Recording device

Abstract

To solve the problem in which there is the risk of a recording device having a medium storage part, an inversion part, and a feeding part, increasing in size in the device height direction, the recording device.SOLUTION: A printer 10 includes a sheet cassette part 16, a line head 40, an inversion part 50, and a feeding part 60. The inversion part 50 has an inversion passage R, and inverts the surface / rear surface of a recorded sheet P. The inversion passage R includes a curve path R4 which is convex downward in the Z direction, and is connected to an upstream portion and a downstream portion with respect to the line head 40 in a conveyance path T. The feeding part 60 has a feeding passage K connected to the conveyance path T, and feeds the sheet P to the conveyance path T. When viewed from the Y direction, at least part of the feeding part 60, at least part of the curve path R4 and at least part of the sheet cassette part 16 are overlapped in the Z direction respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0005] , , , , , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the second conveyance path, the confluence portion of the third conveyance path and the re-conveyance path, and the paper feed cassette are at different positions in the apparatus height direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the second conveyance path as the feeding unit, the re-conveyance path as the reversing unit, and the paper feed cassette as the medium storage unit are at different positions in the apparatus height direction. For this reason, the image forming apparatus has been enlarged in the apparatus height direction. Thus, in a recording apparatus having a medium storage unit, a reversing unit, and a feeding unit, there is a risk that the recording apparatus will be enlarged in the apparatus height direction.​​​​​​To solve the above problems, the recording device according to the present invention comprises: at least one media storage section for storing a medium; a recording section located above the media storage section in the device height direction and performing recording on the medium being transported from the media storage section along a transport path; a reversal path including a curved path that is convex downward in the device height direction, the reversal path being connected to an upstream and downstream portion of the transport path relative to the recording section, and a reversal section for reversing the front and back sides of the medium recorded by the recording section; and a supply section having a supply path connected to an upstream portion of the transport path relative to the recording section, and supplying the medium from the supply path to the transport path, wherein, when viewed from the device width direction intersecting the device height direction, at least a part of the supply section, at least a part of the curved path, and at least a part of the media storage section overlap in the device height direction, respectively. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A magnified view of a part of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A magnified view of a part of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A magnified view of a part of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the first cassette and feed roller of a printer according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The present invention will be described in general terms below. A recording device according to the first embodiment comprises: at least one media storage section for storing a medium; a recording section located above the media storage section in the device height direction and performing recording on the medium being transported from the media storage section along a transport path; a reversal path including a curved path that is convex downward in the device height direction, the reversal path being connected to an upstream and downstream portion of the transport path relative to the recording section, and a reversal section for reversing the front and back sides of the medium recorded by the recording section; and a supply section having a supply path connected to an upstream portion of the transport path relative to the recording section, and supplying the medium from the supply path to the transport path, characterized in that, when viewed from the device width direction intersecting the device height direction, at least a part of the supply section, at least a part of the curved path, and at least a part of the media storage section overlap in the device height direction, respectively. According to this embodiment, when viewed from the width direction of the device, at least a portion of the feeding section, at least a portion of the curved path, and at least a portion of the media storage section overlap in the height direction of the device. As a result, the space required for arranging the feeding section, the curved path, and the media storage section in the height direction of the device is smaller than the space required in a configuration where the feeding section, the curved path, and the media storage section do not overlap, thus allowing the height of the recording device to be reduced.

[0008] The recording device according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, comprises a media storage section having a first storage section having a first length in the device width direction and a second storage section located below the first storage section in the device height direction and having a second length longer than the first length in the device width direction, wherein at least one of at least a portion of the curved path and at least a portion of the feeding section is located in a region outside the first storage section in the device width direction and above the second storage section in the device height direction. According to this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which at least a portion of the curved path or at least a portion of the feeding section is not located within the region outside the first housing section in the width direction of the device and above the second housing section in the height direction of the device, the space required for arranging the feeding section or the curved path is smaller, so the height of the recording device can be reduced.

[0009] The recording device according to the third embodiment is characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the path extending from the second housing to the curved path is used as a supply path, and the supply path and the supply path are connected to the curved path together after they merge. According to this embodiment, since a portion of the supply path and a portion of the delivery path are shared, the number of members provided in the transport path through which the medium is transported can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the supply path and the delivery path are connected separately to the curved path.

[0010] The recording device according to the fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in the third embodiment, the junction where the supply path and the supply path merge overlaps with a part of the first housing section in the height direction of the device when viewed from the width direction of the device. According to this embodiment, the space required for arranging the confluence section and the first housing section in the height direction of the device is smaller than the space required for a configuration in which the confluence section and the first housing section do not overlap, so the height of the recording device can be reduced.

[0011] The recording device according to the fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the feeding unit includes a feeding roller for feeding the medium to the transport path, and when viewed from the width direction of the device, at least a part of the feeding roller, at least a part of the curved path, and at least a part of the medium storage unit overlap in the height direction of the device. According to this embodiment, when viewed from the width direction of the device, at least a portion of the feed roller, at least a portion of the curved path, and at least a portion of the media storage section overlap in the height direction of the device. As a result, the space required for arranging the feed roller, the curved path, and the media storage section in the height direction of the device is smaller than the space required in a configuration where the feed roller, the curved path, and the media storage section do not overlap, thus allowing the height of the recording device to be reduced.

[0012] The recording device according to the sixth embodiment is characterized in that, when viewed from the width direction of the device, the entire length of the feeding roller in the height direction of the device overlaps with the media storage section in the height direction of the device. According to this embodiment, the height of the recording device can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the feeding roller and the media storage section do not overlap in the height direction of the device when viewed from the width direction of the device.

[0013] The recording device according to the seventh embodiment is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the feeding unit comprises a feeding tray on which a plurality of media can be placed, and a separation roller for separating one of the media from the plurality of media placed on the feeding tray, and when viewed from the width direction of the device, the separation roller and at least a part of the media storage unit overlap in the height direction of the device. According to this embodiment, when viewed from the width direction of the device, the separation roller and at least a part of the media storage section overlap in the height direction of the device. As a result, the space required for arranging the separation roller and the media storage section in the height direction of the device is smaller than the space required in a configuration where the separation roller and the media storage section do not overlap, so that the height of the recording device can be reduced.

[0014] In the recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, the reversing unit further has an upstream path located upstream of the curved path in the conveyance direction of the medium, the upstream path has an inclined portion inclined along an intersecting direction intersecting the apparatus height direction, and when viewed from the apparatus height direction, at least a part of the inclined portion and at least a part of the feeding unit overlap in the apparatus width direction. According to this aspect, since at least a part of the feeding unit is arranged in the space secured by the upstream path having the inclined portion, the width of the recording apparatus can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which a part of the upstream path extends in the apparatus width direction.

[0015] In the recording apparatus according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, the curved path includes a pair of conveyance rollers for conveying the medium, and when viewed from the apparatus width direction, at least a part of the feeding unit and at least a part of the pair of conveyance rollers overlap in the apparatus height direction. According to this aspect, since the curved path includes a pair of conveyance rollers for conveying the medium, the medium can be appropriately conveyed along the curved path as compared with a configuration having no pair of conveyance rollers. Further, when viewed from the apparatus width direction, at least a part of the feeding unit and at least a part of the pair of conveyance rollers overlap in the apparatus height direction, so that the height of the recording apparatus can be reduced.

[0016] Hereinafter, a printer 10 as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 is configured as an example of a recording apparatus that performs recording by discharging ink Q onto a sheet P. Note that the X - Y - Z coordinate system shown in each figure is a rectangular coordinate system. The sheet P is an example of a medium. The ink Q is an example of a liquid.

[0017] The X direction is a horizontal direction. The base end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is the -X direction, and the tip end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is the +X direction. Also, the X direction is the width direction of the sheet P. The Y direction is an example of the width direction of the apparatus, and is the depth direction and the horizontal direction of the printer 10. The tip side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is the +Y direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is the -Y direction. The Z direction is an example of the height direction of the apparatus, and is a direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction. The tip side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is the +Z direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is the -Z direction. In the following description, the +Z direction may be referred to as "upward" and the -Z direction may be referred to as "downward".

[0018] The A direction is a direction that intersects the Y direction when viewed from the X direction, and is a diagonal direction in which the position in the -Y direction is lower in the -Z direction with respect to the position in the +Y direction. The tip side of the arrow indicating the A direction is the +A direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the A direction is the -A direction. The +A direction is the direction in which the line head 40 described later approaches the conveyance belt 31. The -A direction is the direction in which the line head 40 retreats from the conveyance belt 31. The B direction is a direction orthogonal to the A direction when viewed from the X direction. The tip side of the arrow indicating the B direction is the +B direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the B direction is the -B direction. The +B direction is the conveyance direction of the sheet P in the recording area between the line head 40 and the conveyance belt 31.

[0019] In the printer 10, the sheet P is conveyed through the conveyance path T represented by the broken line. Note that since the conveyance direction in which the sheet P is conveyed is the direction along the conveyance path T, it is different for each part of the conveyance path T. The direction in which the sheet P is being conveyed may be referred to as "downstream", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream". Note that in the printer 10, as examples of the sheet P, sheets PA and PB having different lengths in the conveyance direction can be used. The length of the sheet PA in the conveyance direction is shorter than the length of the sheet PB in the conveyance direction.

[0020] The printer 10, as an example, includes a main unit 12 and an extension unit 13 positioned below the main unit 12. Specifically, the printer 10 includes a paper cassette section 16, a line head 40, a reversing section 50, and a paper feeding section 60. Furthermore, the printer 10 includes an ink supply section 30, a cap unit 32, a wiper unit 34, a waste liquid tank 38, and a control unit (not shown).

[0021] The main unit 12 includes an outer casing. An output tray 17 is provided in the part of the main unit 12 located in the +Z direction from the center in the Z direction. Paper cassette sections 16 are provided in both the main unit 12 and the expansion unit 13. An opening 14 is formed at the -Y end of the main unit 12, opening in the Y direction. The transport path T, which will be described later, can be exposed when the opening 14 is open.

[0022] The expansion unit 13 includes an outer casing. The expansion unit 13 is detachable from the main unit 12. The upper end of the expansion unit 13 in the +Z direction is connected to the lower end of the main unit 12 in the -Z direction. This allows for the transport of paper P from the expansion unit 13 to the main unit 12. The output tray 17 is the area from which the paper P recorded by the line head 40 is ejected. For example, the output tray 17 extends along direction A. In the output tray 17, the +A ends of the multiple sheets of paper P placed on it are aligned along direction B.

[0023] The paper cassette section 16 is an example of at least one media storage section for storing paper P. For example, the paper cassette section 16 includes a first cassette 22 provided in the main unit 12, and a second cassette 24 and a third cassette 26 provided in the expansion unit 13. The first cassette 22 is an example of a first storage section for storing paper PA. The first cassette 22 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box with an opening in the +Z direction. The first cassette 22 has a first length L1 [mm] in the Y direction. The paper P stored in the first cassette 22 is fed into the transport path T by the rotation of the pickup roller 19A and the roller pair 19B.

[0024] The second cassette 24 is an example of a second storage section for storing paper PB. The second cassette 24 is located below the first cassette 22 in the Z direction. The second cassette 24 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box opening in the +Z direction. The second cassette 24 has a second length L2 [mm] in the Y direction. The second length L2 is longer than the first length L1. The length of the second cassette 24 in the X direction is longer than the length of the first cassette 22 in the X direction. The paper P stored in the second cassette 24 is fed through path T2 to transport path T by the rotation of the pickup roller 19A and roller pair 19B. The third cassette 26 is located below the second cassette 24 in the Z direction within the expansion unit 13. For example, the third cassette 26 has the same configuration as the second cassette 24, differing only in its placement. Therefore, a description of the third cassette 26 is omitted.

[0025] The ink supply unit 30 supplies ink Q to the line head 40, which will be described later. The cap unit 32 is configured as a box shape that opens in the -A direction. The cap unit 32 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) and can move back and forth along the B direction. When maintenance of the line head 40 is performed, the cap unit 32 is moved in the +B direction to cover the ejection unit 42 (described later) and to draw in the ink Q. When recording is performed by the line head 40, the cap unit 32 is retracted in the -B direction.

[0026] The wiper unit 34 has a unit body 36 capable of containing ink Q, and a wiper blade 37 provided on the unit body 36 for wiping off ink Q adhering to the discharge section 42. The wiper unit 34 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) and is capable of reciprocating movement along the X direction. When performing maintenance on the line head 40, the wiper unit 34 recovers ink Q by wiping the surface of the discharge section 42 while moving in the +X direction. When recording is performed by the line head 40, the wiper unit 34 retracts to a home position in the -X direction.

[0027] The waste liquid tank 38 is replaceably installed approximately in the center of the main unit 12 in the Y and Z directions. The waste liquid tank 38 contains the ink Q recovered in the cap unit 32 and the ink Q recovered in the wiper unit 34. The control unit (not shown) comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage (not shown), and controls the transport of paper P in the printer 10 and the operation of each part, including the line head 40.

[0028] When the line head 40 is in its home position before operation, it is positioned above the paper cassette section 16 and the waste liquid tank 38 in the Z direction. The line head 40 is an example of a recording unit that records on paper P transported from the paper cassette section 16 along the transport path T described later. The line head 40 can move in the +A and -A directions by being driven by the moving mechanism section 44 described later. Specifically, the line head 40 comprises a carriage 41 driven by a moving mechanism 44 and a discharge unit 42 supported by the carriage 41. The ejection unit 42 ejects the ink Q supplied from the ink supply unit 30 toward the paper P.

[0029] The moving mechanism 44 is configured, for example, to include a rack 46, a pinion 48, and a motor (not shown). The rack portion 46 is attached to the bottom of the carriage 41 in the -Z direction. The rack portion 46 has a plurality of teeth (not shown). The pinion 48 is rotated in the forward or reverse direction by the motor. Multiple teeth (not shown) are formed on the outer circumference of the pinion 48, which mesh with multiple teeth of the rack portion 46.

[0030] The transport path T extends from the paper cassette section 16 to the output tray 17 and is the path through which the paper P is transported. The transport path T is equipped with a pickup roller 19A, a roller pair 19B, a receiving roller pair 21, roller pairs 23 and 25, a transport belt 31, a drive roller 33, a driven roller 35, a roller pair 27, and an output roller pair 29. Each roller pair rotates around an axis along the X direction. The drive roller 33 and the driven roller 35 are spaced apart in the B direction and are rotatable around an axis along the X direction.

[0031] The receiving roller pair 21 is rotatably mounted at the lower end in the Z direction of the main unit 12. The receiving roller pair 21 is an example of a receiving member that receives paper P transported from the extension unit 13. When viewed from the Y direction, a part of the receiving roller pair 21 and a part of the first cassette 22 overlap in the Z direction. The area in which a part of the receiving roller pair 21 and a part of the first cassette 22 overlap is a range H7 [mm] in the Z direction (Figure 3). Range H7 is, for example, wider than range H1 (Figure 4), which will be described later, and narrower than range H4 (Figure 3).

[0032] The conveyor belt 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is wrapped around the drive roller 33 and the driven roller 35. The conveyor belt 31 is positioned in the +A direction relative to the line head 40. The conveyor belt 31 is moved in a circular motion by the rotation of the drive roller 33 by a motor (not shown). The paper P is conveyed in the +B direction as the conveyor belt 31 moves in a circular motion while in contact with the outer surface of the conveyor belt 31.

[0033] Specifically, the transport route T includes, for example, route T1, route T2, route T3, route T4, and route T5. The path T1 extends from the -Y end position in the third cassette 26 to the nip center position N1 in the roller pair 23. Route T2 is an example of a supply path that extends from the -Y end position in the second cassette 24 toward the curved path R4 described later, and merges with the receiving roller pair 21 in route T1 at an upstream position.

[0034] The path T3 extends from the nip center position N1 to the nip center position N2 in the roller pair 25. The center position in the conveying direction of path T3 is designated as position B (Figure 2). Route T4 extends from the -Y end position in the first cassette 22 and merges with route T3. The path T5 extends from the nip center position N2 through the conveyor belt 31 and the roller pair 27 to the nip center position N3 at the discharge roller pair 29.

[0035] The reversing unit 50, for example, includes a reversing path R, four pairs of rollers 52, and a motor (not shown). The reversing unit 50 reverses the front and back sides of the paper P recorded by the line head 40, and then feeds the paper P back into the transport path T. The reversal path R includes a curved path R4 and is connected to the upstream and downstream portions of the conveying path T relative to the line head 40. The reversal path R may include, as an example, a branch path R1, a switchback path R2, an upstream path R3, and a curved path R4. The branch path R1 branches off from path T5 at a position in the +Z direction relative to roller pair 27 and extends toward a position in both the -Y and +Z directions. The switchback path R2 extends from the +Z end of the branch path R1 toward a position in both the +Y and +Z directions.

[0036] The upstream path R3 is located upstream of the curved path R4 (described later) and downstream of the switchback path R2 in the direction of paper transport P. The upstream path R3, as an example, has a vertical path section R3A and an inclined section R3B. The vertical path section R3A extends linearly in the -Z direction from the point where the branch path R1 and the switchback path R2 merge.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the inclined section R3B extends linearly from position E, which is the end point in the -Z direction of the vertical path section R3A, toward a position in both the +Y and -Z directions. In other words, the inclined section R3B is inclined along the intersecting direction that intersects the Z direction. In Figure 2, the intersecting direction is indicated by arrow D. When viewed from the X direction, the acute angle formed by the inclined portion R3B and the Y direction is defined as angle θ [°]. An example of angle θ is 75°. It is preferable that angle θ be set to 60° or more and less than 90°. In addition, the space located in the -Y direction relative to the reversing path R within the main unit 12 is widened in the Y direction in the portion where the inclined portion R3B is formed.

[0038] The curved path R4 is located downstream of the upstream path R3 in the paper transport direction of the paper P. Specifically, the upstream end of the curved path R4 connects to the lower end of the inclined section R3B in the -Z direction. The position where the inclined section R3B and the curved path R4 connect is designated as position A. The curved path R4 is a path that is curved so as to be convex downward in the Z direction when viewed from the X direction. Furthermore, the curved path R4 merges with path T3 at the nip center position N1 of the roller pair 23. In this embodiment, as an example, the portion of path T3 from the nip center position N1 to position B is included in the curved path R4. The roller pair 23 is an example of a transport roller pair provided in the curved path R4. The roller pair 23 transports the paper P as it rotates.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the feeding unit 60 includes, for example, a feeding tray 62, a feeding roller 64, and a separation roller 66. Thus, the feeding unit 60 has a feeding path K in which the feeding roller 64 and the separation roller 66 are arranged. The feeding unit 60 then feeds the paper P from the feeding tray 62 to the transport path T via the feeding path K. The feeding path K extends from the feeding tray 62 to the transport path T and is connected to the upstream portion of the line head 40 (Figure 1) in the transport path T, and is the path through which the paper P is fed.

[0040] The paper feed tray 62 is rotatably mounted on the side of the main unit 12 in the -Y direction, below the center in the Z direction. The paper feed tray 62 can hold multiple sheets of paper P when tilted relative to the main unit 12. The paper feed tray 62 can also be stored in the main unit 12. A lift-up mechanism (not shown) is provided between the paper feed tray 62 and the separation roller 66 to push the paper P upwards.

[0041] The feed roller 64 is positioned downstream of the feed tray 62 and above the feed path K in the direction of paper feeding P in the feed path K. The feed roller 64 is rotated by a motor (not shown) and feeds the paper P to the transport path T while rotating. The separation roller 66 is positioned downstream of the feed tray 62 and below the feed path K in the paper feeding direction of the paper P in the feed path K. The separation roller 66 is rotated in the opposite direction to the feed roller 64 by a motor (not shown). This separates and feeds one sheet of paper P from multiple sheets of paper P placed on the feed tray 62.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the area outside the first cassette 22 in the -Y direction in the Y direction, and above the second cassette 24 in the Z direction, is defined as the placement area S. Here, a portion of the curved path R4 is located within the placement area S. The feeding path K and the path T2 merge at position C upstream of the curved path R4 in the direction of paper transport, and both paths connect to the curved path R4. In other words, after merging, the feeding path K and the path T2 both connect to the curved path R4.

[0043] The junction TA is a part of the transport path T where the feed path K and path T2 merge. The junction TA is a path portion that includes the area around position C. When viewed from the Y direction, the junction TA overlaps with a part of the first cassette 22 in the Z direction. The range in which the junction TA and a part of the first cassette 22 overlap in the Z direction is, for example, a range H1 [mm] in the Z direction. Note that the part of the first cassette 22 refers to a part of the paper cassette section 16.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, when viewed from the Y direction, the entire Z-direction of the feed roller 64 overlaps with a portion of the first cassette 22 in the Z-direction. The overlapping area between the feed roller 64 and a portion of the first cassette 22 is the Z-direction range H2 [mm]. Range H2 is, for example, wider than range H1 (Figure 4). In this embodiment, "viewed from the Y direction" means viewing the object in the Y direction while it is facing the -Y direction at a position in the +Y direction relative to the printer 10. Alternatively, "viewed from the Y direction" can also mean viewing the printer 10 from the side, either from the +Y direction toward the -Y direction or from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction, i.e., a side view.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the Y direction, a portion of the feed roller 64, a portion of the curved path R4, and a portion of the first cassette 22 overlap in the Z direction. The overlapping area of ​​a portion of the feed roller 64, a portion of the curved path R4, and a portion of the first cassette 22 is a range H3 [mm] in the Z direction. For example, range H3 is wider than range H1 (Figure 4) and narrower than range H2 (Figure 5).

[0046] When viewed from the Y direction, the separation roller 66 and a portion of the first cassette 22 overlap in the Z direction. The overlapping area of ​​the separation roller 66 and a portion of the first cassette 22 is a range H4 [mm] in the Z direction. Range H4 is, for example, wider than range H1 (Figure 4) and narrower than range H3.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, when viewed from the Z direction, the inclined section R3B and the feed roller 64, which is part of the feed section 60, overlap in the Y direction. The overlapping area of ​​the inclined section R3B and the feed roller 64 is a range W1 [mm] in the Y direction. In this embodiment, "viewed from the Z direction" means viewing the object in the Z direction while it is positioned in the +Z direction relative to the printer 10 and facing the -Z direction. Alternatively, "viewed from the Z direction" can also mean viewing the printer 10 from above, looking from the +Z direction towards the -Z direction, i.e., a top view.

[0048] When viewed from the Y direction, a portion of the feeding roller 64 and a portion of the separating roller 66, which are part of the feeding section 60, overlap with the roller pair 23 in the Z direction. The range in which a portion of the feeding roller 64 and a portion of the separating roller 66 overlaps with the roller pair 23 is a range H5 [mm] in the Z direction. Range H5 is wider than range H2 (Figure 5).

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the Y direction, a portion of the feeding section 60, a portion of the curved path R4, and a portion of the first cassette 22 overlap in the Z direction. The overlapping area of ​​a portion of the feeding section 60, a portion of the curved path R4, and a portion of the first cassette 22 is a range H6 [mm] in the Z direction. Range H6 is wider than range H5 (Figure 2).

[0050] Next, the operation of printer 10 will be explained. For the configuration of each part of printer 10, please refer to Figures 1 through 5, and the individual figure numbers will be omitted. According to the printer 10, when viewed from the Y direction, a portion of the paper feeding unit 60, a portion of the curved path R4, and a portion of the paper cassette unit 16 overlap in the Z direction. As a result, the space required for the placement of the paper feeding unit 60, the curved path R4, and the paper cassette unit 16 in the Z direction is smaller than the space required for a configuration in which the paper feeding unit 60, the curved path R4, and the paper cassette unit 16 do not overlap, thus allowing the height of the printer 10 in the Z direction to be reduced.

[0051] In printer 10, compared to a configuration where a portion of the curved path R4 is not located within the placement area S that is outside the first cassette 22 in the Y direction and above the second cassette 24 in the Z direction, the space required for the placement of the curved path R4 is smaller, thus allowing the height of printer 10 in the Z direction to be reduced. According to the printer 10, since a portion of the feed path K and a portion of the path T2 are shared, the number of components provided in the transport path T through which the paper P is transported can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the feed path K and path T2 are connected separately to the curved path R4.

[0052] According to the printer 10, the space required for arranging the merging section TA and the first cassette 22 in the Z direction is smaller than the space required for a configuration in which the merging section TA and the first cassette 22 do not overlap, so the height of the printer 10 in the Z direction can be reduced. According to the printer 10, when viewed from the Y direction, a portion of the feed roller 64, a portion of the curved path R4, and a portion of the paper cassette section 16 overlap in the Z direction. As a result, the space required for the placement of the feed roller 64, the curved path R4, and the paper cassette section 16 in the Z direction is smaller than the space required for a configuration in which the feed roller 64, the curved path R4, and the paper cassette section 16 do not overlap, thus allowing the height of the printer 10 in the Z direction to be reduced.

[0053] According to the printer 10, the height of the printer 10 in the Z direction can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the feed roller 64 and the paper cassette section 16 do not overlap in the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction. According to the printer 10, when viewed from the Y direction, the separation roller 66 and a part of the paper cassette section 16 overlap in the Z direction. As a result, the space required for the arrangement of the separation roller 66 and the paper cassette section 16 in the Z direction is smaller than the space required in a configuration where the separation roller 66 and the paper cassette section 16 do not overlap, thus allowing the height of the printer 10 in the Z direction to be reduced.

[0054] According to the printer 10, since a portion of the feeding section 60 is positioned in the space secured by the inclined section R3B of the upstream path R3, the width of the printer 10 in the Y direction can be reduced compared to a configuration in which a portion of the upstream path R3 extends in the Y direction. According to the printer 10, since the curved path R4 is equipped with a pair of rollers 23 for transporting the paper P, the paper P can be transported more appropriately along the curved path R4 compared to a configuration without the pair of rollers 23. Furthermore, when viewed from the Y direction, a part of the feeding section 60 and the pair of rollers 23 overlap in the Z direction, so the height of the printer 10 in the Z direction can be reduced.

[0055] The printer 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is basically configured as described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0056] In the printer 10, when viewed from the Y direction, the entirety of the feeding unit 60, the entirety of the curved path R4, and the entirety of the paper cassette unit 16 may overlap in the Z direction. The area S may not only contain a portion of the curved path R4, but may also contain the entire curved path R4. Furthermore, the area S may contain at least a portion of the feeding unit 60. In addition, the area S may contain at least a portion of the curved path R4 and at least a portion of the feeding unit 60.

[0057] In the printer 10, the supply path K and the path T2 may be connected separately to the curved path R4. The junction TA does not need to overlap with the first cassette 22 in the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, at least a portion of the feed roller 64, at least a portion of the curved path R4, and at least a portion of the paper cassette section 16 may overlap in the Z direction. Alternatively, the feed roller 64 may not overlap with at least a portion of the curved path R4 and at least a portion of the paper cassette section 16 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, only a portion of the feed roller 64 in the Z direction may overlap with a portion of the paper cassette section 16 in the Z direction.

[0058] In the printer 10, the feeding unit 60 does not necessarily have a feeding tray 62 and a separation roller 66. For example, paper P transported from outside the printer 10 may be fed to the transport path T by the rotation of the feeding roller 64 in the feeding path K. The upstream path R3 does not necessarily have to have an inclined section R3B. Also, when viewed from the Z direction, a part of the inclined section R3B and at least a part of the feeding section 60 may overlap in the Y direction. The curved path R4 does not necessarily have to include the roller pair 23. For example, a curved guide member may be provided, and the paper P may be guided by contact between the guide member and the paper P. Also, when viewed from the Y direction, at least a part of the feeding section 60 and the entire roller pair 23 may overlap in the Z direction.

[0059] In the printer 10, the direction of movement of the line head 40 is not limited to the A direction, but may also be along the Y direction. The paper cassette section 16 may be configured to have only the first cassette 22, or to have no third cassette 26. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10...Printer, 12...Main unit, 13...Expansion unit, 14...Opening 16...Paper cassette section, 17...Output tray, 19A...Pickup roller, 19B...Roller pair, 21...Receiving roller pair, 22...First cassette, 23...Roller pair 24...2nd cassette, 25...Roller pair, 26...3rd cassette, 27...Roller pair, 29...Discharge roller pair, 30...Ink supply unit, 31...Conveyor belt, 32...Cap unit, 33...Drive roller, 34...Wiper unit, 35...Driven roller, 36...Unit body, 37...Wiper blade, 38...Waste liquid tank, 40...Line head, 41...Carriage, 42...Discharge section 44...Moving mechanism, 46...Rack, 48...Pinion, 50...Reversing mechanism 52...Roller pair, 60...Feeding unit, 62...Feeding tray, 64...Feeding roller, 66...Separation roller, A...Position, B...Position, C...Position, E...Position, H1...Range H2...range, H3...range, H4...range, H5...range, H6...range, H7...range, K...feeding path, L1...first length, L2...second length, N1...nip center position. N2...Nip center position, N3...Nip center position, P...Paper, PA...Paper, PB...Paper R1...Branching route, R2...Switchback route, R3...Upstream route, R3A...Longitudinal route section R3B... Inclined section, R4... Curved path, S... Placement area, T... Conveyor path, T1... Path, T2...path, T3...path, T4...path, T5...path, W1...range, θ...angle

Claims

1. A media housing section for housing media, A recording unit located above the media storage unit in the height direction of the device, which records on the medium being transported from the media storage unit along the transport path, A reversal path including a curved path that is convex downward in the height direction of the apparatus, the reversal path being connected to an upstream and a downstream portion of the transport path relative to the recording unit, and a reversal unit that reverses the front and back sides of the medium recorded by the recording unit, A supply unit having a supply path connected to the upstream portion of the transport path relative to the recording unit, and supplying the medium from the supply path to the transport path, The housing that constitutes the outer casing of the main unit comprising the recording unit, the reversing unit, and the feeding unit, Equipped with, The reversing path is formed entirely within the housing of the main unit. In the height direction of the device, the lowest part of the inversion section is the lowest part of the curved path which is convex downward in the height direction of the device. The media housing unit is A first housing section having a first length in the device width direction intersecting the device height direction, A second housing portion is located below the first housing portion in the height direction of the device and has a second length that is longer than the first length in the width direction of the device, Equipped with, The feeding unit includes a feeding roller for feeding the medium to the transport path, The lowermost part of the curved path and at least a portion of the feeding roller are located outside the first housing in the width direction of the device and within a region above the second housing in the height direction of the device. A portion of the curved path is located outside the first housing in the width direction of the device and within the region directly above the second housing in the height direction of the device. When viewed from the width direction of the device, at least a portion of the feed roller, the lowest part of the curved path, and at least a portion of the first housing section overlap in the height direction of the device. The reversing section further has an upstream path located upstream of the curved path in the transport direction of the medium, The upstream path has an inclined section that is inclined along a direction that intersects with the height direction of the device, When viewed from the height direction of the device, at least a part of the inclined portion and at least a part of the feed roller overlap in the width direction of the device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. In the recording device according to claim 1, The angle between the inclined portion and the horizontal direction is 60° or more and less than 90°. A recording device characterized by the following features.

3. In the recording device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned feeding unit is A feeding tray on which multiple media can be placed, A roller positioned opposite the feeding roller, which separates one sheet of the medium from a plurality of the mediums placed on the feeding tray, Equipped with, When viewed from the height direction of the apparatus, at least a portion of the inclined portion and at least a portion of the separating roller overlap in the width direction of the apparatus. A recording device characterized by the following features.

4. In a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The transport path opposite the recording unit is formed by a rotating transport belt and is inclined in the same direction as the inclined section. The conveyor belt is positioned in the region between the conveyor path and the upstream path that faces the recording unit in the intersecting direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

5. In a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The main unit is equipped with a removable extension unit attached to the lower part of the main unit, The first housing section is provided in the main unit, The second housing section is provided in the expansion unit, A recording device characterized by the following features.

6. In a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The path extending from the second housing section to the curved path is used as the supply path. The aforementioned supply and delivery paths, after merging, are connected together to the aforementioned curved path. A recording device characterized by the following features.

7. In the recording device according to claim 6, The junction where the supply path and the supply path merge overlaps with a part of the first housing section in the height direction of the device when viewed from the width direction of the device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

8. In a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, When viewed from the width direction of the device, the entirety of the feed roller in the height direction of the device overlaps with the first housing in the height direction of the device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

9. In a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The aforementioned feeding unit is A feeding tray on which multiple media can be placed, The system includes a separation roller for separating one of the media from a plurality of media placed on the feeding tray, When viewed from the width direction of the apparatus, the separating roller and at least a part of the first housing overlap in the height direction of the apparatus. A recording device characterized by the following features.

10. In a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The curved path comprises a pair of transport rollers for transporting the medium, When viewed from the width direction of the device, at least a part of the feeding section and at least a part of the conveying roller pair overlap in the height direction of the device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

11. In the recording device according to claim 1, The curved path is provided with a pair of transport rollers for transporting the medium. The feeding unit includes a feeding tray on which a plurality of the media can be placed, The feeding tray is tilted relative to the housing, with its base end located inside the housing. At least a portion of the base end and at least a portion of the transport roller pair are located in a region outside the first housing in the width direction of the device and above the second housing in the height direction of the device. When viewed from the width direction of the device, at least a portion of the base end, at least a portion of the transport roller pair, and at least a portion of the first housing overlap in the height direction of the device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

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