Recording device

Abstract

To improve the assemblability of a recording device having a lower unit and an upper unit.SOLUTION: A recording device 1 includes a lower unit 2 and an upper unit 3. The upper unit 3 includes an arm 10 that is supported by the lower unit 2 and maintains the upper unit 3 in an open state. The arm 10 is rotatably provided with respect to the upper unit 3. The lower unit 2 includes an opening 9c into which the arm 10 enters, and a cam groove 30 that receives a projection 10a of the arm 10 and defines a path along which the projection 10a moves in a certain direction. The cam groove 30 includes a first path R1 through which the projection 10a passes when the upper unit 3 opens from a closed state, a second path R2 through which the projection 10a passes when the upper unit 3 closes from an open state, a transition path R3 through which the projection 10a passes when moving from the first path R1 to the second path R2, and a third path R4 that enables attachment and detachment of the arm 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, so-called multifunction machines have been used that integrate a printer as a lower unit and a scanner as an upper unit that can be opened and closed relative to the lower unit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a main body as the lower unit, an image reading housing as the upper unit, and a lever that is connected to the main body and the image reading housing and can maintain the image reading housing in an open state relative to the main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-176005 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional recording devices that include a lower unit and an upper unit, such as the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, typically have a configuration that includes an arm that maintains the upper unit in an open position relative to the lower unit, similar to the lever described in Patent Document 1. When assembling or maintaining a recording device, the arm may be detached from the lower unit or upper unit to open the upper unit wider relative to the lower unit. However, when attaching or detaching the arm, the arm or its attachment portion may be damaged. For example, when attaching or detaching an arm, it may be necessary to twist the arm to remove it from the member that supports it, which may cause deformation and damage to the arm. For this reason, to prevent damage to the arm, workers must carefully attach and detach the arm, which can reduce workability when assembling or maintaining a recording device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a recording device of the present invention has a lower unit equipped with a recording section that records on a medium, and an upper unit equipped with a reading means that reads an image of an original and that is disposed above the lower unit and that can be opened and closed relative to the lower unit, the upper unit having an arm that is supported by the lower unit to maintain the upper unit in an open state, the arm being rotatably disposed relative to the upper unit, the lower unit having a housing that forms an outer shell, an opening formed at the top of the housing into which the arm is inserted, and a projection that receives a projection provided on the arm and a cam groove having a path formed therein along which the convex portion moves in a certain direction when the upper unit is opened or closed, the cam groove having a recessed portion into which the convex portion fits to support the convex portion from below, the open state of the upper unit being maintained by the convex portion fitting into the recessed portion, a first path which is the path along which the convex portion moves when the upper unit is opened from a closed state, a second path which is the path along which the convex portion moves when the upper unit is closed from an open state, a transition path which is the path along which the convex portion moves from the first path to the second path, and a third path which is the path that makes the arm detachable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which an upper unit is closed relative to a lower unit. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a state in which the upper unit is placed in a first open position relative to the lower unit. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a state in which the upper unit is placed in a second open position relative to the lower unit. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a state in which the upper unit is placed in a third open position relative to the lower unit. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a state in which the upper unit is placed in a fourth open position relative to the lower unit. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the arm of the recording device in FIG. 1 and the periphery of an opening into which the arm is inserted. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an arm of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a side view illustrating the path of a protrusion of an arm of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a movement path of a convex portion when the upper unit is moved relative to the lower unit in the order of the closed position, the first open position, the second open position, and the closed position in the recording apparatus of FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the movement path of the convex portion when the upper unit is moved relative to the lower unit in the order of the first open position, the third open position, and the fourth open position in the recording apparatus of FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the movement path of the convex portion when the upper unit is moved relative to the lower unit from the fourth open position to the second open position in this order in the recording apparatus of FIG. [Figure 12] 1, showing a state in which the upper unit is placed in a fifth open position relative to the lower unit. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the WW cross section of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 2 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the paper discharge tray and the opening into which the arm is inserted in the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a side view showing the vicinity of the paper discharge tray and the opening into which the arm is inserted in the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention will be briefly described below. A recording device according to a first aspect of the present invention has a lower unit having a recording section that records on a medium, and an upper unit that has a reading means that reads an image of an original and is disposed above the lower unit and can be opened and closed relative to the lower unit, the upper unit having an arm that is supported by the lower unit to maintain the upper unit in an open state, the arm being rotatably disposed relative to the upper unit, the lower unit having a housing that forms an outer shell, an opening formed at the top of the housing into which the arm is inserted, and a projection that receives the projection provided on the arm and a cam groove having a path along which the convex portion moves in a certain direction when the upper unit is opened or closed, the cam groove having a recess into which the convex portion fits to support the convex portion from below, the open state of the upper unit being maintained by the convex portion fitting into the recess, a first path which is the path along which the convex portion moves when the upper unit is opened from a closed state, a second path which is the path along which the convex portion moves when the upper unit is closed from an open state, a transition path which is the path along which the convex portion moves from the first path to the second path, and a third path which is the path that makes the arm detachable.

[0008] According to this aspect, a cam groove having a path for a convex portion provided on the arm is provided with a recess that supports the convex portion from below, and the cam groove includes a first path through which the convex portion passes when the upper unit is opened from a closed state, a second path through which the convex portion passes when the upper unit is closed from an open state, a transition path through which the convex portion passes when moving from the first path to the second path, and a third path through which the arm can be attached or detached. With this configuration, when assembling the recording device, the arm can be attached or detached from the lower unit by inserting or removing the convex portion from the cam groove via the third path, and the arm can be easily attached or detached from the lower unit without twisting. This improves the ease of assembly of a recording device including a lower unit and an upper unit.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the second path has a linear extension path, and the third path has a linear path along the extension path.

[0010] According to this aspect, the second path has a linear extension path, and the third path has a linear path that is aligned with the extension path. This configuration can suppress the expansion of the second path and the third path, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the device.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first or second aspect, characterized in that the first path has a straight path extending vertically upward, the second path has a meandering path extending vertically downward, the transition path has a path extending diagonally downward from the upper end of the first path and then diagonally upward to the upper end of the second path, the recesses include a first recess provided in the transition path and a second recess provided in the second path at a position vertically below the first recess, and the first recess and the second recess are arranged side by side along the vertical direction.

[0012] According to this aspect, the recesses include a first recess provided in the transition path and a second recess provided in the second path vertically below the first recess, and the first recess and the second recess are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. This configuration can prevent the transition path and the second path from widening, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the device.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, and is characterized in that it comprises a pressing means for pressing the arm so that the convex portion moves in the certain direction.

[0014] According to this aspect, the device includes a pressing means for pressing the arm so that the protrusion moves in a fixed direction. With this configuration, the protrusion can be moved appropriately in a fixed direction.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fourth aspect, and is characterized in that the third path has a contact portion with which the convex portion contacts as the convex portion passes through the third path as the arm is pressed in the first direction by the pressing means when the upper unit is moved in a direction opening relative to the lower unit.

[0016] According to this aspect, when the upper unit is moved in the opening direction relative to the lower unit, the third path has an abutment portion with which the protrusion abuts as the protrusion passes through the third path as the arm is pressed in the first direction by the pressing means. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the arm from unintentionally slipping out of the opening when the worker opens the upper unit.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fourth or fifth aspect, characterized in that the third path branches off from the second path at a branching position within the second path, the second path is positioned closer to the first direction than the first path, and the third path is positioned closer to the first direction than the second path, the transition path is configured such that the convex portion moves from the first path to the second path by moving the upper unit in a closing direction relative to the lower unit and then in an opening direction, and the second path is configured such that when the convex portion is at the branching position, the upper unit is moved in a closing direction relative to the lower unit to reach a return path that returns to the first path, and the upper unit is moved in an opening direction relative to the lower unit to reach the third path.

[0018] According to this aspect, the second path is positioned closer to the first path in the first direction than the first path, and the third path is positioned closer to the first path than the second path. Therefore, the pressing force of the pressing means can move the convex portion from the first path to the second path and from the second path to the third path. The transition path is configured so that the convex portion moves from the first path to the second path by moving the upper unit in the closing direction and then in the opening direction. The second path can be returned to the first path by closing the upper unit when the convex portion is in the branching position, and the arm can be ejected through the opening by opening the upper unit. Therefore, the upper unit can be easily positioned at a desired position relative to the lower unit.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a dependent aspect of any one of the first to sixth aspects, and is characterized in that the cam groove has a guide surface above the recess that guides the convex portion in the certain direction.

[0020] According to this aspect, the cam groove has a guide surface above the recess that guides the protrusion in a certain direction. With this configuration, when the upper unit is closed from a state in which the protrusion is supported by the recess, i.e., a state in which the upper unit is maintained in an open position, the movement direction of the protrusion can be restricted to an appropriate direction.

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below. Hereinafter, printer 1, an inkjet printer, will be taken as an example of a recording device according to the present invention; however, the method of recording on paper, which is an example of a medium, is not limited to the inkjet method, and various methods such as electrophotography and dot impact can be used. Furthermore, inkjet methods come in various forms, such as a type in which an ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage 7, or a type in which an ink storage section is provided outside the carriage 7 and the ink storage section is connected to the carriage 7 by an ink tube, and the present invention is applicable to any of these forms. Note that the printer 1 in this embodiment is a type in which an ink cartridge is mounted inside the carriage 7.

[0022] In the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X direction represents the width of the device and the width of the paper based on the lower unit 2, the Y direction represents the paper transport direction when recording on paper in the lower unit 2 and the depth direction of the device, and the Z direction represents the height of the device and the vertical direction. The +Y direction is the direction from the rear of the device to the front of the device, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front of the device to the rear of the device. The front of the device is the side of the device that faces the operator, and which side of the device is the front of the device is determined based on the device configuration and exterior design. For example, if a device is configured with various operation buttons and a display unit and is equipped with an operation unit that accepts operations by the operator, the side with the operation unit is often the side that faces the operator.

[0023] 1 to 5, printer 1 includes a lower unit 2 that records on paper and an upper unit 3 configured as a scanner, which is an example of an image reading device. In other words, printer 1 is a so-called multifunction device. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, upper unit 3 rotates relative to lower unit 2 to open and close.

[0024] The upper unit 3 is a flatbed type scanner, and is equipped with a document table and a reading unit (not shown), and the document placed on the document table is read by moving the reading unit in the X direction. As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the lower unit 2 is provided with a paper output tray 5 that receives paper, which is an example of a medium, that is discharged after recording.

[0025] 2 and other figures, the lower unit 2 includes a carriage 7 that constitutes a recording section, and the carriage 7 is provided with a recording head that ejects ink onto paper. The carriage 7 is provided with a plurality of ink cartridges 16.

[0026] Next, we will explain the arm 10 that maintains the open state of the upper unit 3, and the cam groove 30 that supports this arm 10. The upper unit 3 is rotatably connected to the lower unit 2 via a hinge 21 shown in Figure 5 and other figures, and is equipped with the arm 10, as shown in Figures 5 to 7 and other figures, and is configured so that the open state can be maintained by supporting this arm 10 on the lower unit 2.

[0027] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the upper unit 3 is configured to be able to assume the following positions relative to the lower unit 2: the closed position shown in Fig. 1, the first open position shown in Fig. 2, the second open position shown in Fig. 3, the third open position shown in Fig. 4, the fourth open position shown in Fig. 5, and the fifth open position shown in Fig. 12. The opening angle of the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 increases in the order of the second open position shown in Fig. 3, the third open position shown in Fig. 4, the first open position shown in Fig. 2, the fourth open position shown in Fig. 5, and the fifth open position shown in Fig. 12.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7 , arm 10 has two rotation shafts 10b at its upper portion and two protrusions 10a at its lower portion. Rotation shafts 10b are rotatably supported by support portions 3d provided on the bottom of upper unit 3. A spring holder 10d is formed between the two rotation shafts 10b, and a torsion spring 11 is held by spring holder 10d. One end 11a of torsion spring 11 is hooked on spring hook portion 10c formed on arm 10, and the other end of torsion spring 11 is hooked on a spring hook portion (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of upper unit 3. This causes torsion spring 11 to press arm 10 in a first direction D1, i.e., toward the rear of the device. In other words, torsion spring 11 presses arm 10 so as to rotate around rotation shaft 10b in a rotation direction D2 shown in FIG. 5 and other drawings.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 6, the arm 10 enters the inside of the housing 9d of the lower unit 2 through an opening 9c formed in the upper part of the housing 9d that forms the outer shell of the lower unit 2, and is sandwiched between the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14 that form the lower unit 2, as shown in Fig. 11. The protrusions 10a formed on both sides of the arm 10 are received in cam grooves 30 formed in the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14, and are guided when the upper unit 3 is opened or closed. The cam grooves 30 formed in the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14 are shaped symmetrically with the arm 10 in between.

[0030] 8 to 11 show the cam groove 30 formed in the first frame member 12. As described above, the second frame member 14 also has a cam groove 30, and the cam groove 30 formed in the second frame member 14 has a symmetrical configuration to the cam groove 30 formed in the first frame member 12. Note that the cam groove 30 guides the protrusion 10a of the arm 10 and supports the upper unit 3 by supporting the protrusion 10a. Therefore, the cam groove 30 does not necessarily have to be provided on both sides of the arm 10; it may be formed on only one of the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14, which are disposed across the arm 10. However, providing the cam groove 30 on both the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14, which are disposed across the arm 10, can more appropriately support and guide the protrusion 10a. Here, as the upper unit 3 is opened or closed relative to the lower unit 2, the protrusion 10a moves in a certain direction within the cam groove 30, as indicated by arrows A1 to A3, which will be described later.

[0031] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, there is a small gap in the X direction between the protrusion 10a of the arm 10 and the cam groove 30. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and the protrusion 10a may move within the cam groove 30 while always being in contact with the cam groove in the X direction.

[0032] As described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment has a lower unit 2 equipped with a recording unit that records on a medium, and an upper unit 3 that is equipped with an upper unit 3 that is a reading unit that reads images from an original and is disposed above the lower unit 2 and can be opened and closed relative to the lower unit 2. The upper unit 3 is also provided with an arm 10 that is supported by the lower unit 2 and keeps the upper unit 3 in an open state. The arm 10 is provided rotatably relative to the upper unit 3. The lower unit 2 is further provided with a housing 9d that forms an outer shell, an opening 9c formed at the top of the housing 9d and into which the arm 10 can be inserted, and a cam groove 30 that receives a protrusion 10a provided on the arm 10 and forms a path along which the protrusion 10a moves in a fixed direction when the upper unit 3 is opened or closed.

[0033] The shape of cam groove 30 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 to 11. When upper unit 3 opens and closes, convex portion 10a moves within cam groove 30. The width of cam groove 30 is set larger than the diameter of convex portion 10a, that is, the width is set to allow convex portion 10a to move smoothly within cam groove 30.

[0034] 8, the cam groove 30 includes a first path R1 through which the protrusion 10a passes when the upper unit 3 opens from a closed state, and a second path R2 through which the protrusion 10a passes when the upper unit 3 closes from an open state. The cam groove 30 also includes a transition path R3 through which the protrusion 10a passes when moving from the first path R1 to the second path R2, and a third path R4 that branches off from the second path R2 at a fourth position P4, which is a branching position, and allows the arm 10 to be attached or detached. The cam groove 30 includes recesses 31 that allow the protrusion 10a to fit into the transition path R3 and the second path R2 and support the protrusion 10a from below. The upper unit 3 remains open when the protrusion 10a fits into the recesses 31.

[0035] As described above, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the cam groove 30, which has a path for the protrusion 10a provided on the arm 10, is provided with the recess 31 that supports the protrusion 10a from below, and the cam groove 30 is provided with the first path R1, second path R2, transition path R3, and third path R4 configured as described above. Because the printer 1 of this embodiment is configured in this way, when assembling the printer 1, the arm 10 can be attached to and detached from the lower unit 2 by inserting and removing the protrusion 10a from the cam groove 30 via the third path R4, and the arm 10 can be easily attached to and detached from the lower unit 2 without twisting. This improves the ease of assembly of the printer 1, which includes the lower unit 2 and upper unit 3.

[0036] Here, we will explain the arrangement of the convex portion 10a in the cam groove 30 when opening and closing the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2. First, with reference mainly to Figure 9, we will explain the arrangement of the convex portion 10a in the cam groove 30 that accompanies normal opening and closing operations of the upper unit 3, such as when an operator uses the printer 1 and replaces the ink cartridge 16. When the upper unit 3 is in the closed position relative to the lower unit 2 as shown in Figure 1, the convex portion 10a is located at the first position P1 in Figure 9.

[0037] By opening the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 and changing the state in which the upper unit 3 is in the closed position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 to the state in which the upper unit 3 is in the first open position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in FIG. 2, the convex portion 10a moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. At this time, the convex portion 10a moves along the first path R1 and the transition path R3, as indicated by arrow A1. The first path R1 is a path that is almost straight and extends vertically upward. The transition path R3 extends diagonally downward from the upper end, i.e., the terminal end, of the first path R1 and then diagonally upward toward the upper end, i.e., the starting end, of the second path R2. The first position P1 is the bottom end of the first path R1, and the second position P2 is the bottom end of the transition path R3, where the recessed portion 31 supports the convex portion 10a from below. The state in which the upper unit 3 is in the first open position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the position when, for example, replacing the ink cartridge 16.

[0038] By first opening the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 and then closing it, the upper unit 3 changes from the first open position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 to the second open position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the convex portion 10a moves along the transition path R3 and the second path R2 as indicated by arrow A2, and changes from the second position P2 to the third position P3. The second path R2 has a serpentine shape that snakes downward vertically. The third position P3 is the recess 31 that supports the convex portion 10a from below, and is the lowest end of the second path R2. The second open position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a position that prevents an operator's fingers from being accidentally pinched between the lower unit 2 and the upper unit 3. From another perspective, even if you release your hand when the upper unit 3 is wide open, i.e., when the upper unit 3 is in the first open position, the upper unit 3 will not immediately transition to a completely closed state, but will stop rotating at the second open position shown in Figure 3, thereby reducing noise and damage caused by the upper unit 3 closing forcefully.

[0039] By first opening the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 and then closing it, the state in which the upper unit 3 is in the second open position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in Fig. 3 changes to the state in which the upper unit 3 is in the closed position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in Fig. 1. At this time, the convex portion 10a moves along the return path R5 as indicated by the arrow A3, and returns from the state in which the convex portion 10a is in the third position P3 to the state in which the convex portion 10a is in the first position P1.

[0040] Next, referring mainly to Figure 10, we will explain the arrangement of the convex portion 10a in the cam groove 30 that accompanies the opening and closing operation of the upper unit 3 when an operator removes the arm 10 in order to perform maintenance on the printer 1. As described above, by opening the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 and changing the state in which the upper unit 3 is in the closed position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in Figure 1 to the state in which the upper unit 3 is in the first open position relative to the lower unit 2 shown in Figure 2, the convex portion 10a changes from being located in the first position P1 to being located in the second position P2.

[0041] The upper unit 3 is first opened relative to the lower unit 2, then closed, positioning the protrusion 10a at the fourth position P4, a branching position located midway along the second path R2. The upper unit 3 is then reopened relative to the lower unit 2, positioning the protrusion 10a at the fifth position P5. The protrusion 10a then moves along the third path R4 as indicated by arrow A4. FIG. 4 shows the position of the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 when the protrusion 10a is positioned at the fifth position P5. As described above, the arm 10 is biased by the torsion spring 11 in the first direction D1 toward the rear of the device. Therefore, the arm 10 contacts the protrusion 32 located at the fifth position P5 and protruding toward the front of the device. In this state, when the operator opens the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 while pressing the arm 10 toward the front of the device, which is opposite the first direction D1, the protrusion 10a moves along the third path R4 as indicated by arrow A5, and the arm 10 is ejected from the opening 9c.

[0042] Next, referring primarily to FIG. 11 , we will explain the arrangement of the protrusion 10a in the cam groove 30 during the opening and closing operation of the upper unit 3 when a worker inserts the arm 10 through the opening 9c after completing maintenance on the printer 1, for example. When the arm 10 is inserted through the opening 9c, the protrusion 10a moves from sixth position P6, which corresponds to the entrance of third path R4, along third path R4 and second path R2, as indicated by arrow A6, until the protrusion 10a is positioned at third position P3. This state corresponds to FIG. 3 , and when transitioning from the state of FIG. 3 to the state of FIG. 1 , the upper unit 3 is first opened relative to the lower unit 2 and then closed, as described above. In this way, the printer 1 of this embodiment allows the arm 10 to be easily removed from the lower unit 2 and then easily attached to the lower unit 2.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the second path R2 has a linear extension path R2A. The third path R4 has a linear path R4A that follows the extension path R2A. This configuration of the printer 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to suppress the expansion of the second path R2 and the third path R4 in the Y direction. This allows the printer 1 of this embodiment to be compact. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the third path R4 for removing the arm 10 from the lower unit 2 may be located somewhere other than the printer 1 of this embodiment, such as midway along the transition path R3.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the first path R1 has a linear path R1A extending vertically upward. The second path R2 has a path R2B that meanders vertically downward. The transition path R3 has a path R3A that extends diagonally downward from the top of the first path R1 and then diagonally upward toward the top of the second path R2. The recesses 31 include a second position P2 as a first recess provided on the transition path R3 and a third position P3 as a second recess provided on the second path R2 vertically below the second position P2. The second position P2 and the third position P3 are aligned vertically. This configuration of the printer 1 of this embodiment minimizes the expansion of the transition path R3 and the second path R2 in the Y direction. Therefore, the printer 1 of this embodiment is compact from this perspective as well.

[0045] As described above, the arm 10 has a torsion spring 11 as a pressing means that presses the arm 10 in the first direction D1 so that the protrusion 10a moves in a fixed direction. In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the torsion spring 11 presses the arm 10 so that it moves in a fixed direction, i.e., the appropriate movement direction, so the protrusion 10a can move appropriately in a fixed direction. Note that the printer 1 of this embodiment is provided with a guide surface 33, the details of which will be described later, so the torsion spring 11 can also be omitted. In other words, even if the torsion spring 11 is omitted, the protrusion 10a can continue to move in a fixed direction within the cam groove 30.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment has a torsion spring 11 that presses the arm 10 in the first direction D1. Therefore, in the third path R4, when the upper unit 3 is moved in a direction that opens relative to the lower unit 2, the torsion spring 11 presses the arm 10 in the first direction D1, causing the protrusion 10a to come into contact with the protrusion 32 that serves as the abutment when passing through the third path R4. With this configuration, the printer 1 of this embodiment can prevent the arm 10 from unintentionally slipping out of the opening 9c when the operator opens the upper unit 3.

[0047] 8 and other figures, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the second path R2 is positioned closer to the first direction D1 than the first path R1, and the third path R4 is positioned closer to the first direction D1 than the second path R2. As described above, the transition path R3 is configured so that the convex portion 10a moves from the first path R1 to the second path R2 by moving the upper unit 3 in a direction to close it relative to the lower unit 2 and then in a direction to open it. When the convex portion 10a is at the fourth position P4, which is the branching position, the second path R2 reaches the return path R5, which returns to the first path R1, by moving the upper unit 3 in a direction to close it relative to the lower unit 2, and then reaches the third path R4 by moving the upper unit 3 in a direction to open it relative to the lower unit 2.

[0048] In this way, the second path R2 is positioned closer to the first direction D1 than the first path R1, and the third path R4 is positioned closer to the first direction D1 than the second path R2. The pressing force of the torsion spring 11 allows the protrusion 10a to move from the first path R1 to the second path R2 and from the second path R2 to the third path R4. The transition path R3 is configured so that the protrusion 10a moves from the first path R1 to the second path R2 by moving the upper unit 3 in a closing direction and then in an opening direction. The second path R2 can be returned to the first path R1 by closing the upper unit 3 when the protrusion 10a is in the branching position, and the arm 10 can be ejected through the opening 9c by opening the upper unit 3. Therefore, the printer 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the upper unit 3 can be easily positioned at a desired position relative to the lower unit 2.

[0049] Additionally, the cam groove 30 has a guide surface 33 above the recess 31 that guides the protrusion 10a in a certain direction. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, a guide surface 33A is provided above the second position P2 of the recess 31, and a guide surface 33B is provided above the third position P3 of the recess 31. With this configuration, the printer 1 of this embodiment can restrict the movement direction of the protrusion 10a to an appropriate direction when the upper unit 3 is closed from a state in which the protrusion 10a is supported by the recess 31, that is, from a state in which the upper unit 3 is maintained in an open position.

[0050] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the upper unit 3 can be opened relative to the lower unit 2 as described above, but the upper unit 3 can also be removed from the lower unit 2 by opening the upper unit 3 to the fifth open position shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, the upper unit 3 can be removed from the lower unit 2 by opening the upper unit 3 to the fifth open position shown in Fig. 12, pressing the operating part 41 of the locking mechanism 40 provided near the hinge 21 in the pressing direction D3 shown in Fig. 13 from the front side of the device toward the rear side of the device, and then sliding the upper unit 3 in the +X direction relative to the lower unit 2 while maintaining that state.

[0051] 12, the engaging portion 42 of the locking mechanism 40 overlaps with the engaged portion 43 provided on the lower unit 2 in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 13. Therefore, in this state, even if the upper unit 3 is attempted to slide relative to the lower unit 2 in the +X direction, the engaging portion 42 interferes with the engaged portion 43. Therefore, when the operating portion 41 connected to the leaf spring 44 is pressed in the pressing direction D3 with the upper unit 3 positioned in the fifth open position shown in FIG. 12, the position of the engaging portion 42 and the position of the engaged portion 43 are misaligned when viewed from the X direction, and it becomes possible to slide the upper unit 3 relative to the lower unit 2 in the +X direction.

[0052] In this way, the printer 1 of this embodiment is provided with a locking mechanism 40 that prevents the upper unit 3 serving as a scanner unit from coming off, thereby preventing the upper unit 3 from coming off unintentionally from the lower unit 2. If the upper unit 3 comes off unintentionally from the lower unit 2, for example, it is possible to reduce the risk of damage to the cable that remains connected between the upper unit 3 and the lower unit 2, or the connector of the cable.

[0053] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, as described above, cam grooves 30 are provided in both the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14. Here, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the second frame member 14 is provided with a through-hole 14a that penetrates in the X direction. As shown in Figure 14, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the paper output tray 5 is provided with a guide section 51 that mounts the paper output tray 5 and guides movement of the paper output tray 5 in the Y direction, and the guide section 51 is fastened to a frame section 52 of the lower unit 2 in the X direction with screws 50, as shown in Figure 15.

[0054] In this way, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the through holes 14a are provided in the second frame member 14, so that when attaching the guide section 51 to the frame section 52 of the lower unit 2, the guide section 51 can be fastened with screws via the through holes 14a. In other words, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the guide section 51 can be attached to the frame section 52 of the lower unit 2 without removing the second frame member 14, resulting in a configuration that is easy to work with.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1...printer (recording device), 2...lower unit, 3...upper unit, 3d...support portion, 5...paper output tray, 7...carriage (recording unit), 9c...opening, 9d...casing, 10...arm, 10a...projection portion, 10b...rotating shaft, 10c...spring hook portion, 10d...spring holding portion, 11...torsion spring (pressing means), 11a...one end, 12...first frame member, 14...second frame member, 14a...through hole, 16...ink cartridge, 21...hinge, 30...cam groove, 31...recess, 32...projection portion (contact portion), 33...guide surface, 33 A...guide surface, 33B...guide surface, 40...locking mechanism, 41...operating portion, 42...engaging portion, 43...engaged portion, 44...plate spring, 50...screw, 51...guide portion, 52...frame portion, P1...first position, P2...second position (first recess), P3...third position (second recess), P4...fourth position, P5...fifth position, P6...sixth position, R1...first path, R1A...straight path, R2...second path, R2A...extension path, R2B...serpentine path, R3...transition path, R3A...path, R4...third path, R4A...straight path, R5...return path

Claims

1. a lower unit having a recording section for recording on a medium; and an upper unit having a reading means for reading an image of a document, the upper unit being disposed above the lower unit and being openable and closable relative to the lower unit; the upper unit includes an arm supported by the lower unit to maintain the upper unit in an open state; the arm is rotatably provided with respect to the upper unit, the lower unit comprises a housing constituting an outer shell, an opening formed in an upper part of the housing into which the arm is inserted, and a cam groove that receives a convex portion provided on the arm and has a path along which the convex portion moves in a certain direction when the upper unit is opened or closed; The cam groove is a recessed portion is provided in which the protruding portion fits and supports the protruding portion from below, and the protruding portion fits into the recessed portion to maintain the upper unit in an open state; a first path that is a path through which the convex portion passes when the upper unit is opened from a closed state; a second path that is a path through which the convex portion passes when the upper unit is closed from an open state; a transition path that is a path through which the convex portion passes when moving from the first path to the second path; and a third path that is a path that makes the arm detachable.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, The second path has a linear extension path, The recording apparatus is characterized in that the third path has a linear path that runs along the extension path.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, the first path has a linear path extending vertically upward, the second path has a path that meanders vertically downward, the transition path has a path that extends diagonally downward from an upper end of the first path and then extends diagonally upward to an upper end of the second path, The recessed portion includes a first recessed portion provided in the transition path and a second recessed portion provided in the second path at a position vertically below the first recessed portion, A recording device, wherein the first recess and the second recess are arranged side by side in a vertical direction.

4. 3. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing means for pressing said arm in a first direction so that said protrusion moves in said fixed direction.

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, a third path having a contact portion with which the convex portion contacts when the convex portion passes through the third path as the arm is pressed in the first direction by the pressing means when the upper unit is moved in a direction opening relative to the lower unit.

6. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, the third path branches off from the second path at a branching position within the second path; the second path is disposed closer to the first direction than the first path, and the third path is disposed closer to the first direction than the second path, the transition path is configured such that the convex portion moves from the first path to the second path by moving the upper unit in a direction to close relative to the lower unit and then in a direction to open the upper unit, The second path is configured to reach a return path that returns to the first path by moving the upper unit in a direction that closes it relative to the lower unit when the convex portion is at the branching position, and to reach the third path by moving the upper unit in a direction that opens it relative to the lower unit.

7. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cam groove has a guide surface above the recess for guiding the protrusion in the predetermined direction.

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