Sheet storage device and recording device

Abstract

To provide a technology that enables a basket to be stored in a device body when the basket is not used.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: a recording part which records an image on a recording medium; a discharge port which discharges the recording medium with the image recorded thereon in a discharge direction; and a receiving member which is provided below the discharge port in a gravity direction and receives the recording medium discharged from the discharge port. The recording device includes a storage part which may move between a receiving position, in which the storage part holds one end of the receiving member and receives the recording medium at the side of the discharge direction relative to the discharge port, and a storage position located at the side of the discharge port relative to the receiving position and stores at least a part of the receiving member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet storage device that stores sheets such as ejected print media (recording materials), and a printing apparatus (recording apparatus) equipped with the sheet storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention relates to a recording device having a sheet storage section for storing printed sheets, and Patent Document 1 discloses a device having a discharged paper storage section (basket) in front of a roll cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 05966574 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device of Patent Document 1, the basket is exposed even when it is not in use, so dust accumulates. If dust accumulates in the basket, it may come into contact with the discharged printed material, causing scratches, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a recording device according to the present invention comprises: a setting unit for setting a roll sheet in which a sheet is wound in a roll shape; a recording unit that records an image on a sheet supplied from the roll sheet set in the setting unit; a discharge section provided above the setting section and configured to discharge the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording section in a discharge direction; a receiving member that receives the sheet discharged from the discharge section; A recording device comprising: The receiving member extends horizontally along the rail, and the receiving member can be moved between a first position for receiving a sheet and a second position for not receiving a sheet without being rotated. Horizontally By the rail It is characterized by having a moving part that moves. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] By adopting the configuration of the present invention, the basket can be stored when not in use, preventing dust from accumulating in the basket, thereby preventing scratches caused by contact between the ejected printed matter and dust. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second holding member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment of a second holding member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram of the basket mounting of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the drawer section is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes and other details of the components described in the embodiments may vary. The relative arrangement of these components and elements should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0009] 1 to 7 are explanatory diagrams of a first embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus (recording apparatus) of this embodiment is an example of application as an inkjet printing apparatus equipped with a sheet supplying device for supplying sheets as printing media, a printing unit (recording unit) for printing images on the sheets, and a paper discharge unit for discharging the sheets to the front of the printing apparatus.

[0010] 1(a) and 1(b) are schematic diagrams of a printing apparatus 100 during front sheet ejection, which can accommodate two roll sheets (recording media) wound into a roll. Two sheet feeders 200 (feeders) are installed vertically. The upper one is called the upper feeder, and the lower one is called the lower feeder. Images are printed on sheets 1 selectively fed from the two roll sheets. Once printed, the sheets 1 are ejected from a front ejection guide 110 (ejection port) located at the front of the printing apparatus. Using various switches on the operation panel 2, the user can specify the size of the sheets 1, switch between online and offline modes, and input various commands to the printing apparatus 100. FIG. 1(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-section AA in FIG. 1(b)) of the main components of the printing apparatus 100 during front sheet ejection. Two sheet feeders 200, each corresponding to one roll R, are installed vertically. The sheet 1 drawn from the roll R by the supply device 200 is transported by a sheet transport unit (transport mechanism) 300 along a sheet transport path to a printing unit 400 where an image can be printed. Upper and lower roll covers 201 are arranged on the front of the supply device 200 so as to be rotatable relative to the printing device 100. The upper roll cover 201 is referred to as the upper cover member, and the lower roll cover 201 is referred to as the lower cover member. When the roll cover 201 is closed, it serves as the exterior surface. The roll R is loaded into the supply device 200 after the roll cover 201 is opened. The printing unit 400 prints an image on the sheet 1 by ejecting ink from an inkjet print head 18. The print head 18 ejects ink from ejection orifices using ejection energy generating elements such as electrothermal conversion elements (heaters) and piezoelectric elements. The print head 18 is not limited to an inkjet type, and the printing type of the printing unit 400 is not limited either, and may be, for example, a serial scan type or a full line type. In the case of the serial scan type, an image is printed by conveying the sheet 1 and scanning the print head 18 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sheet 1.In the case of the full-line method, an elongated print head 18 extending in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sheet 1 is used, and an image is printed on the sheet 1 while the sheet 1 is continuously conveyed.

[0011] The sheet 1 guided to the printing unit 400 is transported in the transport direction F1 by the transport roller pair 14. A cutter 21 and a front discharge guide unit 110 are arranged in this order downstream of the print head 18 in the transport direction F1, and the sheet 1 passes over the top of the front discharge guide unit 110 and is discharged to the front of the printing device, and after printing is completed, the cut sheet is discharged by its own weight and stored in a front discharge storage unit 29 that can be pulled out from the bottom of the printer and is located below in the direction of gravity.

[0012] Next, the front discharge sheet storage section 29 will be described in detail using Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a diagram of the printing device 100 in the state of Figure 1(b) with some parts not shown. The front discharge sheet storage section 29 is composed of a first holding member 130 that supports one end of a flexible polyester sheet-like receiving member (basket cloth) 120, and a second holding member 140 that supports the other end of this holding member on the side closer to the printing device 100. The basket cloth 120 has a sheet (recording medium) receiving surface to receive the discharged sheets 1. In addition, side rods 131 connected to both ends of this first holding member 130 can be pulled out. The drawer 150 is pivotally mounted and supported by a support unit integrally formed with the drawer 150 (storage unit). This provides a support mechanism that allows it to rotate around a rotation center 251 in the direction of arrow B from the state shown in FIG. 2(a). Furthermore, the drawer 150 is configured to slide relative to the printing device 100 in the direction of arrow C from the state shown in FIG. 2(a) using rails 160, allowing the front discharge storage unit 29 to be stored within the printing device 100 (device body). These mechanisms allow the first holding member 130 and the second holding member 140 to be positioned (receiving position) when the basket cloth 120 receives discharged sheets, and the first holding member 130 and the second holding member 140 to be positioned (storage position) when the basket cloth 120 is stored in the printing device 100, to be displaced by rotating the first holding member 130. Accordingly, the position of the drawer 150 in the receiving position (receiving position) and the position of the drawer 150 in the storage position (storage position) can be changed. The position of the first holding member 130 when the side rod 131 rotates toward the device body and the first holding member 130 is located within the drawer section 150 together with the side rod 131 is referred to as the first position. The position of the first holding member 130 when the side rod 131 is set upright at a predetermined angle so that the first holding member 130 is located above the drawer section 150 is referred to as the second position. Note that FIG. 1(a) shows a state in which the first holding member 130 is in the first position, the second holding member 140 is removed from the vicinity of the discharge port, the second holding member 140 and the basket cloth 120 are also stored in the drawer section 150, and the drawer section 150 is in the storage position. At this time, the basket cloth 120 is, for example, folded and stored in the drawer section 150, and the entire basket cloth 120 is stored in the drawer section 150. When using the basket cloth 120, as shown in Figure 1(b), the drawer 150 is pulled out from the device body, the basket cloth 120 is removed from the drawer 150, the first holding member 130 is set to the second position, and the second holding member 140 is fixed near the discharge port, and the basket cloth 120 is ready for use. At this time, the drawer 150 remains pulled out from the device body.In addition, the printing device 100 of this embodiment is configured to accommodate the basket cloth 120 in the accommodation configuration shown in FIG. 7 in addition to the accommodation configuration shown in FIG. 1(a). Details will be described later, but FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which, while the entire basket cloth 120 is accommodated in the drawer section 150 in FIG. 1(a), only a portion of the basket cloth 120 is accommodated in the drawer section 150, changing the orientation of the receiving surface of the basket cloth 120. In this way, this embodiment allows the user to select the accommodation state of the basket cloth 120 at their own discretion. Details of each configuration are provided below.

[0013] When the basket is not in use, dust accumulates if the basket cloth 120 is exposed with the receiving surface facing upward. When dust accumulates in the basket, it can come into contact with ejected printed materials, potentially causing scratches. Furthermore, a person's foot or an object could get caught in the hanging basket, damaging the basket itself or the parts that hold the basket, or even causing injury. Another issue is the poor appearance when installed in an office or other space. However, if the basket cloth 120 can be removed and placed in the drawer section 150 and stored inside the printing device 100 as in this embodiment, it can be removed and used as an ejected paper storage section only when needed, thereby solving these issues.

[0014] When discharging paper to the front side of the printing device, the drawer section 150 is pulled out from the printing device to the most exposed position (receiving position), the side rod 131 is in an upright position as shown in FIG. 6, and the first holding member 130 and the second holding member 140 are arranged (receiving arrangement) so that the receiving surface of the basket cloth 120 faces upward. At this time, the side rod 131 leans forward due to its own weight against a stopper (not shown) provided at the rotation center 251, since the first holding member 130 is located further forward of the printing device than the rotation center. The position where the first holding member is above the drawer section 150 is called the second position. When a strong external force is applied to the first holding member 130 or the side rod 131 in the forward direction, the side rod 131 bends and comes into contact with the front wall of the drawer section 150, so the force is received on the highly rigid drawer side. This prevents damage.

[0015] When the drawer unit 150 is pulled out, a predetermined space is provided between the lower bottom surface 51 of the drawer and the floor 52. A gap Z is provided in this predetermined space so that a person's toes can fit in. In this embodiment, as an example, the gap Z is approximately 85 mm. When the drawer unit 150 is pulled out and protruding, the user would normally have to stand in a position lower by the distance of the drawer unit 150, making it difficult to approach the front of the printing device. However, by providing the gap Z in this manner, the user can insert their toes under the drawer unit 150, so that even when standing in front of the printing device to operate the panel, etc., adverse effects on operability can be minimized.

[0016] 2(b) and 2(c) show the configuration of the basket cloth 120. This basket cloth 120 is detachably attached to the first holding member 130 and the second holding member 140. The proposed basket cloth 120 has at least one hook-and-loop fastener 121 in the width direction of the sheet 1, and the user wraps the basket cloth 120 around the two holding members at the installation site to fasten each pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 121. Here, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 121 are attached to the basket cloth 120, but this is not the only example. One of the hook-and-loop fasteners 121 may be attached to the second holding member 140, and the other hook-and-loop fastener 121 may be attached to the basket cloth 120 (FIG. 2(d)). Because this configuration uses a two-tiered sheet feeder 200, the lowest level is used to provide a front discharge storage section 29 that can also store the first holding member 130, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, if the printer device is a single-stage upper roller specification as shown in FIG. 2(e), the side rod 131 may be configured to be rotatable in and out of the printer device 100 in the space where the lower stage roller was located inside the printer device 100 without using the drawer section 150.

[0017] Continuing with Figure 3, the configuration of the second holding member 140 will be described. The second holding member 140 has positioning members 141 on both ends that determine the position of the basket cloth 120. These two positioning members 141 are configured to be detachable from the front discharge guide unit 110 near the discharge outlet of the printing device. By making them detachable, the second holding member 140 can be fixed in place when the basket cloth 120 is in use, and can be removed and moved to another location when the basket cloth 120 is not in use.

[0018] 4(a) through 4(d) will further explain the guide configuration when the second holding member 140 is installed in the printing device 100. The front paper ejection guide 110 described above is composed of an upstream paper ejection guide 111, a downstream paper ejection guide 112, and the second holding member 140. The positional relationship between the underside of the upstream paper ejection guide 111 and the downstream paper ejection guide 112 is such that they overlap horizontally (dashed line D) and a vertical space E is formed. The downstream paper ejection guide 112 overlaps horizontally, but the entire paper ejection guide section is not horizontal; it has an inclined shape 112a that slopes downward at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal in the paper ejection direction. In this proposal, the inclination is 17 degrees. As shown in FIG. 4(c) (FF cross section of FIG. 1(b)), the basket cloth 120 has a first set position, which is the receiving orientation for installation in the printing device 100, with the second holding member 140 inserted into the space E. In this case, the second holding member also has a cross-sectional shape consisting of a horizontal surface 140a and an inclined surface 140b in a cross-sectional view along arrow G, following the space E and the inclined shape 112a, and has hemmed portions 140c in the longitudinal direction on both the upstream and downstream sides of the paper discharge direction. This configuration achieves both space saving and strength. Furthermore, in this first set position, the second holding member 140a overlaps horizontally below the upstream paper discharge guide 111, preventing curled sheets 1 from getting caught on the basket cloth 120 even when discharged in the direction of arrow K.

[0019] The engaging member to be described later, with which the second holding member 140 engages, is attached to the upper roll cover 201. Because the basket cloth 120 is in the first set position, it can be opened and closed. Therefore, roll paper can be replaced without removing the basket cloth 120. Furthermore, in the first set position, the basket 120 covers the front of the printing device 100, preventing scratches and ink stains caused by contact with curled sheets. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the width Wf of the basket cloth 120 is larger than the maximum width Wp of the sheet 1 specified in the printing device specifications. Even when ejecting a sheet of the maximum width specified in the printing device specifications, the sheet 1 does not extend beyond the width of the basket cloth 120, as shown in FIG. 1(b). Furthermore, because the width Wf of the basket cloth 120 is large enough to fit inside the user operation units 141b at both ends (described below), the width of the sheet 1 is necessarily inside the hook units 141a.

[0020] 5(a), (b), and (c) will be used to provide a detailed description of the positioning members 141 that engage with the downstream discharge guides 112 provided on both ends of the second holding member 140. These positioning members 141 are configured to engage with the printing device 100 outside the maximum sheet width specified in the specifications when in the first set position, and this engagement portion 114 is located inside the length of the downstream discharge guide in the discharge direction. This configuration provides good visibility and easy access for the user.

[0021] Additionally, the outer side of the engaging portion 114 is formed with a slope 114a that increases in the sheet width direction as the sheet advances in the paper ejection direction. This serves as a guide when the user installs the positioning member 140. The positioning member 141 is formed with a hook portion 141a for engaging with the engaging portion 114. The second holding member 140 can be installed by engaging this hook portion 141a with a protrusion 114b made of the same material on the engaging portion 114 at a position lower than the paper ejection guide surface. Furthermore, a user operation portion 141b is provided above the hook portion 141a during installation. This makes it easy to recognize the hook position and also prevents the second holding member 140 from falling out of the space E between the upstream paper ejection guide 111 and the downstream paper ejection guide 112 and into the interior of the printing device 100. The total length of the second holding member 140, including the positioning members 141 at both ends, is configured to be shorter than the distance between the inner surfaces of the drawer portion 150 below the printer in the sheet width direction. Therefore, when not in use, it can be stored in the drawer section 150 in the same way as the first holding member 130.

[0022] Figure 6 is a side view of the cross section of the paper storage section. When the various components are set up to allow paper to be ejected, the basket cloth 120 contacts the bottom surface 50 of the drawer section 150. This allows the bottom surface 50 of the drawer section 150 to function as a support surface separate from the first holding member when paper is ejected onto the basket cloth, allowing the drawer to support the paper's weight. This reduces the load on the first holding member 130 and the second holding member 140 due to the weight of the paper ejected, simplifying the configuration. Specifically, as described above, the first holding member 130 leans toward the front of the printing device under its own weight, eliminating the need for a locking mechanism to maintain its position. When the basket cloth and the drawer bottom surface 50 are not in contact, the weight of the paper ejected falls on the first holding member 130 and the second holding member 140. Without a locking mechanism, the first holding member 130 would rotate in the direction of arrow B from the position shown in Figure 2(a) when a certain weight is applied. Possible solutions to this problem include adding a locking mechanism or tilting the side rod 131, but these would increase costs and the installation area. Similarly, the second holding member 140 also places a load on the protrusion 114b where the hook 141a engages, so measures such as replacing the protrusion with a material with a higher load capacity would be necessary. However, by maintaining contact between the basket cloth and the drawer bottom, the load on the first holding member 130 and the second holding member 140 is reduced, resulting in a simple and inexpensive configuration. In this embodiment, the basket cloth 120 is configured to contact the drawer bottom 50 before paper ejection when the basket is set. However, a similar effect can be achieved by not contacting the basket cloth 120 at this stage and only contacting the drawer bottom 50 when the paper is ejected and the basket 120 bends.

[0023] As shown in Figure 6(a), a gap 250 is provided between the upper roll cover 201 and the lower roll cover 202. This clearance is necessary when the upper and lower roll covers rotate together to open and close. If the basket cloth 120 is not attached, the sheet 1 unwound from the roll will move downward, rubbing its leading edge against the upper roll cover due to its curling tendency. When it reaches the gap 250, the leading edge of the sheet 1 is caught in the gap 250, which functions as a stop for the sheet 1. As shown by the sheet 1 (solid line) in Figure 6(b), the curl causes the sheet to bulge, leaving its leading edge in the gap 250. The sheet is then ejected as shown by the sheet 1 (dashed line) in Figure 6(b), with its leading edge inserted into the gap. The printed surface of the inserted leading edge comes into contact with the lower roll cover, resulting in scratches on the printed surface. As shown in Figure 6(a) in this embodiment, when a basket cloth is placed in front of the gap 250, the leading edge of the sheet 1 advances while pressing its leading edge against the upper roll cover 201 via the basket. Because a portion of the basket cloth 120 deforms into a concave shape, when the leading edge of the sheet reaches the gap 250, the basket cloth 120's flexibility pushes it into the gap 250, causing the leading edge to curl, just as it would if the basket cloth were not attached. However, because the basket cloth 120 is present between the print surface and the gap 250 or the lower roll cover 202, there is no direct contact between the print surface and a rigid body. Furthermore, if the sheet 1 curls on the paper ejection guide, it can cause paper lift near the head, rubbing against the print surface and the head, resulting in scratches. However, the risk of paper lift is low once the leading edge of the sheet has passed the paper ejection guide and exited the front of the printing device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the leading edge of the sheet curls only after reaching the gap 250 below the upper roll cover 201, preventing paper lift. By rolling the paper in the discharged paper storage section in this way, the paper's orientation can be stabilized when stored. Also, by rolling the paper, storage efficiency is improved, allowing more paper to be discharged and stored.

[0024] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first holding member 130 when it is rotated toward the printer body without being removed from the printer, closing the drawer section 150. The state of the basket cloth 120 at this time is indicated by a dashed line. Let L1 be the distance along the exterior from the first holding member 130 to the top edge 150a of the drawer, L2 be the distance from the top edge 150a of the drawer to the first holding member in the retracted state, and L3 be the length of the basket cloth 120 in the ejection direction. The relationship L3 > L1 + L2 is established. The retracted state of the first holding member 130 refers to a state in which the first holding member 130 is retracted in a position where it will not hit any components of the printer body even if the drawer 150 is pulled out. In Figure 7, the first holding member 130 is positioned at its highest point in the retracted state. This configuration prevents the first holding member 130 from coming into contact with components on the printer body, even when the drawer section 150 is closed without removing it from the printer. The tensioned basket cloth 120 causes the first holding member to rotate around the pivot point 251, preventing it from coming into contact with components on the printer body. This allows the drawer section 150 to be opened and closed smoothly. Figure 7 shows a configuration in which the entire receiving member is not housed, as in Figure 1(a). Instead, the receiving surface of the exposed portion of the basket cloth 120 faces sideways, while the receiving surface of the portion of the basket cloth 120 inside the housing faces downward. In this way, Figure 7 allows the receiving surface of the basket cloth 120 to be oriented other than upward without removing the second holding member 140 while it remains fixed near the discharge port. This configuration also prevents dust and other particles from adhering to the receiving surface of the basket cloth 120. Therefore, this configuration is more easily implemented than Figure 1(a) to prevent dust and other particles from adhering to the basket cloth 120. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the basket cloth 120 is installed on the front of the device body. Therefore, when it is necessary to access the device from the front of the device body, for example, to change the paper feed unit inside the device, the configuration is changed to accommodate the entire receiving member as shown in FIG. 1(a). In this way, the user can freely change the configuration of the basket cloth 120 depending on the purpose of use. Note that the drawer section 150 may be closed with the second holding member accommodated in it.

[0025] In addition, in the storage arrangement, the receiving member is oriented so that the receiving surface does not face upward. The one shown in is merely an example, and various other positions and storage configurations may be adopted, as long as it is ensured that at least dust does not accumulate on the receiving surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 120...basket cloth, 130...first holding member, 131...side rod, 150...drawer section, 150a...upper part of drawer, 251...rotation center

Claims

1. a setting unit for setting a roll sheet in which a sheet is wound in a roll shape; a recording unit that records an image on a sheet supplied from the roll sheet set in the setting unit; a discharge section provided above the setting section and configured to discharge the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording section in a discharge direction; a receiving member that receives the sheet discharged from the discharge section; A recording device comprising: A recording device comprising a moving section that extends horizontally along a rail and moves horizontally along the rail without rotating between a first position where the receiving member receives a sheet and a second position where the receiving member does not receive a sheet.

2. A recording device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that when the moving part is in the second position, at least a portion of the receiving member is housed inside the device main body.

3. A recording device as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the horizontal length on the side of the device body from the discharge section to the moving section in the vertical direction is the same.

4. A recording device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that when the moving part is at the first position and the receiving member receives a sheet, the receiving member receives the sheet between a first end downstream in the discharge direction and a second end upstream.

5. A recording device as described in Claim 4, characterized in that the first end is supported outside the device body by a support mechanism.

6. A recording device as described in Claim 4, characterized in that the second end is located above the set portion.

7. A recording device as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the moving part is in the first position and the receiving member receives a sheet, the receiving member covers at least a portion of the front of the setting part.

8. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving section has an exterior surface that forms a part of an exterior section that becomes the front face of the apparatus body when the moving section is in the second position.

9. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the exterior surface is formed on a plate-like member.

10. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second setting section below the setting section for setting a roll sheet in which a sheet is wound in a roll shape.

11. A recording device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that when the moving part is at the first position and the receiving member receives a sheet, the lowest point of the receiving member is below the setting part.

12. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records an image on a sheet by ejecting ink from a print head.

Images