Lock mechanism, housing mechanism, and medium transport device

Abstract

To achieve stability of a lock state of a lock mechanism which locks a door part in a closed state in which the door part is closed relative to a body and operation stability of an operation part for conducting the lock operation.SOLUTION: A lock mechanism 100 locks a door part 50 which may be opened or closed relative to a body 2 in a closed state in which the door part 50 is closed relative to the body 2 and includes: a first member 100A having an engagement part 101a which may engage with the body 2; a first biasing member 104 which biases the first member 100A in an engagement direction; a second member 106 which displaces the first member 100A so that the engagement part 101a is turned from an engagement state that the engagement part 101a is engaged with the body 2 into a disengaged state against a biasing force of the first biasing member 104; and a second biasing member 110 which biases the second member 106 in a direction that the second member 106 does not resist against the biasing force by the first biasing member 104.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock mechanism, a housing mechanism, and a media transport device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various locking mechanisms have been used to lock a door portion in a closed state relative to a main body. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a side cover as a door portion and a hook member for locking the side cover in a closed state, in which the hook member can be hooked to an opening on the main body side when the side cover is in a closed state to fix the side cover. In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the hook member is biased by a coil spring, and the hook member rotates against the biasing force of the hook in the hook member when a user rotates a lever member. Patent Document 1 also discloses that a sound is generated when a support member of the side cover comes into contact with the hook member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-49144 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional locking mechanisms that lock a door portion in a closed state relative to the main body, such as the image forming device of Patent Document 1, it was difficult to achieve both stability in the locked state of the locking mechanism and operational stability of the operating portion that operates the locking mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the locking mechanism of the present invention is a locking mechanism that locks a door portion that can be opened and closed relative to a main body in a closed state relative to the main body, and is characterized in that it includes a first member having an engagement portion that can be engaged with the main body, a first biasing member that biases the first member in an engagement direction in which the engagement portion engages with the main body, a second member that displaces the first member against the biasing force of the first biasing member so that the engagement portion changes from an engaged state to a disengaged state relative to the main body, and a second biasing member that biases the second member in a direction that does not resist the biasing force of the first biasing member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a medium transport path of a printer equipped with a lock mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the printer in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the printer in FIG. 1 with a side door open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a lock mechanism of the printer in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a plan view showing the periphery of the lock mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1, with the operation lever in the initial position and the side door locked. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a plan view showing the periphery of the lock mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which the operation lever has been rotated from the initial position to unlock the side door. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a plan view illustrating the periphery of an engagement portion of a lock mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a bottom view showing the periphery of the lock mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1, with the operation lever in the initial position and the side door locked. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer of FIG. 1, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 9. [Figure 11]2 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1, with the frame attached. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 2 is a side view showing the periphery of a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] 2 is a perspective view showing a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 15] 2 is a plan view showing the periphery of a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 16] 2 is a plan view showing the periphery of a linear member of the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1, illustrating the state before the mounting screw for the linear member is attached. FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is a side view showing the arrangement of a linear member of the lock mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1 relative to an operating lever. [Figure 18] 2 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of linear members in the locking mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 19] 2 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a linear member of the lock mechanism of the printer in FIG. 1 relative to an operating lever. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a linear member of a lock mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a linear member of a lock mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a linear member of a lock mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The present invention will now be briefly described. The locking mechanism according to a first aspect is a locking mechanism that locks a door portion that can be opened and closed relative to a main body in a closed state relative to the main body, and is characterized in that it comprises a first member having an engagement portion that can be engaged with the main body, a first biasing member that biases the first member in an engagement direction in which the engagement portion engages with the main body, a second member that displaces the first member against the biasing force of the first biasing member so that the engagement portion changes from an engaged state to a disengaged state relative to the main body, and a second biasing member that biases the second member in a direction that does not resist the biasing force of the first biasing member.

[0008] According to this aspect, the locking mechanism includes a first member having an engaging portion that can be engaged with the main body, a first biasing member that biases the first member in an engaging direction in which the engaging portion engages with the main body, a second member that displaces the first member so that the engaging portion disengages from an engaged state with respect to the main body against the biasing force of the first biasing member, and a second biasing member that biases the second member in a direction that does not resist the biasing force of the first biasing member. That is, the engaging portion and the second member are biased by separate biasing members. With this configuration, the amount of engagement of the engaging portion can be secured by the first biasing member, while the displacement of the second member from a desired position can be suppressed by the second biasing member. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the stability of the locked state of the locking mechanism and the stability of operation of the operating portion that operates the locking mechanism.

[0009] The locking mechanism according to the second aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the second biasing member is a linear member having a first end attached to the door portion and a second end opposite the first end abutting against the second member.

[0010] According to this aspect, the second biasing member is a linear member having a first end attached to the door portion and a second end abutting against the second member. By forming the second biasing member from a wire in this manner, the second biasing member can be easily formed.

[0011] A locking mechanism according to a third aspect is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, characterized in that the second end is slidable relative to the second member.

[0012] According to this aspect, the second end portion is slidable relative to the second member. By configuring the second end portion to be slidable without being fixed in place in this manner, the second biasing member can be easily attached to the lock mechanism.

[0013] A locking mechanism according to a fourth aspect is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, characterized in that the second end has a bent portion that abuts against the second member.

[0014] According to this aspect, the bent portion of the second end abuts against the second member. For example, if the tip of the second end is sharp, there is a risk that the second end will get caught on the second member when the second end slides against the second member. However, by adopting this configuration, it is possible to make it easier to slide against the second member.

[0015] The locking mechanism of the fifth aspect is an aspect dependent on any one of the second to fourth aspects, and is characterized in that the second biasing member has a regulated portion in a region between the first end and the second end, the movement of which is regulated in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second biasing member.

[0016] According to this aspect, the second biasing member has a restricted portion in a region between the first end and the second end, the movement of which is restricted in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second biasing member. By restricting the movement of the restricted portion with this configuration, the second biasing member can bias the second member in a short portion from the restricted portion to the second end. In other words, the portion involved in the biasing force can be shortened, and the load can be stabilized.

[0017] The locking mechanism of the sixth aspect is an aspect dependent on any one of the second to fifth aspects, and is characterized in that the second biasing member has a deformation portion in a region between the first end and the second end, in which the linear member is deformed.

[0018] According to this aspect, the second biasing member has a deformation portion in a region between the first end and the second end, which is formed by deforming the linear member to be easily elastically deformed. With this configuration, for example, by deforming a substantially middle portion of the linear member, the portion of the linear member involved in the biasing force can be shortened, and a desired load can be stably applied. In addition, since the deformation portion is easily elastically deformed, the amount of displacement of the second end can be increased.

[0019] The locking mechanism of the seventh aspect is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to sixth aspects, and is characterized in that the first member has a plurality of the engaging portions and a shaft portion to which the plurality of the engaging portions are attached.

[0020] According to this aspect, the first member has a plurality of engaging portions and a shaft portion to which the plurality of engaging portions are attached. With this configuration, for example, by interlocking the plurality of engaging portions with the shaft portion, it is possible to more effectively lock the first member.

[0021] A locking mechanism according to an eighth aspect is a mode dependent on the seventh aspect, and is characterized in that the first member has a first abutment portion against which the first biasing member abuts.

[0022] According to this aspect, the first member has a first contact portion with which the first biasing member contacts. With this configuration, for example, the first biasing member applies a biasing force to the multiple engagement portions at one location, thereby reducing costs.

[0023] The locking mechanism of the 9th aspect is an aspect dependent on the 8th aspect, and is characterized in that the door portion can be opened and closed around a pivot axis along the vertical direction, the axis portion extends along the vertical direction, and the first abutment portion is provided between a plurality of the engagement portions in the vertical direction.

[0024] According to this aspect, the door portion can be opened and closed around a pivot axis along the vertical direction, the axis portion extends along the vertical direction, and the first abutment portion is provided between the multiple engagement portions in the vertical direction. By providing the first abutment portion between the multiple engagement portions with this configuration, the engagement portion can be provided closer to the end side in the axial direction. Therefore, it can be locked more effectively.

[0025] A housing mechanism according to a tenth aspect includes the locking mechanism of the fifth aspect, the main body, the door portion, and a metal plate attached to the door portion, and the door portion has a first regulating portion that regulates movement of the regulated portion in a direction along the door portion, and the regulated portion is positioned between the door portion and the metal plate, thereby regulating movement of the regulated portion in a direction intersecting the door portion.

[0026] According to this aspect, the door portion has a first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the restricted portion in a direction along the door portion, and the restricted portion is restricted in movement in a direction intersecting the door portion by being positioned between the door portion and the sheet metal. With this configuration, for example, the restricted portion is restricted in movement along the door portion by the first restricting portion of the door portion, and is restricted in movement in a direction intersecting the door portion by being sandwiched between the door portion and the sheet metal. This allows the second biasing member to more effectively bias the second member by the portion from the restricted portion to the second end. In other words, the portion involved in the biasing force of the second biasing member can be shortened, and the load can be stabilized.

[0027] The housing mechanism of the 11th aspect comprises a locking mechanism of any one of the 2nd to 10th aspects, the main body, and the door portion, wherein the door portion has a screw receiver and a second regulating portion that regulates rotation of the first end portion, the first end portion being attached to the door portion by being inserted into the screw receiver, and the second regulating portion regulating rotation of the first end portion inserted into the screw receiver.

[0028] According to this aspect, the door portion has a screw receiver and a second restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the first end portion, the first end portion is attached to the door portion by being inserted into the screw receiver, and the second restricting portion restricts the rotation of the first end portion inserted into the screw receiver. With this configuration, the second biasing member can be easily assembled at a desired assembly position by inserting the first end portion into the screw receiver and fastening it with a screw. In addition, the second restricting portion restricts the rotation of the first end portion, making it easier to work when fastening the screws.

[0029] The housing mechanism of the 12th aspect comprises a locking mechanism of any one of the 1st to 11th aspects, the main body, and the door portion, the second member being an operating portion for opening and closing the door portion, and the door portion having a second abutment portion against which the second member can abut.

[0030] According to this aspect, the second member is an operating part for opening and closing the door part, and the door part has a second abutment part with which the second member can abut. With this configuration, the second member can be urged by the second urging member until the second member abuts against the second abutment part, and the position of the operating part relative to the door part can be stabilized.

[0031] The housing mechanism of the 13th aspect is an aspect dependent on the 12th aspect, and is characterized in that when the second member abuts the second abutment portion, the operating portion is flush with the outer surface of the door portion.

[0032] According to this aspect, when the second member is in contact with the second contact portion, the operating portion is flush with the outer surface of the door portion. With this configuration, the operating portion can be flush with the outer surface, improving the appearance.

[0033] The housing mechanism of the 14th aspect is an aspect dependent on the 12th or 13th aspect, and is characterized in that the second biasing member overlaps with the second member when viewed in a direction intersecting the outer surface of the door portion.

[0034] According to this aspect, the second biasing member overlaps with the second member when viewed in a direction intersecting with the outer surface of the door portion. With this configuration, the second biasing member can be made less visible from the outside, thereby improving the appearance.

[0035] A media transport device according to a fifteenth aspect comprises the housing mechanism of the eleventh aspect and a transport section for transporting a medium, and is characterized in that the door section forms at least a part of a transport path along which the medium is transported by the transport section.

[0036] According to this aspect, the door portion forms at least a part of the transport path along which the medium is transported by the transport portion. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to open the transport path by opening and closing the door portion, which makes it easier to clear jams, etc.

[0037] A medium transport device according to a 16th aspect comprises a housing mechanism according to any one of the 12th to 15th aspects and a transport section for transporting a medium, and is characterized in that the door section forms at least a part of a transport path along which the medium is transported by the transport section.

[0038] According to this aspect, the door portion forms at least a part of the transport path along which the medium is transported by the transport portion. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to open the transport path by opening and closing the door portion, which makes it easier to clear jams, etc.

[0039] [Example 1] The present invention will be described in detail below. First, an inkjet printer 1 equipped with a locking mechanism 100 according to a first embodiment, which is an example of a locking mechanism of the present invention, will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The inkjet printer 1 is an inkjet printer that transports a medium P, typically a recording paper, and performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the transported medium P, and is an example of a medium transport device and a recording device. In the following, the inkjet printer 1 will be abbreviated as printer 1. The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system, and the Y-axis direction is a direction that intersects with the transport direction of the medium P, i.e., the medium width direction, and is also the device depth direction. The +Y direction of the Y-axis direction is the direction from the front of the device to the rear of the device, and the -Y direction is the direction from the rear of the device to the front of the device.

[0040] The X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, and as seen by the operator of the printer 1, the +X direction is the left side and the -X direction is the right side. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and is the normal direction to the mounting surface G of the printer 1, that is, the height direction of the device. Within the Z-axis direction, the +Z direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction. Below, the direction in which the medium P is fed is sometimes referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction as "upstream." Also, in Figure 1, the medium transport path is shown with a dashed line. In the printer 1, the medium P is transported through the medium transport path shown by the dashed line in Figure 1.

[0041] The printer 1 is a multifunction device equipped with a scanner unit 7, which is an example of an image reading device, on the top of the device main body 2. The printer 1 is also configured so that an add-on unit (not shown) can be connected to the bottom of the device main body 2, and is configured so that a medium P can be fed from this add-on unit. In Fig. 1, reference numeral 28 denotes a pair of transport rollers that feed the medium P fed from the add-on unit (not shown) into the device main body 2.

[0042] The device body 2 is provided with a first media cassette 3 that stores the medium P at its lower portion. A pick roller 21 is provided for the first media cassette 3, which sends out the stored medium P in the -X direction. The medium P sent out by the pick roller 21 is sent toward the transport roller pair 31 by the feed roller pair 25. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the "roller pair" is composed of a drive roller that is driven by a drive source (not shown) to apply a feeding force to the medium P, and a driven roller that rotates in contact with the drive roller or the medium P. In addition, the supply roller 19 and separation roller 20 provided near the transport roller pair 38 are a roller pair that sends out the medium P from a supply tray (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0043] The medium P receiving the feeding force from the transport roller pair 31 is sent between a line head 44, which is an example of a recording head, and the transport belt 13, that is, to a position facing the line head 44. In the following, the medium transport path from the transport roller pair 31 to the transport roller pair 32 is referred to as a recording transport path T1. The line head 44, which is an example of a recording unit that is housed in the device main body 2 and performs recording on the medium P transported along the recording transport path T1, constitutes the head unit 43. The line head 44 is an ink ejection head configured so that the nozzles that eject ink cover the entire area in the medium width direction, and is configured as an ink ejection head that can record over the entire medium width without moving in the medium width direction. However, the ink ejection head is not limited to this, and may be a type that is mounted on a carriage and ejects ink while moving in the medium width direction.

[0044] The head unit 43 is provided so as to be capable of advancing and retreating with respect to the transport path T1 during recording, and is provided so as to be movable between a recording position where it advances into the transport path T1 during recording to perform recording on the medium P, and a retreat position where it retreats from the transport path T1 during recording. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the head unit 43 is at the recording position, and in this state, recording is performed on the medium P.

[0045] Reference numerals 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D denote ink storage units serving as liquid storage units. Ink ejected from the line head 44 is supplied from each ink storage unit to the line head 44 via a tube (not shown). The ink storage units 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are detachably provided in the mounting units 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, respectively. Reference numeral 12 denotes a waste liquid storage unit that stores ink ejected from the line head 44 toward a flushing cap (not shown) for maintenance as waste liquid.

[0046] The conveyor belt 13 is an endless belt that is wound around pulleys 14 and 15, and rotates when at least one of the pulleys 14 and 15 is driven by a motor (not shown). The medium P is conveyed to a position facing the line head 44 while being attracted to the belt surface of the conveyor belt 13. The medium P can be attracted to the conveyor belt 13 by a known attraction method such as an air suction method or an electrostatic attraction method. The conveyor belt 13 is an example of a medium support unit that supports the medium P.

[0047] Here, the transport path T1 during printing, which passes through a position facing the line head 44, intersects both the horizontal and vertical directions and transports the medium P upward. Therefore, the ejection surface 44a of the line head 44 that ejects ink also intersects both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0048] The medium P, on whose first surface has been recorded by the line head 44, is sent further upward by the transport roller pair 32 located downstream of the transport belt 13. A flap 41 is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 32, and this flap 41 switches the transport direction of the medium P. When the medium P is to be discharged as is, the transport path of the medium P is switched by the flap 41 to head toward the upper transport roller pair 35, and the medium P is discharged by the transport roller pair 35 toward the discharge tray 8.

[0049] When recording is to be performed on the second side of the medium P in addition to the first side, the transport direction of the medium P is directed to the branch position K1 by the flap 41. The medium P then passes through the branch position K1 and enters the switchback path T2. In this embodiment, the switchback path T2 is the medium transport path above the branch position K1. The switchback path T2 is provided with pairs of transport rollers 36 and 37. The medium P that has entered the switchback path T2 is transported upward by the pairs of transport rollers 36 and 37, and when the lower edge of the medium P passes the branch position K1, the rotation direction of the pairs of transport rollers 36 and 37 is switched, whereby the medium P is transported downward.

[0050] The switchback path T2 is connected to the connection path T3. In this embodiment, the connection path T3 is a medium transport path from the branch position K1 to the transport roller pair 34. The reversing path T4 is connected to the connection path T3. In this embodiment, the reversing path T4 is a medium transport path from the transport roller pair 34 to the transport roller pair 31 through the transport roller pair 38. The reversing path T4 is a transport path upstream of a position facing the line head 44 and is located vertically below the line head 44. The reversing path T4 has a path portion S that is a path portion that is convex vertically downward and curves and reverses the medium P upward. In this embodiment, the entire reversing path T4 is configured to be the path portion S, but the path portion S may form a part of the reversing path T4. The medium P transported downward from the branch position K1 receives a feed force from the transport roller pairs 33 and 34, reaches the transport roller pair 38, is curved and reversed, and is sent to the transport roller pair 31.

[0051] The medium P is again sent to a position facing the line head 44, and the second surface opposite the first surface on which recording has already been performed faces the line head 44. This makes it possible for the line head 44 to record on the second surface of the medium P.

[0052] 2 and 3, a side door 50 is provided on the side surface in the -X direction of the device body 2, i.e., the right side surface, as a door section that can be opened and closed with respect to the device body 2. The inside of the device body 2 is exposed by rotating and opening the side door 50 from the state shown in FIG. 2 to the state shown in FIG. 3 with a rotation axis 50a along the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 3 as a reference. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a lock mechanism 100 is provided on the open end side opposite the rotation axis 50a of the side door 50, which can lock the side door 50 in a closed state with respect to the device body 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the side door 50 is provided with an operation lever 106 as an operation section that can be operated by a user inserting his / her hand through the insertion section 50b and pulling it from the inside to the outside. The lock mechanism 100 is unlocked by a user rotating the operation lever 106 in a rotation direction R1 with the rotation axis 106a as a reference. The rotation direction R1 is a clockwise direction in a plan view, and a rotation direction R2 described below is a counterclockwise direction in a plan view.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the side door 50 includes the -X direction rollers of the transport roller pairs 36 and 37, the transport roller pairs 33 and 34, the supply roller 19, the separation roller 20, and the +Z direction roller of the transport roller pair 38. When the side door 50 is opened, the switchback path T2 is opened, and a part of the connection path T3 and a part of the reversal path T4 are also opened. This allows the jammed paper to be removed, for example, when a paper jam occurs in the connection path T3 or the reversal path T4. A path forming member 51 is provided at the bottom of the side door 50. The path forming member 51 is a member that forms the inside of the reversal path T4, and has a shape that is convex vertically downward.

[0054] The lock mechanism 100 of the first embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 4 and other figures, the lock mechanism 100 of the present embodiment includes a first member 100A, which includes a rotating shaft 105, two hook members 101 attached to the rotating shaft 105, and a rotation transmission member 103 attached to the rotating shaft 105. The hook members 101A and 101B as the hook member 101 and the rotation transmission member 103 rotate integrally as the rotating shaft 105 rotates in the rotation directions R1 and R2.

[0055] Furthermore, when the side door 50 is in a closed state, a hook engaging member 102 is provided at a position on a frame (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 that faces the hook member 101. In Fig. 4, in order to make the arrangement of the hook engaging member 102 easier to understand, the hook engaging member 102 that is actually provided on a frame (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 is shown together with the hook member 101. The hook engaging member 102 includes a hook engaging member 102A that engages with the hook member 101A and a hook engaging member 102B that engages with the hook member 101B.

[0056] The hook members 101A and 101B have the same shape, and the hook engaging members 102A and 102B have the same shape. The hook members 101A and 101B have an engaging portion 101a, and the hook engaging members 102A and 102B have an engaged portion 102a, and the hook engaging members 101A and 101B are in a locked state when the engaging portion 101a and the engaged portion 102a are engaged with each other, and are in an unlocked state when the engaging portion 101a and the engaged portion 102a are disengaged from each other. Note that FIG. 4 shows the state in the locked state.

[0057] Further, a pressure spring 104 is provided at a position facing the rotation transmission member 103 in a frame (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 when the side door 50 is in a closed state. The pressure spring 104 presses the rotation transmission member 103 in a direction in which the rotation transmission member 103 rotates in the rotation direction R2. As described above, the hook member 101, the rotation transmission member 103, and the rotation shaft 105 rotate integrally, so that when the rotation transmission member 103 is pressed in the rotation direction R2, the hook member 101 is also pressed in the rotation direction R2 via the rotation shaft 105. That is, when the side door 50 is in a closed state, the hook member 101 is pressed in the rotation direction R2, and a force is applied to the hook member 101 so as to be in a locked state.

[0058] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the operating lever 106 is in the initial position and the side door 50 is locked, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the operating lever 106 has been rotated from the initial position in the rotation direction R1 to release the lock on the side door 50. A user can displace the first member 100A of the lock mechanism 100 from the locked state shown in Fig. 5 to the unlocked state shown in Fig. 6 by inserting his hand through the insertion portion 50b and pulling the operating lever 106 from the inside to the outside.

[0059] At this time, the operating lever 106 rotates in a rotation direction R1 around the rotation shaft 106a, and the abutting portion 106b provided on the operating lever 106 presses the abutted portion 103a provided on the rotation transmitting member 103, causing the rotation transmitting member 103 to also rotate in the rotation direction R1 around the rotation shaft 105. When the rotation transmitting member 103 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the rotation shaft 105 also rotates in the rotation direction R1, and further, accompanying the rotation of the rotation shaft 105, the hook member 101 also rotates in the rotation direction R1.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, when the first member 100A is in the locked state, the engaging portion 101a of the hook member 101 engages with the engaged portion 102a of the hook engaging member 102. The engagement amount L1, which is the opposing length in the X-axis direction between the engaging portion 101a and the engaged portion 102a shown in Fig. 7, is called the engagement amount. If the engagement amount is short, the lock is easily released in the locked state. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the rotation transmission member 103 abuts against the pressure spring 104, and the pressure spring 104 applies a force to rotate the rotation transmission member 103 in the rotation direction R2. The pressure spring 104 presses the hook member 101 to rotate in the rotation direction R2 via the rotation transmission member 103, so that the engagement amount in the locked state does not become short.

[0061] As described above, the first member 100A of this embodiment is configured to be displaced between a locked state and an unlocked state in conjunction with the rotation of the operation lever 106. In this configuration, if there is a misalignment between the position of the abutment portion 106b of the operation lever 106 and the position of the abutted portion 103a of the rotation transmission member 103 due to design tolerances or the like, there is a risk that the operation lever 106 will rattle. On the other hand, if the abutment portion 106b is configured to abut against the abutted portion 103a in a state where a predetermined pressure is applied in advance in order to suppress the rattle, the amount of engagement will tend to be short. In particular, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, since the operation lever 106 is made of resin and the hook member 101 is made of metal, rattle may occur or the amount of engagement may be shortened due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients, even due to changes in environmental temperature. Therefore, the locking mechanism 100 of this embodiment is provided with a linear member 110 that applies force to the operating lever 106 so that it rotates in the rotation direction R2 around the rotation axis 106a, in addition to the pressure spring 104 that applies force to the hook member 101 so that it rotates in the rotation direction R2 around the rotation axis 105.

[0062] In other words, the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment includes a first member 100A having a hook member 101 provided with an engaging portion 101a engageable with an engaged portion 102a of a hook engaging member 102 of the device body 2, and a pressure spring 104 as a first biasing member that biases the first member 100A toward a rotation direction R2 that is an engagement direction in which the engaging portion 101a engages with the engaged portion 102a. The lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment also includes an operating lever 106 as a second member that displaces the first member 100A so that the engaging portion 101a is disengaged from an engaged state to a disengaged state against the biasing force of the pressure spring 104, and a linear member 110 as a second biasing member that biases the operating lever 106 in a direction that does not resist the biasing force of the pressure spring 104.

[0063] That is, the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment is configured to bias the first member 100A and the operating lever 106 with separate biasing members. With this configuration, the pressure spring 104 ensures the engagement amount L1 (amount of engagement) of the engaging portion 101a, while the linear member 110 suppresses the displacement of the operating lever 106 from a desired position. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the stability of the locked state of the lock mechanism 100 and the operational stability of the operating portion that operates the operating lever 106, such as suppressing rattling of the operating lever 106.

[0064] The linear member 110A, which is the linear member 110 serving as the second biasing member, will be described below with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 19. In this embodiment, the second biasing member is a linear spring member, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second biasing member may be a coil spring, which may attract or press the second member, such as the operation lever 106. In this embodiment, the second member also serves as a handle for opening the door portion, such as the side door 50, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, a handle for opening the door portion may be provided separately, and the second member may specialize in the role of releasing the locked state of the lock mechanism 100 without also serving as a handle. Furthermore, instead of a configuration in which the rotation transmission member 103 constituting the first member 100A and the operation lever 106 serving as the second member are in direct contact with each other, a configuration in which another member is interposed between the first member and the second member may also be used.

[0065] 14, the linear member 110A of this embodiment is formed by processing a single linear metal, and has a tip portion 110a bent into an annular shape, a linear portion 110b bent at a bending portion 110e by approximately 90 degrees, a mounting portion 110c wound in a spiral shape, and a hook portion 110d. The linear member 110A attached to the side door 50 at the mounting portion 110c is bent at the bending portion 110e, so that the tip portion 110a can be biased in the biasing direction A.

[0066] In detail, as shown in FIG. 10 and the like, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, the linear member 110A is a linear member in which the attachment portion 110c as a first end is attached to the cover portion 50c of the side door 50, and the tip portion 110a as a second end opposite to the first end is in contact with the operating lever 106. Specifically, the attachment portion 110c is attached to the screw receiver 52 described later. In this way, by forming the second biasing member from a wire, the second biasing member can be easily formed. In addition, the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment can reduce the space occupied by the second biasing member compared to a configuration using a coil spring or the like as the second biasing member. Therefore, the lock mechanism 100 and the side door 50 can be made smaller. In this embodiment, the tip portion 110a is configured to be pressed against the operating lever 106 by the spring force of the linear member 110, but the tip portion 110a may also be attached to the operating lever 106.

[0067] However, like the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the tip portion 110a is configured to be slidable relative to the operating lever 106. This is because by configuring the tip portion 110a to be slidable without being fixed to the operating lever 106, the linear member 110 can be easily attached to the lock mechanism 100.

[0068] As described above, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, the tip portion 110a is bent into an annular shape, or in other words, has a bent portion that abuts against the operation lever 106. For example, if the tip of the tip portion 110a is sharp, there is a risk that the tip portion 110a may get caught on the operation lever 106 when the tip portion 110a slides against the operation lever 106. However, by adopting such a configuration, the tip portion 110a can be easily slid against the operation lever 106. In this embodiment, the tip portion 110a has a bent portion that abuts against the operation lever 106, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a separate member that abuts against the operation lever 106 may be attached to the tip of the tip portion 110a to make it easier to slide against the operation lever 106.

[0069] 9 to 13, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, in order to restrict the movement of the linear member 110, a convex portion 54 and a groove portion 55 are formed on the cover portion 50c of the side door 50, a slit 106c is formed on the operating lever 106, and a frame 56 is formed to sandwich the linear member 110 together with the cover portion 50c of the side door 50. From the viewpoint of the linear member 110, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, the linear member 110A has a restricted portion in an area between the mounting portion 110c and the tip portion 110a, in which the movement in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the linear member 110 is restricted. The Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction in a state in which the side door is closed are examples of directions intersecting the extension direction of the linear member 110. The restricted portion corresponds to the linear portion 110b.

[0070] As in this embodiment, the movement of the linear portion 110b as the restricted portion is restricted, so that the linear member 110A can bias the operating lever 106 with a short portion from the linear portion 110b to the tip portion 110a. That is, the portion involved in the biasing force can be shortened, and the load can be stabilized. In this embodiment, the linear portion 110b includes a portion sandwiched by the convex portion 54 provided on the cover portion 50c of the side door 50, a portion inserted into the groove portion 55, a portion held by the frame 56, and a portion sandwiched by the slit 106c of the operating lever 106. However, it is not necessary to have all of these. In addition, it is preferable that the convex portion 54 provided on the cover portion 50c of the side door 50 is as far away as possible from the screw receiver 52 to which the mounting portion 110c is attached, and is close to the slit 106c of the operating lever 106. This is because such an arrangement makes it easier to assemble the lock mechanism 100 and stabilizes the direction in which the linear member 110 extends. In addition, it is better for the convex portion 54 provided on the cover portion 50c of the side door 50 to be on the screw receiver 52 side rather than the position where it is pressed by the frame 56. This is because it allows the necessary load to be applied to the operating lever 106 and prevents unnecessary load from being applied.

[0071] Regarding the above, from the viewpoint of the housing mechanism, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes, as the housing mechanism, the above-mentioned lock mechanism 100, an outer cover of the device body 2, a side door 50 that can be opened and closed relative to the device body 2, and a frame 56 attached to the side door 50. The side door 50 has a convex portion 54, a groove portion 55, and a slit 106c as a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the linear portion 110b, which is a restricted portion, in a direction along the side door 50 (Z-axis direction), and the linear portion 110b is positioned between the cover portion 50c of the side door 50 and the frame 56, so that movement in a direction intersecting the side door 50 (X-axis direction) is restricted.

[0072] With this configuration, for example, the linear portion 110b is restricted by the convex portion 54 of the cover portion 50c of the side door 50 from moving in a direction (Z-axis direction) along the side door 50 among directions intersecting the extending direction of the linear member 110, and is restricted from moving in a direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the side door 50 among directions intersecting the extending direction of the linear member 110 by being sandwiched between the cover portion 50c of the side door 50 and the frame 56. This allows the linear member 110 to more effectively bias the operating lever 106 by the portion from the linear portion 110b to the tip portion 110a. That is, the portion involved in the biasing force of the linear member 110 can be shortened, and the load can be stabilized.

[0073] 15 and 16, the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail. As described above, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the movement of the linear portion 110b in a direction intersecting the side door 50 is restricted by the convex portion 54, the groove portion 55, and the slit 106c. Furthermore, the hook portion 110d is hooked on the second restricting portion 52a to restrict the rotation of the mounting portion 110c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, when the linear member 110 is set on the side door 50, a force that causes the linear member 110 to open in the B1 direction is applied to the portion on the tip portion 110a side from the mounting portion 110c, and a force that causes the linear member 110 to open in the B2 direction is applied to the portion on the hook portion 110d side from the mounting portion 110c. Therefore, a force is applied from the linear member to the convex portion 54 in the direction B1, and a force is applied to the second restricting portion 52a in the direction B2. Therefore, in this state, it is easy to maintain the state in which the linear member 110 is held by the side door 50. Therefore, when subsequently fastening the linear member 110 with the screws 53 as shown in Fig. 15, the user does not need to hold down various points of the linear member 110, making it easier to fasten the screws.

[0074] From the viewpoint of the second restricting portion 52a, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, the side door 50 has the screw receiver 52 and the second restricting portion 52a that restricts the rotation of the mounting portion 110c by hooking the hook portion 110d. The mounting portion 110c is attached to the side door 50 by being inserted into the screw receiver 52, and the second restricting portion 52a restricts the rotation of the mounting portion 110c inserted into the screw receiver 52. With this configuration, the linear member 110 can be easily assembled at a desired assembly position by inserting the mounting portion 110c into the screw receiver 52 and screwing it. Furthermore, the second restricting portion 52a restricts the rotation of the mounting portion 110c, making it easier to work on screwing.

[0075] 4, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, the first member 100A has a plurality of hook members 101, i.e., a plurality of engaging portions 101a, and a rotating shaft 105 which is a shaft portion to which the plurality of hook members 101 are attached. With this configuration, for example, by interlocking the plurality of engaging portions 101a with the rotating shaft 105, more effective locking can be achieved.

[0076] As described above, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, the first member 100A has the rotation transmission member 103 as the first contact portion with which the pressure spring 104 contacts. With this configuration, for example, the pressure spring 104 applies a biasing force to the multiple engagement portions 101a at one location, thereby reducing the number of pressure springs 104 and suppressing costs. However, this is not limited to the configuration. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple pressure springs 104 are provided and the pressure springs 104 bias each of the individual engagement portions 101a.

[0077] 3, in the lock mechanism 100 of this embodiment, the side door 50 can be opened and closed around the Z-axis direction, i.e., the pivot shaft 50a along the vertical direction, and as shown in FIG. 4, the pivot shaft 105 extends along the vertical direction, and the rotation transmission member 103 is provided between the hook members 101A and 101B, i.e., between the multiple engagement parts 101a, in the vertical direction. With this configuration and by providing the first contact part between the multiple engagement parts 101a, the engagement part 101a can be provided closer to the end side in the axial direction of the pivot shaft 105. Therefore, it is possible to lock more effectively.

[0078] As described above, the operating lever 106 is a handle and an operation part for opening and closing the side door 50. Here, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the side door 50 has a second contact part 50d against which the operating lever 106 can come into contact. With this configuration, the operating lever 106 can be biased in the rotation direction R2 by the linear member 110 until the operating lever 106 comes into contact with the second contact part 50d, and the position of the operating lever 106 relative to the side door 50 can be stabilized.

[0079] 5 and 8, when the operating lever 106 is in contact with the second contact portion 50d in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the operating lever 106 is flush with the outer surface of the side door 50. This configuration allows the operating portion to be flush with the outer surface, improving the appearance. Note that "flush" here does not only mean completely flush, but also includes flushness taking into account measurement errors and manufacturing variations in components.

[0080] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the linear member 110 is disposed relative to the side door 50 in the arrangement shown in Figures 17, 18, and 19. From another perspective, the linear member 110 is disposed in a position that overlaps with the operating lever 106 when viewed in a direction intersecting with the outer surface of the side door 50, as shown in Figure 17. With this configuration, the linear member 110 can be made less visible from the outside, improving the appearance.

[0081] The printer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a housing mechanism including the lock mechanism 100, the outer cover of the device main body 2, the side door 50, and the like, and a transport section including a plurality of transport roller pairs, such as the transport belt 13 and the transport roller pair 31, that transport the medium P, and the side door 50 forms at least a part of the transport path along which the medium P is transported by the transport section. With this configuration, for example, it becomes possible to open the transport path by opening and closing the side door 50, making it easier to handle jams, etc.

[0082] [Example 2] Next, the printer 1 of Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 20. In FIG. 20, components common to the above-described Example 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Note that FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. 14 showing the printer 1 of Example 1. Here, the printer 1 of this example has the same configuration as the printer 1 of Example 1, except for the configuration of the linear member 110. Therefore, with respect to the parts other than those described below, the printer 1 of this example has the same characteristics as the printer 1 of Example 1.

[0083] 20, in the linear member 110B in the printer 1 of this embodiment, an S-shaped crank portion 110f is provided on the tip portion 110a side of the bent portion 110e in the linear portion 110b. Therefore, even if a strong external force is applied to the linear portion 110b, the S-shaped crank portion 110f elastically deforms, making the linear portion 110b less likely to plastically deform, and the durability of the linear member 110 is increased.

[0084] [Example 3] Next, the printer 1 of Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, components common to the above-described Example 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Note that FIG. 21 corresponds to FIG. 14 showing the printer 1 of Example 1. Here, the printer 1 of this example has the same configuration as the printer 1 of Example 1, except for the configuration of the linear member 110. Therefore, except for the parts described below, the printer 1 of this example has the same characteristics as the printer 1 of Example 1.

[0085] 21, in the linear member 110C in the printer 1 of this embodiment, a spirally wound portion 110g is provided on the attachment portion 110c side of the bent portion 110e in the linear portion 110b. Therefore, even if a strong external force is applied to the linear portion 110b, the elastic deformation of the wound portion 110g makes the linear portion 110b less susceptible to plastic deformation, and the durability of the linear member 110 is increased.

[0086] As described above, in the locking mechanism 100 of the second and third embodiments, the linear member 110 has a deformation portion in the region between the attachment portion 110c and the tip portion 110a, which is formed by deforming the linear member 110 and making it easier to deform elastically. By deforming the linear portion 110b with this configuration, the portion of the linear member 110 involved in the biasing force can be shortened, and a desired load can be applied stably. In addition, because the deformation portion is easier to deform elastically, the amount of displacement of the tip portion 110a can be increased.

[0087] [Example 4] Next, the printer 1 of Example 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. In FIG. 22, components common to the above-described Example 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Note that FIG. 22 corresponds to FIG. 14 showing the printer 1 of Example 1. Here, the printer 1 of this example has the same configuration as the printer 1 of Example 1, except for the configuration of the linear member 110. Therefore, with respect to the parts other than those described below, the printer 1 of this example has the same characteristics as the printer 1 of Example 1.

[0088] 22, in the linear member 110D of the printer 1 of this embodiment, a long spiral portion 110h is provided on the tip side of the linear portion 110b. Therefore, even if a strong external force is applied to the linear portion 110b, the spiral portion 110h elastically deforms, making the linear portion 110b less likely to undergo plastic deformation, and the durability of the linear member 110 is increased.

[0089] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, but various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1... inkjet printer (medium transport device), 2... device main body (main body, housing mechanism), 3... first media cassette, 7... scanner unit, 8... discharge tray, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D... ink storage section, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D... mounting section, 12... waste liquid storage section, 13... transport belt (transport section), 14, 15... pulley, 19... supply roller, 20... separation roller, 21... pick roller, 25... feed roller pair (transport section), 28, 31, 32, 3 3, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38...conveying roller pair (conveying section), 41...flap, 43...head unit, 44...line head, 50...side door (door section, housing mechanism), 50a...rotating shaft, 50b...insertion section, 50c...cover section, 50d...second abutment section, 51...path forming member, 52...screw receiver, 52a...second regulating section, 53...screw, 54...convex section (regulating section), 55...groove section (regulating section), 56...frame (regulating section, housing mechanism), 100...locking mechanism (housing mechanism), 100 A...first member, 101...hook member, 101A...hook member, 101B...hook member, 101a...engaging portion, 102...hook engaging member, 102A...hook engaging member, 102B...hook engaging member, 102a...engaged portion, 103...rotation transmitting member (first abutment portion), 103a...abutted portion, 104...pressure spring (first biasing member), 105...rotating shaft (shaft portion), 106...operating lever (second member, operating portion), 106a...rotating shaft, 106b...abutment portion, 106c...slit (regulating portion) ), 110...linear member, 110A...linear member, 110B...linear member, 110C...linear member, 110D...linear member, 110a...tip portion, 110b...linear portion, 110c...mounting portion, 110d...hooking portion, 110e...bent portion, 110f...S-shaped crank portion, 110g...wound portion, 110h...spiral portion, G...mounting surface, K1...branching position, L1...engagement amount (amount of engagement), P...medium, S...path portion, T1...transport path during recording, T2...switchback path, T3...connection path, T4...reversal path

Claims

1. A locking mechanism that locks a door portion that can be opened and closed relative to a main body in a closed state relative to the main body, A first member having an engagement portion that can be engaged with the main body; a first biasing member that biases the first member in an engagement direction in which the engagement portion engages with the main body; a second member that displaces the first member against the biasing force of the first biasing member so that the engagement portion is disengaged from an engaged state to a disengaged state with respect to the main body; a second biasing member that biases the second member in a direction that does not resist the biasing force of the first biasing member; A locking mechanism comprising:

2. 2. The lock mechanism according to claim 1, The second biasing member is a linear member having a first end attached to the door portion and a second end opposite the first end that abuts against the second member.

3. 3. The lock mechanism according to claim 2, The second end is slidable relative to the second member.

4. 4. The lock mechanism according to claim 3, A locking mechanism, wherein the second end has a bent portion that abuts against the second member.

5. 3. The lock mechanism according to claim 2, A locking mechanism characterized in that the second biasing member has a regulated portion in a region between the first end and the second end, the regulated portion being prevented from moving in a direction intersecting an extension direction of the second biasing member.

6. 3. The lock mechanism according to claim 2, The second biasing member has a deformation portion formed by deforming the linear member in a region between the first end and the second end.

7. 2. The lock mechanism according to claim 1, A locking mechanism characterized in that the first member has a plurality of the engaging portions and a shaft portion to which the plurality of engaging portions are attached.

8. 8. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, The lock mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first member has a first contact portion against which the first biasing member contacts.

9. 9. The locking mechanism according to claim 8, The door portion can be opened and closed around a rotation axis along a vertical direction, The shaft portion extends along a vertical direction, The locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first contact portion is provided between the plurality of engagement portions in the vertical direction.

10. A locking mechanism according to claim 5; The main body; The door portion, A metal plate attached to the door portion; Equipped with the door portion has a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the restricted portion in a direction along the door portion, A housing mechanism characterized in that the regulated portion is positioned between the door portion and the metal plate, thereby regulating movement in a direction intersecting the door portion.

11. A lock mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 6; The main body; The door portion, Equipped with The door portion has a screw receiver and a second restricting portion that restricts rotation of the first end portion, The first end is attached to the door portion by being inserted into the screw receiver, A housing mechanism characterized in that the second regulating portion regulates rotation of the first end inserted into the screw receiver.

12. A locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The main body; The door portion, Equipped with The second member is an operation portion for opening and closing the door portion, The door portion has a second abutment portion against which the second member can abut.

13. 13. The housing mechanism according to claim 12, A housing mechanism characterized in that when the second member is in contact with the second contact portion, the operating portion is flush with an outer surface of the door portion.

14. 13. The housing mechanism according to claim 12, The housing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second biasing member overlaps with the second member when viewed in a direction intersecting with an outer surface of the door portion.

15. A housing mechanism according to claim 11; A transport unit that transports the medium; Equipped with The medium transport device, wherein the door portion forms at least a part of a transport path along which the medium is transported by the transport portion.

16. A housing mechanism according to claim 12; A transport unit that transports the medium; Equipped with The medium transport device, wherein the door portion forms at least a part of a transport path along which the medium is transported by the transport portion.

Images