Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device that is able to prevent an increase in cost.SOLUTION: A recording device includes an image recording unit, a first accommodating unit, and a conveyance path. The conveyance path includes: a first feed path 27, a first curved path 29, an inversion path 31, and a second curved path 32 that intersect at an intersection 54. The first curved path 29 includes; a first guide surface 56 that guides a recording medium delivered from the first feed path 27; and a first conveyance surface 57 extending in a conveyance direction Dc from a downstream end of the first guide surface 56. The first guide surface 56 is an acute angle with respect to a first extension line Le1 of the first conveyance surface 57. The second curved path 32 includes: a second guide surface 58 that guides the recording medium delivered from the inversion path 31; and a second conveyance surface 59 extending in the conveyance direction from a downstream end of the second guide surface 58. The second guide surface 58 is at an acute angle with respect to a second extension line Le2 of the second transport surface 59.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus such as a printer.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a recording apparatus that ejects a liquid from a recording head, which is an example of an image recording unit. The recording head performs recording on a medium, which is an example of a recording medium. The recording apparatus includes a media tray, which is an example of a first housing unit that houses the medium. The recording apparatus includes a first conveyance path, which is an example of a first feed path, a first curved path, a switchback path, which is an example of a reversal path, a second curved path, and a flap. The medium fed from the media tray is sent to the recording head through the first conveyance path and the first curved path.

[0003] When recording is performed on both sides of the medium, the medium recorded on one side is sent to the switchback path. The medium sent to the switchback path is sent to the second curved path across the first conveyance path. The flap closes the first conveyance path and guides the paper to the second curved path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a flap is required for conveying the medium. Therefore, the cost of the recording apparatus increases.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The recording apparatus for solving the above problems includes an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium, a first accommodating unit that can accommodate the recording medium, and a conveyance path through which the recording medium is conveyed. The conveyance path includes a first feeding path, a first bending path, a reversing path, and a second bending path that intersect at an intersection. The first feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the first accommodating unit to the first bending path. The first bending path is a path that feeds the recording medium to the image recording unit. The reversing path is a path that feeds the recorded recording medium to the second bending path. The second bending path is a path that feeds the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The first bending path has a first guide surface that guides the recording medium passed from the first feeding path, and a first conveyance surface that extends in the conveyance direction from the downstream end of the first guide surface. The first guide surface is an acute angle with respect to the first extension line of the first conveyance surface. The second bending path has a second guide surface that guides the recording medium passed from the reversing path, and a second conveyance surface that extends in the conveyance direction from the downstream end of the second guide surface. The second guide surface is an acute angle with respect to the second extension line of the second conveyance surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the recording apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording apparatus is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects and prints ink, which is an example of a liquid, on a recording medium such as paper.

[0009] In the drawings, it is assumed that the recording device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and the Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0010] <recording device> As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 11 may include a housing 12, an operation unit 13, and a control unit 14. The recording device 11 may include a discharge tray 16, a first storage unit 17, a first feeding unit 18, a second storage unit 19, and a second feeding unit 20. The recording device 11 may include a hand insertion unit 22, an image recording unit 23, and a transport unit 24.

[0011] The recording device 11 includes a transport path 26. In the drawings, the transport path 26 is indicated by a dashed line. The transport path 26 may include a first feeding path 27, a second feeding path 28, a first curved path 29, a hand insertion path 30, a reversal path 31, a second curved path 32, and a discharge path 33.

[0012] The housing 12 houses various components of the recording device 11. The operation unit 13 is for operating the recording device 11. The operation unit 13 of the present embodiment is provided on the front of the recording device 11. The operation unit 13 includes, for example, a touch panel, a display, buttons, and the like.

[0013] The control unit 14 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording device 11. The control unit 14 controls various operations executed by the recording device 11. The control unit 14 can be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memories store program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0014] The discharge tray 16 receives the recorded recording medium 36. The discharge tray 16 may be provided in the front of the recording apparatus 11. The first storage unit 17 and the second storage unit 19 can store the recording medium 36. The first storage unit 17 and the second storage unit 19 are formed, for example, in a box shape with an open top. The first storage unit 17 and the second storage unit 19 can store a plurality of recording media 36 in a stacked state. The first storage unit 17 and the second storage unit 19 are each individually removable. The first storage unit 17 and the second storage unit 19 are detachable while storing the recording medium 36. The first storage unit 17 and the second storage unit 19 may be mounted by being pushed into the depth direction Y from the front of the recording apparatus 11.

[0015] The first feeding unit 18 feeds out the plurality of recording media 36 stored in the first storage unit 17 one by one to the first feeding path 27. The second feeding unit 20 feeds out the plurality of recording media 36 stored in the second storage unit 19 one by one to the second feeding path 28.

[0016] A plurality of recording media 36 can be set in the manual feeding unit 22. The recording media 36 are set in the manual feeding unit 22 in a state where a part thereof is exposed to the outside. The manual feeding unit 22 feeds out the plurality of set recording media 36 one by one to the manual feeding path 30.

[0017] The image recording unit 23 records an image on the recording medium 36. The image recording unit 23 may include a carriage 38 and a head 39. The carriage 38 of the present embodiment is configured to reciprocate in the width direction X. The head 39 is mounted on the carriage 38. The head 39 discharges liquid from a plurality of nozzles (not shown). The head 39 performs recording on the recording medium 36 by discharging liquid toward the recording medium 36 while moving. The recording apparatus 11 of the present embodiment is configured as a serial type printer in which the head 39 moves. The recording apparatus 11 may be configured as a line type printer in which the head 39 is provided longitudinally in the width direction X.

[0018] <Conveying unit> The conveying unit 24 conveys the recording medium 36 along the conveyance path 26. The direction in which the conveying unit 24 conveys the recording medium 36 is referred to as the conveyance direction Dc. The conveyance direction Dc is the direction along the conveyance path 26. The conveying unit 24 may include a first drive roller 41, a second drive roller 42, a plurality of driven units 43, a conveyance roller 44, and a discharge roller 45.

[0019] The first drive roller 41 is provided behind the image recording unit 23 in the depth direction Y. The first drive roller 41 forms a part of the first curved path 29. The first drive roller 41 is rotatable about a first axis 51. By rotating, the first drive roller 41 conveys the recording medium 36 on the first curved path 29. By rotating, the first drive roller 41 conveys the recording medium 36 on the inversion path 31.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the second drive roller 42 is provided behind the first drive roller 41 in the depth direction Y. The second drive roller 42 forms a part of the second curved path 32. The second drive roller 42 is rotatable about a second axis 52. By rotating, the second drive roller 42 conveys the recording medium 36 on the second curved path 32.

[0021] The diameter of the second drive roller 42 may be smaller than the diameter of the first drive roller 41. That is, the curvature of the second curved path 32 is larger than the curvature of the first curved path 29. The second shaft 52 may be located below the first shaft 51. In the vertical direction Z, the lower end 42b of the second drive roller 42 may be located at substantially the same position as the lower end of the first drive roller 41.

[0022] The plurality of driven units 43 have the same configuration. When distinguishing the plurality of driven units 43, they are also referred to as the first driven unit 43a, the second driven unit 43b, the third driven unit 43c, and the fourth driven unit 43d. The driven unit 43 has a driven roller. In this embodiment, the driven rollers respectively included in the first driven unit 43a to the fourth driven unit 43d are also referred to as the first driven roller 47a to the fourth driven roller 47d.

[0023] The first driven unit 43a and the second driven unit 43b sandwich the recording medium 36 between them and the first drive roller 41. The third driven unit 43c and the fourth driven unit 43d sandwich the recording medium 36 between them and the second drive roller 42.

[0024] Hereinafter, the first driven unit 43a will be described, and for the common configurations, the same reference numerals will be used and the overlapping descriptions will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the first driven unit 43a may include a case 48, a driven shaft 49, a spring (not shown), and a first driven roller 47a.

[0025] The case 48 houses various components of the first driven unit 43a. The case 48 holds the driven shaft 49. The driven shaft 49 extends in the width direction X. The axial direction of the driven shaft 49 is parallel to the first shaft 51 and the second shaft 52. The axial direction of the driven shaft 49 is parallel to the width direction X.

[0026] The spring (not shown) presses the first driven roller 47a against the first drive roller 41 by pressing the driven shaft 49. The first driven roller 47a is rotatably provided about the driven shaft 49. The first driven roller 47a sandwiches the recording medium 36 between it and the first driving roller 41. Similarly, the second driven roller 47b sandwiches the recording medium 36 between it and the first driving roller 41. The third driven roller 47c and the fourth driven roller 47d sandwich the recording medium 36 between them and the second driving roller 42. The first driven roller 47a to the fourth driven roller 47d rotate passively with respect to the conveyed recording medium 36.

[0027] The first driven unit 43a is provided behind the first driving roller 41 in the depth direction Y. The driven shaft 49 of the first driven unit 43a is provided between the first shaft 51 and the second shaft 52 in the depth direction Y.

[0028] The driven shaft 49 of the first driven unit 43a may be aligned with the first shaft 51 of the first driving roller 41 in the depth direction Y. The driven shaft 49 of the first driven unit 43a may be located at the same position as the first shaft 51 in the vertical direction Z.

[0029] The first driven unit 43a overlaps the second driving roller 42 in the depth direction Y. In other words, the second driving roller 42 overlaps the first driven unit 43a in the depth direction Y. The front end 42f of the second driving roller 42 in the present embodiment is located in front of the rear end 47r of the first driven roller 47a in the depth direction Y.

[0030] The second driving roller 42 overlaps the first driven unit 43a in the vertical direction Z. The first driven unit 43a is located between the upper end 42t and the lower end 42b of the second driving roller 42 in the vertical direction Z.

[0031] The second driving roller 42 overlaps the first driven unit 43a when viewed in the axial direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the second driving roller 42 is viewed in the axial direction, a part of the second driving roller 42 located behind the first driven unit 43a is hidden by the first driven unit 43a.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance roller 44 is rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The conveyance roller 44 rotating in the forward direction conveys the recording medium 36 in the conveyance direction Dc from the first curved path 29 toward the discharge path 33. The conveyance roller 44 rotates forward in accordance with the movement of the image recording unit 23. The conveyance roller 44 conveys the recording medium 36 intermittently. The conveyance roller 44 rotates forward at the timing when the reciprocating image recording unit 23 turns back.

[0033] The discharge roller 45 may rotate in the forward and reverse directions in accordance with the drive of the conveyance roller 44. The discharge roller 45 rotating in the forward direction conveys the recording medium 36 toward the discharge tray 16. The discharge roller 45 discharges the recorded recording medium 36 to the discharge tray 16.

[0034] The conveyance roller 44 and the discharge roller 45 rotating in the reverse direction send the recording medium 36 to the reverse path 31. When recording is performed on both sides of the recording medium 36, the conveyance roller 44 and the discharge roller 45 send the recording medium 36 recorded on one side to the reverse path 31.

[0035] <Conveyance path> The conveyance path 26 is the path through which the recording medium 36 is conveyed. The conveyance path 26 of the present embodiment conveys the recording medium 36 fed from the first storage unit 17, the second storage unit 19, and the manual feed unit 22.

[0036] The first feed path 27, the first curved path 29, the reverse path 31, and the second curved path 32 intersect at the intersection 54. The intersection 54 is a space where the ends of a plurality of paths are located. The first feed path 27 is the path between the first feed unit 18 and the intersection 54. The first feed path 27 is the path that sends the recording medium 36 fed from the first storage unit 17 to the first curved path 29.

[0037] The second feed path 28 is the path between the second feed unit 20 and the intersection 54. The second feed path 28 is the path that sends the recording medium 36 fed from the second storage unit 19 to the first curved path 29.

[0038] The first curved path 29 is the path straight ahead from the downstream ends of the first feeding path 27 and the second feeding path 28. The first curved path 29 of the present embodiment is located above the first feeding path 27 and the second feeding path 28 in the vertical direction Z. The first curved path 29 is the path between the intersection 54 and the discharge roller 45. The first curved path 29 is the path for sending the recording medium 36 to the image recording unit 23.

[0039] The manual feed path 30 is the path between the manual feed section 22 and the first curved path 29. The manual feed path 30 is the path for sending the recording medium 36 fed by the manual feed section 22 to the first curved path 29. The discharge path 33 is the path downstream of the discharge roller 45 in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0040] The reversing path 31 is the path between the conveyance roller 44 and the intersection 54. The reversing path 31 is the path for sending the recorded recording medium 36 to the second curved path 32. The second curved path 32 is the path straight ahead from the downstream end of the reversing path 31. The downstream end of the second curved path 32 merges with the first curved path 29. The second curved path 32 is the path between the intersection 54 and the first curved path 29. The second curved path 32 is the path for sending the recorded recording medium 36 to the image recording unit 23. The recording medium 36 with one side recorded returns to the image recording unit 23 via the reversing path 31, the second curved path 32, and the first curved path 29.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the first curved path 29 has a first guide surface 56 and a first conveyance surface 57. The second curved path 32 has a second guide surface 58 and a second conveyance surface 59. FIG. 3 shows a first extension line Le1, a second extension line Le2, a third extension line Le3, a fourth extension line Le4, a fifth extension line Le5, a first line segment Ls1, a second line segment Ls2, and a third line segment Ls3, which are virtual lines.

[0042] The first extension line Le1 is an extension line of the first conveyance surface 57. The first extension line Le1 is a tangent line at the upstream end of the first conveyance surface 57. The first extension line Le1 is a straight line extending upstream in the conveyance direction Dc from the upstream end of the first conveyance surface 57. The first extension line Le1 may be a vertical line.

[0043] The second extension line Le2 is an extension line of the second conveyance surface 59. The second extension line Le2 is a tangent line at the upstream end of the second conveyance surface 59. The second extension line Le2 is a straight line extending upstream in the conveyance direction Dc from the upstream end of the second conveyance surface 59. The second extension line Le2 may be a horizontal line.

[0044] The third extension line Le3 is an extension line of the first feeding path 27. The fourth extension line Le4 is an extension line of the inversion path 31. The fourth extension line Le4 may be a horizontal line. The fifth extension line Le5 is an extension line of the second feeding path 28. The fifth extension line Le5 may be a vertical line.

[0045] The third extension line Le3, the fourth extension line Le4, and the fifth extension line Le5 are straight lines extending further downstream from the downstream end in the conveyance direction Dc of the wall surface that the recording medium 36 contacts rubbingly among the walls forming each path.

[0046] The first line segment Ls1 is a line connecting the downstream end of the first feeding path 27 and the upstream end of the first guide surface 56. The second line segment Ls2 is a line connecting the downstream end of the inversion path 31 and the upstream end of the second guide surface 58. The third line segment Ls3 is a line connecting the downstream end of the second feeding path 28 and the upstream end of the first guide surface 56.

[0047] The first guide surface 56 guides the recording medium 36 passed from the first feeding path 27 and the second feeding path 28. The first guide surface 56 and the first conveying surface 57 are wall surfaces that are in contact with the recording medium 36 in a rubbing manner among the walls forming the first curved path 29. The first guide surface 56 is a flat surface. The first guide surface 56 forms a space with the first extension line Le1. The first conveying surface 57 is a curved surface along the first driving roller 41. The first guide surface 56 and the first conveying surface 57 are outer wall surfaces in the curved first curved path 29. The first guide surface 56 and the first conveying surface 57 guide the recording medium 36. The first conveying surface 57 extends in the conveying direction Dc from the downstream end of the first guide surface 56. The first guide surface 56 is an acute angle with respect to the first extension line Le1. Let the angle formed by the first extension line Le1 and the first guide surface 56 be the first angle θ1.

[0048] The second guide surface 58 guides the recording medium 36 passed from the inversion path 31. The second guide surface 58 and the second conveying surface 59 are wall surfaces that are in contact with the recording medium 36 in a rubbing manner among the walls forming the second curved path 32. The second guide surface 58 is a flat surface. The second guide surface 58 forms a space with the second extension line Le2. The second guide surface 58 is the lower wall surface in the vertical direction Z. The second conveying surface 59 is a curved surface along the second driving roller 42. The second conveying surface 59 is an outer wall surface in the curved second curved path 32. The second guide surface 58 and the second conveying surface 59 guide the recording medium 36. The second conveying surface 59 extends in the conveying direction Dc from the downstream end of the second guide surface 58. The second guide surface 58 is an acute angle with respect to the second extension line Le2. Let the angle formed by the second extension line Le2 and the second guide surface 58 be the second angle θ2.

[0049] Let the angle formed by the third extension line Le3 and the first line segment Ls1 be the third angle θ3. Let the angle formed by the fourth extension line Le4 and the second line segment Ls2 be the fourth angle θ4. Let the angle formed by the fifth extension line Le5 and the third line segment Ls3 be the fifth angle θ5.

[0050] Table 1 shows the simulation results when the unrecorded recording medium 36 is sent from the first feeding path 27 to the first bending path 29. Table 1 shows the conveyance results of the recording medium 36 when the first angle θ1 and the third angle θ3 are changed.

[0051]

Table 1

[0052] Table 2 shows the simulation results when the recording medium 36 recorded on one side is sent from the inversion path 31 to the second bending path 32. Table 2 shows the conveyance results of the recording medium 36 when the second angle θ2 and the fourth angle θ4 are changed.

[0053]

Table 2

[0054] Table 3 shows the simulation results when the unrecorded recording medium 36 is sent from the second feeding path 28 to the first bending path 29. Table 3 shows the conveyance results of the recording medium 36 when the first angle θ1 and the fifth angle θ5 are changed.

[0055]

Table 3

[0056] As shown in Tables 1 to 3, when the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are 40°, the recording medium 36 gets jammed. Specifically, the tip of the recording medium 36 hits the first guide surface 56 or the second guide surface 58 and stops.

[0057] When the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are 35°, the recording medium 36 was able to pass over the first guide surface 56 and the second guide surface 58. However, the tip of the recording medium 36 hit the first guide surface 56 or the second guide surface 58 and temporarily stopped, or the recording medium 36 curved at the intersection 54, resulting in unstable conveyance of the recording medium 36.

[0058] When the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are 30° or less, the recording medium 36 could be conveyed smoothly. Therefore, the first angle θ1 is preferably 30° or less. The second angle θ2 is preferably 30° or less.

[0059] When the third angle θ3, the fourth angle θ4, and the fifth angle θ5 are 15°, the recording medium 36 got jammed. Specifically, the tip of the recording medium 36 did not reach the first guide surface 56 or the second guide surface 58.

[0060] When the third angle θ3, the fourth angle θ4, and the fifth angle θ5 are 20° or more, the recording medium 36 could be conveyed. Therefore, the third angle θ3 is preferably 20° or more. The fourth angle θ4 is preferably 20° or more. The fifth angle θ5 is preferably 20° or more.

[0061] <Operation of the Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. The recording medium 36 fed from the first storage unit 17 to the first feeding path 27 is transferred to the first curved path 29. The recording medium 36 fed from the second storage unit 19 to the second feeding path 28 is transferred to the first curved path 29. At this time, the tip of the recording medium 36 is guided by the first guide surface 56.

[0062] The recording medium 36 is conveyed in the conveyance direction Dc along the first curved path 29. The image recording unit 23 performs recording on the recording medium 36 conveyed to a position facing the head 39. The image recording unit 23 performs recording on one side of the recording medium 36.

[0063] When recording is performed on one side of the recording medium 36, the control unit 14 discharges the recording medium 36 to the discharge tray 16. When recording is performed on both sides of the recording medium 36, the control unit 14 sends the recording medium 36 to the inversion path 31. The recording medium 36 sent to the inversion path 31 is transferred to the second curved path 32. At this time, the tip of the recording medium 36 is guided by the second guide surface 58.

[0064] After the recording medium 36 merges from the second bending path 32 into the first bending path 29, it is sent to the image recording unit 23. That is, the recording medium 36 recorded on one side is returned to the image recording unit 23 through the inversion path 31, the second bending path 32, and the first bending path 29. At this time, the back surface of the recording medium 36 opposite to the previously recorded surface faces the image recording unit 23. The image recording unit 23 performs recording on the back surface of the recording medium 36. The control unit 14 discharges the recording medium 36 recorded on both sides to the discharge tray 16.

[0065] <Effect of the Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The first bending path 29 has a first guide surface 56 that is acute with respect to the first extension line Le1 of the first conveyance surface 57. The second bending path 32 has a second guide surface 58 that is acute with respect to the second extension line Le2 of the second conveyance surface 59. By providing the first guide surface 56 and the second guide surface 58, the recording medium 36 can be transferred without using a flap. Therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

[0066] (1-2) The first guide surface 56 guides the recording medium 36 fed from the second storage unit 19. Therefore, without using a flap, the recording medium 36 stored in the first storage unit 17 and the second storage unit 19 can be passed to the first bending path 29.

[0067] (1-3) The third angle θ3 formed by the third extension line Le3 and the first line segment Ls1 is 20° or more. That is, by extending the first guide surface 56 from the position where it intersects the third extension line Le3, the transfer of the recording medium 36 can be performed smoothly.

[0068] (1-4) The first angle θ1 formed by the first extension line Le1 and the first guide surface 56 is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the first guide surface 56 with respect to the first extension line Le1, the recording medium 36 received by the first guide surface 56 can be conveyed smoothly.

[0069] (1-5) The fourth angle θ4 formed by the fourth extension line Le4 and the second line segment Ls2 is 20° or more. That is, by extending the second guide surface 58 from the position where it intersects the fourth extension line Le4, the transfer of the recording medium 36 can be performed smoothly.

[0070] (1-6) The second angle θ2 formed by the second extension line Le2 and the second guide surface 58 is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the second guide surface 58 with respect to the second extension line Le2, the recording medium 36 received by the second guide surface 58 can be conveyed smoothly.

[0071] (1-7) The second drive roller 42 overlaps with the first driven unit 43a in the depth direction Y. Therefore, the second drive roller 42 can be provided at a position closer to the first drive roller 41. Accordingly, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus 11 can be suppressed.

[0072] (1-8) The second drive roller 42 overlaps with the first driven unit 43a when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, the area occupied by the conveyance unit 24 can be reduced as compared with the case where the second drive roller 42 is provided at a position where it does not overlap with the first driven unit 43a. Accordingly, an increase in the size of the recording apparatus 11 can be suppressed.

[0073] [Modification Example] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0074] · The first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be the same angle or different angles. At least one of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be greater than 30°. For example, by making the first guide surface 56 and the second guide surface 58 slippery, the risk of the recording medium 36 hitting can be reduced.

[0075] · The recording device 11 may be configured not to include the second accommodating portion 19. The recording device 11 may be configured not to include the second feeding path 28. In this case, the downstream end of the first feeding path 27 and the first guide surface 56 can be provided closer to each other. When reducing the gap between the first feeding path 27 and the first curved path 29, the third angle θ3 may be made smaller than 20°. Similarly, the downstream end of the inversion path 31 and the second guide surface 58 can be provided closer to each other. When reducing the gap between the inversion path 31 and the second curved path 32, the fourth angle θ4 may be made smaller than 20°.

[0076] · The second feeding path 28 may merge with another path at a position different from the intersection 54. For example, the second feeding path 28 may merge with the second curved path 32. · The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may be a laser printer, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, a digital printing machine, or the like.

[0077] · The recording device may be a liquid ejection device that performs recording by ejecting or discharging a liquid other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device shall include those having a granular shape, a teardrop shape, or a filamentous shape trailing a tail. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be in a state when the substance is in a liquid phase, and shall include highly viscous or low-viscosity liquid bodies, sols, gels, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, molten metals, and other fluid bodies. The liquid shall include not only the liquid as a state of matter, but also those in which particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of the liquid include ink, liquid crystal, etc. as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink shall include general aqueous inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. Specific examples of the liquid ejection device include, for example, a device that ejects a liquid containing materials such as electrode materials and coloring materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, color filters, etc. in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects biological organisms used in the manufacture of biochips, a device that ejects a liquid serving as a sample and is used as a precision pipette, a printing device, a microdispenser, etc. The liquid ejection device may be a device that precisely ejects lubricating oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, or a device that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens, an optical lens, etc. used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali to etch a substrate, etc.

[0078] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option", "any combination of two options", or "any combination of three or more options" if the number of options is three or more.

[0079] [Appendix] The technical idea and its effects grasped from the above-described embodiments and modification examples are described below.

[0080] (A) The recording apparatus includes an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium, a first accommodating unit that can accommodate the recording medium, and a conveyance path through which the recording medium is conveyed. The conveyance path includes a first feeding path, a first curved path, a reversing path, and a second curved path that intersect at an intersection. The first feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the first accommodating unit to the first curved path. The first curved path is a path that feeds the recording medium to the image recording unit. The reversing path is a path that feeds the recorded recording medium to the second curved path. The second curved path is a path that feeds the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit. The first curved path has a first guide surface that guides the recording medium passed from the first feeding path and a first conveyance surface that extends in the conveyance direction from the downstream end of the first guide surface. The first guide surface is an acute angle with respect to the first extension line of the first conveyance surface. The second curved path has a second guide surface that guides the recording medium passed from the reversing path and a second conveyance surface that extends in the conveyance direction from the downstream end of the second guide surface. The second guide surface is an acute angle with respect to the second extension line of the second conveyance surface.

[0081] According to this configuration, the first curved path has a first guide surface that is acute with respect to the first extension line of the first transport surface. The second curved path has a second guide surface that is acute with respect to the second extension line of the second transport surface. By providing the first guide surface and the second guide surface, the recording medium can be transferred without using a flap. Therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

[0082] (B) The recording device further includes a second storage unit capable of storing the recording medium, and the transport path includes a second feed path that intersects the first feed path, the first curved path, the inversion path, and the second curved path at the intersection. The second feed path is a path that sends the recording medium fed from the second storage unit to the first curved path, and the first guide surface may receive the recording medium passed from the second feed path.

[0083] According to this configuration, the first guide surface guides the recording medium fed from the second storage unit. Therefore, the recording medium stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit can be transferred to the first curved path without using a flap.

[0084] (C) In the recording device, the angle formed by the third extension line of the first feed path and a first line segment connecting the downstream end of the first feed path and the upstream end of the first guide surface may be 20° or more.

[0085] According to this configuration, the angle formed by the third extension line and the first line segment is 20° or more. That is, by extending the first guide surface from a position intersecting the third extension line, the transfer of the recording medium can be performed smoothly.

[0086] (D) In the recording device, the angle formed by the first extension line and the first guide surface may be 30° or less. According to this configuration, the angle formed by the first extension line and the first guide surface is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the first guide surface with respect to the first extension line, the recording medium received by the first guide surface can be transported smoothly.

[0087] (E) In the recording apparatus, the angle formed by the fourth extension line of the inversion path and the second line segment connecting the downstream end of the inversion path and the upstream end of the second guide surface may be 20° or more. According to this configuration, the angle formed by the fourth extension line and the second line segment is 20° or more. That is, by extending the second guide surface from the position where it intersects the fourth extension line, the transfer of the recording medium can be performed smoothly.

[0088] (F) In the recording apparatus, the angle formed by the second extension line and the second guide surface may be 30° or less. According to this configuration, the angle formed by the second extension line and the second guide surface is 30° or less. By reducing the angle of the second guide surface with respect to the second extension line, the recording medium received by the second guide surface can be conveyed smoothly.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 11... Recording apparatus, 12... Housing, 13... Operation unit, 14... Control unit, 16... Discharge tray, 17... First storage unit, 18... First feeding unit, 19... Second storage unit, 20... Second feeding unit, 22... Manual insertion part, 23... Image recording unit, 24... Conveying unit, 26... Conveying path, 27... First feeding path, 28... Second feeding path, 29... First curved path, 30... Manual insertion path, 31... Inversion path, 32... Second curved path, 33... Discharge path, 36... Recording medium, 38... Carriage, 39... Head, 41... First driving roller, 42... Second driving roller, 42b... Lower end, 42f... Front end, 42t... Upper end, 43... Driven unit, 44... Conveying roller, 45... Discharge roller, 47a... First driven roller, 47b... Second driven roller, 47c... Third driven roller, 47d... Fourth driven roller, 47r... Rear end, 48... Case, 49... Driven shaft, 51... First shaft, 52... Second shaft, 54... Intersection, 56... First guide surface, 57... First conveying surface, 58... Second guide surface, 59... Second conveying surface, θ1... First angle, θ2... Second angle, θ3... Third angle, θ4... Fourth angle, θ5... Fifth angle, Dc... Conveying direction, Le1... First extension line, Le2... Second extension line, Le3... Third extension line, Le4... Fourth extension line, Le5... Fifth extension line, Ls1... First line segment, Ls2... Second line segment, Ls3... Third line segment, X... Width direction, Y... Depth direction, Z... Vertical direction.

Claims

1. An image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium, A first accommodating unit capable of accommodating the recording medium, A conveyance path through which the recording medium is conveyed, Comprising, The conveyance path includes a first feeding path, a first curved path, a reversing path, and a second curved path that intersect at an intersection, The first feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the first accommodating unit to the first curved path, The first curved path is a path that feeds the recording medium to the image recording unit, The reversing path is a path that feeds the recorded recording medium to the second curved path, The second curved path is a path that feeds the recorded recording medium to the image recording unit, The first curved path has a first guide surface that guides the recording medium passed from the first feeding path, and a first conveyance surface that extends in the conveyance direction from the downstream end of the first guide surface, The first guide surface is an acute angle with respect to the first extension line of the first conveyance surface, The second curved path has a second guide surface that guides the recording medium passed from the reversing path, and a second conveyance surface that extends in the conveyance direction from the downstream end of the second guide surface, The recording apparatus, wherein the second guide surface is an acute angle with respect to the second extension line of the second conveyance surface.

2. Further comprising a second accommodating unit capable of accommodating the recording medium, The conveyance path includes a second feeding path that intersects the first feeding path, the first curved path, the reversing path, and the second curved path at the intersection, The second feeding path is a path that feeds the recording medium fed from the second accommodating unit to the first curved path, The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first guide surface guides the recording medium passed from the second feeding path.

3. The angle formed by the third extension line of the first feeding path and the first line segment connecting the downstream end of the first feeding path and the upstream end of the first guide surface is 20° or more. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The angle formed by the first extension line and the first guide surface is 30° or less. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The angle formed by the fourth extension line of the reversing path and the second line segment connecting the downstream end of the reversing path and the upstream end of the second guide surface is 20° or more. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an angle formed by the second extension line and the second guide surface is 30° or less.

Images