Image recording device

Abstract

When ejecting a recording medium containing images without cutting it, the time required for ejection of the recording medium is reduced. [Solution] The recording and cutting device 1 comprises a recording unit 30 for recording an image on a sheet 7, a free cutting unit 40 for cutting the sheet 7 into any shape, a housing 10 that houses the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40, a first discharge unit 60 for discharging the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40, and a second discharge unit 70 for discharging the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 but without passing through the free cutting unit 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image recording apparatus capable of cutting a recording medium on which an image is recorded into a free form.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image recording apparatus that records an image on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper or sticker paper and cuts the recording medium on which the image is recorded into a free form. The free form means a linear shape and any shape other than a linear shape.

[0003] In relation to the above image recording apparatus, Patent Document 1 describes a recording and cutting combined apparatus including a recording unit that records an image on a recording surface of a medium, a cutting unit carriage that reciprocates in a direction intersecting the feeding direction of the medium, and a cutter head including a cutter that is conveyed to the cutting unit carriage and penetrates the medium from the back surface of the recording surface to cut the medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the medium on which the image is recorded is conveyed along the same path and discharged to the outside of the apparatus whether it is cut or not. Therefore, when the medium on which the image is recorded is discharged without being cut, the time until the medium is discharged becomes long. Note that the medium described in Patent Document 1 corresponds to the recording medium.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to shorten the time until the recording medium on which the image is recorded is discharged when the recording medium is discharged without being cut. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The image recording device of the present disclosure comprises: a recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium; a free cutting unit for cutting the recording medium into any shape; a housing for housing the recording unit and the free cutting unit; a first discharge unit for discharging the recording medium to the outside of the housing via the recording unit and the free cutting unit; and a second discharge unit for discharging the recording medium to the outside of the housing via the recording unit but without passing through the free cutting unit.

[0008] According to the image recording device described above, when the recording medium on which the image is recorded is to be ejected without being cut, the recording medium is ejected by the second ejection unit without passing through the free cutting unit, thereby shortening the time until the recording medium is ejected.

[0009] (2) Preferably, the housing has a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other, the first discharge unit has a first discharge port located on the first side surface and discharges the recording medium from the first discharge port, and the second discharge unit has a second discharge port located on the first side surface, similar to the first discharge port, and discharges the recording medium from the second discharge port.

[0010] (3) Preferably, the recording section is located above the free cutting section in the vertical direction, and the second discharge port may be located above the first discharge port on the first side surface.

[0011] (4) Preferably, the free cutting section is located above the recording section in the vertical direction, and the first discharge port may be located above the second discharge port on the first side surface.

[0012] (5) Preferably, the image recording device further comprises a media storage section for storing the recording medium to be recorded before an image is recorded on it, and the media storage section may be configured to allow the recording medium to be replenished from the first side.

[0013] (6) Preferably, the media storage section may be located above the free cutting section and the first outlet in the vertical direction, and below the recording section and the second outlet.

[0014] (7) Preferably, the media storage section may be located below the free cutting section and the first outlet in the vertical direction, and above the recording section and the second outlet.

[0015] (8) Preferably, the media storage section may be located below the recording section and the free cutting section in the vertical direction, and not above the first discharge section and the second discharge section.

[0016] (9) Preferably, the image recording device further comprises a manual feed tray for supporting the recording medium before an image is recorded, and the manual feed tray may be located on the second side of the housing.

[0017] (10) Preferably, the manual feed tray has a supply opening for supplying the recording medium to the recording unit, and the supply opening may be closer to the recording unit than the free cutting unit in the vertical direction.

[0018] (11) Preferably, the image recording device may further include an operating section on the first side surface of the housing.

[0019] (12) Preferably, the image recording device may further include an operating section on the top surface of the housing.

[0020] (13) Preferably, the image recording device may further include a scanner on the top surface of the housing.

[0021] (14) Preferably, the image recording device may be configured such that a cartridge containing recording material can be mounted from the first side of the housing toward the inside of the housing.

[0022] (15) Preferably, the cartridge mounted inside the housing may be closer to the recording unit than the free cutting unit in the vertical direction.

[0023] (16) Preferably, the image recording apparatus further includes a tank for storing a recording material, and the tank may be configured to be filled with the recording material from the first side surface of the housing.

[0024] (17) Preferably, the image recording apparatus further includes a tank for storing a recording material, and the tank may be configured to be filled with the recording material from the upper surface of the housing.

[0025] (18) Preferably, the tank may be closer to the recording unit than the free cutting unit in the vertical direction.

[0026] (19) Preferably, the free cutting unit has a cutting unit including a cutter for cutting the recorded medium on which an image is recorded, and the cutting unit may be configured to be replaceable through an opening located on the first side surface of the housing.

[0027] (20) Preferably, the free cutting unit has a cutter for cutting the recorded medium on which an image is recorded, and the cutter may be configured to be visible when the housing is viewed from the first side surface side of the housing.

[0028] (21) Preferably, the image recording apparatus further includes a cover that moves between an open position and a closed position and covers at least a part of the first side surface in the closed position, and the first discharge port may be covered by the cover located in the closed position.

[0029] (22) The image recording device of the present disclosure includes a recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium, a free cutting unit for cutting the recording medium into any shape, a housing for housing the recording unit and the free cutting unit, a first discharge path for discharging the recording medium to the outside of the housing via the recording unit and the free cutting unit, and a second discharge path for discharging the recording medium to the outside of the housing via the recording unit but without passing through the free cutting unit.

[0030] According to the image recording device described above, when recording an image onto a recording medium and ejecting it without cutting, the time until the recording medium is ejected can be shortened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to this disclosure, when the recording medium on which the image is recorded is ejected without being cut, the time until the recording medium is ejected can be shortened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a recording cutting device 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording cutting device 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the recording cutting device 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) shows the sheet tray 21 of the recording cutting device 1. Figure 4(B) shows the ink cartridge mounting section 36 of the recording cutting device 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the free cutting section 40 of the recording cutting device 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is a perspective view of the cutter cartridge 54 of the free cutting section 40. Figure 6(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cutter cartridge 54. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording cutting device 2 according to the first modified example. [Figure 8]Figure 8(A) is a perspective view of the recording cutting device 3 according to the second modified example. Figure 8(B) is a diagram showing the ink tank 37 of the recording cutting device 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording cutting device 3. [Figure 10] Figure 10(A) is a perspective view of the recording cutting device 4 according to the third modified example. Figure 10(B) is a diagram showing the ink tank 38 of the recording cutting device 4. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording cutting device 4. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording cutting device 5 according to the fourth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The following describes a recording cutting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It goes without saying that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified without changing the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the movement from the starting point to the ending point of an arrow is expressed as direction, and the movement along the line connecting the starting point and the ending point of an arrow is expressed as direction. Furthermore, the vertical direction is defined based on the state in which the recording cutting device 1 is installed for use (the state in Figure 1), the front-to-back direction is defined with the side where the touch panel 80 is located as the front, and the left-to-right direction is defined when viewing the recording cutting device 1 from the front. The vertical direction, the front-to-back direction, and the left-to-right direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0034] [Overview of Record Cutting Device 1] The recording and cutting device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that records an image on a sheet 7, cuts the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded into a desired shape, and discharges it. The recording and cutting device 1 can also record an image on a sheet 7 and discharge the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded without cutting it.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the recording cutting device 1 comprises a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. The housing 10 has four sides, including a front 11 and a rear 12 facing each other, a top surface 13, and a bottom surface (not shown).

[0036] The front surface 11 of the housing 10 is fitted with a first cover 14, a second cover 15, and a third cover 16. The first cover 14 has a transparent portion 17 and covers the lower part of the front surface 11. The transparent portion 17 is made of, for example, transparent or translucent plastic. The second cover 15 covers the upper right portion of the front surface 11. The third cover 16 covers the upper left portion of the front surface 11, above the center in the vertical direction.

[0037] The first to third covers 14 to 16 are all movable between a closed position that covers a portion of the front surface 11 of the housing 10 and an open position that does not cover that portion. When the recording cutting device 1 is not in use, the first to third covers 14 to 16 are all in the closed position. When the user cuts and ejects the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded, the user moves the first cover 14 to the open position. When the user ejects the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded without cutting it, the user moves the third cover 16 to the open position. When the user replenishes the ink, the user moves the second cover 15 to the open position.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the recording and cutting device 1 comprises a housing 10, a sheet supply unit 20, a recording unit 30, a free cutting unit 40, a first discharge unit 60, a second discharge unit 70, a touch panel 80, a scanner 85, a control unit 90, and a communication unit 95. The sheet supply unit 20, the recording unit 30, the free cutting unit 40, the first discharge unit 60, the second discharge unit 70, the control unit 90, and the communication unit 95 are located inside the housing 10. The touch panel 80, the scanner 85, and the first to third covers 14 to 16 are located outside the housing 10. In this way, the housing 10 houses the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40.

[0039] The side of the housing 10 is a surface visible when the housing 10 is viewed horizontally from a specific direction. The side of the housing 10 can also be said to be a surface visible when the housing 10 is viewed horizontally from a specific direction, with the covers such as the first to third covers 14 to 16 removed. The side is not limited to a single plane, but may include multiple planes. The side may also include a curved surface. If the scanner 85 is formed integrally with the housing 10, the top surface 13 of the housing 10 refers to a virtual plane that extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, separating the scanner 85 from the other parts. In the following description, the shape of the housing 10 is assumed to be approximately a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the housing 10 may be arbitrary.

[0040] [Sheet supply unit 20] The sheet supply unit 20 includes a sheet tray 21, a manual feed tray 22, two feed rollers 23 and 24, and two feed motors 25 and 26 (see Figures 2 and 3). The sheet tray 21 has a box-shaped form with an open top and accommodates one or more sheets 7 before recording and cutting. The sheets 7 are sheet-shaped recording media such as paper or sticker paper. The sheets 7 are stacked and stored in the sheet tray 21.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4(A), the seat tray 21 is located behind the first cover 14 and can be pulled out forward when the first cover 14 is open. The user opens the first cover 14, pulls the seat tray 21 forward, and replenishes the seat tray 21 with seats 7. In this way, the seat tray 21 is configured to allow replenishment of seats 7 from the front 11. The seat tray 21 may also be located above the first cover 14. In this configuration, the seat tray 21 can be pulled out forward without opening the first cover 14.

[0042] The manual feed tray 22 is located on the rear 12 of the housing 10 (see Figures 1 and 2). The manual feed tray 22 is located at approximately the same height as the recording unit 30, or above the recording unit 30, in the vertical direction. The manual feed tray 22 supports one or more sheets 7 before they are recorded and cut. The manual feed tray 22 has a feed port 27 for supplying the sheets 7 supported by the manual feed tray 22 toward the recording unit 30. The manual feed tray 22 is mounted on the housing 10 at an angle such that the side with the feed port 27 is lower than the side without the feed port 27. The manual feed tray 22 is provided with a sheet sensor 28. The sheet sensor 28 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not there is a sheet 7 on the manual feed tray 22.

[0043] The feed roller 23 is located above the sheet tray 21 (see Figure 2). The feed roller 23 is attached to the other end of an arm 29, one end of which is fixed inside the housing 10, and contacts the uppermost sheet 7 of the sheets 7 housed in the sheet tray 21. The feed roller 24 is located diagonally above the supply opening 27 of the manual feed tray 22. The feed roller 24 is biased diagonally downward by a biasing means such as a spring (not shown) and contacts the uppermost sheet 7 of the sheets 7 supported by the manual feed tray 22.

[0044] The user inputs an image recording instruction to the recording and cutting device 1 by operating the touch panel 80. If the detection signal from the sheet sensor 28 indicates that there is no sheet 7, the control unit 90 drives the feed motor 25 (see Figure 3). In this case, the feed roller 23 rotates under the driving force from the feed motor 25 and feeds the uppermost sheet 7 of the sheets 7 contained in the sheet tray 21 toward the recording unit 30.

[0045] On the other hand, if the detection signal from the sheet sensor 28 indicates the presence of a sheet 7, the control unit 90 drives the feed motor 26 (see Figure 3). In this case, the feed roller 24 rotates under the driving force from the feed motor 26 and feeds the uppermost sheet 7 of the sheets 7 contained in the manual feed tray 22 toward the recording unit 30.

[0046] [Ink cartridge mounting section 36] As shown in Figure 4(B), the recording cutting device 1 is equipped with an ink cartridge mounting section 36. The ink cartridge mounting section 36 is located inside the housing 10, behind the second cover 15, and can accommodate four ink cartridges 9. Each of the four ink cartridges 9 contains black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink 8. The ink cartridges 9 are made of a transparent material so that the amount of ink 8 contained inside can be seen from the outside.

[0047] The user installs the ink cartridge 9 into the ink cartridge mounting section 36 by opening the second cover 15 and inserting the ink cartridge 9 held in their hand backward. The user removes the ink cartridge 9 from the ink cartridge mounting section 36 by opening the second cover 15 and pulling the ink cartridge 9, which is installed in the ink cartridge mounting section 36, forward. In this way, the recording and cutting device 1 is configured so that the ink cartridge 9 containing the ink 8 can be installed from the front surface 11 of the housing 10 toward the inside of the housing 10.

[0048] [Record Section 30] The recording unit 30 records an image on a sheet 7 supplied from the sheet supply unit 20. The recording unit 30 has a recording head 31, a carriage 32, a carriage motor 33, and a platen 34 (see Figures 2 and 3). The recording unit 30 is an inkjet type recording unit with a serial head. Ink 8 contained in an ink cartridge 9 mounted in the ink cartridge mounting unit 36 ​​is supplied to the recording unit 30 via an ink supply path (not shown). The recording unit 30 ejects ink 8 based on an image received from an external device (not shown) via a communication unit 95, an image scanned by a scanner 85, or an image stored in a ROM 92, RAM 93, and EEPROM 94 (described later), etc.

[0049] Multiple nozzles 35 for ejecting ink 8 are located on the underside of the recording head 31. The recording head 31 is mounted on a carriage 32. The carriage 32 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction by two guide rails (not shown) which are spaced apart in the front-rear direction within the housing 10. The carriage motor 33 drives the carriage 32 according to the control from the control unit 90. The carriage 32 moves in the left-right direction with the recording head 31 mounted on it, receiving driving force from the carriage motor 33. The platen 34 is a flat plate-shaped member located below the range of movement of the carriage 32.

[0050] The recording head 31 records an image on the sheet 7 when the sheet 7, which has been transported forward, reaches the platen 34. The recording head 31 moves alternately to the left and to the right together with the carriage 32, and ejects ink 8 from the nozzle 35 according to the image to be recorded. By repeating the transport of the sheet 7 and the recording of the image by the recording head 31, an image is recorded on the sheet 7. Details of the transport of the sheet 7 will be described later.

[0051] [Free cutting section 40] The free cutting section 40 cuts the sheet 7 on which the image has been recorded by the recording section 30 into any shape. Any shape is a straight line or any other shape. However, a cutting section that cuts the sheet 7 only in a straight line does not qualify as the free cutting section 40. As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the free cutting section 40 includes a cutter cartridge 54 containing a cutter 41, a cutter carriage 42, a cutting section roller 44, a lifting mechanism 45, an X-axis motor 46, a Y-axis motor 47, a Z-axis motor 48, and a platen 49.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6(A), the cutter cartridge 54 has a cylindrical housing 55. As shown in Figure 6(B), the tip of the housing 55 (hereinafter referred to as the housing tip 56) is provided with a cutter 41, a holder 57, a spring 58, and a bearing 59.

[0053] The holder 57 is made of a transparent material and has a cylindrical shape. The holder 57 is held so as to be movable vertically relative to the housing tip 56. A spring 58 that biases the holder 57 downward is located at the upper end of the holder 57. The lower end of the holder 57 protrudes downward from the housing tip 56. The cutter 41 has a base portion 41a and a cutting edge portion 41b. The cutting edge portion 41b is connected to the lower end of the base portion 41a. The base portion 41a has a cylindrical shape and is fixed to the housing tip 56 via a bearing 59. The bearing 59 rotatably supports the cutter 41 about a rotation axis R that extends vertically. The cutter 41 rotates about the rotation axis R in response to an external force. The cutting edge portion 41b has a plate shape, and the tip of the cutting edge portion 41b is inclined with respect to the horizontal. At least a portion of the cutting edge portion 41b is enclosed within the holder 57.

[0054] When cutting the sheet 7, the cutter cartridge 54 is pressed downward against the sheet 7. At this time, the holder 57 moves upward against the biasing force of the spring 58. As a result, the cutting edge located at the tip of the cutting edge portion 41b of the cutter 41 is exposed from the holder 57, and the sheet 7 is cut by the exposed cutting edge. The cutter 41 rotates about the rotation axis R in response to an external force.

[0055] The cutter cartridge 54 is mounted on the cutter carriage 42 (see Figure 5). The cutter carriage 42 has a mounting section 43, and the cutter cartridge 54 is mounted on the mounting section 43 of the cutter carriage 42. Inside the housing 10 are a drive pulley 51 and a driven pulley 52 spaced apart in the left-right direction, and two guide rails (not shown) spaced apart in the front-rear direction. An endless belt 53 is stretched over the drive pulley 51 and the driven pulley 52. ​​The cutter cartridge 54 is supported by the two guide rails so as to be movable in the left-right direction and is fixed to a specific position on the endless belt 53. The X-axis motor 46 drives the drive pulley 51 according to the control from the control unit 90. The drive pulley 51 rotates by receiving driving force from the X-axis motor 46. As a result, the endless belt 53 rotates, and the cutter carriage 42 moves in the left-right direction. The platen 49 is a flat plate-shaped member located below the range of movement of the cutter carriage 42.

[0056] The cutting section roller 44 consists of two rollers that extend in the left-right direction and are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the up-down direction. The sheet 7 that reaches the free cutting section 40 passes between the two rollers that make up the cutting section roller 44 and is gripped by the cutting section roller 44. The sheet 7 is placed on the platen 49 while being gripped by the cutting section roller 44. The Y-axis motor 47 drives the cutting section roller 44 according to the control from the control unit 90. The cutting section roller 44 rotates by receiving driving force from the Y-axis motor 47 and moves the sheet 7 in the front-back direction on the platen 49.

[0057] The lifting mechanism 45 and the Z-axis motor 48 are mounted on the cutter carriage 42. The lifting mechanism 45 has a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) for raising and lowering the mounting section 43. The Z-axis motor 48 drives the lifting mechanism 45 according to control from the control unit 90. The lifting mechanism 45 receives driving force from the Z-axis motor 48 and moves the mounting section 43, which houses the cutter cartridge 54, in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the cutting edge of the cutter 41 moves vertically between a position where it does not contact the sheet 7 on the platen 49 and a position where it contacts the sheet 7 on the platen 49.

[0058] As the drive pulley 51 rotates under the driving force from the X-axis motor 46, the cutter carriage 42 moves in the left-right direction. As the cutting section roller 44 rotates under the driving force from the Y-axis motor 47, the sheet 7 gripped by the cutting section roller 44 moves in the front-back direction. As the lifting mechanism 45 moves the mounting section 43 up and down under the driving force from the Z-axis motor 48, the cutting edge of the cutter 41 moves up and down between a position where it does not contact the sheet 7 and a position where it contacts the sheet 7. Since the cutter 41 rotates in response to the external force, the cutting edge of the cutter 41 faces in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the cutter carriage 42 and the direction of movement of the sheet 7. Therefore, the sheet 7 is cut into any shape in the free cutting section 40.

[0059] [First discharge section 60 and second discharge section 70] The first discharge unit 60 has a first discharge port 61 and a first transport path 62. The first discharge port 61 is located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10 and is located below the sheet tray 21 in the vertical direction (see Figure 2). The first transport path 62 is a path from the sheet tray 21 or manual feed tray 22 to the first discharge port 61 via the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40. The first discharge unit 60 discharges the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40 by transporting the sheet 7 along the first transport path 62.

[0060] The second discharge unit 70 has a second discharge port 71 and a second transport path 72. The second discharge port 71 is located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10, like the first discharge port 61, and is located above the first discharge port 61 and the sheet tray 21 in the vertical direction. The second transport path 72 is a path that reaches the second discharge port 71 from the sheet tray 21 or the manual feed tray 22, via the recording unit 30, and without going through the free cutting unit 40. The second discharge unit 70 discharges the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 and without going through the free cutting unit 40 by transporting the sheet 7 along the second transport path 72.

[0061] The recording unit 30 is located behind the second discharge port 71. The free cutting unit 40 is located behind the first discharge port 61. The sheet tray 21 is located below the recording unit 30 and above the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction. The sheet tray 21, recording unit 30, and free cutting unit 40 are arranged from top to bottom in the order of recording unit 30, sheet tray 21, and free cutting unit 40.

[0062] The vertical size of the second discharge port 71 is such that it is at least large enough to discharge the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10. The vertical size of the first discharge port 61 is larger than the vertical size of the second discharge port 71. The vertical size of the first discharge port 61 is at least large enough for a user to reach into the first discharge port 61 and replace the cutter cartridge 54. The recording unit 30 is positioned such that the vertical position of the upper surface of the platen 34 falls within the vertical range of the second discharge port 71. The free cutting unit 40 is positioned such that the vertical position of the upper surface of the platen 49 falls within the vertical range of the first discharge port 61.

[0063] The first transport path 62 extends in a curved shape backward and upward from the rear end of the sheet tray 21, and then extends in a curved shape forward and upward to reach the recording unit 30. Next, the first transport path 62 passes the recording unit 30 forward, then turns back and passes the recording unit 30 backward. Next, the first transport path 62 extends in a curved shape backward and downward, and then extends in a curved shape forward and downward to reach the free cutting section 40 located below the sheet tray 21 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first transport path 62 passes the free cutting section 40 forward and reaches the first discharge port 61 located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10. The first transport path 62 also includes a path that extends forward from the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording unit 30, and then extends in the same manner as above to reach the first discharge port 61.

[0064] The second transport path 72, like the first transport path 62, reaches the recording unit 30 from the rear end of the sheet tray 21. Next, after passing the recording unit 30 in the forward direction, the second transport path 72 extends further in the forward direction to reach the second discharge port 71. The second transport path 72 also includes a path that extends forward from the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording unit 30, and then extends in the same manner as described above to reach the second discharge port 71. The second transport path 72 is shorter than the first transport path 62.

[0065] The first discharge section 60 has a first discharge port 61 and a first transport path 62, as well as three transport rollers 63-65, a transport motor 66, and guide members (not shown). The second discharge section 70 has a second discharge port 71 and a second transport path 72, as well as two transport rollers 63, 64, a transport motor 66, and guide members (not shown). The first discharge section 60 and the second discharge section 70 share the transport rollers 63, 64, the transport motor 66, and some guide members. The guide members are members that support and guide the sheet 7 and are positioned at the necessary locations in the first transport path 62 and the second transport path 72.

[0066] The first discharge section 60 and the second discharge section 70 may have flaps (not shown) at positions where the transport paths merge or diverge. The flaps are plate-shaped members that rotate around a pivot axis provided at one end. The flaps rotate according to control from the control unit 90, blocking the incorrect transport path of the sheet 7 and opening the correct transport path of the sheet 7. In this way, the flaps prevent the sheet 7 from entering the incorrect transport path and guide the sheet 7 along the correct transport path.

[0067] The transport roller 63 is located behind the recording unit 30. The transport roller 63 is located upstream of the recording unit 30 in the transport direction in which the sheet 7 is transported. The transport roller 63 consists of two rollers that extend in the left-right direction and are arranged with a predetermined gap between them in the up-down direction. The transport roller 63 is arranged so that the middle of the two rollers is at or above the upper surface of the platen 34. The sheet 7 that is transported along the first transport path 62 or the second transport path 72 and reaches the transport roller 63 passes between the two rollers that make up the transport roller 63 and is gripped by the transport roller 63. The transport motor 66 (see Figure 3) drives the transport roller 63 according to the control from the control unit 90. The transport roller 63 rotates by receiving driving force from the transport motor 66 and transports the sheet 7 that has reached the transport roller 63 forward on the platen 34. The recording unit 30 records an image on the sheet 7 that is transported forward on the platen 34.

[0068] The transport roller 64 is located in front of the recording unit 30. The transport roller 64 is located downstream of the recording unit 30 in the transport direction from which the sheet 7 is transported. Like the transport roller 63, the transport roller 64 also consists of two rollers. The transport roller 64 is positioned such that the midpoint between the two rollers is at or above the upper surface of the platen 34. The sheet 7 that has passed forward through the recording unit 30 passes between the two rollers that make up the transport roller 64 and is gripped by the transport roller 64. The transport motor 66 drives the transport roller 64 together with the transport roller 63 according to the control from the control unit 90. The transport roller 64 rotates by receiving driving force from the transport motor 66 and transports the sheet 7 that has passed through the recording unit 30 forward.

[0069] If the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded is not cut, the transport motor 66 drives the transport rollers 63 and 64 according to the control from the control unit 90 until the sheet 7 is discharged from the second discharge port 71. In this case, the transport rollers 63 and 64 rotate under the driving force from the transport motor 66 and transport the sheet 7 forward until it is discharged from the second discharge port 71. As a result, the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded is discharged from the second discharge port 71. In this way, the second discharge unit 70 discharges the sheet 7 from the second discharge port 71 via the recording unit 30 and without passing through the free cutting unit 40 by rotating the transport rollers 63 and 64 with the transport motor 66.

[0070] When cutting the sheet 7 on which an image has been recorded, the transport motor 66 drives the transport rollers 63 and 64 according to the control unit 90 until the recording of the image on the sheet 7 is complete. The transport rollers 63 and 64 rotate under the driving force from the transport motor 66 and transport the sheet 7 forward. Once the recording of the image on the sheet 7 is complete, the transport motor 66 rotates in the opposite direction according to the control unit 90. The transport rollers 63 and 64 rotate in the opposite direction under the driving force from the transport motor 66 and transport the sheet 7 backward along the platen 34. After that, the sheet 7 is transported along the first transport path 62 from the recording unit 30 to the free cutting unit 40.

[0071] The transport roller 65 is located between the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40 in the first transport path 62. The transport roller 65 consists of two rollers that extend in the left-right direction and are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the front-rear direction. The sheet 7, transported along the first transport path 62 and reaching the transport roller 65, passes between the two rollers that make up the transport roller 65 and is gripped by the transport roller 65. When transporting the sheet 7 from the recording unit 30 to the free cutting unit 40, the transport motor 66 drives the transport roller 65 according to the control from the control unit 90. The transport roller 65 rotates by receiving driving force from the transport motor 66 and transports the sheet 7 downward along the first transport path 62.

[0072] The sheet 7 is transported from the recording unit 30 along the first transport path 62 to the free cutting unit 40. The free cutting unit 40 cuts the sheet 7 into any shape. After the cutting of the sheet 7 is complete, the Y-axis motor 47 drives the cutting unit roller 44 according to the control from the control unit 90 until the sheet 7 is discharged from the first discharge port 61. The cutting unit roller 44 rotates under the driving force from the Y-axis motor 47 and transports the sheet 7 forward on the platen 49. As a result, the sheet 7, on which the image has been recorded and cut, is discharged from the first discharge port 61. In this way, the first discharge unit 60 discharges the sheet 7 from the first discharge port 61 via the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40 by rotating the transport rollers 63-65 with the transport motor 66.

[0073] [Touch panel 80 and scanner 85] The touch panel 80 is located on the front 11 of the housing 10 (see Figures 1 and 2). The touch panel 80 is mounted on the front 11 of the housing 10 with its operating surface facing diagonally upward. The user inputs instructions to the recording and cutting device 1 by touching the operating surface of the touch panel 80 with their finger.

[0074] The scanner 85 is located on the top surface 13 of the housing 10. The scanner 85 has a document cover 86, a glass surface (not shown), and a scanning unit (not shown). The user opens the document cover 86 and places the document to be scanned on the glass surface. After closing the document cover 86, the user inputs a scan command to the recording and cutting device 1 by operating the touch panel 80. When the control unit 90 receives the scan command, it moves the scanning unit in the left-right direction. While moving in the left-right direction, the scanning unit reads an image from the document placed on the glass surface.

[0075] [Control unit 90 and communication unit 95] The control unit 90 includes a CPU 91, ROM 92, RAM 93, and EEPROM 94 (see Figure 3). The ROM 92, RAM 93, and EEPROM 94 function as memory units that store programs executed by the CPU 91, data referenced by the CPU 91 during operation, etc. The CPU 91 controls the operation of the recording cutting device 1 by executing programs stored in the memory units. The communication unit 95 communicates with external devices according to the control unit 90.

[0076] The control unit 90 receives data and instructions transmitted from external devices via the communication unit 95. The control unit 90 receives detection signals from the sheet sensor 28, instructions entered by the user from the touch panel 80, images read by the scanning unit from the scanner 85, and displays the screen on the touch panel 80. The control unit 90 outputs a control signal to the recording head 31 that controls the ejection of ink 8 according to the image to be recorded on the sheet 7. The control unit 90 outputs drive signals for the feed motors 25, 26, carriage motor 33, X-axis motor 46, Y-axis motor 47, Z-axis motor 48, and transport motor 66.

[0077] [Location and function of components] The following describes the location and function of the components of the recording and cutting device 1, including the points mentioned above. The first discharge port 61 is located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10. The second discharge port 71 is located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10, similar to the first discharge port 61. The second discharge port 71 is located above the first discharge port 61 on the front surface 11. The sheet tray 21 is located above the first discharge port 61 and below the second discharge port 71 in the vertical direction. The recording unit 30 is located at approximately the same height as the second discharge port 71 in the vertical direction. The free cutting unit 40 is located at approximately the same height as the first discharge port 61 in the vertical direction.

[0078] The sheet tray 21 is configured so that the sheets 7 it holds are discharged from its rear end. The recording unit 30 records images on the sheets 7 as they are transported forward on the platen 34 along the first transport path 62 or the second transport path 72. The free cutting unit 40 transports the cut sheets 7 forward on the platen 49 along the first transport path 62. The first transport path 62 is a path that goes from the rear end of the sheet tray 21 (or the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22) through the recording unit 30, turns back and passes through the recording unit 30 again, passes through the free cutting unit 40 and reaches the first discharge port 61. The second transport path 72 is a path that goes from the rear end of the sheet tray 21 (or the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22) through the recording unit 30 and directly reaches the second discharge port 71.

[0079] The manual feed tray 22 is located at approximately the same height as the recording unit 30, or above the recording unit 30, in the vertical direction. Therefore, the ink supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 is closer to the recording unit 30 than the free cutting section 40 in the vertical direction. The ink cartridge mounting section 36 is located behind the second cover 15, which covers the upper right portion of the front 11 of the housing 10. Therefore, the ink cartridges 9 installed inside the housing 10 are closer to the recording unit 30 than the free cutting section 40 in the vertical direction. The touch panel 80 is located on the front 11 of the housing 10, and the scanner 85 is located on the top surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0080] The first discharge port 61 is covered by the first cover 14, which is located in a closed position. The user opens the first cover 14 and replaces the cutter cartridge 54 through the first discharge port 61 (see Figure 2). In this way, the cutter cartridge 54 is configured to be replaceable through the first discharge port 61 located on the front surface 11. In addition, the user can see the cutter 41 from the front surface 11 of the housing 10 through the transparent portion 17 of the first cover 14 and the transparent holder 57. That is, the cutter 41 is configured to be visible from the front surface 11.

[0081] In the above description, the recording and cutting device 1 is an example of an image recording device. The sheet 7 is an example of a recording medium. The ink 8 is an example of a recording material. The front 11 is an example of a first side. The rear 12 is an example of a second side. The first cover 14 is an example of a cover. The sheet tray 21 is an example of a media storage section. The cutter cartridge 54 is an example of a cutting section. The first discharge port 61 is an example of an opening. The first transport path 62 is an example of a first discharge path. The second transport path 72 is an example of a second discharge path. The touch panel 80 is an example of an operation section.

[0082] [Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, the recording and cutting device 1 (image recording device) according to the embodiment includes a recording unit 30 for recording an image on a sheet 7 (recording medium), a free cutting unit 40 for cutting the sheet 7 into any shape, a housing 10 for housing the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40, a first discharge unit 60 for discharging the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40, and a second discharge unit 70 for discharging the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 but without passing through the free cutting unit 40.

[0083] Therefore, according to the recording and cutting device 1 of the embodiment, when the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded is to be discharged without cutting, the time until the sheet 7 is discharged can be shortened by discharging the sheet 7 by the second discharge unit 70 without passing through the free cutting unit 40.

[0084] Furthermore, the housing 10 has a front 11 (first side) and a rear 12 (second side) that face each other. The first discharge unit 60 has a first discharge port 61 located on the front 11, and discharges the sheet 7 from the first discharge port 61. The second discharge unit 70 has a second discharge port 71 located on the front 11, just like the first discharge port 61, and discharges the sheet 7 from the second discharge port 71. Since both the first discharge port 61 and the second discharge port 71 are located on the same front 11, the user can easily access the sheet 7 that has been cut into any shape and the sheet 7 that has not been cut. Also, compared to when the sheet 7 that has been cut into any shape and the sheet 7 that has not been cut are discharged from a side different from what was expected, the user is more likely to notice when the sheet 7 is being discharged. In the recording cutting device 1, the sheet 7 is discharged from the same side, so the user is more likely to notice when the sheet 7 is being discharged and can avoid unnecessary confusion.

[0085] Furthermore, the recording unit 30 is located above the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction, and the second discharge port 71 is located above the first discharge port 61 on the front surface 11. Because the recording unit 30 is located above the free cutting unit 40 in this way, the user can easily resolve any jams in the sheet 7 that occur in the recording unit 30.

[0086] Furthermore, the recording and cutting device 1 is further equipped with a sheet tray 21 (media storage section) for storing the sheets 7 before images are recorded on them, and the sheet tray 21 is configured to allow replenishment of sheets 7 from the front 11. Therefore, the user can easily replenish the sheets 7 in the sheet tray 21 from the front 11 of the housing 10.

[0087] Furthermore, the sheet tray 21 is positioned above the free cutting section 40 and the first discharge port 61 in the vertical direction, and below the recording section 30 and the second discharge port 71. Thus, the sheet tray 21 is positioned between the recording section 30 and the free cutting section 40 in the vertical direction, and is close to the recording section 30. Therefore, by shortening the transport path of the sheet 7 between the sheet tray 21 and the recording section 30, the time until the sheet 7 is discharged can be reduced when the sheet 7 on which the image has been recorded is discharged without cutting.

[0088] Furthermore, the recording and cutting device 1 is further equipped with a manual feed tray 22 that supports the sheet 7 before the image is recorded, and the manual feed tray 22 is located on the rear 12 of the housing 10. Because the recording and cutting device 1 is equipped with a manual feed tray 22, the user can easily set the sheet 7 and easily replace the set sheet 7. Moreover, because the manual feed tray 22 is located on the rear 12 of the housing 10, the user can easily access the sheet 7 that has been cut into any shape, as well as the sheet 7 that has not been cut. In addition, the user can easily replenish the sheet tray 21 with sheets 7.

[0089] Furthermore, the manual feed tray 22 has a supply port 27 for supplying the sheet 7 toward the recording unit 30, and the supply port 27 is closer to the recording unit 30 than the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction. Because the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 is close to the recording unit 30 in this way, the transport path of the sheet 7 between the manual feed tray 22 and the recording unit 30 can be shortened, and the time until the sheet 7 is ejected without cutting the sheet 7 on which the image has been recorded can be shortened.

[0090] Furthermore, the recording and cutting device 1 is further equipped with a touch panel 80 (operating unit) on the front 11 of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily operate the touch panel 80 from the front 11 side of the housing 10. In addition, the recording and cutting device 1 is further equipped with a scanner 85 on the top surface 13 of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily operate the scanner 85 located on the top surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0091] Furthermore, the recording cutting device 1 is configured so that an ink cartridge 9 (cartridge) containing ink 8 (recording material) can be installed from the front 11 of the housing 10 toward the inside of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily install the ink cartridge 9 containing the ink 8 from the front 11 of the housing 10. Also, the ink cartridge 9 installed inside the housing 10 is closer to the recording unit 30 than the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the supply path of ink 8 between the installed ink cartridge 9 and the recording unit 30 can be shortened, and the recording cutting device 1 can be made smaller.

[0092] Furthermore, the free-cutting section 40 has a cutter cartridge 54 (cutting section) including a cutter 41 for cutting the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded, and the cutter cartridge 54 is configured to be replaceable through a first discharge port 61 (opening) located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily replace the cutter cartridge 54 from the front surface 11 of the housing 10 through the first discharge port 61 located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10. In addition, the free-cutting section 40 has a cutter 41 for cutting the sheet 7 on which the image is recorded, and the cutter 41 is configured to be visible when the housing 10 is viewed from the front surface 11 of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the type and state of the cutter 41 from the front surface 11 of the housing 10.

[0093] Furthermore, the recording cutting device 1 moves between an open position and a closed position, and is further equipped with a first cover 14 (cover) that covers at least a portion of the front surface 11 in the closed position, and the first discharge port 61 is covered by the first cover 14 located in the closed position. By covering the front surface 11 of the housing 10 with the first cover 14 in this way, the appearance of the housing 10 when viewed from the front surface 11 can be made neater. In addition, by covering the first discharge port 61 connected to the free cutting section 40 with the first cover 14, the safety of the recording cutting device 1 is improved.

[0094] The recording and cutting device 1 according to the embodiment includes a recording unit 30, a free cutting unit 40, a housing 10, a first transport path 62 (first discharge path) that discharges the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40, and a second transport path 72 (second discharge path) that discharges the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 but without passing through the free cutting unit 40.

[0095] Therefore, according to the recording and cutting device 1 of the embodiment, when the sheet 7 is discharged without recording an image and cutting it, the time until the sheet 7 is discharged can be shortened.

[0096] [First variation] Various modifications can be made to the recording cutting device 1 according to the above embodiment. In the recording cutting device 2 according to the first modification shown in Figure 7, the free cutting section 40 is located above the recording section 30 in the vertical direction. The first discharge port 61 is located above the second discharge port 71 on the front surface 11. The sheet tray 21 is located below the recording section 30 and the free cutting section 40 in the vertical direction, and is not located above the first discharge port 60 and the second discharge port 70. The sheet tray 21 is located below most of the first discharge port 60 and the second discharge port 70 in the vertical direction, and is at the same height as the remaining parts of the first discharge port 60 and the second discharge port 70. On the front surface 11 of the housing 10, the first cover 14 is located in a position to cover the first discharge port 61, and the third cover 16 is located in a position to cover the second discharge port 71.

[0097] The first transport path 62 extends in a curved manner backward and upward from the rear end of the sheet tray 21, and then extends in a curved manner forward and upward to reach the recording unit 30. Next, the first transport path 62 passes the recording unit 30 forward, then turns back and passes the recording unit 30 backward. Next, the first transport path 62 extends in a curved manner backward and upward, and then extends in a curved manner forward and upward to reach the free cutting unit 40. Furthermore, the first transport path 62 passes the free cutting unit 40 forward and reaches the first discharge port 61 located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10. The first transport path 62 also includes a path that extends forward from the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording unit 30, and then extends in the same manner as above to reach the first discharge port 61.

[0098] The second transport path 72, like the first transport path 62, reaches the recording unit 30 from the rear end of the sheet tray 21. Next, after passing the recording unit 30 in the forward direction, the second transport path 72 extends further in the forward direction to reach the second discharge port 71. The second transport path 72 also includes a path that extends forward from the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording unit 30, and then extends in the same manner as above to reach the second discharge port 71. In the recording cutting device 2, the second transport path 72 is shorter than the first transport path 62. In the recording cutting device 2, the second discharge port 70 does not have transport rollers 65, and the transport motor 66 does not drive the transport rollers 65.

[0099] In the recording and cutting device 2 configured as described above, the free cutting section 40 is located above the recording section 30 in the vertical direction, and the first discharge port 61 is located above the second discharge port 71 on the front surface 11. Since the free cutting section 40 is located above the recording section 30 in this way, the user can easily resolve any jams in the sheet 7 that occur in the free cutting section 40.

[0100] Furthermore, the sheet tray 21 is located below the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction, and not above the first discharge unit 60 and the second discharge unit 70. Therefore, the user can easily access the sheets 7 that have been cut into any shape, as well as the uncut sheets 7, without being obstructed by the sheet tray 21.

[0101] [Second variation] In the second modified recording and cutting device 3 shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second discharge port 71 is located above the first discharge port 61 in the vertical direction (see Figure 9). The recording unit 30 is located above the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction. The sheet tray 21 is located below the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction, and is not located above the first discharge unit 60 and the second discharge unit 70. On the front surface 11 of the housing 10, the first cover 14 is located to cover the first discharge port 61, and the third cover 16 is located to cover the second discharge port 71 (see Figure 8(A)). The second cover 15 covers the right front portion of the top surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0102] The first transport path 62 extends in a curved manner backward and upward from the rear end of the sheet tray 21, and then extends in a curved manner forward and upward to reach the recording section 30 which is located above the free cutting section 40 in the vertical direction (see Figure 9). Next, the first transport path 62 passes the recording section 30 forward, then turns back and passes the recording section 30 backward. Next, the first transport path 62 extends in a curved manner backward and downward, and then extends in a curved manner forward and downward to reach the free cutting section 40. Furthermore, the first transport path 62 passes the free cutting section 40 forward to reach the first discharge port 61 located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10. The first transport path 62 also includes a path that extends forward from the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording section 30, and then extends in the same manner as above to reach the first discharge port 61.

[0103] The second transport path 72, like the first transport path 62, reaches the recording unit 30 from the rear end of the sheet tray 21. Next, after passing the recording unit 30 in the forward direction, the second transport path 72 extends further in the forward direction to reach the second discharge port 71. The second transport path 72 also includes a path that extends forward from the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording unit 30, and then extends in the same manner as described above to reach the second discharge port 71. In the recording cutting device 3, the second transport path 72 is shorter than the first transport path 62.

[0104] The transport roller 65 is located between the rear end of the sheet tray 21 and the recording unit 30 in the first transport path 62 and the second transport path 72. The sheet 7, fed out from the rear end of the sheet tray 21, passes between the two rollers that make up the transport roller 65 and is gripped by the transport roller 65. When recording an image on the sheet 7, the transport motor 66 drives the transport roller 65 together with the transport rollers 63 and 64, according to the control from the control unit 90. The transport roller 65 rotates, receiving driving force from the transport motor 66, and transports the sheet 7 upward along the first transport path 62 or the second transport path 72. The sheet 7 is transported along the first transport path 62 and the second transport path 72 to the transport roller 63.

[0105] As shown in Figures 8(A) and 9, the touch panel 80 is located on the top surface 13 of the housing 10. The touch panel 80 is mounted on the top surface 13 of the housing 10 with its operating surface facing diagonally upward.

[0106] As described above, the second cover 15 covers the right front portion of the top surface 13. As shown in Figure 8(B), the recording cutting device 3 is equipped with four ink tanks 37. The four ink tanks 37 are located inside the housing 10 below the second cover 15. Each of the four ink tanks 37 contains black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink 8.

[0107] The user opens the second cover 15, removes the cap 39 located on the top surface of the ink tank 37, and fills the ink tank 37 with ink 8 from an ink bottle (not shown) held in their hand. In this way, the ink tank 37 is configured to be filled with ink 8 from the top surface 13. The ink tank 37 is located below the second cover 15, which covers the front right portion of the top surface 13. For this reason, the ink tank 37 is closer to the recording section 30 than the free cutting section 40 in the vertical direction. Note that the ink tank 37 is just one example of a tank.

[0108] The recording and cutting device 3, configured as described above, further includes a touch panel 80 (operating unit) on the top surface 13 of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily operate the touch panel 80 from the top surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0109] Furthermore, the recording cutting device 3 is further equipped with an ink tank 37 (tank) for containing ink 8, and the ink tank 37 is configured to be filled with ink 8 from the top surface 13 of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily fill the ink tank 37 with ink 8 from the top surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0110] Furthermore, the ink tank 37 is closer to the recording unit 30 than the free cutting unit 40 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the ink supply path 8 between the ink tank 37 and the recording unit 30 can be shortened, allowing the recording cutting device 3 to be miniaturized.

[0111] [Third variation] In the recording and cutting device 4 according to the third modified example shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first discharge port 61 is located above the second discharge port 71 in the vertical direction (see Figure 11). The sheet tray 21 is located below the free cutting section 40 and the first discharge port 61, and above the recording section 30 and the second discharge port 71 in the vertical direction. On the front surface 11 of the housing 10, the first cover 14 is located to cover the first discharge port 61, and the third cover 16 is located to cover the second discharge port 71 (see Figure 10(A)). The second cover 15 covers the lower right portion of the front surface 11 of the housing 10.

[0112] The first transport path 62 extends in a curved shape backward and downward from the rear end of the sheet tray 21, and then extends in a curved shape forward and downward to reach the recording unit 30 (see Figure 11). Next, the first transport path 62 passes the recording unit 30 forward, then turns back and passes the recording unit 30 backward. Next, the first transport path 62 extends in a curved shape backward and upward, and then extends in a curved shape forward and upward to reach the free cutting section 40 which is located above the sheet tray 21 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first transport path 62 passes the free cutting section 40 forward and reaches the first discharge port 61 located on the front surface 11 of the housing 10. The first transport path 62 also includes a path that extends forward from the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording unit 30, and then extends in the same manner as above to reach the first discharge port 61.

[0113] The second transport path 72, like the first transport path 62, reaches the recording unit 30 from the rear end of the sheet tray 21. Next, after passing the recording unit 30 in the forward direction, the second transport path 72 extends further in the forward direction to reach the second discharge port 71. The second transport path 72 also includes a path that extends forward from the supply port 27 of the manual feed tray 22 to reach the recording unit 30, and then extends in the same manner as described above to reach the second discharge port 71. In the recording cutting device 4, the second transport path 72 is shorter than the first transport path 62.

[0114] The transport roller 65 is provided between the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40 in the first transport path 62. The transport roller 65 extends in the left-right direction and consists of two rollers arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the front-rear direction. The sheet 7, transported along the first transport path 62 and reaching the transport roller 65, passes between the two rollers constituting the transport roller 65 and is gripped by the transport roller 65. When cutting the sheet 7 on which the image has been recorded, the transport motor 66 drives the transport roller 65 together with the transport rollers 63 and 64 according to the control from the control unit 90. The transport roller 65 rotates by receiving driving force from the transport motor 66 and transports the sheet 7 upward along the first transport path 62.

[0115] As described above, the second cover 15 covers the lower right portion of the front 11. As shown in Figure 10(B), the recording cutting device 4 is equipped with four ink tanks 38. The four ink tanks 38 are located behind the second cover 15 inside the housing 10. Each of the four ink tanks 38 contains black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink 8.

[0116] The user opens the second cover 15, removes the cap 39 located on the inclined surface of the ink tank 38, and fills the ink tank 38 with ink 8 from an ink bottle (not shown) held in their hand. In this way, the ink tank 38 is configured to be filled with ink 8 from the front 11. The ink tank 38 is located behind the second cover 15, which covers the lower right portion of the front 11. Therefore, the ink tank 38 is closer to the recording section 30 than the free cutting section 40 in the vertical direction. Note that the ink tank 38 is just one example of a tank.

[0117] In the recording and cutting device 4 configured as described above, the sheet tray 21 is positioned below the free cutting section 40 and the first discharge port 61 in the vertical direction, and above the recording section 30 and the second discharge port 71. Therefore, the transport path of the sheet 7 between the sheet tray 21 and the recording section 30 is shortened, and the time until the sheet 7 is discharged without cutting the sheet 7 on which the image has been recorded can be shortened.

[0118] Furthermore, the ink tank 38 (tank) is configured to allow ink 8 to be filled from the front 11. Therefore, the user can easily fill the ink tank 38 with ink 8 from the front 11 side of the housing 10.

[0119] [Fourth variation] The recording cutting device 5 according to the fourth modified example shown in Figure 12 is a recording cutting device 2 according to the first modified example (Figure 7) in which the first discharge port 61 and the second discharge port 71 are combined into a single discharge port 69. The first discharge section 60 has a discharge port 69, a first transport path 62, three transport rollers 63-65, a transport motor 66, and a guide member (not shown). The second discharge section 70 has a discharge port 69, a second transport path 72, two transport rollers 63 and 64, a transport motor 66, and a guide member (not shown).

[0120] The recording and cutting device 5 configured as described above includes a recording unit 30, a free cutting unit 40, a housing 10, a first transport path 62 (first discharge path) that discharges the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 and the free cutting unit 40, and a second transport path 72 (second discharge path) that discharges the sheet 7 to the outside of the housing 10 via the recording unit 30 but without passing through the free cutting unit 40. Therefore, even if the first transport path 62 and the second transport path 72 reach the same discharge port 69, when discharging the sheet 7 on which an image has been recorded without cutting, the time until the sheet 7 is discharged can be shortened by discharging the sheet 7 along the second transport path 72 without passing through the free cutting unit 40.

[0121] [Other variations] As described above, the shape of the housing 10 can be arbitrary. In the above description, the housing 10 has a first side and a second side that face each other, with the first side being the front 11 and the second side being the rear 12. In the modified recording cutting device, the first side may be the left side and the second side may be the right side. Alternatively, the first side may be the right side and the second side may be the left side. The modified recording cutting device does not need to have a second cover 15. However, to improve safety, it is preferable that the recording cutting device has a first cover 14.

[0122] Furthermore, in the recording cutting device described above, the first transport path 62 and the second transport path 72 extend inside the housing 10 in a specific manner. The first transport path 62 and the second transport path 72 described above are merely examples.

[0123] Furthermore, the recording and cutting device described above records an image on the sheet 7 using the recording unit 30, and then cuts the sheet 7 with the recorded image into any shape using the free cutting unit 40. In a modified version of the recording and cutting device, the sheet 7 may be cut into any shape using the free cutting unit 40, and then an image may be recorded on the sheet 7 cut into any shape using the recording unit 30.

[0124] Furthermore, in the recording cutting device described above, the first discharge section 60 and the second discharge section 70 are provided with transport rollers at specific locations inside the housing 10. The locations of the transport rollers described above are merely examples. In the modified recording cutting device, the first discharge section 60 and the second discharge section 70 may have transport rollers at different locations inside the housing 10. Alternatively, the first discharge section 60 and the second discharge section 70 do not necessarily have the transport rollers described above.

[0125] Furthermore, the recording and cutting device described above includes an inkjet-type recording unit 30 having a serial head. The modified recording and cutting device may include an inkjet-type recording unit having a line head, or it may include a laser beam-type recording unit. Furthermore, the recording and cutting device described above includes a manual feed tray 22 and a scanner 85. The modified recording and cutting device does not necessarily need to include a manual feed tray 22, nor does it necessarily need to include a scanner 85. Furthermore, the modified recording and cutting device may have mechanisms other than the manual feed tray 22 and scanner 85. In addition, the features of the above recording and cutting device may be arbitrarily combined, as long as it does not contradict its properties, to configure various recording and cutting devices and image recording devices. For example, the recording and cutting device 1 according to the embodiment may have a touch panel 80 on the top surface of the housing 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1-5... Recording and cutting device (image recording device) 7 sheets (recording medium) 8. Ink (recording material) 9. Ink cartridge (cartridge) 10... cabinet 11...Front (first side) 12...Back (2nd side) 13...Top surface 14. Cover 1 21. Sheet tray (media storage section) 22... Manual feed tray 30...Records Department 37, 38... Ink tank (tank) 40...Free cutting section 41... Cutter 54...Cutter cartridge (cutting part) 60...1st discharge section 61...1st outlet 62...First transport route (first discharge route) 70...Second discharge section 71...Second outlet 72...Second transport route (second discharge route) 80. Touch panel (operation unit) 85... Scanner

Claims

1. A recording unit that records images onto a recording medium, A free-cutting section for cutting the above recording medium into any shape, A housing that houses the recording unit and the free cutting unit, A first discharge unit discharges the recording medium to be discharged to the outside of the housing via the recording unit and the free cutting unit, An image recording apparatus comprising: a second discharge unit that discharges the above-mentioned recording medium to the outside of the housing via the recording unit but without passing through the free cutting unit.

2. The above housing has a first side and a second side that face each other, The first discharge unit has a first discharge port located on the first side surface, and discharges the recording medium from the first discharge port. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second discharge section has a second discharge port located on the first side surface, similar to the first discharge port, and the recording medium to be recorded is discharged from the second discharge port.

3. The recording unit is located above the free cutting unit in the vertical direction. The image recording device according to claim 2, wherein the second outlet is located above the first outlet on the first side surface.

4. The above-mentioned free cutting section is located above the above-mentioned recording section in the vertical direction. The image recording device according to claim 2, wherein the first discharge port is located above the second discharge port on the first side surface.

5. The system further includes a media storage unit for storing the recording medium to be recorded before the image is recorded, The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the media storage section is configured to allow the recording medium to be replenished from the first side surface.

6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the media storage section is located above the free cutting section and the first outlet in the vertical direction, and below the recording section and the second outlet.

7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the media storage section is located below the free cutting section and the first outlet in the vertical direction, and above the recording section and the second outlet.

8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the media storage section is located below the recording section and the free cutting section in the vertical direction, and is not located above the first discharge section and the second discharge section.

9. The system further includes a manual feed tray that supports the recording medium to be used before the image is recorded, The image recording device according to claim 5, wherein the above-mentioned manual feed tray is located on the second side surface of the housing.

10. The above manual feed tray has a supply port for supplying the recording medium to be fed toward the recording unit, The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the supply port is closer to the recording section than the free cutting section in the vertical direction.

11. The image recording device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating section on the first side surface of the housing described above.

12. The image recording device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating section on the upper surface of the above-mentioned housing.

13. The image recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a scanner on the upper surface of the above-mentioned housing.

14. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cartridge containing recording material is configured to be mounted from the first side surface of the housing toward the inside of the housing.

15. The image recording device according to claim 14, wherein the cartridge mounted inside the above-mentioned housing is closer to the recording section than the free cutting section in the vertical direction.

16. It is further equipped with a tank for storing recording materials, The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tank is configured to be able to be filled with the recording material from the first side surface of the housing.

17. It is further equipped with a tank for storing recording materials, The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tank is configured to be able to be filled with the recording material from the top surface of the housing.

18. The image recording device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the tank is closer to the recording section than the free cutting section in the vertical direction.

19. The above-mentioned free cutting section has a cutting section that includes a cutter for cutting the recording medium on which the image is recorded, The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting portion is configured to be replaceable through an opening located on the first side surface of the housing.

20. The above-mentioned free cutting section has a cutter for cutting the recording medium on which the image is recorded, The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the cutter is configured to be visible when the housing is viewed from the first side of the housing.

21. The device further includes a cover that moves between an open position and a closed position, and covers at least a portion of the first side surface in the closed position. The image recording device according to claim 2, wherein the first discharge port is covered by the cover located in the closed position.

22. A recording unit that records images onto a recording medium, A free-cutting section for cutting the above recording medium into any shape, A housing that houses the recording unit and the free cutting unit, A first discharge path that discharges the recording medium to be discharged to the outside of the housing via the recording unit and the free cutting unit, An image recording apparatus comprising: a second discharge path that discharges the above-mentioned recording medium to the outside of the housing via the recording unit but without passing through the free cutting unit.

Images