Recording device

Abstract

To reduce the height of a device more than a conventional technique in an image reading and recording device 1 on which a flat bed type reading device part 3 is placed on a serial print type recording device part 2.SOLUTION: In a reading device part 3, a scan motor 91 for moving a sensor unit 36 with respect to a document is stored in a storage part 32 that protrudes to the side of a recording device part 2 from a bottom surface of the reading device part 3. A carriage 82 and the storage part 32 of the recording device part 2 are arranged so as to be opposite to the direction intersecting the scan direction of the carriage 82 at the same height in the vertical direction. A flexible member 24 connected to the carriage 82 moves following the carriage 82 on the lower side of the storage part 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device having an image reading function and an image recording function. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a multifunction machine (image reading and recording device) that has both a reading function and a recording function, with a flatbed reading unit stacked vertically above a serial print recording unit. In such an image reading and recording device, reducing the overall height of the device has been a challenge.

[0003] Patent document 1 takes note of the fact that the volume occupied by the motor for scanning the reading head is particularly large within the reading unit, and discloses a configuration in which this motor is positioned offset relative to other components of the reading unit in a direction that intersects both the scanning direction of the reading head and the vertical direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-079040 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the recording carriage that performs recording operations while moving within the device is located at a lower position than the motor and other mechanisms of the recording unit. In other words, the area required for the motor and other mechanisms and the area for scanning by the recording carriage are separated in the height direction, and the height of the entire device is not significantly reduced.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides A recording head for recording an image on a recording medium conveyed in a first direction on a conveying path, and a home position for mounting the recording head and performing maintenance on the recording head. a carriage that reciprocates in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a flexible member that moves following the carriage; and headTo accommodate the recording material used by No. 1 a recording device section having a tank; a sensor unit that is placed above the recording device section and is capable of reading an image of a document; and a sensor unit that is arranged to hold the sensor unit against the document. In the second direction A recording device including a reading device unit having a driving means for moving the reading device unit, The reading device unit is located on the opposite side of the home position with respect to the conveying path in the second direction. A protruding portion protruding from the bottom surface of the reading device portion toward the recording device portion. a housing area for housing the driving means, The flexible member is vertically below the accommodation area and at least partially overlaps with the accommodation area in the first direction, Part of the containment area teeth, overlapping a portion of the first tank in the second direction; The above No. 1 It is characterized in that it is located vertically above a part of the tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a recording device comprising a recording device section having a carriage equipped with a recording means capable of recording an image and moving back and forth in a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to a recording medium transported in the first direction, a flexible member moving in conjunction with the carriage, and a tank for storing recording material used by the recording means, and a reading device section placed above the recording device section and having a sensor unit capable of reading an original image and a driving means for moving the sensor unit relative to the original, wherein the driving means occupies a storage area protruding from a bottom surface of the reading device section toward the recording device section, the flexible member is vertically below the storage area and at least partially overlaps with the storage area in the first direction, and a portion of the storage area is vertically above a portion of the tank. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, in an image reading and recording device having both a reading function and a recording function, the height of the device can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image reading and recording device used in a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the top surface of the recording device is open; FIG. [Diagram 3] Side cross-sectional view of an image reading and recording device [Figure 4] Front sectional view of the image reading and recording device [Diagram 5] Diagram showing the ADF open to the scanner unit [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating a scanning mechanism of a sensor unit; [Figure 7] Diagram showing the configuration of an image sensor [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship of various mechanisms in an image reading and recording device; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration in a recording / reading device; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of an image reading and recording device used in the second embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating a scanning mechanism of the sensor unit according to the second embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an image reading and recording device used in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front sectional view of an image reading and recording device used in the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an image reading and recording device 1 used in this embodiment. In the figure, the X direction indicates the width direction of the image reading and recording device 1, the Y direction indicates the depth direction of the image reading and recording device 1, and the Z direction indicates the vertical upward direction. The image reading and recording device 1 of this embodiment is configured by stacking a recording device unit 2 and a reading device unit 3, which have approximately equal areas in the XY plane, in the Z direction.

[0011] On the front side of the recording device unit 2, paper feed cassettes 6 capable of accommodating paper and the like for recording by the recording device unit 2 are arranged above and below. A user can replenish paper by pulling the paper feed cassettes 6 forward (in the +Y direction). The two paper feed cassettes 6 may be loaded with paper of the same size or with paper of different sizes. On the other hand, on the rear side of the recording device unit 2, an ASF (auto sheet feeder) 7 is provided for manually feeding thick paper and other recording media. Whether the recording medium is fed from the paper feed cassettes 6 or from the ASF 7, the recording medium is discharged from an outlet 9 after an image is recorded thereon.

[0012] The reading device unit 3 has a scanner unit 30 that actually performs the reading process, and an ADF (automatic document feeder) 31 that can transport an original to the scanner unit 30. A foldable original tray 311 on which a user places an original is provided in the ADF 31, and FIG. 1 shows the original tray 311 in a folded state. A plurality of originals can be placed on the original tray 311. An operation unit 109 is provided on the front side of the reading device unit 3, allowing a user to check the status of the image reading and recording device 1 and input instructions to the image reading and recording device 1.

[0013] In the image reading and recording device 1 of this embodiment, the reading device section 3 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the recording device section 2.

[0014] 2(a) and (b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the top of the recording device unit 2 is open. The recording device unit 2 and the reading device unit 3 are connected via a hinge 5, and the reading device unit 3 is rotatable about the hinge 5 relative to the recording device unit 2. When a user lifts and rotates the reading device unit 3, an opening 21 and a cover 23 of the recording device unit 2 are exposed. With the top of the recording device unit 2 thus open, the user can refill ink or perform maintenance on the recording device unit 2.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2(a), ink tanks 22 capable of containing ink (recording material) used in the recording device unit 2 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the paper feed cassette 6. In this embodiment, the ink tank 22A on the left side contains black ink, and the ink tank 22B on the right side contains cyan, magenta, and yellow color inks, respectively. A user can refill each ink tank 22 with ink by opening the corresponding lid 23A or 23B. As shown in FIG. 2(b), a carriage 82 that is equipped with a recording head 81 (see FIG. 4) and is movable in the ±X direction is arranged inside the recording device unit 2.

[0016] 3(a) and (b) are side cross-sectional views of the image reading and recording device 1. Here, the reading device unit 3 is shown closed relative to the recording device unit 2. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view seen from the +X direction side, showing in detail the paper transport path in the recording device unit 2. In the figure, the recording head 81 and carriage 82 are omitted, and the entire area where the recording head 81 and carriage 82 move to record an image on the paper is shown as the recording unit 8. The recording unit 8 includes the entire area where the recording head 81, carriage 82, and ink tubes 24 for supplying ink to the recording head 81, etc. move.

[0017] When performing a recording operation, the paper P1 stored in the feeding cassette 6 passes through the first transport path 61 and is fed to the recording unit 8. Also, the paper P2 loaded on the ASF 7 passes through the second transport path 71 and is fed to the recording unit 8. A control board 11 for controlling the entire device is disposed above the first transport path 61 and the second transport path 71. The control board 11 is fixed to a chassis 26 extending in the X direction, and is connected to various electric components installed in the image reading and recording device 1 via cables (not shown).

[0018] FIG. 3(b) shows a side cross-sectional view seen from the -X direction side when the carriage 82 is at the left end (-X direction side). The carriage 82 is arranged on the opposite side of the control board 11 with respect to the chassis 26, and is capable of reciprocating in the ±X direction with a carriage motor 208 as a driving source while being guided and supported by the chassis 26 extending in the X direction. The carriage 82 is connected to the control board 11 via a flexible cable (not shown), and transmits recording data received from the control board 11 to the recording head 81. When the carriage 82 is at both ends (±X direction ends), the ink tank 22A or 22B is arranged in a part of the front (+Y direction side) of the carriage 82. The bottom surface of the ink tank 22A or 22B is vertically lower than the bottom surface of the recording unit 8. As a result, the ink storage capacity can be increased.

[0019] While the carriage 82 is moving, the recording head 81 mounted on the carriage 82 ejects ink in accordance with the recording data received from the control board 11. This causes one band of image to be recorded on the paper in the recording unit 8. Then, each time such a recording scan is performed, the transport motor 212 (see FIG. 9) is driven, and the paper is transported in the +Y direction by a distance corresponding to one band. By alternately repeating such recording scans and transport operations, an image is recorded on the paper in stages.

[0020] Both the recording device section 2 and the scanner section 30 have a substantially box-like shape, and the top surface of the recording device section 2 and the bottom surface of the scanner section 30 are stacked in contact with each other. The top surface of the recording device section 2 and the bottom surface of the scanner section 30 are substantially flat, but in the area where the carriage 82 and the black ink tank 22A face each other, a storage section 32 and a receiving section 25 that protrude downward are formed. That is, the bottom surface of the scanner section 30 is formed with the storage section 32 for storing the scan motor 91 protruding downward, and the top surface of the recording device section 2 is formed with the receiving section 25 for receiving the storage section 32 recessed downward. The arrangement of the storage section 32 and the receiving section 25 will be described in detail later.

[0021] 4(a) and (b) are front cross-sectional views of the image reading and recording device 1. FIG. 4(a) shows a state in which the carriage 82 is at the right end of the scannable area W, and FIG. 4(b) shows a state in which the carriage 82 is at the left end of the scannable area W. In the figures, the right end is the home position, which is a position where the carriage 82 waits or performs maintenance when no recording operation is performed. Various members for maintaining the recording head 81 are provided at the home position. On the other hand, when the carriage 82 is at the left end, a part of the carriage 82 and the storage unit 32 overlap in the X direction and the Z direction. However, in the Y direction, the storage unit 32 does not overlap the upper part of the carriage 82 and the upper part of the tank 22A, respectively.

[0022] A scanner unit 30 is provided above the recording device unit 2, and an ADF 31 is provided above the scanner unit 30. Here, a state in which a document tray 311 is unfolded, that is, a state in which a document can be set on the ADF 31, is shown. In the ADF 31, a separation unit 312 is a mechanism for separating one document from a plurality of documents placed on the document tray 311. A document transport path 313 is a path that guides the document separated by the separation unit 312 to a position where the scanner unit 30 can read the document.

[0023] 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the ADF 31 is opened relative to the scanner unit 30. The reading device unit 3 of this embodiment can also read an original document using a flatbed method. In this case, the user lifts the ADF 31 and places the original document between the scanner unit 30 and the ADF 31. The ADF 31 is rotatable relative to the scanner unit 30 via a hinge 33.

[0024] An original glass table 341 and an ADF glass 342 are disposed on the upper surface of the scanner unit 30, and are held by an original table holding member 34. An original cover 37 is disposed on the lower surface of the ADF 31. An original pressing sheet 371 made of a sheet material and a sponge is attached to the original cover 37, for pressing an original placed on the original glass table 341 against the original glass table 341. A part of the original transport path 313 is exposed at a position beside the original pressing sheet 371 and facing the ADF glass 342. When a user places an original on the original glass table 341 and closes the ADF 31, and further issues an instruction for an original reading operation from the operation unit 109, the original reading process is started.

[0025] 4(a) and (b) again, in the scanner section 30, below the platen glass 341 and the ADF glass 342, there are disposed a sensor unit 36 ​​for reading a document via the platen glass 341 and the ADF glass 346, and a movement space 361 for the sensor unit 36. Further, on the left side further below the movement space 361, there are disposed a scan motor 91 for moving the sensor unit 36 ​​in the ±X directions within the movement space 361, and an accommodation section 32 for accommodating the scan motor 91.

[0026] With the above configuration, when performing reading processing using the flat bed method, the sensor unit 36 ​​moves in the X direction at a predetermined speed and reads an image of an original placed on the original glass platen 341 through the original glass platen 341. On the other hand, when performing reading processing using the ADF method, the sensor unit 36 ​​moves and stops directly below the ADF glass 342 and reads an image of an original conveyed by the ADF 31 at a predetermined speed through the ADF glass 342.

[0027] 6 is a top view for explaining the scanning mechanism of the sensor unit 36. In the sensor unit 36, a plurality of image sensors 100 for reading an original image are arranged in the Y direction. Both ends of the sensor unit 36 ​​in the Y direction are supported by abutting against the inner walls of a case 301 of the scanner section 30. In addition, a guide rail 39 is provided inside the case 301, extending in the X direction, for guiding and supporting the central portion of the sensor unit 36.

[0028] A drive pulley 90 and a driven pulley 38, driven by a scan motor 91 as a drive source, are disposed at both ends of the ±X direction inside the case 301. A belt 35 is wound around the pulleys 90 and 38, and a sensor unit 36 ​​is attached to a part of the belt 35. With the above configuration, the sensor unit 36 ​​can be moved in the +X direction or the -X direction by rotating the scan motor 91 in the forward or reverse direction. At this time, the center of the sensor unit 36 ​​in the Y direction is guided along the guide rail 39, and both ends are guided along the inner wall of the case 301.

[0029] The scan motor 91 is fixed to the motor holder 92 in a horizontal position. More specifically, the scan motor 91 is fixed to the motor holder 92 so that the shaft of the scan motor 91 extends parallel to the document glass 341 and the ADF glass 342. A motor gear 911 in the form of a worm gear or a bevel gear is attached to the shaft on the scan motor 91 side, and the motor gear 911 is engaged with a drive pulley gear 901 formed integrally with the drive pulley 90. That is, the driving force of the scan motor 91 is transmitted to the drive pulley 90 via the motor gear 911 and the drive pulley gear 901. A code wheel 912 is attached to the shaft on the other side of the body of the scan motor 91, and an encoder 93 is disposed at a position facing the code wheel 912. A signal generated when the encoder 93 detects a slit in the code wheel 912 is transmitted to the control board 11 via a cable (not shown). The scan motor 91 , the motor holder 92 , the motor gear 911 , the code wheel 912 and the encoder 93 are accommodated in the accommodation area of ​​the accommodation unit 32 .

[0030] The driven pulley 38 is held by a pulley holder 382. The pulley holder 382, ​​which is installed so as to be movable in the X direction, is biased in the +X direction by a spring 381. As a result, an appropriate tension acts on the belt that is wound around the driving pulley 90 and the driven pulley 38, and the belt is stretched without slack. With the above configuration, the control unit 200 (see FIG. 9) arranged on the control board 11 drives the scan motor 91 based on the detection signal received from the encoder 93, thereby making it possible to control the movement of the sensor unit 36 ​​in the X direction.

[0031] In the figure, an area A indicates an area where the sensor unit 36 ​​moves when reading a document using the flatbed method, and a position P indicates a position where the sensor unit 36 ​​stops when reading a document using the ADF method.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image sensor 100 arranged in the sensor unit 36. The image sensor 100 includes an LED 101 as a light emitting unit, a rod lens array 102, and an image sensor 103 as an imaging element. The LED 101 switches between three colors of light, red, green, and blue, at a predetermined cycle. The rod lens array 102 transmits the light emitted by the LED 101 and reflected by the surface of a document placed on the document table glass 341 or the ADF glass 342, and forms an image on the image sensor 103. The image sensor 103 may be a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and detects the intensity of the light transmitted through the rod lens array 102. The image sensor 103 sequentially detects the red, green, and blue lights emitted by the LED 101 and reflected by the document, thereby reading the image of the document in color. The detection value of the image sensor 100 is transferred to the control board 11 (see FIG. 3) via a flat cable (not shown).

[0033] 8(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the positional relationship between the sensor unit 36, the scan motor 91, the carriage 82, the ink tubes 24 that move following the carriage 82, and the ink tanks 22 in the image reading and recording device 1. Fig. 8(a) shows a state in which the carriage 82 is on the home position side (+X side), and Fig. 8(b) shows a state in which the carriage 82 is on the scan motor side (-X side). For convenience of explanation, the case interposed between the scanner unit 30 and the recording device unit 2 is omitted here.

[0034] Ink contained in the ink tank 22 is supplied to the recording head 81 mounted on the carriage 82 via the ink tubes 24. The ink tube 24A connects the ink tank 22A containing black ink to a connecting portion 821 attached to the carriage 82 via the central valve unit 27. The three ink tubes 24B connect the ink tanks 22B containing the three color inks respectively to the connecting portion 821 via the valve unit 27. The four ink tubes 24 are bound together in the section from the valve unit 27 to the connecting portion 821, and move in the ±X directions as the carriage 82 reciprocates between the carriage 82 and the ink tanks 22 in the Y direction.

[0035] 8(b), the carriage 82 is in a position close to the scan motor 91. For this reason, in this embodiment, the housing section 32 that houses the scan motor 91 is laid out so as not to interfere with the carriage 82 and the ink tank 22A that are positioned above the recording device section 2. In addition, the ink tube 24 is flexible, which allows the lower surface of the housing section 32 to be lowered.

[0036] 9 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration in the image reading and recording device 1 of this embodiment. The control unit 200 is disposed on the control board 11, has a ROM for storing programs and parameters, and a RAM that can be used as a work memory, and controls the entire device.

[0037] The scan motor driver 94 drives the scan motor 91 to move the sensor unit 36. The encoder 93 transmits a signal that detects the code wheel 912 to the control unit 200. The ADF motor driver 204 drives the ADF motor 203 to transport the document placed on the ADF 31.

[0038] An analog processing unit 201 amplifies and samples the analog signal detected by the image sensor 103 to convert it into a digital signal. A read image processing unit 202 performs image processing such as edge enhancement and color conversion on the digital image signal generated by the analog processing unit 201. The image sensor 103, the analog processing unit 201, and the read image processing unit 202 realize a scanner function that reads a document.

[0039] The print image processing unit 206 performs image processing such as magnification and quantization on image data received from a PC or the like, and generates print data that can be printed by the print head 81. The print head control unit 207 drives the print head 81 in accordance with the print data generated by the print image processing unit 206.

[0040] A carriage motor driver 209 drives the carriage motor 208 to move the carriage 82. A transport motor driver 211 drives the transport motor 210 to transport the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette 6 or the ASF 7.

[0041] The memory 205 temporarily stores image data generated by the read image processing unit 202 and image data before image processing by the recorded image processing unit 206. The operation unit 109 functions as a user interface for the user to check the status of the image reading and recording device 1 and to input instructions to the image reading and recording device 1. The PC interface (I / F) 113 transmits and receives information to and from an externally connected host device such as a PC. Specifically, it is used by the control unit 200 when receiving image data to be recorded by the recording device unit 2 from the host device and when transmitting image data read by the image reading unit 3 to the host device.

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings again, the storage section 32 and the members and layout inside the recording device section 2 located around the storage section 32 in the image reading and recording device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0043] In the scanner section 30 of this embodiment, a space is required to accommodate the scan motor 91 in addition to the sensor unit 36, various mechanisms for scanning the sensor unit 36, and a flat cable (not shown) connected to the sensor unit 36. In this case, the thickness in the Z direction required to accommodate members other than the scan motor 91 is sufficiently smaller than the thickness required when the scan motor 91 is added. In other words, if the thickness of the entire scanner section 30 is determined based on the thickness required when the scan motor 91 is added, the entire image reading and recording device 1 becomes larger than necessary. In view of the above situation, the inventors have determined that it is effective to determine the overall thickness of the scanner section 30 based on the dimensions required for members other than the scan motor 91, and then to arrange the portion occupied by the scan motor 91 so that it enters the empty space of the recording device section 2. For this reason, in the image reading and recording device 1 of this embodiment, only the accommodation section 32 of the reading device section 3 protrudes into the area of ​​the recording device section 2 among the boundary plane between the reading device section 3 and the recording device section 2, which are approximately rectangular parallelepipeds.

[0044] First, a description will be given of the scan motor 91 that can be used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, an oval type with a diameter of 20 mm, which is relatively widely available and can achieve the required speed, is used as the scan motor 91. In this case, when an encoder 93 is attached to the scan motor 91, a space of about 30 mm to 40 mm is required in the height direction of the housing section.

[0045] 2(b), the storage unit 32 has a convex shape that protrudes about 30 mm to 40 mm from the bottom surface of the reading device unit 3. Also, on the top surface of the recording device unit 2, a receiving unit 25 capable of receiving the storage unit 32 is formed so as to be recessed from the top surface by about Zm=30 mm to 40 mm. On the other hand, when the reading device unit 3 is closed, the storage unit 32 and the receiving unit 25 engage with each other as shown in FIG. 3(b), and the bottom surface of the reading device unit 3 and the top surface of the recording device unit 2 are in contact with each other and maintain a substantially horizontal posture.

[0046] At this time, the front surface 252 (surface on the +Y direction side) of the receiving section 25 faces the ink tank 22 in the Y direction. The ink tank 22 has an upper side surface 221, a lower side surface 222, and an inclined side surface 223 that connects them. The upper side surface 221 and the lower side surface 222 extend almost parallel to the Z direction, and the lower side surface 222 is located in the depth direction (-Y direction) further than the upper side surface 221 and the front surface 252 of the receiving section 25. In the figure, the overlapping area in the Y direction between the ink tank 22 and the receiving section 25 is indicated by Yf. That is, the ink tank 22 has a small depth size that does not interfere with the receiving section 25 in the upper region where the receiving section 25 exists, and has a large depth size that forms an overlapping area Yf between the ink tank 22 and the receiving section 25 in the lower region where the receiving section 25 does not exist. In this way, it is possible to increase the ink storage capacity of the ink tank 22 in a limited space while avoiding interference between the ink tank 22 and the receiving section 25.

[0047] On the other hand, the rear surface 253 (surface on the -Y direction side) of the receiving unit 25 faces the front side of the carriage 82 at the same height in the vertical direction. The carriage 82 has a shape in which the rear side (-Y direction side) is high and the front side where the connecting unit 821 and the ink tube 24 are arranged is low. In addition, the receiving unit 25 of this embodiment is provided so as to protrude into the empty space on the front side. In the figure, the overlapping area in the Y direction of the carriage 82 and the receiving unit 25 is indicated by Yr. In this case, even if the carriage 82 and the carriage motor 208 are enlarged for the purpose of improving throughput, for example, if a low area where the connecting unit 821 and the ink tube 24 are arranged is formed in front of the carriage 82, the receiving unit 25 can be arranged in that area.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, below the storage section 32 and the receiving section 25 (in the -Z direction) is a space in which the carriage 82 and the ink tube 24 for supplying ink to the recording head 81 move. The ink tube 24 in this embodiment is made of a soft and flexible material such as silicon or thermoplastic plastic (TPE), and extends in the X direction while making a U-turn to draw an arc on the left side in the figure, and moves back and forth in the above space in the X direction along with the carriage 82. Therefore, when the carriage 82 is on the home position side (+X side), a space is formed below the storage section 32 as shown in FIG. 4A. On the other hand, when the carriage 82 approaches the storage section 32, the arc of the ink tube 24 is arranged below the storage section 32, and the bottom surface of the receiving section 25 is in a state in which the ink tube 24 does not bulge upward.

[0049] In this embodiment, a regulating member 251 is arranged on the back surface of the receiving portion 25 to regulate the adhesion of the ink tube 24. The configuration of the regulating member 251 is not particularly limited, but it may be, for example, a member having a plurality of small hemispherical protrusions arranged thereon. In this way, the ink tube 24 contacts the regulating member 251 at a plurality of points, and the load resistance at the time of contact can be reduced compared to contact at a surface. In other words, by providing the regulating member 251, it becomes possible to make the carriage 82 scan smoothly while keeping the moving area of ​​the flexible tube compact. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the ink tube 24 is 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, and the diameter of the arc formed on the left side is about 50.0 mm.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, the scan motor 91, which is a component of the reading device unit 3, is disposed in the gap space formed between the ink tank 22 and the carriage 82, which are components of the recording device unit 2. Furthermore, a regulating member 251 that prevents the ink tube 24 from sticking is disposed on the bottom surface of the receiving portion 25, and a movement area for the ink tube 24 is formed directly below the regulating member 251. This allows the components of the recording device unit 2 and the components of the reading device unit 3 to be disposed without any gaps without increasing parts costs, and makes it possible to smoothly scan the carriage while promoting the miniaturization of the entire device compared to conventional devices.

[0051] Second embodiment The image reading and recording device 1 of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the scan motor 95 moves independently in the ±X direction together with the sensor unit 36. Below, configurations different from the first embodiment will be described. Note that members denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0052] 10 is an external perspective view of the image reading and recording device 1 used in this embodiment. Here, the reading device unit 3 is shown opened relative to the recording device unit 2. Since the scan motor 95 (see FIG. 11) moves independently together with the sensor unit 36, the area for accommodating the scan motor 95, i.e., the area protruding downward from the bottom surface of the reading device unit 3, is configured to extend in the X direction. In this embodiment, such an accommodating area is referred to as the self-propelled area accommodating section 40.

[0053] Meanwhile, a self-propelled area receiving section 28 recessed from the top surface is formed on the top surface of the recording device section 2 in order to accommodate the self-propelled area housing section 40. Since an opening 21 for a user to perform maintenance is provided on the top surface of the recording device section 2, the self-propelled area receiving sections 28 are arranged on either side of the opening 21.

[0054] 11 is a top view for explaining the scanning mechanism of the sensor unit 36 ​​in this embodiment. A driving unit 96 having a gear is attached to the scan motor 95 in this embodiment. Meanwhile, in the case 301, in addition to the guide rail 39 for guiding and supporting the sensor unit 36, a rack 324 that engages with the gear of the driving unit 96 extends in the X direction. Therefore, when the scan motor 95 rotates in the forward or reverse direction, the sensor unit 36 ​​and the scan motor 95 move in the +X direction or the -X direction.

[0055] 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the image reading and recording device 1 used in this embodiment. When the reading device unit 3 is closed, the bottom surface of the free-traveling area receiving portion 28 is in a state in which it restricts the upward expansion of the ink tube 24. In this embodiment as well, a restricting member 281 is arranged on the back surface of the free-traveling area receiving portion 28 to restrict the ink tube 24 from sticking.

[0056] 13(a) and (b) are front cross-sectional views of the image reading and recording device 1. FIG. 13(a) shows a state in which the carriage 82 is at the right end of the scannable area, and FIG. 13(b) shows a state in which the carriage 82 is at the left end. When the reading device unit 3 is in a closed state, the lower surface of the self-propelled area housing unit 40 is located above the opening 21 of the recording device unit 2, and the ink tube 24 moving together with the carriage 82 is in a state of abutting against the lower surface of this self-propelled area housing unit 40. For this reason, in this embodiment, a regulating member 282 similar to the back surface of the self-propelled area receiving unit 28 is also arranged on the lower surface of the self-propelled area housing unit 40. That is, according to this embodiment, the regulating members 281 and 282 are arranged along the entire area in which the ink tube 24 moves. As a result, it is possible to make the carriage 82 scan smoothly while keeping the movement area of ​​the ink tube 24 compact.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the self-propelled scan motor 95, which is a component of the reading device unit 3, and its self-propelled area are housed in a gap space formed between the ink tank 22 and the carriage 82, which are components of the recording device unit 2. Furthermore, on the surface that becomes the movement area of ​​the ink tube 24, the regulating members 281, 282 that regulate the adhesion of the ink tube 24 are arranged, and the movement area of ​​the ink tube 24 is formed directly below these regulating members 281, 282. This allows the components of the recording device unit 2 and the components of the reading device unit 3 to be arranged without any gaps, without incurring an increase in parts costs, and makes it possible to promote the miniaturization of the entire device more than ever before.

[0058] (Other embodiments) In the above, a reading device (reading device section 3) having ADF 31 and scanner section 30 has been described as an example, but it is not essential that the reading device has ADF 31. The reading device may have the function of a flat bed scanner in which sensor unit 36 ​​is moved by scan motors 91 and 95.

[0059] In addition, in the above, the ink tube 24 has been described as a flexible body that follows the movement of the carriage 82, but the flexible body is not limited to the ink tube 24 as long as it is a flexible member that is connected to the carriage and moves together with the carriage inside the device. For example, the flexible body may be a flexible cable that electrically connects the carriage 82 and the control board 11, or both the ink tube 24 and a flexible cable.

[0060] In the above embodiment, an inkjet recording head is used as the recording head 81, but the recording head may record images using other methods. Also, the recording material does not have to be ink, and it is sufficient that the ink tank contains an appropriate recording material.

[0061] In any case, the above embodiment functions effectively as long as a flatbed type reading device unit is provided on top of a recording device unit that has a carriage that carries a recording head and moves within the device, and a flexible member that moves within the device following the carriage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Image reading and recording device 2 Recording Device Section 3. Reading device section 22 Ink tank 24 Ink tube (flexible member) 32 Storage unit 36 Sensor unit 81 Recording head 82 Carriage 91, 95 Scan motor (driving means)

Claims

1. A recording device unit having a recording head which records an image on a recording medium transported in a first direction on a transport path, a carriage which carries said recording head and moves back and forth in a second direction intersecting said first direction from a home position where said recording head is mounted and where maintenance of said recording head is performed, a flexible member which moves following said carriage, and a first tank for containing a recording material used by said recording head; a reading device unit that is placed above the recording device unit and has a sensor unit capable of reading an image of a document, and a driving means for moving the sensor unit in the second direction relative to the document, the reading device unit has an accommodation area that protrudes from a bottom surface of the reading device unit toward the recording device unit on the opposite side of the home position with respect to the transport path in the second direction and accommodates the driving means, the flexible member at least partially overlaps with the accommodation area in the first direction below the accommodation area in the vertical direction, a part of the storage area overlapping with a part of the first tank in the second direction and being located above a part of the first tank in the vertical direction;

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting member disposed below the housing area in the vertical direction to restrict the flexible member from sticking.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the carriage is on the side of the first tank in the second direction, the accommodation area overlaps with the carriage in the second direction.

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a bottom surface of the first tank is located below a bottom surface of the recording head in the vertical direction.

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an upper side surface of the first tank faces the storage area in the first direction, and a lower side surface of the first tank overlaps with the storage area in the first direction.

6. a storage portion that forms the storage area, A recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a connecting portion that connects the flexible member to the carriage is arranged below the storage portion in the vertical direction, and the flexible member has a path that extends in the second direction from the connecting portion toward the storage area and makes a U-turn in the vertical direction.

7. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that the recording device section has a receiving section that accommodates the accommodating section.

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member is a tube for supplying a recording material to the recording head.

9. the reading device unit further includes a drive pulley connected to the driving means, a driven pulley arranged away from the drive pulley in a direction in which the sensor unit moves, and a belt that is wound around the drive pulley and the driven pulley and to which the sensor unit is attached, 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation area is disposed at a position closer to the driving pulley than to the driven pulley.

10. A recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is provided with a second tank arranged on the opposite side of the first tank relative to the conveying path in the second direction, for containing recording material used by the recording head.

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transport means disposed on said reading device section for transporting an original to said reading device section.

Images