Recording device

Abstract

Providing technology that improves the flexibility of the arrangement of the storage compartment for recording materials. [Solution] The recording device comprises a storage section that houses a container for containing recording material to be applied to a recording medium by a recording means, a transport means for transporting the recording medium along a transport path, and an opening / closing member for opening and closing an access path that allows access to the storage section. The opening / closing member includes a path forming section that forms a portion of the transport path that intersects the access path when the access path is closed.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a recording apparatus that performs recording by applying a recording material to a recording medium, the recording material such as toner or ink is stored in a container and stored in a storage unit. When it is necessary to replace the container or replenish the recording material, access is made to the storage unit to perform the operation (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The recording apparatus has a conveyance path for conveying the recording medium. In the conventional technology, it is necessary to design an access path to the storage unit while avoiding the conveyance path, and there is a restriction on the degree of freedom in arranging the storage unit. As a result, for example, it has hindered the enlargement of the recording apparatus and the increase in the storage capacity of the recording material.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for improving the degree of freedom in arranging the storage unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, a storage unit for storing a container that stores a recording material applied to a recording medium by a recording means, a conveyance means for conveying the recording medium along a conveyance path, an opening / closing member for opening and closing an access path through which access to the storage unit is possible, and a recording apparatus comprising: wherein the opening / closing member With the access path closed, the system includes a path forming unit that forms a portion of the transport path that intersects with the access path. A recording device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that improves the degree of freedom in the arrangement of storage units. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External view of a recording device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing how to replace the container. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the control circuit of the recording device in Figure 1. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the control circuit in Figure 4. [Figure 6] (A) is a front view of a recording device of another embodiment, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] (A) is a front view showing the example in Figure 6(A) with the opening / closing member removed, and (B) is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 7. [Figure 8] A front view of a recording device of yet another embodiment, showing the opening / closing member removed. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which containers are placed on a tray for storage. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the opening and closing member. [Figure 11] A diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the opening and closing member. [Figure 12] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing yet other configuration examples of the opening and closing member. [Figure 13] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing yet other configuration examples of the opening and closing member. [Figure 14] A diagram showing another example configuration of the storage unit. [Figure 15]A diagram showing the mode of replacing the container in the example of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] A flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the control circuit in the example of FIG. 14. [Figure 17] A diagram showing the mode of replenishing the recording material. [Figure 18] A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention [Figure 19] An external view of a recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] An external view of the recording apparatus of FIG. 19 with a plurality of option devices attached. [Figure 21] A diagram showing the mode in which the storage cassette is removed from the recording apparatus of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] A diagram showing the mode in which the detachable unit is removed from the recording apparatus of FIG. 19. [Figure 23] A diagram showing the mode in which the opening / closing member is in the open state in the recording apparatus of FIG. 19. [Figure 24] A diagram showing the mode in which the opening / closing member is in the open state in the recording apparatus of FIG. 19. [Figure 25] A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording apparatus and the option device shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 26] A perspective view of the recording unit. [Figure 27] A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] A diagram showing the state in which the cover and the feeding tray are pulled out in the recording apparatus of FIG. 20. [Figure 29] A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 28. [Figure 30] An external view of the recording apparatus 1A of FIG. 20 with the opening / closing member in the open state. [Figure 31] A plan view of the recording apparatus 1A of FIG. 20 with the opening / closing member in the open state. [Figure 32] An explanatory diagram of the regulation unit. [Figure 33] An explanatory diagram of another regulation unit. [Figure 34] (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of another regulation unit. [Figure 35](A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of different regulatory sections. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> <Outline of the recording device> Figure 1 is an external view of a recording device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the present invention is described in the case where it is applied to an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting ink as a recording material onto a recording medium, but the present invention is also applicable to other types of recording devices.

[0011] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only cases where meaningful information such as characters and figures is formed, but also broadly cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where the medium is processed, regardless of whether it is meaningful or not, and does not depend on whether or not it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans.In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "recording medium," but it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0012] In each diagram, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions in which they intersect. Arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other, while arrow Z indicates vertical directions. The X direction corresponds to the left-right direction (horizontal or width direction) of the recording device 1, and the Y direction corresponds to the front-to-back direction (depth direction) of the recording device 1. The Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the recording device 1. Furthermore, the terms "downstream side" and "upstream side" refer to the transport direction of the recording medium.

[0013] The recording device 1 comprises a main body 100 and two storage cassettes 2A and 2B that are detachable from the main body 100. The main body 100 has a housing 101 that is roughly rectangular in shape, and the housing 101 forms the outer wall of the recording device 1. The front surface 101a of the housing 101, which constitutes the front of the recording device 1, has slots formed therein for the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, which house the recording medium, to be detachably attached to the main body 100. The storage cassettes 2A and 2B are inserted and removed in the Y direction.

[0014] Inside the main unit 100, a storage compartment 4 is provided between storage cassettes 2A and 2B in the Z direction. The storage compartment 4 forms a space in which a container for ink, which is the recording material, is stored. An opening / closing member 5 is provided on the front surface 101a of the housing 101, allowing the user to access the storage compartment 4.

[0015] The top surface of the main unit 100 is provided with a stacking section 3A on which recording media that have been recorded by the recording unit 10 inside the main unit 100 are stacked. The stacking section 3A includes a tray 30. Recorded recording media are stacked on the tray 30.

[0016] Refer to Figure 2 in addition to Figure 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1. The recording device 1 records onto the sheets SH, which are recording media before recording, loaded onto the loading section 20 of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, using the recording unit 10. The loading section 20 is a tray on which many sheets SH are loaded.

[0017] In this embodiment, the sheets SH before recording can also be loaded into the loading section 2C. The loading section 2C is equipped with a foldable tray 22. Figure 1 shows the tray 22 in a stored state, and Figure 2 shows the tray 22 in an unfolded state. The tray 22 is used, for example, when a user manually feeds the sheets SH into the recording unit 10.

[0018] In this embodiment, recorded sheets SH can also be loaded into the loading section 3B. The loading section 3B is equipped with a foldable tray 31. Figure 2 shows the tray 31 in an unfolded state. The recording device 1 discharges the recorded sheets SH into tray 30 or tray 31.

[0019] A transport path RT is formed in the main body 100 to guide the transport of the sheet SH. The transport path RT is a path that guides the sheet SH from the respective loading sections 20 or 2C of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, via the recording unit 10, to the tray 30 or tray 31. The transport path RT has three starting points P11 to P13 and two ending points P21 and P22. In this embodiment, the transport path RT extends substantially horizontally in front of and behind the recording unit 10 so as to divide the recording device 1 vertically. The transport path RT extends in a substantially S-shape overall so as to cover the part in front of the recording unit 10 and the part behind the recording unit 10.

[0020] The distribution of recorded sheets SH to either the loading section 3A or 3B can be performed by a flapper 9 located at a branching point in the transport path RT. The flapper 9 switches the destination of the sheets SH that have passed through the recording unit 10 to either the loading section 3A or 3B. The flapper 9 is rotatably mounted and rotates to switch paths using an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid.

[0021] The transport path RT is formed by path-forming members. As an example of a path-forming member, Figure 2 shows the path-forming section 52 provided by the opening / closing member 5. The path-forming section 52 has front and rear path-forming members 52a that are spaced apart in the Y direction. The path-forming section 52 forms a portion of the transport path RT. Specifically, the path-forming section 52 forms a section extending in the Z direction between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32. The transport path RT is defined by these path-forming members.

[0022] A transport mechanism for transporting sheets SH along the transport path RT will be described. Each of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B has a feeding unit (pickup roller) 21. The sheets SH in the loading section 20 are introduced into the transport path RT by the feeding unit 21. The feeding unit 21 rotates while in contact with the uppermost surface of the sheets SH loaded in the loading section 20, and begins feeding the sheets SH. The sheets SH are then transported to the feeding unit 80.

[0023] In this embodiment, the storage unit 4 is positioned between the respective loading sections 20 of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B in the Z direction, and the loading section 20 of storage cassette 2A is positioned between the recording unit 10 and the storage unit 4. In the Z direction, the loading section 20 of storage cassette 2B is not positioned between the recording unit 10 and the storage unit 4. Sheets SH transported from the loading section 20 of storage cassette 2B pass through the path forming section 52, but sheets SH transported from the loading section 20 of storage cassette 2A do not pass through the path forming section 52.

[0024] The sheets in the loading section 2C are introduced into the transport path RT by the feeding unit (pickup roller) 23. The feeding unit 23 rotates while in contact with the top sheet SH loaded in the loading section 2C, and begins feeding the sheet SH. The sheet SH is then transported to the transport unit 81.

[0025] The sheet SH transport mechanism further comprises a feeding unit 80 and a plurality of transport units 81-84. In the transport path RT, the feeding unit 80, transport unit 81, transport unit 82, transport unit 83, and transport unit 84 are arranged in that order from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the sheet SH. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the leading edge and trailing edge of the sheet SH refer to the downstream end and upstream end of the sheet SH.

[0026] The feeding unit 80 transports the sheet SH, which is introduced into the transport path RT by the feeding unit 21, to the transport unit 81. The feeding unit 80 includes a feeding roller 80a and a driven roller 80b that is pressed against the feeding roller 80a. The feeding roller 80a is a driven roller, and the driven roller 80b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the feeding roller 80a.

[0027] The sheet SH is held between the feed roller 80a and the driven roller 80b at the nip section and conveyed by the rotation of the feed roller 80a and the driven roller 80b. The feed unit 21 is a one-way roller, and once the sheet SH has been conveyed to a position beyond the nip section of the feed unit 80, the feed unit 4 can continue conveying the sheet even if the drive of the feed unit 21 is stopped.

[0028] The transport unit 81 is positioned upstream of the recording head 11 of the recording unit 10 in the transport direction, and the sheet SH is transported downstream by the transport unit 81 between the recording head 11 and the platen 7 facing the recording head 11. The transport unit 81 includes a transport roller 81a and a driven roller (pinch roller) 81b which is pressed against the transport roller 81a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 81a is a driven roller, and the driven roller 81b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 81a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 81a and the driven roller 81b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 81a and the driven roller 81b.

[0029] The transport unit 82 is positioned downstream of the recording head 11 in the transport direction and transports the sheet SH, which is transported by the transport unit 81, to the downstream transport unit 83. The transport unit 82 includes a transport roller 82a and a spur 82b which is pressed against the transport roller 82a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The transport roller 82a is a drive roller, and the spur 82b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 82a.

[0030] The transport unit 83 is positioned downstream in the transport direction from the recording head 11 and the transport unit 82, and is a discharge unit that discharges the sheet SH transported by the transport unit 82 to the tray 31 of the loading section 3B or to the transport unit 84, depending on the position of the flapper 9. The transport unit 83 includes a transport roller 83a and a driven roller 83b that is pressed against the transport roller 83a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 83a is a drive roller, and the driven roller 83b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 83a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 83a and the driven roller 83b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 83a and the driven roller 83b.

[0031] The transport unit 84 is positioned downstream of the transport unit 83 in the transport direction and is an discharge unit that discharges the sheets SH transported by the transport unit 83 to the tray 30 of the loading section 3A. The sheets SH discharged to the tray 30 are "face-down discharged" with the image recording surface facing downwards. The transport unit 84 includes a transport roller 84a and a driven roller 84b that is pressed against the transport roller 84a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 84a is a drive roller, and the driven roller 84b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 84a. The sheets SH are held between the nip portion of the transport roller 84a and the driven roller 84b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 84a and the driven roller 84b.

[0032] The recording unit 10 records an image by applying ink to the sheet SH. Ink is applied to the sheet SH by ejecting ink from the recording head 11. The lower surface of the recording head 11 forms an ejection surface with multiple nozzles for ejecting ink. The recording head 11 may be a full-line recording head. The recording head 11 may be a serial recording head. In the case of a serial recording head, the recording head 11 is mounted on a carriage and moves in the main scanning direction (X direction) while ejecting ink (recording scan). An image is recorded on the sheet SH by alternately performing intermittent transport of the sheet SH in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) by the transport units 81 and 82 and recording scans.

[0033] <Container storage structure and access structure> The ink supplied to the recording head 11 is contained in a container 6. The ink is supplied from the container 6 to the recording head 11, for example, via a tube. The container 6 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, is a hollow body containing ink, and is a flat, bottle-type container. The container 6 is stored in the storage unit 4. The storage unit 4 has an inlet 4a on the front side of the recording device 1, and the container 6 can be inserted and removed from the inlet 4a in the Y direction. When the ink contained in the container 6 is consumed, the user can replenish the ink by replacing the container 6 with a new one. In this case, the user needs to access the storage unit 4 (in other words, access the container 6).

[0034] The opening / closing member 5 is a member that opens and closes an access path that allows access to the storage unit 4. Figure 2 shows the opening / closing member 5 in the closed state, and Figure 3 shows the opening / closing member 5 in the open state. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 5 is detachable from the main body 100, and when attached, it is positioned and locked to the main body 100 by an appropriate method. An opening 101b is formed in the housing 101 on the front surface 101a. As shown in Figure 3, when the opening / closing member 5 is removed from the main body 100, the opening 101b is opened, and the access path AR is opened. In this embodiment, the access path AR is a space that extends in the Y direction in front of the recording device 1 from the entrance 4a of the storage unit 4. When the access path AR shown in Figure 3 is open, the entrance 4a is exposed to the outside of the recording device 1, and the user can access the storage unit 4 from outside the recording device 1. The user can replace the container 6 in the storage unit 4. Whether or not a container 6 is installed in the storage unit 4 is detected by the sensor 40. The sensor 40 is, for example, an optical sensor or a wireless or wired reader that reads information from a memory provided in the container 6. When the opening / closing member 5 is attached to the main body 100, the entrance 4a (opening 101b) is covered by the opening / closing member 5, and the access path AR is closed by the opening / closing member 5.

[0035] The opening / closing member 5 comprises a panel portion 51 and a path forming portion 52. The panel portion 51 closes the opening 101b when the access path AR is closed and, together with the housing 101, forms the outer wall of the recording device 1, particularly the front surface 101a. The path forming portion 52 is fixed to the back of the panel portion 51 and, as described above, forms a section of the transport path RT that extends in the Z direction between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32. The access path AR is a path that traverses the Y direction between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32, and the section of the transport path RT between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32 intersects with the access path AR.

[0036] In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 5 forms a portion of the transport path RT, allowing for a layout in which the access path AR and a portion of the transport path RT intersect. This improves the flexibility of the storage section 4's placement compared to a layout in which the access path AR avoids the transport path RT. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for recording devices equipped with multiple paper feeding and paper output sections capable of feeding and outputting large quantities of various recording media, increasing the space occupied by the transport path for recording media within the recording device. In order to increase the capacity of the storage section for recording materials in such recording devices, the device size sometimes had to be increased. According to this embodiment, the storage section 4 can be made wider while suppressing an increase in the device size, and it is also possible to accommodate a larger capacity container 6.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attachment and detachment of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, and the replacement of the container 6, can both be performed from the front 101a side of the recording device 1. This provides a recording device 1 with good operability, allowing user operations to be performed from one direction.

[0038] <Control system configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control circuit 110 of the recording device 1. The control circuit 110 comprises at least one processor and at least one storage device that stores a program executed by the processor. The storage device is, for example, a semiconductor memory. Specifically, the control circuit 110 comprises a CPU 111 that controls the entire recording device 1, and RAM 112 and ROM 113 for storing control programs executed by the CPU 111 and various data. The timer 104 measures the elapsed time.

[0039] The control circuit 110 also includes an external interface (I / F) 114 for receiving recording commands (recording jobs) containing recording data from an external print server or external PC, and a driver 116 for driving the recording head 11. The sensors 119 are a group of sensors that detect the state of the recording device 1, and include sensors for detecting the position of the conveyed sheet SH, and sensor 40, etc. The driver 117 is a circuit that drives each actuator 118, and each actuator 118 includes motors that drive the drive rollers of the sheet SH conveying system, actuators that drive the flapper 9, etc.

[0040] <Selection process for loading section> Each loading section 20 and loading section 2C of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B can accommodate different types and sizes of sheet SH. The recording device 1 can also select sheet SH according to the recording job. Furthermore, even if the same type of sheet SH is loaded in each loading section 20, the recording device 1 can feed the sheet SH starting from the loading section 20 with the highest priority.

[0041] On the other hand, in this embodiment, during the container replacement operation, the removal of the opening / closing member 5 makes the transport path RT unusable in the section from intermediate point P31 to intermediate point P32. Therefore, it is not possible to feed the sheet SH from the loading section 20 of the storage cassette 2B.

[0042] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the CPU 111, specifically an example of the loading unit selection process performed when a recording job is received. Upon receiving a recording job, in S1, it is determined whether the loading unit specified in the recording job is the lower loading unit (loading unit 20 of the storage cassette 2B). If it is determined to be the lower loading unit, the process proceeds to S2. If it is determined not to be the lower loading unit, the source of sheet SH is determined to be the specified loading unit (loading unit 20 or loading unit 2C of the storage cassette 2A), and the process shown in the figure ends.

[0043] In S2, it is determined whether the user is accessing the storage unit 4. Here, the detection result of the sensor 40 is obtained, and if the detection result indicates that there is no container 6 in the storage unit 4, it is determined that the user is accessing it. Alternatively, whether the user is accessing the storage unit 4 can be determined by providing a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing member 5, and if the sensor's detection result indicates that it is open, it is determined that the user is accessing it. If it is determined in S2 that the user is accessing it, the process proceeds to S3, and if it is determined that the user is not accessing it, the source of the sheet SH is determined to be the lower loading unit and the process shown in the figure ends.

[0044] In S3, it is determined whether the loading section can be changed, depending on the content of the recording job and the settings of the recording device 1. If it can be changed, the process proceeds to S4; otherwise, the process proceeds to S5. In S4, the user or the recording device 1 selects another loading section (loading section 20 or loading section 2C of the storage cassette 2A) other than the lower loading section as the source of sheet SH, and confirms that selection. An example of a case where it is possible to change is when the same sheet SH as in the lower loading section is loaded in another loading section.

[0045] In S5, based on the detection results of the sensor 40, the system waits until the user has completed access to the storage unit 4. In this case, the recording device 1 may prompt the user to complete access by displaying a message indicating that the process is interrupted on a display device (not shown) or by emitting a warning sound. If the timer 115 confirms that the interruption time exceeds a predetermined time, the recording unit 10 may perform a save operation (for example, covering the ejection surface of the recording head 11 with a cap (not shown)).

[0046] Thus, according to this embodiment, even when a user is accessing the storage unit 4, it is possible to determine whether recording is possible and whether the loading unit can be changed. This makes it possible to suppress interruptions to the recording operation and provides a user-friendly recording device 1.

[0047] <Second Embodiment> An operating section for the user to remove the container 6 from the storage section 4, and a display section showing information about the recording material stored in the container 6 may be provided on the container 6. Figures 6(A) to 7(B) show an example. Figure 6(A) is a front view of the recording device 1, showing the area around the container 6 when the opening / closing member 5 is in the closed state. Figure 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 6(A). Figure 7(A) is a front view of the recording device 1, showing the area around the container 6 when the opening / closing member 5 is in the open state. Figure 7(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Figure 7(A).

[0048] In this embodiment, an operating section 61 and a display section 62 are provided on the front surface 60 of the container 6. The operating section 61 is in the form of a recess with depth in the Y direction, and the user can easily grip the container 6 by placing their fingers on its periphery. The operating section 61 may also be in the form of a lever or handle instead of a recess.

[0049] The display unit 62 is in the form of a label attached to the bottom of the operation unit 60, and for example, it has a portion of the same color as the ink contained in the container 6 to display the color of that ink. As shown in Figure 7(A), when the opening / closing member 5 is in the open state, the operation unit 61 and the display unit 62 are exposed on the front surface 101a of the recording device 1, and the user can recognize them.

[0050] A recess 23 is provided around the opening 101b through which the container 6 is inserted and removed. In this embodiment, a recess 23 extending in the Y direction is formed at the top of the opening 101b. More specifically, a notched recess 23 opening downwards is formed in the housing unit 2A. The recording device 1 may be installed at the user's waist height. In this case, the user who opens the opening / closing member 5 will be looking down at the operation unit 61 and display unit 62 or the entrance 4a, and the front surface 101a of the housing 101 may obstruct the user's view. By forming the recess 23, as shown in Figure 7(B), the user's line of sight can easily reach the operation unit 61 and display unit 62 or the entrance 4a, making it easier for the user to recognize their presence. In addition, the recess 23 makes it easier for the user to insert their fingertips into the operation unit 61. In this embodiment, the recess 23 also functions as a handle for the user to grip when inserting or removing the housing cassette 2A.

[0051] The positional relationship between the recess 23 and the operation unit 61 and display unit 62 will be explained with reference to Figure 7(A). With respect to the position in the X direction, the recess 23 extends within the range Rx1, the operation unit 61 extends within the range Rx2, and the display unit 62 extends within the range Rx3. In this embodiment, with respect to the position in the X direction, the recess 23 is in the same position as at least a part of the operation unit 61. More specifically, in this embodiment, range Rx1 is included within range Rx2, and therefore, with respect to the position in the X direction, the entire range of the recess 23 is included within the range of the operation unit 61. Also, in this embodiment, with respect to the position in the X direction, the recess 23 is in the same position as at least a part of the display unit 62. More specifically, in this embodiment, range Rx1 includes range Rx3. Therefore, with respect to the position in the X direction, the entire range of the display unit 62 is included within the range of the recess 23. Thus, the recess 23 can more reliably improve the visibility of the operation unit 61 and the display unit 62. Furthermore, regarding the position in the X direction, if at least a part of the display unit 62 is in the same position as the recess 23, the range Rx3 may be larger than the range Rx1.

[0052] Next, the positional relationship between the recess 23 and the entrance 4a of the storage unit 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 7(A). The center line CL indicates the position of the center of the recess 23 in the X direction. The center line CL' indicates the position of the center of the entrance 4a in the X direction. In this embodiment, both center lines CL and CL' are located at the center of the recording device 1 in the X direction and coincide. Therefore, with respect to the position in the X direction, the recess 23 is located in the central part of the entrance 4a. As a result, the recess 23 can more reliably improve the visibility of the entrance 4a, and for example, when inserting the container 6 into the storage unit 4, the entrance 4a becomes easier to see. Note that a configuration in which the center lines CL and CL' do not coincide is also possible.

[0053] <Third Embodiment> The storage section 4 can accommodate multiple containers 6. Figure 8 is a front view of the recording device 1 in this embodiment, showing the entrance 4a of the storage section 4 when the opening / closing member 5 is in the open state. The storage section 4 has storage chambers 4A to 4D that are divided into two rows in the Z direction and two columns in the X direction, and four containers 6A to 6D are stored in the storage chambers 4A to 4D.

[0054] Similar to the second embodiment, each container is provided with an operation unit 61 and a display unit 62. The operation unit 61 and the display unit 62 are located on the front surface 60 of the corresponding containers 6A to 6D. With respect to the position in the X direction, at least a portion of each operation unit 61 and each display unit 62 is located within the range Rx1 of the recess 23. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the recess 23 can more reliably improve the visibility of the operation unit 61 and the display unit 62. In addition, the display units 62 of containers 6A to 6D are located in the center of the entrance 4a. This arrangement makes it easy for the user to recognize the four display units 62 at a glance.

[0055] <Fourth Embodiment> In the embodiments described above, a bottle-type container was used as an example for container 6. However, in each of the embodiments described above, container 6 may be a bag-type container made of a flexible material. In this case, the container may be mounted on a tray and stored in the storage unit 4. Figure 9 shows an example. Container 6E is a bag-type ink pack, mounted on a tray 41 and stored in the storage unit 4. The tray 41 has an upwardly open recess 45 on which container 6E is placed. The front surface 42 of the tray 41 is provided with an operation unit 43 and a display unit 44, corresponding to the operation unit 61 and display unit 62 of the second and third embodiments. The second and third embodiments can be combined with this embodiment, in which case the positional relationship between the recess 23 and the inlet 4a and the operation unit 43 and display unit 44 can be the positional relationship described in the second and third embodiments.

[0056] <Fifth Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the opening and closing mechanism of the opening / closing member 5 is illustrated as removal from and attachment to the main body 100, but rotation or translation may also be used. Figures 10(A) and 10(B) show other configuration examples of the opening / closing member 5. Figure 10(A) is an external view of the recording device 1 when the opening / closing member 5 is in the open state, and Figure 10(B) is a cross-sectional view of the area near the access path AR when the opening / closing member 5 is in the open state.

[0057] In the examples shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), the opening / closing member 5 is rotatably supported on the sliding member 53 via a shaft 54. The shaft 54 ​​is the axis in the X direction and is located at the bottom of the opening / closing member 5. The opening / closing member 5 rotates around its pivot axis in the X direction. The sliding member 53 is slidably supported inside the main body 100 in the Y direction. To open the opening / closing member 5, it is pulled out towards the front in the Y direction and rotated downward to open the access passage AR. To close the opening / closing member 5, it is rotated upward and pushed inward in the Y direction to close the access passage AR. Since the opening / closing member 5 is supported by the main body 100 regardless of whether it is open or closed, loss of the opening / closing member 5 or damage due to falling can be prevented. Alternatively, the shaft 54 ​​may be positioned at the top of the opening / closing member 5, so that the opening / closing member 5 rotates upward.

[0058] In the examples shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), an example is described in which the opening / closing member 5 rotates around a pivot axis in the X direction, but it may also be configured to rotate around a pivot axis in the Z direction. Figure 11 shows one such example. In the illustrated example, the opening / closing member 5 is rotatably supported via a shaft 55 located at the end of the opening / closing member 5 in the X direction. The shaft 55 is an axis in the Z direction, and the opening / closing member 5 rotates like a door around the pivot axis in the Z direction.

[0059] Next, Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show examples of the opening / closing member 5 opening and closing by parallel movement. Figure 12(A) is an external view of the recording device 1 when the opening / closing member 5 is in the open state, and Figure 12(B) is a cross-sectional view of the area near the access path AR when the opening / closing member 5 is in the open state.

[0060] A pair of left and right rail members 56 are connected to the opening member 5. The rail members 56 extend in the Y direction and are supported so as to be slidable in the Y direction by a plurality of guide members 57 provided on the main body 100. To open the opening / closing member 5, it is pulled out towards the front in the Y direction to open the access passage AR. To close the opening / closing member 5, it is pushed in towards the back in the Y direction to close the access passage AR.

[0061] <Sixth Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the opening / closing member 5 had a structure comprising a panel portion 51 and a path forming portion 52, but the opening / closing member may also have a configuration consisting only of a path forming portion without a panel portion. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show an example of this. Figure 13(A) is an external view of the recording device 1 of this embodiment, and Figure 13(B) is a cross-sectional view near the access path AR. In the illustrated example, the opening / closing member 5A is a separate component from the panel member 51A, which corresponds to the panel portion 51. The panel member 51A constitutes a part of the housing 101 and is rotatably provided as shown in the configuration example in Figures 10(A) and 10(B). The opening / closing member 5A has a portion corresponding to the path forming portion 52 and forms the transport path RT between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32. When the panel member 51A is closed, the opening / closing member 5A is located inside (rear side in the Y direction) the closed panel member 51A.

[0062] Figure 13(A) shows the panel member 51A in the open position. In this position, the opening 101b is open, but the access path AR is not open because the opening / closing member 5A is attached to the main body 100. In this position, as shown in Figure 13(B), the access path AR is opened by further removing the opening member 5A. To close the access path AR, the opening / closing member 5A is attached to the main body 100. Then, the panel member 51A is closed. Thus, in this embodiment, the opening and closing of the access path AR is performed in two stages.

[0063] <Seventh Embodiment> The position of the storage section 4 and the location of the opening / closing member 5 can be designed as appropriate. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1 in this embodiment. A structure different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0064] In the recording device 1 of this embodiment, a storage unit 4A, which replaces the storage unit 4, is located below the loading unit 3A and above the storage units 2A and 2B, and is located behind the recording unit 10 in the Y direction. The storage units 2A and 2B are located close together vertically.

[0065] The storage section 4A is open upwards, and a container 6F for holding ink as a recording material is stored in the storage section 4A so as to be insertable and removable in the Z direction. The container 6F is a bottle-type container. Whether or not the container 6F is installed in the storage section 4A is detected by a sensor 40A. The sensor 40A is, for example, an optical sensor or a wireless reader that reads information from the memory provided in the container 6F.

[0066] The tray 30 of the loading section 3A has a downstream fixed portion 32 and an upstream opening / closing member 33 that is rotatably mounted on the fixed portion 32 via a hinge 34. In the closed state, the opening / closing member 33 forms a portion of the transport path RT on the loading section 3A.

[0067] Figure 15 shows the state with the opening / closing member 33 open. The access path AR is opened, and the container 6F can be replaced with the storage section 4A.

[0068] Next, the process of selecting the loading section from which the recorded sheet SH is discharged will be described. In this embodiment, loading section 3A or loading section 3B can be selected as the destination loading section. On the other hand, in this embodiment, during the container 6F replacement work, the sheet SH cannot be discharged to loading section 3A by opening the opening / closing member 33.

[0069] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the CPU 111, specifically an example of the loading unit selection process performed when a recording job is received. Upon receiving a recording job, in S11, it is determined whether the loading unit specified in the recording job is the upper loading unit (loading unit 3A). If it is determined to be the upper loading unit, the process proceeds to S12. If it is determined not to be the upper loading unit, the destination for sheet SH is determined to be the specified loading unit (loading unit 3B), and the process shown in the figure ends.

[0070] In S12, it is determined whether the user is accessing the storage unit 4A. Here, the detection result from sensor 40A is obtained, and if the detection result indicates that there is no container 6F in the storage unit 4A, it is determined that the user is accessing it. Alternatively, whether the user is accessing the storage unit 4A can be determined by providing a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing member 33, and if the sensor's detection result indicates that it is open, it is determined that the user is accessing it. If it is determined in S12 that the user is accessing it, the process proceeds to S13, and if it is determined that the user is not accessing it, the destination for the sheet SH is set to the upper surface loading unit (loading unit 3A), and the process shown in the figure ends.

[0071] In S13, it is determined whether the loading section can be changed, depending on the content of the recording job and the settings of the recording device 1. If it can be changed, the process proceeds to S14; otherwise, the process proceeds to S15. In S14, the back loading section (loading section 3B), which is another loading section other than the top loading section, is selected as the destination for discharging the sheet SH, and this selection is confirmed. An example of a situation where a change is possible is when it is confirmed that sheets SH of the same size can be discharged to loading sections 3A and 3B. In S15, based on the detection result of sensor 40A, the system waits until the user has completed access to the storage section 4A.

[0072] This process allows for the determination of whether recording is possible and whether the destination loading unit can be changed, even while accessing the storage unit 4A. This suppresses interruptions to the recording operation and provides a user-friendly recording device 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the recording device 1 may include a third or fourth discharge destination loading section above the loading section 3A, having the same configuration as the loading section 3A. In that case, the transport path from the recording unit 10 to the third and fourth loading sections intersects with the access path AR, similar to the transport path RT from the recording unit 10 to the loading section 3A. That is, when performing the discharge destination selection process in Figure 16, the third and fourth loading sections can be treated in the same way as the loading section 3A.

[0074] <Eighth Embodiment> In the embodiments described above, the access path AR is shown as an example of a container replacement path, but it may also be a recording material replenishment path. Figure 17 shows an example of this, illustrating an example in the embodiment shown in Figure 15 where the access path AR is an ink replenishment path. The container 6G is fixed to the storage unit 4A, and ink is replenished by connecting the replenishment bottle 120 to the container 6G. Sensor 40B is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing member 33. When the processing example in Figure 16 is applied to this embodiment, in S12, it is determined whether or not the storage unit 4A is being accessed based on the detection result of sensor 40B.

[0075] <Ninth Embodiment> In the first embodiment, one loading section 20 (or one storage cassette 2A) is arranged between the recording unit 10 and the storage section 4 in the Z direction, but a configuration in which multiple loading sections 20 (or multiple storage cassettes 2A) are arranged is also possible. Figure 18 shows an example. In the illustrated example, two storage cassettes 2A are arranged between the recording unit 10 and the storage section 4, and therefore, two loading sections 20 are arranged between the recording unit 10 and the storage section 4. The amount of sheets SH that can be stored can be increased, or the types of sheets SH that can be stored can be increased.

[0076] <Tenth Embodiment> In the embodiments described above, an inkjet recording device that uses ink as a recording material was exemplified as the recording device 1. However, the recording method of the recording device may be a so-called electrophotographic method, and the recording material may be toner.

[0077] <Eleventh Embodiment> <Outline of the recording device> Figure 19 is an external view of a recording device 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention. Multiple optional devices can be attached to the recording device 1A. Figure 20 shows a configuration in which optional devices 500A and 500B are attached to the recording device 1A. Optional devices 500A and 500B are devices with the same configuration, and when referring to optional devices 500A and 500B collectively, or when not distinguishing between them, they are simply referred to as optional device 500. Optional device 500 is equipped with a storage cassette 501 for storing recording media, and by adding optional devices 500, the storage capacity of recording media used for recording can be increased, and the types of recording media used for recording can be increased. The storage cassette 501 is detachably attached to the main body of the optional device 500, and in this embodiment, it is provided on the front of the optional device 500 so as to be insertable and removable in the Y direction relative to the main body.

[0078] In the example shown in Figure 20, two stages of optional devices 500 are provided at the bottom of the recording device 1A. However, only one optional device 500 can be attached to the recording device 1A, or three or more stages of optional devices 500 can be attached to the recording device 1A. Furthermore, the recording device 1A can be used without any optional devices 500 attached.

[0079] In this embodiment, the case in which the present invention is applied to a serial inkjet recording device is described, but the present invention is also applicable to other types of recording devices.

[0080] In the figures described in this embodiment, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions in which they intersect, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other, and arrow Z indicates the vertical direction. The X direction corresponds to the left-right direction (width direction) of the recording device 1A, the Y direction corresponds to the front-back direction (depth direction) of the recording device 1A, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the recording device 1A. Furthermore, when referring to the downstream side and the upstream side, the transport direction of the recording medium is used as the reference.

[0081] The recording device 1A comprises a main body 100A, a detachable unit 640 and a storage cassette 602A that are detachable from the main body 100A. The main body 100A has a roughly rectangular prism-shaped housing 601, which forms the outer wall of the recording device 1A. The detachable unit 640 and the storage cassette 602A are mounted on the front surface 601a of the housing 601, which constitutes the front part of the recording device 1A, so as to be insertable and removable from the main body 100A in the Y direction. The front surface 601a is also provided with an openable and closable cover 653 and an open / close member 665 that cover the feeding unit 650 inside the main body 100A. The cover 653, detachable unit 640, storage unit 602A and open / close member 665 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the Z direction.

[0082] Figure 21 shows the state in which the storage cassette 602A is pulled out from the main body 100A in the -Y direction. The main body 100A has a slot SL1 that opens on the front surface 601a, and the storage cassette 602A is stored in this slot SL1.

[0083] Figure 22 shows the state in which the detachable unit 640 has been removed from the main body 100A in the -Y direction. The main body 100A has a slot SL2 that opens on the front surface 601a, and the detachable unit 640 is stored in this slot SL2.

[0084] An output tray 617 is provided on the top surface of the main unit 100A. Recorded recording media are ejected into the output tray 617 and stacked on top of the output tray 617.

[0085] Using Figures 20 and 23, we will describe the opening 670 formed on the upper surface of the housing 601, which exposes the inside of the main body 100A of the recording device 1A. The opening 670 is opened and closed by an opening / closing member 617a. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617a is a plate-shaped tray member that constitutes part of the discharge tray 617, and is a rotating member that is rotatable around a pivot axis 617b in the X direction. Figure 23 shows the opening 670 in the open state with the opening / closing member 617a open. When the opening / closing member 617a is closed as shown in Figure 20, the opening 670 is closed.

[0086] Using Figures 20 and 24, we will describe the opening 672 formed on the upper surface of the housing 601, which exposes the inside of the main body 100A of the recording device 1A. The opening 672 is located towards the back in the Y direction relative to the opening 670. The opening 672 is opened and closed by an opening / closing member 617c. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617c, together with the opening / closing member 617a, is a plate-shaped tray member that constitutes part of the discharge tray 617, and is configured to be pulled out towards the front. When pulling out the opening / closing member 617c, the operator can operate it by holding the grip portion 617e. Figure 24 shows the state in which the opening / closing member 617c is in the open position and the opening 672 is open. When the opening / closing member 617c is closed as shown in Figure 20, the opening 672 is closed.

[0087] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1A and the optional device 500. The recording device 1A records onto the sheet SH, which is a recording medium before recording, loaded onto the feed tray 602a in the storage cassette 602A. The recording device 1A also discharges the recorded sheet SH into the discharge tray 617. The storage cassette 602A can be removed from the main body 100A of the recording device 1A, and the sheet SH can be set into the feed tray 602 of the removed storage cassette 602A.

[0088] Furthermore, the recording device 1A records onto the sheet SH, which is a recording medium before recording, loaded onto the feed tray 502 in each optional device 500. The recording device 1A also discharges the recorded sheet SH into the discharge tray 617. The storage cassette 501 of the optional device 500 can be removed from the optional device 500, and the sheet SH can be set into the feed tray 502 of the removed storage cassette 501.

[0089] <Transportation Route> The transport paths for the sheet SH are described below. The recording device 1A has transport paths RT6A to RT6E that guide the transport of the sheet SH. Transport path RT6A is the main transport path formed from the confluence point JP1 to the discharge tray 617. Transport path RT6B is formed from the supply tray 602a to the confluence point JP1. When recording is performed on the sheet SH stored in the storage cassette 602A, the sheet SH is transported in the order of transport path RT6B → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during the transport process.

[0090] The transport paths RT6D and RT6E are transport paths for supplying sheet SH from the optional device 500. Transport path RT6D is formed in the Z direction at the front of the storage cassette 602A. When the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the main body 100A, transport path RT6D is formed from the intermediate point JP2 to the junction point JP1. Transport path RT6E is formed in the Z direction at the front of the opening / closing member 665. When the opening / closing member 665 is mounted on the main body 100A, transport path RT6E is formed from the intermediate point JP3 to the intermediate point JP2.

[0091] Each optional device 500 has transport paths RT7A and RT7B that guide the transport of the sheets SH. Transport path RT7A is formed from the supply tray 502 to the confluence point JP4 in the storage cassette 501 and is a transport path for supplying the sheets SH within the optional device 500. Transport path RT7B is formed at the front of the storage cassette 501, from the intermediate point JP5 to the confluence point JP4. Transport path RT7B is a transport path for passing sheets SH supplied from another optional device 500 located below that optional device 500. For example, in the example in Figure 25, the transport path RT7B of optional device 500A is a path for passing sheets SH supplied from optional device 500B through optional device 500A.

[0092] When recording is performed on sheet SH housed in optional device 500A, sheet SH is transported in the following order: transport path RT7A of optional device 500A → transport path RT6E of recording device 1A → transport path 6D → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during this transport process.

[0093] When recording is performed on sheet SH housed in optional device 500B, sheet SH is transported in the following order: transport path RT7A of optional device 500B → transport path RT7B of optional device 500A → transport path RT6E of recording device 1A → transport path 6D → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during this transport process.

[0094] Next, we will describe the path for inverting the front and back sides of the sheet SH and transporting it to the recording head 612 for double-sided recording. In this embodiment, after recording the first side of the sheet SH at the recording head 612, the sheet SH can be transported to the transport path RT6C, thereby inverting its front and back sides. The transport path RT6C is a sub-transport path formed from the vicinity of the transport unit 605 (described later) to the junction point JP1. The sheet SH, on which the first side has been recorded, can be inverted via the transport path RT6C and introduced back into the transport path RT6A. Then, recording can be performed on the second side of the sheet SH.

[0095] The introduction of sheet SH into the transport path RT6C is as follows: After the rear end of sheet SH reaches the vicinity of the transport unit 605 (described later) or exits the transport unit 605, at least some of the rollers of the transport units 605-609 (described later) are rotated in reverse. This allows sheet SH with the first side recorded to be introduced into the transport path RT6C. Sheet SH with the second side recorded is discharged into the discharge tray 617.

[0096] Each transport path is formed by a path-forming member. As an example of a path-forming member, Figure 25 schematically shows a pair of path-forming members 666 that form the transport path RT6E. The pair of path-forming members 666 are arranged facing each other in the Y direction, and the transport path RT6E extending in the Z direction is formed between them. Each transport path is defined by such path-forming members.

[0097] <Conveying mechanism> Next, the configuration for transporting the sheet SH will be described. The recording device 1A includes a feed unit 603, a feed unit 604, and a plurality of transport units 605 to 609. In the transport direction of the sheet SH along transport paths RT6B and RT6A, these are arranged in the order of feed unit 603, feed unit 604, and transport units 605 to 609 from upstream to downstream. Image formation (recording) on ​​the sheet SH is performed by a recording unit 610 between transport unit 605 and transport unit 606.

[0098] (Feeding unit 603) The sheets SH on the feeding tray 602a are introduced one by one into the transport paths RT6B and RT6A by the feeding unit 603. The feeding unit 603 is a pickup mechanism that uses the feeding motor 622A as a driving source to pick up the sheets SH from the feeding tray 602a. The feeding unit 603 includes a feeding roller (pickup roller) 603a, a feeding roller 603b, a separation roller 603c, a feeding roller 603d, and a driven roller 603e that forms a nip with the feeding roller 603d.

[0099] The feeding roller 603a rotates by the driving force of the feeding motor 622A, contacting the uppermost surface of the sheet SH loaded on the feeding tray 602a, and begins feeding the sheet SH. Downstream of the feeding roller 603a are a feeding roller 603b, which rotates by the driving force of the feeding motor 622A, and a separation roller 603c, which forms a nip with the feeding roller 603b. The separation roller 603c is a roller equipped with a torque limiter and has rotational resistance. When two or more sheets SH enter the nip between the feeding roller 603b and the separation roller 603c, the rotational resistance of the separation roller 603c separates the sheets SH into a single sheet.

[0100] The separated sheet SH is transported to the downstream feed roller 603d and driven roller 603e. The feed roller 603d is driven by the feed motor 622A.

[0101] (Feeding unit 604) The feeding unit 604 transports the sheet SH, which is introduced into the transport path RT6A from the confluence point JP1, to the transport unit 605. The feeding unit 604 is equipped with feeding rollers 604a and 604c. The feeding rollers 604a and 604c are rotating bodies that rotate by the driving force of the feeding motor 623. The feeding rollers 604a and 604c are pressed against the corresponding driven rollers 604b and 604d to form a nip section. The driven rollers 604b and 604d are rotating bodies that are driven by the rotation of the feeding rollers 604a and 604c.

[0102] The sheet SH is held between the nip sections of the feed roller 604a and the driven roller 604b, and between the feed roller 604c and the driven roller 604d, and is conveyed by their rotation.

[0103] Note that the feed rollers 603a, 603b, and 603d are one-way rollers. Therefore, once the leading edge of the sheet SH has been transported to a position beyond the nip portion of the feed unit 604a, the feed unit 604 can continue transporting the sheet even if the drive of the feed unit 603 is stopped.

[0104] Sensor 631 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, specifically detecting the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH. The detection position of sensor 631 is set downstream of the nip portion of the feeding unit 604a. After detecting the passage of the leading end of the sheet SH, the detection result of sensor 631 can be used as a trigger for transport control, such as stopping the drive of the feeding unit 603 or increasing the transport speed of the feeding unit 604.

[0105] Furthermore, by using sensor 631 to determine the size of sheet SH from the amount of drive of motors 623 and 624 from detecting the leading edge to detecting the trailing edge of sheet SH, it becomes possible to switch subsequent transport control.

[0106] (Transport Unit 605) The transport unit 605 is positioned upstream of the recording head 612. The transport unit 605 transports the sheet SH downstream between the recording head 612 and the platen 615 facing the recording head 612. The transport unit 605 includes a transport roller 605a and a driven roller (pinch roller) 605b which is pressed against the transport roller 605a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 605a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624, and the driven roller 605b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 605a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 605a and the driven roller 605b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 605a and the driven roller 605b.

[0107] Sensor 632, like sensor 631, is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. Since sensor 632 is located near the upstream of the transport unit 605, its detection results can be used to determine the loop amount of sheet SH being picked up by the register and to manage the positions of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH.

[0108] (Transport Unit 606) The transport unit 606 is located downstream of the recording head 612 and transports the sheet SH, which is transported by the transport unit 605, to the downstream transport unit 609. The transport unit 606 includes a transport roller 606a and spurs 606b which are pressed against the transport roller 606a by springs (not shown), etc. The transport roller 606a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624, and the spurs 606b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 606a. In this embodiment, the transport unit 605 and the transport unit 606 share a drive source (transport motor 624).

[0109] (Transport Unit 607) The transport unit 607 is positioned downstream of the recording head 612 and the transport unit 606, and transports the sheet SH transported by the transport unit 606 downstream. The transport unit 607 includes a transport roller 607a and a spur 607b which is pressed against the transport roller 607a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The transport roller 607a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624 described above, and the spur 607b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 607a. The sheet SH is held between the transport roller 607a and the driven roller 607b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 607a and the spur 607b.

[0110] Sensor 633 is similar to sensors 631 and 632, for example, an optical sensor that detects sheet SH. Sensor 633 can be used to detect the leading and trailing ends of sheet SH, or to detect the presence or absence of sheet SH in the transport path when jams or other issues occur in the transport path.

[0111] (Transport units 608 and 609) Transport units 608 and 609 are located downstream of the recording head 612 and transport units 606 and 607. Transport units 608 and 609 are discharge units that discharge the sheets SH transported by transport unit 607 into the discharge tray 617. When single-sided recording occurs, the sheets SH discharged into the discharge tray 617 are output in a so-called "face-down" manner, with the image recording side facing downwards. When double-sided recording occurs, the second side faces downwards.

[0112] The conveying unit 608 includes a conveying roller 608a and a spur 608b which is pressed against the conveying roller 608a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 608a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the conveying motor 625, and the spur 608b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 608a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the conveying roller 608a and the spur 608b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 608a and the spur 608b.

[0113] The conveying unit 609 includes a conveying roller 609a and a spur 609b which is pressed against the conveying roller 609a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 609a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the same conveying motor 625 as the conveying unit 608 described above, and the spur 609b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 609a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the conveying roller 609a and the spur 609b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 609a and the spur 609b.

[0114] In this embodiment, the transport unit 608 and the transport unit 609 share a drive source (transport motor 625). However, the motor 625 may be eliminated, and the transport motor 624, which is the drive source for transport units 605 to 607, may also be shared between transport units 608 and 609.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, four transport units (transport units 606 to 609) are used downstream of the recording head 612, but it is possible to reduce this number depending on the size of the corresponding recording medium of the recording device 1A in the transport direction. For example, it is also possible to use only transport units 606 and 609, with transport unit 609 discharging the sheet SH to the output tray 617.

[0116] Sensor 634 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, similar to sensors 631 to 633, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. In this embodiment, after the trailing end of the sheet SH is detected by sensor 634, discharge is completed after a predetermined transport amount (the trailing end of the sheet SH reaches the paper output tray 617). Therefore, the detection result of sensor 634 can be used to detect the discharge of the sheet SH.

[0117] Next, the sheet SH transport mechanism provided in the optional device 500 will be described. The sheets SH set in the feed tray 502 are separated one by one by the feed unit 510 in the optional device 500 and fed to the transport path RT7A. The feed unit 510 is a pickup mechanism that uses the feed motor 522 as a driving source to pick up the sheets SH from the feed tray 502. The feed unit 510 includes a feed roller (pickup roller) 510a, a feed roller 510b, and a separation roller 510c.

[0118] The feeding unit 511 is located downstream of the feeding unit 510 and includes a feeding roller 511a and a driven roller 511b. The feeding roller 511a is a rotating body that rotates due to the driving force of the feeding motor 522, and the driven roller 511b is a rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the feeding roller 511a.

[0119] The sheet SH is held between the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b at the nip portion and is conveyed by the rotation of the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b.

[0120] The sheet SH, transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500A, enters the transport path RT6E through the intermediate point JP3, which is the top exit of the optional device 500A and the transport path entrance on the bottom of the recording device 1A. The sheet SH is then transported further along the transport path RT6D to the junction point JP1.

[0121] The sheet SH, transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500B, enters the transport path RT7B through the intermediate point JP5, which is the top exit of the optional device 500B and the transport path entrance on the bottom of the optional device 500A. The sheet SH then travels along the transport path RT7B of the optional device 500A and is transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500A through the transport path RT6D to the junction point JP1.

[0122] <Recording Unit> The recording unit 610 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25, 26, and 27. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the recording unit 610, and Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Figure 25. The recording unit 610 includes a recording head 612, a carriage 611, and a drive unit 614. The recording head 612 ejects liquid ink onto the sheet SH to record an image on the sheet SH. The lower surface of the recording head 612 forms an ejection surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed.

[0123] The ink supplied to the recording head 612 is contained in a container 664. In this embodiment, a storage unit 667 contains multiple containers 664. The ink contained in the containers 664 is supplied to the recording head 612 via a tube (not shown) (tube supply method). The opening / closing member 665 is the same as the opening / closing member 5 described in the first embodiment. The opening / closing member 665 has a pair of path-forming members 666, which form a transport path. When the opening / closing member 665 is removed from the main body 100A, the access path to the storage unit 667 is opened, and the container 664 can be replaced. Configurations of the opening / closing member 665 and container 664 as exemplified in Figures 6(A) to 13(B) can also be adopted.

[0124] The platen 615 is positioned between the transport unit 605 and the transport unit 606, facing the recording head 612 (especially the ejection surface). The sheet SH is transported between the recording head 612 and the platen 615 in the direction of arrow SD (+Y direction), and an image is recorded by the recording head 612.

[0125] The recording head 612 is mounted on the carriage 611. The carriage 611 is driven by the drive unit 614 in a direction intersecting the SD direction (in this embodiment, the X-axis direction).

[0126] The drive unit 614 includes a support member 620 extending in the X-axis direction. The support member 620 is a base member that supports each component of the drive unit 614. The support member 620 is provided with a guide member 613 that engages with the carriage 611 and guides the movement of the carriage 611. In this embodiment, the guide member 613 includes a lower rail member 613a and an upper rail member 613b. The rail members 613a and 613b are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction and each extends in the X-axis direction. The rail members 613a and 613b engage with the carriage 611 and guide the movement of the carriage 611. The guide member 613 may be an axial member.

[0127] Rail member 613a supports the carriage 611 in the height (Z) and front-to-back (Y) directions. By adjusting the height (Z) of rail member 613a relative to support member 620, the height (Z position) of the recording head 612 (especially the ejection surface) relative to the platen 615 can be adjusted. Rail member 613b is located above rail member 613a (+Z direction) and restricts the position of the carriage 611 around the X axis. By adjusting rail member 613b in the front-to-back (Y) direction relative to support member 620, the inclination of the recording head 612 around the X axis relative to the platen 615 can be adjusted.

[0128] The drive unit 614 in this embodiment is a belt drive mechanism driven by a carriage motor 621. However, the mechanism of the drive unit 614 may be other than a belt drive mechanism. The carriage motor 621 is positioned on the opposite side of the carriage 611 in the front-to-back (Y) direction, with a support member 620 in between. The drive unit 614 includes a drive pulley 618 and a driven pulley 619 spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and an endless belt 616 wrapped around these pulleys, which are positioned between rail member 613a and rail member 613b in the height (Z) direction.

[0129] The carriage 611 is fixed to an endless belt 616. When the carriage motor 621 rotates the drive pulley 618, the endless belt 616 moves and the carriage 611 moves. A cord strip 635 is supported by a support member 620. The carriage 11 is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects the slits in the cord strip 635, and the position of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction can be determined from the sensor's detection result and the speed can be adjusted.

[0130] The carriage 611 is provided with electrical contacts between the recording head 612 and a circuit board (not shown). The circuit board (not shown) may be located downstream of the recording head 612 in the transport direction (+Y direction) and between the carriage 11 and the support member 620.

[0131] Next, the image recording operation will be explained. Images are recorded by ejecting ink from the recording head 612 onto the sheet SH during the reciprocating movement of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction. This operation is called recording scanning. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating a transport operation in which the transport unit 605 intermittently transports the sheet SH in the SD direction (+Y direction) and the recording scanning.

[0132] <Front feeding mechanism> The front feeding mechanism of the recording device 1A will be explained using Figures 28 and 29. The front feeding mechanism allows sheets SH to be manually fed from the front of the recording device 1A. Figure 28 shows the state in which the cover 653 and feeding tray 651 have been pulled out from the state in Figure 20. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1A, showing the state in which the cover 653 and feeding tray 651 have been pulled out.

[0133] In this embodiment, in addition to the storage cassette 602A already described, a feeding unit 650 is positioned above the storage cassette 602A and the attachment / detachment unit 640 in the Z direction (+Z direction) and on the front 601a side of the recording device 1A. Figure 20 shows the state in which the loading tray 651 is closed, and Figure 28 shows the state in which the loading tray 651 is open. When the loading tray 651 is closed, multiple trays are folded and stored inside. When the loading tray 651 is open, the multiple folded trays are unfolded to a length that is sufficient to hold the loaded sheet SH so that it does not fall out.

[0134] Behind the open loading tray 651 is a supply tray 652, which holds the loaded sheets SH in both the loading tray 651 and the supply tray 652. A sensor 636 is provided to detect whether or not sheets SH are loaded in the supply tray 652.

[0135] Sensor 636 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. Sensor 636 detects the presence or absence of the sheet SH on the feeding tray 652, and can be configured with, for example, a reflective sensor. In addition, side guides 656a and 656b are attached to the left and right sides of the feeding tray 652 to support the loaded sheet SH in the width direction. The left and right side guides 656a and 656b are connected by a rack and pinion (not shown). When the user operates either side guide, the side guide on the opposite side moves in conjunction, and the left and right ends of the sheet SH can be supported.

[0136] Next, the arrangement of the feeding unit 650 and the transport path RT6F will be described. The feeding unit 650 is equipped with a feeding roller 650a that presses against the sheets SH loaded on the feeding tray 652. Downstream of the feeding roller 650a are a transport roller 650b and a separation roller 650c. The feeding roller 650a and the transport roller 650b are driven by the feeding motor 623. The sheets SH set on the feeding tray 652 are picked up by the feeding roller 650a, separated one by one at the nip section of the transport roller 650b and the separation roller 650c, and fed to the transport path RT6A. The sheets SH fed from the feeding unit 650 merge with the transport path RT6A at the junction JP6 and are transported to the transport unit 605. Thereafter, while being transported by the transport unit 605, images are recorded by the recording head 612.

[0137] <Layout of the configuration around the recording head> Refer to Figures 26 and 27. The sheet SH may jam around the recording head 612. The drive unit 614 is a structure equipped with a support member 620 fixed in a wall-like manner in the XZ plane. Depending on the arrangement of the drive unit 614, the drive unit 614 of the carriage 611 may easily become an obstacle when considering the operator's access to the jammed area.

[0138] In this embodiment, the drive unit 614 is positioned downstream (+Y direction) in the transport direction (SD direction) relative to the recording head 612. This increases the space upstream of the recording head 612, improving the operator's access to the upstream side of the recording head 612. As jams often occur when the leading edge of the sheet SH gets stuck between the recording head 612 and the platen 615, the ability for the operator to work from the upstream side of the recording head 62 makes recovery work smoother.

[0139] Viewing the recording device 1A in the front-to-back direction (Y direction), the transport unit 605 is positioned in front of the recording head 612 (-Y direction side), and the drive unit 614 is positioned behind the recording head 612 (+Y direction side). In the installation location of the recording device 1A, the front of the recording device 1A is often spacious, while the rear is often narrow due to the presence of walls or other obstacles. In this embodiment, since there is more space in front of the recording head 612, if a jam occurs, it is easier for the operator to perform recovery work from the front of the recording device 1A.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feeding unit 604 is positioned further forward than the transport unit 605. This makes it easier for an operator to recover from jams that occur between the feeding unit 604 and the transport unit 605 from the front side 601a of the recording device 1A.

[0141] <Structure related to maintenance> <Maintenance around the recording head> The recording device 1A of this embodiment has a structure that facilitates maintenance (access) to the recording unit 610. This will be explained with reference to Figures 23, 24, 30, and 31. Figure 30 is an external view of the recording device 1A with the opening / closing member 617a in the open position, and Figure 31 is a plan view of the recording device 1A with the opening / closing member 617a in the open position.

[0142] Maintenance of the recording unit 610 may include, for example, the recovery of jams as described above, or the replacement of the recording head 612.

[0143] The opening 670 is formed such that the portion upstream (-Y direction) in the transport direction (SD direction) of the recording head 612 is more exposed than the portion downstream (+Y direction). The opening / closing member 617a is positioned above the transport unit 605 (+Z direction). When the opening / closing member 617a is opened, the transport unit 605, carriage 611, recording head 612, platen 615, etc. are exposed through the opening 670, allowing the operator to access them. In this embodiment, since the drive unit 614 is positioned downstream (+Y direction) of the recording head 612 in the transport direction, the transport unit 605, carriage 611, recording head 612, platen 615, etc. are easily accessible from the front of the recording device 1A.

[0144] As shown in Figure 31, if the width of the opening 670 in the X direction is KW, then the width KW is wider than the maximum width of the sheet SH that the recording device 1A supports. Therefore, if a jam occurs in the sheet SH, it is easy to remove the sheet SH from the opening 670.

[0145] <Twelfth Embodiment> A restricting section may be provided within the storage section 4 to restrict the displacement range of the container 6 in the Y direction. Figure 32 is an explanatory diagram of the restricting section 58. Figure 32 is a plan view corresponding, for example, to the horizontal cross-sectional view (XY planar cross-sectional view) of the storage section 4 in Figure 1.

[0146] At the rear end of the storage section 4 in the Y2 direction, there is a connection section 601 for a container 600 corresponding to container 6, and a connection section 400 that is inserted and removed in the Y direction. By connecting the connection section 601 and the connection section 400, for example, an ink flow path can be formed, or an electrical connection can be made between the main body 100 of the recording device 1 and the container 600.

[0147] The regulating portion 58 shown in the figure is a protrusion provided on the side of the storage portion 4 of the opening / closing member 5, and protrudes from the path forming portion 52 toward the container 600 on the outer side in the X direction of the transport path RT.

[0148] The container 600 may be inadvertently displaced toward the path forming section 52 even when the user inserts or removes the container 6 for replacement. Such cases include, for example, when the recording device 1 is tilted with the front of the device facing downwards during transport, or when a force is applied toward the front of the device due to lateral shaking or vibration during transport. In such cases, the recording device 1 may be in an unusual position or the displacement speed of the container 600 may be greater than when the user replaces the container 600. As a result, there is a risk that ink in the ink supply path may drip or splatter, contaminating the surrounding area.

[0149] In this embodiment, the gap in the Y direction between the regulating section 58 and the container 600 is designed to be shorter than the distance at which the connecting sections 601 and 400 separate. Therefore, even if the container 600 is inadvertently displaced toward the path forming section 52, the connecting sections 601 and 400 will not separate, thus preventing the aforementioned ink contamination. Furthermore, even if the container 600 is displaced in the Y1 direction and a strong impact is applied to the path forming section 52, the regulating section 58 receives the impact force at a position outside the transport path RT in the X direction, thus preventing damage to the vicinity of the transport path RT.

[0150] Next, the restricting portion may be provided on the container 600. Figure 33 shows an example. In the configuration shown in Figure 33, a plurality of containers 600A are arranged in the X direction in the storage unit 4. Each container 600A has a connecting portion 601A and a restricting portion 602. At the rear end of the storage unit 4 in the Y2 direction, a connecting portion 601A and a connecting portion 400A that can be inserted and removed in the Y direction are provided.

[0151] The restricting section 602 is a protruding portion that extends toward the opening / closing member 5. The restricting section 602 is located outside the path forming section 52 in the X direction and faces the panel section 51. In this configuration, the restricting section 602 protrudes toward the front of the recording device 1, making it easy for the user to see the container 600A stored in the storage section 4. The restricting section 602 may also be provided with a configuration equivalent to the operation section 61 and display section 62 described above.

[0152] Figure 34 shows an enlarged perspective view of the restricting section 602. The restricting section 602 is box-shaped, and its corners are formed with gently curved surfaces. The container 600A is a part that users touch with their hands when attaching or detaching it, and there is a risk of it being accidentally dropped. However, the shape of the restricting section 602 mitigates the concentration of impact force on the restricting section 602, preventing damage. It also has the effect of mitigating damage when the restricting section 602 collides with the panel section 51 due to accidental displacement of the container 600A from its attached state. Furthermore, it prevents collision between the container 600A and the path forming section 52, thereby preventing damage to the vicinity of the transport path RT.

[0153] Next, the recording device 1 may have two user-selectable options: a product equipped with a storage cassette 5B (referred to as a Type A product) and a product without a storage cassette 5B (referred to as a Type B product). In the case of a Type B product, the path forming section 52 is not required, so the opening / closing member 5 may consist only of the panel section 51. Depending on these multiple types, the presence or absence of a restricting section may be changed.

[0154] In the example shown in Figure 34(A), the restricting part 603 is detachable from the container 600B. In the case of the Type A product, the container 600B is used with the restricting part 603 removed from it, and the displacement of the container 600B is restricted by the restricting part 58 in the configuration illustrated in Figure 32.

[0155] In the case of Type B product, the container 600B is used with the restricting section 603 attached to it, and the displacement of the container 600B is restricted by the restricting section 603 in the configuration illustrated in Figure 34(B). The length of the restricting section 603 in the Y direction corresponds to the sum of the lengths of the path forming section 52 and the restricting section 58 in the Y direction. The restricting section 603 faces the panel section 51 and restricts the displacement of the container 600B in the Y direction.

[0156] In the example shown in Figure 35(A), the restricting portion 604 is configured to be displaceable relative to the container 600C. The restricting portion 604 is connected to the container 600C via an axis 604a in the Z direction and is rotatable between a retracted position shown by a solid line and a protruding position shown by a dashed line. In the retracted position, the restricting portion 604 does not protrude from the container 600C. In the case of the A-type product, the container 600C is used with the restricting portion 604 in the retracted position, and the displacement of the container 600C is restricted by the restricting portion 58 in the configuration illustrated in Figure 32.

[0157] In the case of Type B product, the container 600C is used with the restricting portion 604 positioned in a protruding position, and the displacement of the container 600C is restricted by the restricting portion 604 in the configuration illustrated in Figure 35(B). The protruding length of the restricting portion 604 in the Y1 direction corresponds to the sum of the lengths of the path forming portion 52 and the restricting portion 58 in the Y direction. The restricting portion 604 faces the panel portion 51 and restricts the displacement of the container 600C in the Y direction.

[0158] In this embodiment, bottle-type containers were used as examples for containers 600 to 600C, but as described in the fourth embodiment, bag-type containers may be mounted on a tray and stored in the storage unit 4. In this case, the restricting unit 58 may be positioned opposite the tray, and the restricting units 602 to 604 may be provided on the tray.

[0159] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0160] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose inventions relating to the following items.

[0161] Item 1. A storage unit that houses a container for containing recording material that is applied to a recording medium by a recording means, A transport means for transporting the recording medium along a transport path, An opening / closing member that opens and closes an access path that allows access to the storage section, A recording device equipped with, The opening and closing member is With the access path closed, the system includes a path forming unit that forms a portion of the transport path that intersects with the access path. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0162] Item 2. A recording device as described in item 1, The aforementioned access path is a path for the user to replace the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0163] Item 3. A recording device as described in item 1 or item 2, It has a loading section where recording media are loaded before recording, The storage unit is positioned between the recording means and the loading unit. The aforementioned section is the section between the loading section and the recording means. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0164] Item 4. A recording device as described in item 1 or item 2, It has multiple loading sections on which recording media are loaded before recording, The first of the plurality of loading sections is positioned between the recording means and the storage section. The storage unit is positioned between the first loading unit and the second loading unit among the plurality of loading units. The aforementioned section is the section between the second loading section and the recording means, and not the section between the first loading section and the recording means. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0165] Item 5. A recording device as described in item 1 or item 2, The path forming unit forms a part of the loading unit on which recorded recording media are stacked. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0166] Item 6. A recording device as described in item 1 or item 2, It has multiple loading sections on which recorded recording media are loaded, The path forming section forms a part of one of the plurality of loading sections. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0167] Item 7. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 4, The outer wall of the recording device is The opening that forms the access path, Including a recess located around the opening, A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0168] Item 8. A recording device as described in item 7, The recess extends laterally from the recording device, With respect to the lateral position, the recess is in the same position as at least a part of the operating section for removing the container from the storage section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0169] Item 9. A recording device as described in item 7, The recess extends laterally from the recording device, With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is in the same position as at least a portion of the display section that shows information about the recording material contained in the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0170] Item 10. A recording device as described in item 8, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. The aforementioned operating unit is provided for each container. With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is located in the same position as at least a portion of each operating part. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0171] Item 11. A recording device as described in item 9, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. The aforementioned display unit is provided for each container. With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is located in the same position as at least a portion of each display section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0172] Item 12. A recording device as described in item 7, The recess extends laterally from the recording device, The storage section has an entrance that is exposed when the access path is opened by the opening / closing member. With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is located in the lateral central part of the entrance. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0173] Item 13. A recording device as described in item 7, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. The recess extends laterally from the recording device, The storage section has an entrance that is exposed when the access path is opened by the opening / closing member, and with respect to the lateral position, the recess is located in the lateral center of the entrance. A display unit, provided for each container and showing information about the recording material contained in the corresponding container, is located in the lateral central part of the entrance with respect to the lateral position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0174] Item 14. A recording device as described in item 8 or item 10, The operating unit is provided in the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0175] Item 15. A recording device as described in item 8 or item 10, The container is placed on a tray and stored in the storage compartment. The operating unit is provided on the tray. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0176] Item 16. A recording device as described in any one of items 9, 11, and 13, The display unit is provided on the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0177] Item 17. A recording device as described in any one of items 9, 11, and 13, The container is placed on a tray and stored in the storage compartment. The display unit is provided on the tray. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0178] Item 18. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 4, The outer wall of the recording device includes an opening that forms the access path, The opening / closing member includes a panel portion that closes the opening when the access path is closed. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0179] Item 19. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 4, The outer wall of the recording device includes an opening that forms the access path, The outer wall of the recording device is provided with a panel member that opens and closes the opening. When the access path is closed, the opening / closing member is located inside the closed panel member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0180] Item 20. A recording device as described in item 4, The system includes a selection means for selecting a loading section from among the plurality of loading sections on which a recording medium to be used for recording is loaded. When the access path is opened by the opening / closing member, the selection means selects a loading section other than the second loading section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0181] Item 21. A recording device as described in item 6, The system includes a selection means for selecting a loading unit from among the plurality of loading units to transport a recorded recording medium, When the access path is opened by the opening / closing member, the selection means selects a loading section other than the one loading section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0182] Item 22. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 21, The opening and closing member is provided to be rotatable. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0183] Item 23. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 21, The opening / closing member is detachably provided from the main body of the recording device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0184] Item 24. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 4, The aforementioned access path is open to the front of the recording device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0185] Item 25. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 24, The recording material is ink, The recording means ejects ink onto the recording medium. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0186] Item 26. A recording device as described in item 2, The storage section is equipped with a restricting section that restricts the displacement of the container within the storage section in the direction of insertion and removal of the container from the storage section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0187] Item 27. A recording device as described in item 26, The restricting portion is a protrusion formed on the side of the opening / closing member that faces the storage portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0188] Item 28. A recording device as described in item 26, The restricting portion is a protrusion formed on the end of the container on the side of the opening / closing member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0189] Item 29. A recording device as described in item 28, The outer wall of the recording device includes an opening that forms the access path, The opening / closing member includes a panel portion that closes the opening when the access path is closed. The aforementioned protrusion is positioned not to face the path forming portion, but to face the panel portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0190] Item 30. A recording device as described in item 28, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. Each of the aforementioned multiple containers has the aforementioned protrusion formed therein. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0191] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0192] 1 Recording device, 4 Storage unit, 5 Opening / closing member, 6 Container, RT Transport route

Claims

1. A storage unit that houses a container for containing recording material that is applied to a recording medium by a recording means, A transport means for transporting the recording medium along a transport path, An opening / closing member that opens and closes an access path that allows access to the storage section, Equipped with, The opening and closing member is With the access path closed, the system includes a path forming unit that forms a portion of the transport path that intersects with the access path. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. A recording device according to claim 1, The aforementioned access path is a path for the user to replace the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

3. A recording device according to claim 1, It has a loading section where recording media are loaded before recording, The storage unit is positioned between the recording means and the loading unit. The aforementioned section is the section between the loading section and the recording means. A recording device characterized by the following features.

4. A recording device according to claim 1, It has multiple loading sections on which recording media are loaded before recording, The first of the plurality of loading sections is positioned between the recording means and the storage section. The storage unit is positioned between the first loading unit and the second loading unit among the plurality of loading units. The aforementioned section is the section between the second loading section and the recording means, and not the section between the first loading section and the recording means. A recording device characterized by the following features.

5. A recording device according to claim 1, The path forming unit forms a part of the loading unit on which recorded recording media are stacked. A recording device characterized by the following features.

6. A recording device according to claim 1, It has multiple loading sections on which recorded recording media are loaded, The path forming section forms a part of one of the plurality of loading sections. A recording device characterized by the following features.

7. A recording device according to claim 1, The outer wall of the recording device is The opening that forms the access path, Including a recess located around the opening, A recording device characterized by the following features.

8. A recording device according to claim 7, The recess extends laterally from the recording device, With respect to the lateral position, the recess is in the same position as at least a part of the operating section for removing the container from the storage section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

9. A recording device according to claim 7, The recess extends laterally from the recording device, With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is in the same position as at least a portion of the display section that shows information about the recording material contained in the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

10. A recording device according to claim 8, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. The aforementioned operating unit is provided for each container. With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is located in the same position as at least a portion of each operating part. A recording device characterized by the following features.

11. A recording device according to claim 9, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. The aforementioned display unit is provided for each container. With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is located in the same position as at least a portion of each display section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

12. A recording device according to claim 7, The recess extends laterally from the recording device, The storage section has an entrance that is exposed when the access path is opened by the opening / closing member. With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is located in the lateral central part of the entrance. A recording device characterized by the following features.

13. A recording device according to claim 7, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. The recess extends laterally from the recording device, The storage section has an entrance that is exposed when the access path is opened by the opening / closing member, With respect to the aforementioned lateral position, the recess is located in the lateral central part of the entrance, A display unit, provided for each container and showing information about the recording material contained in the corresponding container, is located in the lateral central part of the entrance with respect to the lateral position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

14. A recording device according to claim 8, The operating unit is provided in the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

15. A recording device according to claim 8, The container is placed on a tray and stored in the storage compartment. The operating unit is provided on the tray. A recording device characterized by the following features.

16. A recording device according to claim 9, The display unit is provided on the container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

17. A recording device according to claim 9, The container is placed on a tray and stored in the storage compartment. The display unit is provided on the tray. A recording device characterized by the following features.

18. A recording device according to claim 1, The outer wall of the recording device includes an opening that forms the access path, The opening / closing member includes a panel portion that closes the opening when the access path is closed. A recording device characterized by the following features.

19. A recording device according to claim 1, The outer wall of the recording device includes an opening that forms the access path, The outer wall of the recording device is provided with a panel member that opens and closes the opening. When the access path is closed, the opening / closing member is located inside the closed panel member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

20. A recording device according to claim 4, The system includes a selection means for selecting a loading section from among the plurality of loading sections on which a recording medium to be used for recording is loaded. When the access path is opened by the opening / closing member, the selection means selects a loading section other than the second loading section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

21. A recording device according to claim 6, The system includes a selection means for selecting a loading unit from among the plurality of loading units to transport a recorded recording medium, When the access path is opened by the opening / closing member, the selection means selects a loading section other than the one loading section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

22. A recording device according to claim 1, The opening and closing member is provided to be rotatable. A recording device characterized by the following features.

23. A recording device according to claim 1, The opening / closing member is detachably provided from the main body of the recording device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

24. A recording device according to claim 1, The aforementioned access path is open to the front of the recording device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

25. A recording device according to claim 1, The aforementioned recording material is ink, The recording means ejects ink onto the recording medium. A recording device characterized by the following features.

26. A recording device according to claim 2, The storage section is equipped with a restricting section that restricts the displacement of the container within the storage section in the direction of insertion and removal of the container from the storage section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

27. A recording device according to claim 26, The restricting portion is a protrusion formed on the side of the opening / closing member that faces the storage portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

28. A recording device according to claim 26, The restricting portion is a protrusion formed on the end of the container on the side of the opening / closing member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

29. A recording device according to claim 28, The outer wall of the recording device includes an opening that forms the access path, The opening / closing member includes a panel portion that closes the opening when the access path is closed. The aforementioned protrusion is positioned not to face the path forming portion, but to face the panel portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

30. A recording device according to claim 28, Multiple containers are stored in the aforementioned storage section. Each of the aforementioned multiple containers has the aforementioned protrusion formed therein. A recording device characterized by the following features.

Images