstream end of the second guiding surface. According to this configuration, the angle formed by the fourth extension line and the second line segment is 20° or more. That is, by extending the second guiding surface from the position where it intersects the fourth extension line, the transfer of the recording medium can be smoothly performed.

[0123] Alternatively, (1F) in the recording apparatus, the angle formed by the second extension line and the second guiding surface is 30° or less.

[0124] According to this configuration, the angle formed by the second extension line and the second guiding surface is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the second guiding surface with respect to the second extension line, the recording medium received by the second guiding surface can be smoothly conveyed.

[0125] [Second Embodiment]

[0126] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a recording apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The recording apparatus 30 is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a recording medium such as paper for printing.

[0127] In the accompanying drawings, it is assumed that the recording apparatus 111 is placed on a horizontal plane. The Z-axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X-axis and Y-axis represent the directions along the horizontal plane. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0128] <Recording Apparatus>

[0129] As Figure 4 shown, the recording apparatus 111 may include a housing 112, an operation unit 113, and a control unit 114. The recording apparatus 111 may include a discharge tray 116, a first storage unit 117 as an example of a storage unit, a first feeding unit 118, a second storage unit 119, and a second feeding unit 120. The recording apparatus 111 may include a manual feed unit 122, an image recording unit 123, and a conveying unit 124.

[0130] The recording apparatus 111 includes a conveyance path 126. In the accompanying drawings, the conveyance path 126 is represented by a dotted line. The conveyance path 126 may include a first feeding path 127, a second feeding path 128, a first bending path 129, a manual feed path 130, a turning path 131, a second bending path 132, and a discharge path 133 as an example of a feeding path.

[0131] The housing 112 houses various components of the recording apparatus 111.

[0132] The operation unit 113 is used to operate the recording apparatus 111. The operation unit 113 of the present embodiment is provided on the front surface of the recording apparatus 111. The operation unit 113 includes, for example, a touch panel, a display, buttons, and the like.

[0133] The control unit 114 uniformly controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording apparatus 111. The control unit 114 controls various operations performed by the recording apparatus 111.

[0134] The control unit 114 can be configured to include α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a part of the various processes, or γ: a combination of them. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium includes all readable media accessible by a general or dedicated computer.

[0135] The discharge tray 116 receives the recorded recording medium 136. The discharge tray 116 may be provided on the front surface of the recording device 111.

[0136] The first accommodating portion 117 and the second accommodating portion 119 can accommodate the recording medium 136. The first accommodating portion 117 and the second accommodating portion 119 are, for example, formed in a box shape with an open top. The first accommodating portion 117 and the second accommodating portion 119 can accommodate a plurality of recording media 136 in a stacked state. The first accommodating portion 117 and the second accommodating portion 119 can be detached separately. The first accommodating portion 117 and the second accommodating portion 119 can be detached and attached in a state of accommodating the recording medium 136. The first accommodating portion 117 and the second accommodating portion 119 may be attached by being pushed into the depth direction Y from the front surface of the recording device 111.

[0137] The first feeding portion 118 feeds out the plurality of recording media 136 accommodated in the first accommodating portion 117 one by one to the first feeding path 127.

[0138] The second feeding portion 120 feeds out the plurality of recording media 136 accommodated in the second accommodating portion 119 one by one to the second feeding path 128.

[0139] A plurality of recording media 136 can be placed on the manual feeding portion 122. The recording medium 136 is placed on the manual feeding portion 122 in a state where a part thereof is exposed to the outside. The manual feeding portion 122 feeds out the plurality of placed recording media 136 one by one to the manual feeding path 130. The manual feeding portion 122 may be provided above the first bending path 129 and the second bending path 132.

[0140] The image recording unit 123 records an image on the recording medium 136. The image recording unit 123 may also include a carriage 138 and a print head 139. The carriage 138 of the present embodiment is configured to reciprocate in the width direction X. The print head 139 is mounted on the carriage 138. The print head 139 ejects a liquid from a plurality of nozzles (not shown). The print head 139 records on the recording medium 136 by ejecting the liquid toward the recording medium 136 while moving. The recording device 111 of the present embodiment is configured as a serial printer in which the print head 139 moves. The recording device 111 may also be configured as a line printer in which the print head 139 is provided in a long strip in the width direction X.

[0141] <Conveyor unit>

[0142] The conveyor unit 124 conveys the recording medium 136 along the conveyance path 126. The direction in which the conveyor unit 124 conveys the recording medium 136 is referred to as the conveyance direction Dc. The conveyance direction Dc is the direction along the conveyance path 126. The conveyor unit 124 may also include a first drive roller 141, a second drive roller 142, a driven unit 143, a conveyance roller 144, and a discharge roller 145. The conveyor unit 124 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of driven units 143.

[0143] The first drive roller 141 is provided at a position behind the image recording unit 123 in the depth direction Y. The first drive roller 141 is provided on the opposite side of the operation unit 113 and the discharge tray 116 with respect to the image recording unit 123. The first drive roller 141 forms a part of the first curved path 129. The first drive roller 141 can rotate about a first shaft 151 as an example of an axis. The first shaft 151 extends in the width direction X. That is, the axial direction of the first drive roller 141 is parallel to the width direction X. The first drive roller 141 conveys the recording medium 136 on the first curved path 129 by rotating. The first drive roller 141 conveys the recording medium 136 on the inversion path 131 by rotating.

[0144] The second drive roller 142 is provided at a position behind the first drive roller 141 in the depth direction Y.

[0145] The second drive roller 142 forms a part of the second curved path 132. The second drive roller 142 can rotate about a second shaft 152 as an example of an axis. The second shaft 152 is provided in parallel with the first shaft 151. The second shaft 152 extends in the width direction X. The axial direction of the second drive roller 142 is parallel to the width direction X. The second drive roller 142 conveys the recording medium 136 on the second curved path 132 by rotating.

[0146] The diameter of the second driving roller 142 may also be smaller than the diameter of the first driving roller 141. That is, the curvature of the second bending path 132 is greater than the curvature of the first bending path 129. The second shaft 152 may also be located at a position lower than the first shaft 151. In the vertical direction Z, the Figure 6 lower end 142b shown may also be located at a position substantially the same as the lower end of the first driving roller 141. In the vertical direction Z, the first driving roller 141 and the second driving roller 142 may also be located below the hand feeding portion 122.

[0147] As Figure 5 shown, the conveying portion 124 may also include a plurality of second driving rollers 142. The plurality of second driving rollers 142 are arranged along the axial direction. The plurality of second driving rollers 142 can rotate around the same second shaft 152. The plurality of second driving rollers 142 are arranged at positions offset from the first driving roller 141 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, two second driving rollers 142 are arranged on both sides of the first driving roller 141 in the axial direction. If the distances between the two second driving rollers 142 and the first driving roller 141 in the axial direction are the same, the skew of the conveyed recording medium 136 can be reduced.

[0148] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, the configurations of the plurality of driven units 143 are the same. When distinguishing the plurality of driven units 143, they are also referred to as the first driven unit 143a, the second driven unit 143b, the third driven unit 143c, and the fourth driven unit 143d. The driven unit 143 has a driven roller. In the present embodiment, the driven rollers respectively included in the first driven unit 143a to the fourth driven unit 143d are also referred to as the first driven roller 157a to the fourth driven roller 157d.

[0149] The first driven unit 143a and the second driven unit 143b are arranged at the same position as the first driving roller 141 in the width direction X. The recording medium 136 is clamped between the first driven unit 143a and the second driven unit 143b and the first driving roller 141.

[0150] The conveying portion 124 may also include a plurality of third driven units 143c and a plurality of fourth driven units 143d. The plurality of third driven units 143c and the plurality of fourth driven units 143d are respectively arranged at the same positions as the plurality of second driving rollers 142 in the width direction X. The recording medium 136 is clamped between the third driven unit 143c and the fourth driven unit 143d and the corresponding second driving roller 142.

[0151] Hereinafter, the first driven unit 143a will be described, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the common configurations and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0152] As shown Figure 5 The first driven unit 143a may also have a housing 154, a driven shaft 155, a plurality of springs 56, and a first driven roller 157a.

[0153] The housing 154 houses various components of the first driven unit 143a. The housing 154 holds the driven shaft 155.

[0154] The driven shaft 155 extends in the width direction X. The axial direction of the driven shaft 155 is parallel to the first shaft 151 and the second shaft 152. The axial direction of the driven shaft 155 is parallel to the width direction X.

[0155] The plurality of springs 56 press the first driven roller 157a against the first driving roller 141 by pressing the driven shaft 155.

[0156] The first driven roller 157a is arranged to be rotatable about the driven shaft 155. The recording medium 136 is sandwiched between the first driven roller 157a and the first driving roller 141. Similarly, the recording medium 136 is sandwiched between the second driven roller 157b and the first driving roller 141. The recording medium 136 is sandwiched between the third driven roller 157c and the fourth driven roller 157d and the second driving roller 142. The first driven roller 157a to the fourth driven roller 157d rotate following the conveyed recording medium 136.

[0157] The first driven unit 143a is disposed behind the first driving roller 141 in the depth direction Y. The driven shaft 155 of the first driven unit 143a is disposed between the first shaft 151 and the second shaft 152 in the depth direction Y.

[0158] The driven shaft 155 of the first driven unit 143a may be arranged in the depth direction Y with the first shaft 151 of the first driving roller 141. The driven shaft 155 of the first driven unit 143a may be located at the same position as the first shaft 151 in the vertical direction Z.

[0159] The first driven unit 143a overlaps with the second driving roller 142 in the depth direction Y. In other words, the second driving roller 142 overlaps with the first driven unit 143a in the depth direction Y. The front end 142f of the second driving roller 142 of the present embodiment in the depth direction Y is located in a position more forward than the rear end 157r of the first driven roller 157a.

[0160] The second driving roller 142 overlaps with the first driven unit 143a in the vertical direction Z. The first driven unit 143a is located between the upper end 142t and the lower end 142b of the second driving roller 142 in the vertical direction Z.

[0161] The second drive roller 142 overlaps with the first driven unit 143a axially. That is, as Figure 6 shown, when the second drive roller 142 is observed axially, a part of the second drive roller 142 located at a position closer to the inside than the first driven unit 143a is blocked by the first driven unit 143a. When the second drive roller 142 located at a position closer to the front than the first driven unit 143a is observed axially, the second drive roller 142 hides a part of the first driven unit 143a.

[0162] As Figure 4 shown, the conveyance roller 144 can rotate in the forward and reverse directions. The conveyance roller 144 rotating forward conveys the recording medium 136 in the conveyance direction Dc from the first bending path 129 toward the discharge path 133. The conveyance roller 144 rotates forward according to the movement of the image recording unit 123. The conveyance roller 144 conveys the recording medium 136 intermittently. The conveyance roller 144 rotates forward at the timing when the reciprocating image recording unit 123 turns back.

[0163] The discharge roller 145 can also rotate in the forward and reverse directions according to the drive of the conveyance roller 144. The discharge roller 145 rotating forward conveys the recording medium 136 toward the discharge tray 116. The discharge roller 145 discharges the recorded recording medium 136 to the discharge tray 116.

[0164] The conveyance roller 144 and the discharge roller 145 rotating in reverse convey the recording medium 136 to the inversion path 131. In the case of recording on both sides of the recording medium 136, the conveyance roller 144 and the discharge roller 145 convey the recording medium 136 with one side recorded to the inversion path 131.

[0165] <Conveyance path>

[0166] The conveyance path 126 is a path for conveying the recording medium 136. The conveyance path 126 of the present embodiment conveys the recording medium 136 fed from the first accommodating portion 117, the second accommodating portion 119, and the manual feed portion 122.

[0167] The first feed path 127, the first bending path 129, the inversion path 131, and the second bending path 132 intersect at the intersection 159. The intersection 159 is a space where the ends of a plurality of paths are located.

[0168] The first feed path 127 is a path between the first feed portion 118 and the intersection 159. The first feed path 127 is a path for conveying the recording medium 136 fed from the first accommodating portion 117 to the first bending path 129.

[0169] The second feed path 128 is the path between the second feed unit 120 and the intersection point 159. The second feed path 128 is the path for conveying the recording medium 136 fed from the second accommodation unit 119 to the first bending path 129.

[0170] The first bending path 129 is the path straight ahead downstream of the first feed path 127 and the second feed path 128. The first bending path 129 of the present embodiment is above the first feed path 127 and the second feed path 128 in the vertical direction Z. The first bending path 129 is the path between the intersection point 159 and the discharge roller 145. The first bending path 129 is the path for conveying the recording medium 136 to the image recording unit 123.

[0171] The manual feed path 130 is the path between the manual feed unit 122 and the first bending path 129. The manual feed path 130 is the path for conveying the recording medium 136 fed by the manual feed unit 122 to the first bending path 129.

[0172] The discharge path 133 is the path downstream of the discharge roller 145 in the conveying direction Dc.

[0173] The reverse path 131 is the path between the conveying roller 144 and the intersection point 159. The reverse path 131 is the path for conveying the recorded recording medium 136 to the second bending path 132.

[0174] The second bending path 132 is the path straight ahead downstream of the reverse path 131. The downstream end of the second bending path 132 converges with the first bending path 129. The second bending path 132 is the path between the intersection point 159 and the first bending path 129. The second bending path 132 is the path for conveying the recorded recording medium 136 to the image recording unit 123. The recording medium 136 recorded on one side returns to the image recording unit 123 via the reverse path 131, the second bending path 132, and the first bending path 129.

[0175] <Function of the Second Embodiment>

[0176] The function of the second embodiment will be described.

[0177] The recording medium 136 fed from the first accommodation unit 117 to the first feed path 127 is transferred to the first bending path 129. The recording medium 136 fed from the second accommodation unit 119 to the second feed path 128 is transferred to the first bending path 129.

[0178] The recording medium 136 is conveyed in the conveying direction Dc along the first bending path 129. The image recording unit 123 records the recording medium 136 conveyed to the position opposed to the print head 139. The image recording unit 123 records one side of the recording medium 136.

[0179] In the case of recording one side of the recording medium 136, the control unit 114 discharges the recording medium 136 to the discharge tray 116.

[0180] In the case of recording both sides of the recording medium 136, the control unit 114 conveys the recording medium 136 to the reverse path 131. The recording medium 136 conveyed to the reverse path 131 is transferred to the second bending path 132.

[0181] The recording medium 136 is conveyed to the image recording unit 123 after the second bending path 132 merges with the first bending path 129. That is, the recording medium 136 with one side recorded passes through the reverse path 131, the second bending path 132, and the first bending path 129 and returns to the image recording unit 123. At this time, the back surface of the recording medium 136 opposite to the previously recorded surface faces the image recording unit 123. The image recording unit 123 records the back surface of the recording medium 136. The control unit 114 discharges the recording medium 136 with both sides recorded to the discharge tray 116.

[0182] <Function of the Second Embodiment>

[0183] The effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0184] (2-1) The second drive roller 142 overlaps with the first driven unit 143a in the depth direction Y. Therefore, the second drive roller 142 can be disposed at a position close to the first drive roller 141. Therefore, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus 111 can be suppressed.

[0185] (2-2) The second drive roller 142 overlaps with the first driven unit 143a when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the second drive roller 142 is disposed at a position not overlapping with the first driven unit 143a, the area occupied by the conveying unit 124 can be reduced. Therefore, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus 111 can be suppressed.

[0186] (2-3) The axes of the first driven roller 157a and the first driving roller 141 are arranged in the depth direction Y with respect to each other. The second driving roller 142 is provided at a position rearward in the depth direction Y compared to the first driving roller 141. If the first driving roller 141, the first driven roller 157a, and the second driving roller 142 are separated and arranged in the depth direction Y, the area occupied by the conveying unit 124 tends to become large. Regarding this point, by arranging the second driving roller 142 to overlap with the first driven unit 143a, the enlargement of the recording device 111 can be suppressed.

[0187] (2-4) A plurality of second driving rollers 142 are arranged along the axial direction. Therefore, a plurality of second driving rollers 142 can be easily arranged while avoiding the first driven unit 143a.

[0188] (2-5) The second axis 152 of the second driving roller 142 is located at a position lower than the first axis 151 of the first driving roller 141. Therefore, a space can be easily secured above the second driving roller 142.

[0189] (2-6) The diameter of the second driving roller 142 is smaller than the diameter of the first driving roller 141. Therefore, compared with the case where the diameter of the second driving roller 142 is the same as the diameter of the first driving roller 141, the area occupied by the conveying unit 124 can be reduced.

[0190] [Modification Example]

[0191] The second embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The second embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where there is no technical contradiction.

[0192] · The second feed path 128 may also converge with other paths at a position different from the intersection 159. For example, the second feed path 128 may also converge with the second bending path 132.

[0193] · The recording device 111 may also be configured not to include the second accommodating portion 119. The second accommodating portion 119 and the second feeding portion 120 may also be detachably provided with respect to the housing 112.

[0194] · The upper end of the first driven unit 143a may also be located above the upper end 142t of the second driving roller 142 in the vertical direction Z. The upper end of the first driven roller 157a may also be located above the upper end 142t of the second driving roller 142.

[0195] · The lower end of the first driven unit 143a may also be located below the lower end 142b of the second driving roller 142 in the vertical direction Z. The lower end of the first driven roller 157a may also be located below the lower end 142b of the second driving roller 142.

[0196] · The diameter of the second drive roller 142 may also be equal to or greater than the diameter of the first drive roller 141.

[0197] · In the vertical direction Z, the first shaft 151 and the second shaft 152 may also be located at the same position. In the vertical direction Z, the second shaft 152 may also be located above the first shaft 151.

[0198] · The recording device 111 may also have only one second drive roller 142.

[0199] · The recording device 111 may also include a plurality of first drive rollers 141 that can rotate around the first shaft 151. For example, two first drive rollers 141 may be arranged on both sides of one second drive roller 142 in the axial direction. The recording device 111 may also include a plurality of first driven units 143a. The recording device 111 may also include a plurality of second driven units 143b.

[0200] · The driven shaft 155 of the first driven unit 143a may be located below or above the first shaft 151 in the vertical direction Z.

[0201] · The recording device 111 is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may also be a laser printer, a thermal printer, a dot matrix printer, a digital printer, etc.

[0202] · The recording device 11 may also be a liquid ejection device that ejects a liquid other than ink for recording. The state of the liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device includes granular, teardrop-shaped, and filamentous trailing states. The liquid mentioned here only needs to be a material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid only needs to be in a state where the substance is in a liquid phase, including highly viscous or low-viscosity liquid bodies, sols, gels, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, molten metal, and other fluid bodies. The liquid includes not only a liquid as a state of matter but also substances formed by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing particles of functional materials composed of solid substances such as pigments or metal particles in a solvent. As a representative example of the liquid, ink or liquid crystal described in the above embodiments can be cited. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general aqueous ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot melt ink. As a specific example of the liquid ejection device, for example, there is a device that ejects a liquid containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects biological organic substances for manufacturing biochips, a device used as a precision pipette and ejects a liquid as a sample, a printing and dyeing device, a microdispenser, etc. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as watches or cameras using a needle tip, a device that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curable resin onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens, an optical lens, etc. used in optical communication components, etc. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or a base for etching a substrate, etc.

[0203] [Definition]

[0204] · The expression "at least one" used in this specification means "more than one" of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option" or "both of the two options". As other examples, when the number of options is three or more, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option", "a combination of any two options", or "a combination of any three or more options".

[0205] [Appendix]

[0206] Hereinafter, the technical idea and its effects that can be grasped from the above second embodiment and modification example are described.

[0207] (2A) A recording apparatus includes: an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; a housing unit that can house the recording medium; a conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed; and a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium. The conveyance path includes a feeding path, a first bending path, a turning path, and a second bending path that intersect at an intersection. The feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the housing unit to the first bending path. The first bending path is a path that conveys the recording medium to the image recording unit. The turning path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the second bending path. The second bending path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The conveyance unit includes a first driving roller, a second driving roller, and a driven unit. The first driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the image recording unit and forms the first bending path. The driven unit has a driven roller that sandwiches the recording medium between the driven roller and the first driving roller. The second driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the first driving roller and forms the second bending path. The second driving roller overlaps the driven unit in the depth direction.

[0208] According to this configuration, the second driving roller overlaps the driven unit in the depth direction. Therefore, the second driving roller can be disposed at a position close to the first driving roller. Therefore, the enlargement of the recording apparatus can be suppressed.

[0209] (2B) A recording apparatus includes: an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium; a housing unit that can house the recording medium; a conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed; and a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium. The conveyance path includes a feeding path, a first bending path, a turning path, and a second bending path that intersect at an intersection. The feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the housing unit to the first bending path. The first bending path is a path that conveys the recording medium to the image recording unit. The turning path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the second bending path. The second bending path is a path that conveys the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The conveyance unit includes a first driving roller, a second driving roller, and a driven unit. The first driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the image recording unit and forms the first bending path. The driven unit has a driven roller that sandwiches the recording medium between the driven roller and the first driving roller. The second driving roller is disposed at a position rearward in the depth direction compared to the first driving roller and forms the second bending path. The second driving roller overlaps the driven unit when viewed from the axial direction.

[0210] According to this configuration, the second drive roller overlaps with the driven unit when viewed axially. Therefore, compared with the case where the second drive roller is disposed at a position not overlapping with the driven unit, the area occupied by the conveying unit can be reduced. Accordingly, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus can be suppressed.

[0211] (2C) It is also possible that in the recording apparatus, the axis of the driven roller and the axis of the first drive roller are arranged in the depth direction.

[0212] According to this configuration, the axes of the driven roller and the first drive roller are arranged in the depth direction. The second drive roller is disposed at a position more rearward in the depth direction than the first drive roller. If the first drive roller, the driven roller, and the second drive roller are arranged separately in the depth direction, the area occupied by the conveying unit tends to become large. In this regard, by disposing the second drive roller to overlap with the driven unit, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus can be suppressed.

[0213] (2D) It is also possible that the recording apparatus includes a plurality of the second drive rollers arranged axially.

[0214] According to this configuration, a plurality of second drive rollers are arranged axially. Therefore, it is possible to easily avoid the driven unit and arrange a plurality of second drive rollers.

[0215] (2E) It is also possible that in the recording apparatus, the axis of the second drive roller is located at a position lower than the axis of the first drive roller.

[0216] According to this configuration, the axis of the second drive roller is located at a position lower than the axis of the first drive roller. Therefore, it is possible to easily secure a space above the second drive roller.

[0217] (2F) It is also possible that in the recording apparatus, the diameter of the second drive roller is smaller than the diameter of the first drive roller.

[0218] According to this configuration, the diameter of the second drive roller is smaller than the diameter of the first drive roller. Therefore, compared with the case where the diameter of the second drive roller is the same as the diameter of the first drive roller, the area occupied by the conveying unit can be reduced.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that: have: an image recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium; a first storage portion capable of storing the recording medium; and a conveying path in which the recording medium is conveyed, The conveying path includes a first feeding path, a first curved path, a flipping path, and a second curved path intersecting at an intersection. The first feeding path is a path for conveying the recording medium fed from the first storage portion to the first curved path. The first curved path is a path for conveying the recording medium toward the image recording unit. The reversing path is a path for conveying the recorded recording medium to the second curved path. The second curved path is a path for conveying the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The first curved path has: a first guide surface that guides the recording medium transferred from the first feeding path; and a first conveying surface extending from a downstream end of the first guide surface along a conveying direction, The first guide surface forms an acute angle with respect to a first extension line of the first conveying surface, The second curved path has: a second guide surface to guide the recording medium transferred from the inverting path; and a second conveying surface extending from a downstream end of the second guide surface along the conveying direction, The second guide surface forms an acute angle with respect to a second extension line of the second conveying surface.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recording device further includes a second storage unit capable of storing the recording medium. The conveying path includes a second feeding path, the second feeding path intersecting with the first feeding path, the first curved path, the flipping path, and the second curved path at the intersection, The second feeding path is a path for conveying the recording medium fed from the second storage portion to the first curved path. The first guide surface guides the recording medium transferred from the second feeding path.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that An angle formed by a third extension line of the first feed path and a first line segment connecting a downstream end of the first feed path and an upstream end of the first guide surface is greater than or equal to 20 degrees.

4. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that An angle formed by the first extension line and the first guide surface is less than 30°.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that An angle formed by a fourth extension line of the reversal path and a second line segment is greater than 20°, and the second line segment connects a downstream end of the reversal path and an upstream end of the second guide surface.

6. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that An angle formed by the second extension line and the second guide surface is less than 30°.

7. A recording device, characterized in that: have: an image recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium; a housing capable of housing the recording medium; a conveying path in which the recording medium is conveyed; as well as a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium, The conveying path includes a feed path, a first curved path, a flip path, and a second curved path intersecting at an intersection, The feeding path is a path for conveying the recording medium fed from the storage portion to the first curved path. The first curved path is a path for conveying the recording medium toward the image recording unit. The reversing path is a path for conveying the recorded recording medium to the second curved path. The second curved path is a path for conveying the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The conveying unit includes a first driving roller, a second driving roller, and a driven unit. The first driving roller is disposed at a rearward position relative to the image recording unit in a depth direction and forms the first curved path. The driven unit includes a driven roller, and the recording medium is sandwiched between the driven roller and the first driving roller. The second driving roller is disposed at a rearward position in the depth direction relative to the first driving roller and forms the second curved path. The second driving roller overlaps the driven unit in the depth direction.

8. A recording device, characterized in that: have: an image recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium; a housing capable of housing the recording medium; a conveying path in which the recording medium is conveyed; as well as a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium, The conveying path includes a feed path, a first curved path, a flip path, and a second curved path intersecting at an intersection, The feeding path is a path for conveying the recording medium fed from the storage portion to the first curved path. The first curved path is a path for conveying the recording medium toward the image recording unit. The reversing path is a path for conveying the recorded recording medium to the second curved path. The second curved path is a path for conveying the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The conveying unit includes a first driving roller, a second driving roller, and a driven unit. The first driving roller is disposed at a rearward position relative to the image recording unit in a depth direction and forms the first curved path. The driven unit includes a driven roller, and the recording medium is sandwiched between the driven roller and the first driving roller. The second driving roller is provided at a rearward position in the depth direction relative to the first driving roller and forms the second curved path. The second driving roller overlaps the driven unit when viewed in the axial direction.

9. The recording device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The axis of the driven roller and the axis of the first driving roller are arranged along the depth direction.

10. The recording device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The recording device includes a plurality of the second driving rollers arranged in the axial direction.

11. The recording device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The axis of the second driving roller is located below the axis of the first driving roller.

12. The recording device according to claim 11, characterized in that A diameter of the second driving roller is smaller than a diameter of the first driving roller.

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