Printing apparatus

Abstract

A printing apparatus includes: a housing including an opening provided at an upper portion; a printing unit disposed in the housing; a guide mechanism disposed in the housing and configured to guide the sheet from the printing unit; and a cover portion configured to move between a first position in which the opening is opened and a second position in which the opening is closed, in which the guide mechanism includes a first guide portion for guiding a first surface of the sheet and a second guide portion for guiding a second surface of the sheet and configured to face the first guide portion, and the first guide portion is movable to open a sheet conveying path formed between the first guide portion and the second guide portion in a case where the cover portion is in the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure primarily relates to the structure of printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In printing devices such as inkjet printers, it is sometimes necessary to access the internal components of the device and perform maintenance. A typical example is when printing media, such as paper, is not being fed properly and a jam (paper jam) occurs within the device.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 4564377 describes a device structure capable of opening a cover at a discharge section formed at the top of the device body to perform a clearing operation for clogged media. Typically, the conveying mechanism for transporting printing media is relatively complex. Clogged printing media may become trapped in any mechanism within the device body and be difficult to remove, or the printing media may be damaged and partially remain within the device body. In this respect, the structure in Japanese Patent No. 4564377 has room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a structure that enables more appropriate and easier maintenance of the internal workings of a printing device through a relatively simple configuration.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides a printing apparatus comprising: a housing including an opening at a top; a printing unit disposed within the housing and configured to print on a sheet; a guiding mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to guide the sheet conveyed from the printing unit; and a cover configured to move between a first position where the opening is open and a second position where the opening is closed, wherein the guiding mechanism includes a first guiding portion and a second guiding portion, the first guiding portion being configured to guide a first surface of the sheet, the second guiding portion being disposed facing the first guiding portion and configured to guide a second surface of the sheet, and wherein, when the cover is in the first position, the first guiding portion is configured to be movable to open a sheet conveying path formed between the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion.

[0006] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is illustrated by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C This is a perspective view showing an example of a printing device according to an embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal structure of a printing device;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a printing device;

[0010] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the opening procedure for the internal structure of a printing device;

[0011] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the opening procedure for the internal structure of a printing device;

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the opening procedure for the internal structure of a printing device;

[0013] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for issuing a jam notification;

[0014] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure in the open state;

[0015] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the internal structure in the open state;

[0016] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the internal structure in the open state;

[0017] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the internal structure in the open state;

[0018] Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12C This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the opening procedure for the internal structure of a printing device;

[0019] Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the discharge guide mechanism;

[0020] Figure 14A , Figure 14B , Figure 14C and Figure 14D This is a perspective view showing an example of a pivotal form of a discharge guide mechanism;

[0021] Figure 15A , Figure 15B and Figure 15C This is a schematic side view showing the pivotal form of the discharge guide mechanism from another viewpoint;

[0022] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the braking / locking mechanism of the discharge guide mechanism;

[0023] Figure 17A , Figure 17B , Figure 17C and Figure 17D This is a schematic side view showing the pivotal form of the discharge guide mechanism; and

[0024] Figure 18A , Figure 18B , Figure 18C , Figure 18D and Figure 18E This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the braking / locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Several features are illustrated in the embodiments, but not all of these features are required, and multiple features may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar constructions are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0026] -First Implementation Method

[0027] <<Overall Configuration of Printing Equipment 1>>

[0028] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the overall printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer and includes an apparatus body 100, a cartridge 2, an ejection tray 17, and an ejection tray 120, the detailed operation of which will be described later. The apparatus body 100 is defined by a housing 101, and the cartridge 2, ejection tray 17, and ejection tray 120 are attached to the apparatus body 100.

[0029] To make the structure easier to understand, Figure 1AThe diagram illustrates the intersecting (substantially orthogonal) X, Y, and Z directions, which also apply to the remaining figures (described later). In this embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the left-right or width direction, the Y direction corresponds to the front-back or depth direction, and the Z direction corresponds to the up-down or height direction. Note that the -X side is the left side, the +X side is the right side, the -Y side is the front side, the +Y side is the rear side, the -Z side is the bottom side, and the +Z side is the top side. However, in the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between one side and the other side, the direction will be simply represented as the X, Y, or Z direction. Both the X and Y directions can be described as horizontal, and the Z direction can be described as vertical.

[0030] like Figure 1B As shown, a slot 111 for sliding the box 2 along the Y direction is provided on the front 101a of the device body 100. The box 2 can be inserted into / removed from the slot 111. One or more sheets SH (see...) Figure 2 The sheets are stacked and stored in box 2. The sheet material SH can be a sheet-like printing medium such as paper material, and typically uses cut sheets of a predetermined size (e.g., A4 size) as the sheet material SH. Box 2 can be described as a sheet box, a storage box, etc.

[0031] Discharge trays 17 and 120 are provided on the upper surface 101b of the device body 100. Printed and discharged sheets SH are placed on discharge trays 17 and 120. Each of the discharge trays 17 and 120 is configured to seal the interior of the device body 100 in an openable / closeable manner. In the closed state, discharge tray 17 is positioned relative to discharge tray 120 on the -Y side, details of which will be described later (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1A ).

[0032] like Figure 1B As shown, the discharge tray 17 includes a plate-like member 17a and a shaft portion 17b. The plate-like member 17a is pivotally supported by the shaft portion 17b at its end on the +Y side. With this configuration, the discharge tray 17 can pivot in the X direction, which is the pivot axis, so that the opening 70 at the upper part of the housing 101 can be opened (see...). Figure 1B ) or close (see Figure 1A In the closed state of opening 70 (see...) Figure 1A The plate-shaped member 17a forms a substantially horizontal surface on the -Y side and an inclined surface on the +Y side. The inclined surface is inclined such that it is lower on the +Y side and higher on the -Y side.

[0033] like Figure 1CAs shown, the discharge tray 120 includes a plate-like member 120a and a shaft portion 120b. The shaft portion 120b is disposed at both ends (side portions) of the plate-like member 120a in the X direction. At the wall portion of the housing 101 facing the shaft portion 120b, a guide rail 121 is arranged to extend along the inclined surface of the plate-like member 17a in the closed state. The shaft portion 120b is slidably engaged with the guide rail 121. With this configuration, the discharge tray 120 can slide to the upper part of the inclined surface of the discharge tray 17 in the closed state, so that the opening 130 in the upper part of the housing 101 can be opened (see...). Figure 1C ) or close (see Figure 1A ).

[0034] Note that openings 70 and 130 may be integrally formed on the upper part of the housing 101. However, for ease of understanding, the portion that opens by pivoting through the discharge tray 17 is defined as opening 70, and the portion that opens by sliding through the discharge tray 120 is defined as opening 130.

[0035] With this configuration, the user can pivot the discharge tray 17 or slide the discharge tray 120 to relatively easily open and expose the interior of the device body 100. The user can visually identify and access the interior of the device body 100 through the openings 70 or 130.

[0036] In other words, discharge trays 17 and 120 serve as placement areas for the printed sheet SH, which is discharged to the outside of the equipment body 100, and also function as covers that can be opened / closed to seal the interior of the equipment body 100. Therefore, both discharge trays 17 and 120 can be described as discharge tray covers. Alternatively, for distinction, discharge tray 17 can be described as a pivot cover, and discharge tray 120 can be described as a sliding cover.

[0037] <<Internal Structure of Printing Equipment 1>>

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing device 1. The printing device 1 also includes a printing unit 10, a drive unit 14, a platform 15, multiple conveying units 3 to 9, multiple sensors 32 to 34, and a baffle 180 in the main body 100 of the device.

[0039] The printing unit 10 includes a carriage 11 and a printhead 12. The carriage 11 supports the printhead 12 and is configured to reciprocate in the X direction, allowing the printhead 12 to scan in the X direction. A plurality of nozzles are arranged on the surface of the printhead 12 facing the stage 15. Each nozzle can discharge ink supplied from the ink tank 19 via an ink tube (not shown).

[0040] The drive unit 14 drives the printing unit 10. As an example, the drive unit 14 includes a travel belt that reciprocates the carriage 11, pulleys for moving the travel belt, and an electric motor for driving the pulleys. With this configuration, as the sheet SH passes between the print head 12 and the stage 15, the drive unit 14 reciprocates the carriage 11 to scan the print head 12, driving the print head 12 during scanning and discharging ink from each nozzle. Thus, printing is performed on the sheet SH.

[0041] Printing here involves forming an image by expelling ink onto a sheet SH. The concept of an image includes characters, numbers, symbols, graphics, photographs, etc., regardless of whether the image is visible or not. Although ink is typically a liquid containing dyes or pigments, it can be a colorless, transparent, reactive liquid, or it can be described as a liquid containing them. From this perspective, printing device 1 can be described as a liquid expulsion device, or printhead 12 can be described as a liquid expulsion head.

[0042] In this embodiment, printing on the sheet SH is achieved by alternately performing an operation of conveying the sheet SH only at a predetermined distance and suppressing the conveying (intermittent conveying) and an operation of scanning the print head 12 for printing while suppressing the conveying (print scanning). The print head 12 is also described as a serial head. As another embodiment, the print head 12 may be a line head capable of printing the entire width direction of the sheet SH in one go.

[0043] Each of the conveyor units 3 to 9 is along the path formed by... Figure 2 The dashed arrows in the diagram indicate the conveying path of the sheet SH, configured in the corresponding positions. While the sheet SH is held together with the driven roller or driven ratchet, the drive roller rotates to convey the sheet SH. In this embodiment, the conveying path extends primarily from the cartridge 2 towards the -Y side, while curving upwards towards the +Y side and passing through the printing unit 10, then further curving upwards while extending towards the -Y side and connecting to the discharge port of the sheet SH. The driven roller is configured on the surface of the sheet SH to be printed before printing, and the driven ratchet is configured on the surface of the printed sheet SH that has already been printed. Each of the driven roller and the driven ratchet is stressed by a force-applying device (not shown) and configured to rest against the drive roller so as to be rotatable and in contact with the corresponding drive roller. Note that the driven ratchet can be other disc-shaped rotating members (driven rotating members).

[0044] Conveying unit 3 includes a drive roller and a driven roller in contact with each other, and conveys the sheet SH picked up from cassette 2 (see arrow A01). Similarly, conveying unit 4 includes a drive roller and a driven roller in contact with each other, and further conveys the sheet SH conveyed from conveying unit 3 (see arrow A02). Note that conveying unit 4 can also receive and convey the sheet SH from an external sheet feed unit additionally attached to the lower part of the equipment body 100 (see arrow A03).

[0045] Conveying units 5 and 6 can perform intermittent conveying and can also perform conveying at a constant speed. Conveying unit 5 is configured upstream of printing unit 10 in the conveying direction, includes a drive roller and a driven roller in contact with each other, and intermittently conveys sheet SH toward printing unit 10. Conveying unit 6 is configured downstream of printing unit 10 in the conveying direction, includes a drive roller and a driven ratchet in contact with each other, and further intermittently conveys sheet SH printed by printing unit 10 downwards (see arrow A04).

[0046] Each of the conveying units 7 to 9 includes a drive roller and a driven ratchet that are in contact with each other. The conveying units 7 to 9 are configured along a discharge path (or discharge conveying path) for discharging the printed sheet SH conveyed from the conveying unit 6 to the equipment body 100. That is, the discharge path is the path through which the sheet SH from the conveying unit 6 to the conveying unit 9 can pass in the conveying path of the sheet SH indicated by arrow A01, etc. The discharge path is formed in a curved shape, passing from the lower rear of the equipment body 100 to the upper rear, and further through the rear of the equipment body 100 (see arrow A05). The sheet SH is reversed so that the printed surface is facing down, and then discharged into the discharge trays 17 and 120. This discharge method can be described as face-down discharge. In this embodiment, the conveying unit 7 is positioned at the lowermost position on the curved discharge path, the conveying unit 8 is positioned at the rearmost position, and the conveying unit 9 is positioned at the uppermost position, so that they can be distinguished from each other.

[0047] In the transport units 6 to 9 located downstream of the printing unit 10, a driven ratchet is arranged on the printed surface side of the sheet SH, and a drive roller is arranged on the opposite side. The drive rollers of the transport units 6 to 9 are shown as rollers 6a to 9a, respectively, and the driven ratchets of the transport units 6 to 9 are shown as ratchet 6b to 9b, respectively (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4A wait).

[0048] Note that the conveying units 3 to 9 described above may be referred to by other names depending on their purpose, use, or configuration. For example, conveying units 3 and 4 may be described as sheet feeding units, and conveying units 7 to 9 may be described as discharge units.

[0049] Sensors 32 to 34 are configured to detect the presence / absence of sheet SH and can detect, for example, the passage of the front end (downstream end) and rear end (upstream end) of sheet SH. For each of sensors 32 to 34, a known optical sensor is typically used. Sensor 32 is configured upstream of printing unit 10, and in this example, upstream of conveying unit 5. Sensor 33 is configured downstream of printing unit 10, and in this example, downstream of conveying unit 6 and near conveying unit 7. Sensor 34 is configured downstream of the curved discharge path, and in this example, near conveying unit 9. Sensors 32 to 34 can precisely pinpoint the location of the conveyed target sheet SH.

[0050] Guide portion 601, which guides the printed surface of sheet SH, and guide portion 600, which guides the opposite surface, are configured to face each other between conveyor units 6 and 7, details of which will be described later. Similarly, guide portions 701 and 700 are configured to face each other between conveyor units 7 and 8, and guide portions 801 and 800 are configured to face each other between conveyor units 8 and 9. In other words, the guiding mechanism including guide portions 600, 601, 700, 701, 800, and 801 forms a curved discharge path, and guide portions 600, 601, 700, 701, 800, and 801 can be collectively referred to as a discharge guiding mechanism.

[0051] The case of printing only on one surface of the sheet SH has been described above. However, the printing device 1 is configured to further print even on a surface opposite to the already printed surface of the sheet SH (capable of so-called double-sided printing). The sheet SH printed on only one surface is temporarily conveyed to the middle of a curved discharge path, then conveyed by conveyor units 5 to 9 through the printing unit 10 and returned to the conveyor unit 4. At this point, the sheet SH is flipped (see arrow A06). The sheet SH is then conveyed back to the printing unit 10, and printing is performed on the other surface of the sheet SH.

[0052] From this perspective, the surface of the sheet SH where printing is last performed is considered the upper surface, and the opposite surface is considered the lower surface. Guide 601 can be described as an upper surface guide, and guide 600 as a lower surface guide, to distinguish them from each other. Alternatively, guide 601 can be described as a one-sided guide (or a guide on the other side), and guide 600 can be described as a guide on the other side (or a guide on one side), to distinguish them from each other. Based on the internal structure forming the curved discharge path, guide 601 can be described as an inner peripheral guide, and guide 600 can be described as an outer peripheral guide, to distinguish them from each other. This also applies to guides 700 and 701, and guides 800 and 801.

[0053] Note that when printing is performed on one surface and then not on the other surface, and the sheet SH is flipped, the surface facing the printing unit 10 can be considered the upper surface, and the other surface can be considered the lower surface.

[0054] In the following description, each of guides 601, 701 and 801 is referred to as an upper surface guide, and each of guides 600, 700 and 800 is referred to as a lower surface guide, so as to distinguish them from each other.

[0055] The upper surface guide 601 is pivotally mounted in the device body 100, and its details will be described later. The upper surface guides 701 and 801 are unified as the downstream upper surface guide 811, and are pivotally mounted in the device body 100.

[0056] The baffle 180 is mounted around the shaft portion 180b (see...) Figure 3 The pivot portion 180b serves as a pivot at the upper rear portion of the equipment body 100. The baffle 180 is force-applied by a force-applying device (not shown) to assume a position where the distal end 180a faces the discharge trays 17 and 120. When the sheet SH is discharged outside the equipment body 100, the discharge tray 120 is preferably positioned such that the wall portion 120c at the +Y side end is positioned as the -Y side relative to the -Y side end 9c of the roller 9a, as... Figure 2 As shown in the schematic enlarged view, the sheet SH discharged to the outside of the equipment body 100 is properly placed on discharge trays 17 and 120. When two or more sheets of SH are discharged, they are stacked on discharge trays 17 and 120.

[0057] Note that a sensor (not shown) is provided on baffle 180. When the distal end 180a exceeds the reference, it is determined that the amount of sheet SH stacked on the discharge trays 17 and 120 is equal to or greater than the reference. Then, a predetermined notification can be issued to additionally interrupt the printing operation.

[0058] With this configuration, printing is performed on the sheet SH conveyed by conveyor units 3 and 4 via intermittent conveying of conveyor units 5 and 6 and printing scanning of print head 12. The printed sheet SH is discharged outside the equipment body 100 by conveyor units 6 to 9 and placed on discharge trays 17 and 120.

[0059] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A partial perspective view showing the detailed structure of the periphery of the discharge path. Some of the aforementioned components are directly or indirectly fixed to the inner wall 500 of the housing 101, and some other components pivot relative to the inner wall 500. For example, in this embodiment, the upper surface guide 601 pivots about the shaft 601a, which serves as a pivot.

[0060] A positioning portion 500a and a fixing portion 500b are provided on the inner sidewall 500, and a locking mechanism 610 for locking the upper surface guide portion 601 is attached thereto. The locking mechanism 610 includes a lever unit 611 and a force-applying unit 612. The lever unit 611 includes a hook portion 611a, a pivot 611b, and a fixing portion 611c, and pivots about the pivot 611b between the hook portion 611a and the fixing portion 611c. The force-applying unit 612 is installed between the fixing portions 500b and 611c, and applies force to the lever unit 611 so that the hook portion 611a is locked by the locking portion 601c. Therefore, the upper surface guide portion 601 is locked at the positioning portion 500a by the lever unit 611 which is force-applied by the force-applying unit 612. This configuration is provided on both sides of the housing 101 in the X direction.

[0061] <<Maintenance>>

[0062] As described above, the user can pivot the discharge tray 17 or slide the discharge tray 120 to open the interior of the device body 100 and access its interior. When a jam (paper jam) occurs during the transport of the sheet SH, the user can pivot the discharge tray 17 or slide the discharge tray 120 to access the interior of the device body 100 and remove the jammed sheet SH (hereinafter referred to as the jammed sheet). In this embodiment, the situation where a jam occurs when the printed sheet SH passes through a curved discharge path will be described.

[0063] Figure 4A This is a schematic cross-sectional view mainly showing the portion of the transport path after the printing unit 10 within the internal structure of the printing device 1. For example, when a jam notification is generated (explained later: see...) Figure 7 When the user slides the discharge tray 120 along the guide rail 121 above the inclined surface of the discharge tray 17, the printing device 1 can be turned on. Figure 4B As shown. At this time, as Figure 4C As shown, the baffle 180 can be pivoted to face upward and locked by a mechanism (not shown).

[0064] Then, as Figure 5A As shown, the user can hold the gripping part 701b provided on the upper surface guide 701 and pivot the downstream upper surface guide 811 (upper surface guides 701 and 801) around the shaft part 801a, which serves as a pivot. The shaft part 801a can be offset from the axis of rotation of the roller 9a, or it can be coaxial. When the baffle 180 is not pivoting, it is in contact with... Figure 4C Unlike other devices, the baffle 180 pivots together with the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface. For example... Figure 5B As shown, the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface pivots until it reaches the end of the pivoting region and can be locked in that position.

[0065] Finally, as Figure 6 As shown, after the locking mechanism 610 releases the lock on the upper surface guide 601, the user can hold the grip 601b and move the upper surface guide 601 around the pivot 601a (see Figure 1). Figure 2 Pivoting. After pivoting, the upper surface guide 601 can be held by a magnet, for example, near the drive unit 14. In this way, the lower surface guides 600, 700, and 800 are exposed to open the discharge path of the sheet SH, and the user can remove the jammed sheet SH from the discharge path. According to this embodiment, maintenance of the interior of the device body 100 can be performed appropriately and easily.

[0066] Note that sensors (not shown) may be mounted on the upper surface guides 601, 701, and 801, and the printing operation may be suppressed or interrupted when one of the upper surface guides 601, 701, and 801 pivots to open the discharge path of the sheet SH. After completing maintenance inside the device body 100, the user can return the printing operation to a restartable state by operating the corresponding mechanisms in the reverse order described above.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for issuing a jam notification. Typically, this sequence can be executed by reading a program from a central processing unit (CPU) built into the printing device 1 and implementing the program while it is deployed in memory. The sequence is summarized based on the detection results of sensors 32 to 34, clearly indicating the form of sheet ejection, and issuing a predetermined notification to the user when a jam is detected.

[0068] In step S1010 (hereinafter referred to as "S1010", which also applies to other steps described later), it is determined whether printing of a sheet by printing unit 10 has been completed. If printing is completed, the process proceeds to S1020; if printing is not completed, it returns to S1010.

[0069] In S1020, the discharge process of the printed sheet SH begins, that is, the sheet SH is conveyed downstream through the conveying units 7 to 9.

[0070] In S1030, it is determined whether sensor 33 is ON. When sheet SH is detected, sensor 33 becomes ON; otherwise, it is OFF (this also applies to the remaining sensors 32 and 34). If sensor 33 is ON, the process proceeds to S1100; if sensor 33 is not ON, the process proceeds to S1040.

[0071] In S1040, it is determined whether the feed amount of the sheet SH from sensor 32 has reached the reference amount. Since printing on the sheet SH has been properly completed, sensor 32 is already ON. Therefore, the measurement result of the feed amount of the sheet SH after sensor 32 is ON is sufficient to perform this determination. If the feed amount of the sheet SH from sensor 32 has reached the reference amount, the process proceeds to S1050. If the feed amount of the sheet SH from sensor 32 has not yet reached the reference amount, the process returns to S1030.

[0072] In S1050, a notification indicating that a jam has occurred (jamming notification) is issued, and the sequence ends.

[0073] In S1100, the feeding amount of sheet SH from sensor 33 is measured (after sensor 33 becomes ON). This measurement can be performed in parallel with the measurement of the feeding amount of sheet SH from sensor 32.

[0074] In S1110, it is determined whether sensor 34 is ON. If sensor 34 is ON, the process proceeds to S1210; if sensor 34 is not ON, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0075] In S1120, it is determined whether the conveying amount of sheet SH from sensor 33 has reached the reference amount.

[0076] In S1130, another notification (blocking notification) indicating that a blockage has occurred is issued, and the sequence ends.

[0077] In S1210, it is determined whether sensor 34 has become OFF. If sensor 34 becomes OFF, the process proceeds to S1220; if sensor 34 does not become OFF, it returns to S1210.

[0078] In S1220, a notification is issued indicating that the discharge of the sheet SH is complete.

[0079] Thus, when a jamming occurs, a jamming notification is issued. Based on this, the user can access the interior of the device body 100 and remove the jammed sheet SH. The jamming notification in S1050 informs the user that a jamming occurred before the sensor 33 turned ON. The jamming notification in S1130 informs the user that a jamming occurred after the sensor 33 turned ON. The content of these notifications can differ from each other so that the user can identify the location of the jamming. Note that the jamming notification can be issued, for example, on a display provided on the upper surface 101b, or via a warning sound, voice, etc.

[0080] <<Upper Surface Guide Part 601>>

[0081] When removing the jammed sheet SH, the user inserts their hand into the open device body 100, grasps the jammed sheet SH while simultaneously pulling it out from inside the device body 100, and removes it from the discharge path. Downstream of the printing unit 10, the transport path is relatively narrow. For example, near the transport unit 6, the jammed sheet SH may break during removal and remain partially inside the device body 100. A configuration that further facilitates the removal of the jammed sheet SH is needed.

[0082] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the conveying units 6 and 7 and their surrounding parts in the internal structure of the printing device 1. Figure 8A The diagram shows the state of the upper surface guide 601 before it pivots, and Figure 8B This shows the state of the upper surface guide 601 after it has pivoted.

[0083] In this embodiment, a driven roller 603 and a driven ratchet 605 are provided on the upper surface guide portion 601. The driven roller 603 can rotate around the shaft portion 602, which serves as a pivot, and the driven ratchet 605 can rotate around the shaft portion 604, which serves as a pivot. A plurality of driven rollers 603 and a plurality of driven ratchet 605 are provided in the X direction.

[0084] like Figure 8A As shown, shaft portion 602 is spaced apart from shaft portion 601a on the -Y and +Z sides of upper surface guide portion 601 before pivoting, and driven roller 603 is spaced apart from the conveying path of sheet SH by a distance H1. Shaft portion 604 is spaced apart from shaft portion 601a on the +Y side, and driven ratchet 605 is positioned to contact the conveying path of sheet SH. When upper surface guide portion 601 pivots, driven ratchet 605 moves away from the conveying path of sheet SH, while driven roller 603 moves closer to the conveying path of sheet SH until a distance H2 (H2) is reached. Figure 8B As shown.

[0085] Note that distances H1 and H2 are the distances from the tangent (ideal conveying path or clamping line of sheet SH) of the line passing simultaneously through drive rollers 6a and 7a and the corresponding driven ratchet wheels 6b and 7b to driven roller 603.

[0086] With this configuration, the driven roller 603 is not used before the upper surface guide 601 pivots, and the driven ratchet 605 can guide the feeding of the sheet SH. After the upper surface guide 601 pivots, the driven ratchet 605 is not used, and the driven roller 603 can guide the removal of any jammed sheet SH.

[0087] ​Here, the driven ratchet 605 is used to guide the transport of the printed sheet SH during the printing operation, while the driven roller 603 is used to guide the removal of jammed sheet SH. Therefore, the driven roller 603 is preferably made of a roller made of resin with low rolling friction and / or sliding friction, so that the user can easily pull out the jammed sheet SH without using a ratchet.

[0088] Similar to Figure 8A and Figure 8B , Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the pivoting configuration of the upper surface guide 601. In this example, the upper surface guide 601 is attached to the inner wall 500 via a connecting member 620 pivoting at a shaft 620a. That is, the connecting member 620 is connected to the upper surface guide 601 at one end and to the inner wall 500 at the other end, the upper surface guide 601 pivoting about a shaft 601a, and the inner wall 500 pivoting about a shaft 620a. After the upper surface guide 601 pivots, the entire upper surface guide 601 is moved away relatively significantly from the conveying path of the sheet SH, making it relatively easy to remove any jammed sheet SH.

[0089] Similar to Figure 8A and Figure 8B , Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example. In this example, grooves 501 and 502 are provided on the inner sidewall 500, and the upper surface guide 601 is configured to slide along the grooves 501 and 502 and move away from the transport path of the sheet SH. The groove 501 extends from the +Y side end of the upper surface guide 601 toward the -Y side and the +Z side, and at both ends, fitting portions 501a and 501b are provided. The groove 502 extends substantially from the -Y side end of the upper surface guide 601 toward the +Z side, and at both ends, fitting portions 502a and 502b are provided. A shaft portion 601d1 is provided at the +Y side end of the upper surface guide 601, and a shaft portion 601d2 is provided at the -Y side end.

[0090] Figure 10A In the middle, shaft portions 601d1 and 601d2 are respectively fitted into fitting portions 501a and 502a, and the upper surface guide portion 601 is in a horizontal position. Figure 10B In this configuration, shaft portions 601d1 and 601d2 are respectively fitted into fitting portions 501b and 502b, and the upper surface guide portion 601 is in a vertical position. In this manner, the upper surface guide portion 601 can also be configured to slide away from the conveying path of the sheet SH. This configuration also allows for relatively easy removal of jammed sheet SH.

[0091] The size of the upper surface guide 601 is smaller than that of the downstream upper surface guide 811, which is uniformly composed of the upper surface guides 701 and 801. The upper surface guide 601 can be moved away from the transport path either by pivoting or sliding, or moved away from the transport path with another movement.

[0092] <<Variations on the upper surface guide portion 601>>

[0093] In this embodiment, among the upper surface guides 601, 701, and 801, upper surface guides 701 and 801 are unified into a downstream upper surface guide 811, and upper surface guide 601 can be moved away from the conveying path of the sheet SH independently of upper surface guides 701 and 801. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, upper surface guides 601 and 701 can be unified without unifying upper surface guides 701 and 801.

[0094] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the upper surface guides 601 and 701 being unified. In this example, it is sufficient to provide a grip 701b' instead of grips 601b and 701b.

[0095] first, Figure 11A The uniform upper surface guides 601 and 701 are shown in a manner similar to... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The sheet SH is in a pivoted state. After pivoting, the upper surface guides 601 and 701 can be held in a position near the drive unit 14 by a magnet or the like. Through the pivoting of the upper surface guides 601 and 701, most of the discharge path of the sheet SH is opened. Figure 11B As shown, the upper surface guide portion 801 does not need to pivot outside the device body 100 and can be configured to swing within the device body 100.

[0096] With this configuration, the stuck sheet SH can be removed from the discharge path relatively easily, and the structure around the upper surface guide 801 can be simplified.

[0097] <<Variation Example of Discharge Tray 120>>

[0098] In the above embodiment, when the discharge tray 120 is opened, the discharge tray 120 is slid along the guide rail 121 above the inclined surface of the discharge tray 17 and placed on the inclined surface. However, this embodiment is not limited to this form.

[0099] Figures 12A to 12C This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of a structure capable of opening / closing the discharge tray 120. In this example, as... Figure 12AAs shown, a guide rail 121' with a substantially uniform groove width and a short groove length is provided so that it can engage with the shaft portion 120b of the discharge tray 120.

[0100] In this configuration, the discharge tray 120 partially (partially on the -Y side) slides above the inclined surface of the discharge tray 17, as... Figure 12B As shown by arrow A11 in the diagram. Then, as... Figure 12C As indicated by arrow A12, the discharge tray 120 pivots around the pivot portion 120b, flips over, and is placed in this position on the inclined surface of the discharge tray 17. This configuration simplifies the shape of the guide rail 121'.

[0101] -Second Implementation Method

[0102] <<Upper surface guides 701 and 801 (downstream side upper surface guide 811)>>

[0103] The first embodiment described above illustrates a configuration in which the downstream upper surface guide portion 811, constructed by unifying the upper surface guide portions 701 and 801, can pivot around the shaft portion 801a, which serves as a pivot (see [link]). Figure 5A ).

[0104] The downstream upper surface guide portion 811 is relatively large, so it may be difficult to pivot the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 outside the device body 100 via the opening 130 due to interference with, for example, another mechanism or component. Therefore, a configuration is needed in which the pivoting area of ​​the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 extends in a predetermined direction and is controlled within a predetermined range.

[0105] Figure 13A This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view including the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 and its surrounding portion. In this embodiment, a support conveying unit 9 and a downstream upper surface guide portion 811 are provided on the downstream side of the lower surface guide portion 800 (in this example, on the upper part of the lower surface guide portion 800), and a support member 810 is pivotable about a shaft portion 820 that serves as a pivot. Note that the support member 810 is a component independent of the lower surface guide portion 800, but it forms part of the discharge path of the sheet SH on the downstream side of the lower surface guide portion 800, side by side with the lower surface guide portion 800. Therefore, the support member 810 can also be described as the lower surface guide portion.

[0106] Figure 13BThis is a perspective view including the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 and its periphery. In this embodiment, the circular plate member 811o is attached to the end of the shaft member that rotatably supports the roller 9a (coaxial with the roller 9a). The circular plate member 811o can rotate about the shaft portion 9a1 of the roller 9a, which serves as the axis of rotation, and the circular plate member 811o and the roller 9a can rotate independently of each other. Cams 811a and 811b and gear tooth surface 811c are provided on the periphery of the circular plate member 811o and can rotate about the shaft portion 9a1, which serves as the axis of rotation.

[0107] Cam surfaces 831a and 831b, capable of engaging cams 811a and 811b respectively, are disposed on a guide sidewall 831 that is part of the inner sidewall 500 or fixed to the inner sidewall 500, details of which will be described later. Cam surfaces 831a and 831b form different curved surfaces and form a top at their boundary. After cam 811a slides along cam surface 831a, cam 811b can slide along cam surface 831b, details of which will be described later.

[0108] Figure 13C This is a perspective view of the guide sidewall 831, not shown. Cam 811a is positioned inside the circular plate member 811o, and cam 811b is positioned outside the circular plate member 811o. Gear tooth surface 811c is circumferentially arranged to correspond to the pivoting region of the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface, and at least partially overlaps with cams 811a and 811b in the radial direction.

[0109] Figures 14A to 14D This is a perspective view used to illustrate the relative positional relationship between cams 811a and 811b and cam surfaces 831a and 831b when the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 is pivoted.

[0110] like Figure 14A As shown, before the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface pivots, the cam 811a engages with the cam surface 831a.

[0111] like Figure 14B As shown, when the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 begins to pivot, the support member 810 also pivots together with the pivot of the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 around the shaft portion 820, which serves as the pivot, and then the conveying unit 9 also pivots. At the same time, the cam 811a slides along the cam surface 831a.

[0112] like Figure 14C As shown, when the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface pivots further together with the support member 810, the cam 811a moves upward toward the cam surface 831a. As a result, the cam 811b can slide along the cam surface 831b. At this point, the pivoting of the support member 810 ends.

[0113] like Figure 14D As shown, the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface can further pivot and move upward around the shaft portion 9a1, which serves as a pivot. At the same time, the cam 811b slides along the cam surface 831b.

[0114] In short, the support member 810 is pivotally configured around the shaft portion 820, which serves as a pivot, and supports the conveying unit 9, including the shaft portion 9a1, and the downstream upper surface guide portion 811. With this configuration, the downstream upper surface guide portion 811 has two pivots, namely the shaft portion 820 and 9a1, and the two pivots are switched by sliding between the cam 811a and the cam surface 831a, and between the cam 811b and the cam surface 831b. For ease of explanation, this pivoting form can be described as a two-step pivoting, with the first pivot corresponding to the sliding between the cam 811a and the cam surface 831a, and the second pivot corresponding to the sliding between the cam 811b and the cam surface 831b.

[0115] Figure 15A , Figure 15B and Figure 15C The downstream upper surface guide 811 is shown from another viewpoint in its state before pivoting, during pivoting, and after pivoting. Figure 15B Arrow A21 in the diagram indicates the trajectory of the first pivoting step of the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface. Figure 15C Arrow A22 in the diagram indicates the trajectory of the second pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface.

[0116] As indicated by arrows A21 and A22, the downstream upper surface guide 811 traces two different types of trajectories in the main pivot direction during pivoting. For example, a clear contrast between arrows A21 and A22 is that the downstream upper surface guide 811 moves primarily towards the +Z side during the second pivot, while the Y-direction component is suppressed. With this configuration, the relatively large downstream upper surface guide 811 can pivot relatively easily outward from the device body 100 via the opening 130 without interfering with other mechanisms. According to this embodiment, maintenance of the interior of the device body 100 can be performed appropriately and easily.

[0117] The support member 810 and the conveying unit 9 pivot together with the pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface during the first pivot, and the shaft portion 9a1 acts as a pivot during the second pivot. In either pivot, no unnecessary stress is generated on the conveying unit 9; for example, the roller 9a and the driven ratchet 9b are not unnecessarily compressed.

[0118] Note that the shaft 820 is coaxial with the idler wheel 821, which transmits power (rotation) to the roller 9a. When the support member 810 and the downstream upper surface guide 811, etc., pivot together, it is not necessary to cut off the power transmission.

[0119] <<Brake / Locking Mechanism>>

[0120] The downstream upper surface guide 811 is relatively heavy. For example, if the user handles the device incorrectly, the downstream upper surface guide 811 may fall due to its own weight during pivoting. To prevent this, the downstream upper surface guide 811 needs to maintain its original configuration during and after pivoting.

[0121] Figure 16 This is a schematic side view including the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface and its surrounding portion. In this embodiment, the brake gear 840, which meshes with the gear tooth surface 811c, is pivotally disposed around a shaft portion 820, which serves as a pivot. A protrusion 840a is provided on the periphery of the brake gear 840, and a brake pad 841 is provided for the brake gear 840. The brake pad 841 is subjected to force by the force-applying unit 842 and can contact the protrusion 840a.

[0122] When the protrusion 840a contacts the brake pad 841, the brake gear 840 is clamped between the brake pad 841 and the inner wall 500, and the resulting friction acts as a braking force for pivoting relative to the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface.

[0123] Figure 17A The state of the brake gear 840 is shown before the first pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface. Figure 17B The state of the brake gear 840 is shown after the first pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side and before the second pivot. Figure 17C The state of the brake gear 840 during the second pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface is shown. Figure 17D The state of the brake gear 840 after the second pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface is shown. During the pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface, the brake gear 840 moves along... Figures 17A to 17D Rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in the image.

[0124] Figure 18E This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative position of the brake pad 841 relative to the brake gear 840 during the pivoting of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface. Figure 18E Position A in the middle corresponds to Figure 17A The state of the brake pad 841 is indicated, and the relative position of the brake pad 841 before the first pivot is shown. Figure 18E Position B in the middle corresponds to Figure 17B The state of the brake pad 841 is indicated, and the relative position of the brake pad 841 after the first pivot and before the second pivot. Figure 18E Position C in the middle corresponds to Figure 17CThe state of the brake pad 841 during the second pivot is indicated. Figure 18E Position D in the middle corresponds to Figure 17D The state of the brake pad 841 after the second pivot indicates the relative position of the brake pad 841.

[0125] In other words, during the first pivot of the guide portion 811 on the downstream side upper surface, the brake pad 841 moves relative to position B from position A in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Then, during the second pivot, the brake pad 841 moves relative to position C from position B through position A in a clockwise (CW) direction, and further moves relative to position D in the CW direction.

[0126] Figures 18A to 18D This is an unfolded diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the brake gear 840 and the brake pad 841, corresponding to positions A to D respectively. Figures 17A to 17D (The state in the middle).

[0127] Between positions A and B, and between positions C, the protrusion 840a does not contact the brake pad 841, and its pivoting relative to the guide portion 811 on the downstream upper surface does not generate braking force. Conversely, between positions C and D, the protrusion 840a contacts the brake pad 841, generating braking force.

[0128] At position D, the protrusion 840a moves away from the brake pad 841, so no braking force is generated. However, due to the force applied by the force-applying unit 842, the brake pad 841 is closer to the brake gear 840 side than the protrusion 840a. Therefore, the brake gear 840 is adjusted to make it difficult for the brake pad 841 to move relatively from position D and return to position C (or position A or position B). With this configuration, the downstream upper surface guide 811 remains in a locked position after the second pivot. The brake gear 840, brake pad 841, and force-applying unit 842 can be described as a braking mechanism and / or a locking mechanism.

[0129] <<Other>>

[0130] In the implementation, each element is named using a description based on its primary function. However, each function described in the implementation can be a sub-function and is not strictly limited to a single description. A description can be replaced by another similar description. Similarly, the description "unit or part" can be replaced by "tool," "part," "component," "structure," "assembly," etc. Alternatively, these can be omitted or added.

[0131] While terms like "first," "second," etc., can be added to elements with similar names, they are only used for differentiation and do not indicate priority or order.

[0132] Furthermore, the two or more elements that can be selectively implemented in the embodiments are not strictly limited to the examples and can be combined arbitrarily. For example, each of the two or more elements illustrated can be selected alternatively or alternatively. As an example, when two elements A and B are combined arbitrarily, in order to indicate "only A", "only B" and "both A and B", the expression "A and / or B" can be used, or the expression "at least one of A and / or B" can be used.

[0133] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: The housing includes an opening at the top; A printing unit, which is disposed in the housing and configured to print on a sheet; A guiding mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to guide the sheet conveyed from the printing unit; and The cover is configured to move between a first position where the opening is open and a second position where the opening is closed. The guiding mechanism includes a first guiding portion and a second guiding portion. The first guiding portion is configured to guide a first surface of the sheet, and the second guiding portion is configured to face the first guiding portion and guide a second surface of the sheet. When the cover is in the first position, the first guide is configured to be movable to open the sheet transport path formed between the first guide and the second guide.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover is a tray configured to stack sheets printed by the printing unit.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, When the cover is open, the first guide portion can be moved by the user.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The cover is designed to be opened / closed by sliding.

5. The printing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a holding unit configured to hold the first guide portion, which has been moved to open the transport path, in its current position.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first guide is configured to be pivotable to open the transport path.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The guiding mechanism includes a third guiding portion and a fourth guiding portion, which serve as the first guiding portion. The fourth guiding portion is arranged side-by-side with the third guiding portion on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction. The pivot of the third guide is located on the upstream side of the conveying direction, and the pivot of the fourth guide is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The third guide is configured on the downstream side of the printing unit in the conveying direction.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The pivot of the third guide section is used as the first pivot. The third guide includes a driven roller having a second pivot different from the first pivot, and The driven roller is configured to be spaced apart from the conveying path before the third guide pivots, and to move closer to the conveying path after the third guide pivots than before the third guide pivots.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The driven rollers include a plurality of driven rollers arranged along the direction of the second pivot.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The third guide portion further includes a driven rotating member having a third pivot different from the first pivot and the second pivot, and The driven rotating member is configured to be close to the transport path before the third guide pivots, and to move further away from the transport path after the third guide pivots than before the third guide pivots.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The driven rotating member includes a plurality of driven rotating members arranged along the direction of the third pivot.

13. The printing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connecting member pivotally connected at one end to the first guide and pivotally connected at the other end to the inner sidewall of the housing.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first guide is configured to slide to open the delivery path.

15. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The delivery path includes a first portion that passes through the printing unit and extends toward one side in the horizontal direction, and a second portion that curves upward from the first portion and extends toward the other side in the horizontal direction.

16. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The transport path also includes a third portion extending from below the printing unit toward the other side in the horizontal direction, curving further upward, and extending toward the printing unit toward the other side in the horizontal direction.

17. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The printing unit includes a printhead configured to eject ink.

18. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first guide includes two shafts located at different positions as pivots, and the first guide is configured to pivot to open the transport path.

19. The printing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, The two shaft portions include a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, and The first guide portion pivots between a third position that guides the first surface and a fourth position that opens the transport path, pivots from the third position to a fifth position between the third and fourth positions about the first axis portion that serves as the pivot, and pivots from the fifth position to the fourth position about the second axis portion that serves as the pivot.

20. The printing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The horizontal component from the fifth position to the fourth position is suppressed compared to the horizontal component from the third position to the fifth position.

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