Conveying device and printing device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEIKO EPSON CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
Smart Images
Figure 0007899931000001 
Figure 0007899931000002 
Figure 0007899931000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device and a printing device.
Background Art
[0002] The inkjet recording device of Patent Document 1 shows a conveyance path in which a recording medium rises from an upstream conveyance roller in the conveyance direction to a downstream conveyance roller.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the inkjet recording device of Patent Document 1, as a configuration for increasing the length of the conveyance path without increasing the size of the device, a configuration is considered in which a descending portion and an ascending portion are provided in a part of the conveyance path so that a part of the conveyance path overlaps in the device height direction. The conveyance path is composed of a member remaining in the device main body and a member that can be opened and closed with respect to the device main body. However, in this configuration, when the conveyance path is opened, there is a risk that the members interfere with each other due to the presence of a descending portion and an ascending portion in a part of the conveyance path, and the conveyance path cannot be opened.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a conveying device comprising: a device body in which a conveying path is formed in which a descending path through which a medium is conveyed downward in the device height direction and an ascending path through which the medium is conveyed upward in the device height direction overlap in the device height direction; a cover portion provided on the device body that can open and close the conveying path; a first path forming portion provided on the device body that is movable to a first position and a second position, forming a part of the descending path in the first position and retracting from the descending path in the second position; and a portion provided on the cover portion that closes the conveying path when the cover portion is closed. The cover comprises a second path forming section that forms the upward path and, together with the first path forming section, forms the downward path in a closed state, and a moving section that moves the first path forming section to one of the first and second positions in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the cover section, wherein at least a part of the first path forming section is located in the moving area of the second path forming section in the closed state, and the moving section moves the first path forming section to the second position when the cover section is opened, and moves the first path forming section to the first position when the cover section is closed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the paper transport path of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the paper transport path of the printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the printer according to this embodiment in an open transport path state. [Figure 4] A perspective view from below of the lower guide member and moving part of the transport section according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a part of the lower guide member of the transport section according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A vertical cross-sectional view showing the lower guide member of the transport section according to the embodiment being supported by the main frame. [Figure 7] A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the lower guide member of the transport section according to the embodiment being supported by the support section. [Figure 8]A perspective view showing the lever member of the transport unit according to the embodiment in contact with the contact surface of the cover unit. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing an enlarged portion of the transport path of the transport unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A side view showing the state in which the lower guide member moves from a first position to a second position as the lever member of the transport unit according to the embodiment rotates. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing the state in which the transport path is opened by opening the cover of the printer according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0007] The present invention will be described in general terms below. A conveying device according to the first embodiment includes a device body in which a conveying path is formed in which a descending path through which a medium is conveyed downward in the device height direction and an ascending path through which the medium is conveyed upward in the device height direction overlap in the device height direction; a cover portion provided on the device body that can open and close the conveying path; a first path forming portion provided on the device body that is movable to a first position and a second position, forming a part of the descending path in the first position and retracting from the descending path in the second position; and a closing portion provided on the cover portion that closes the conveying path for the cover portion to close. In the closed state, the device comprises a second path forming section that forms the upward path and, together with the first path forming section, forms the downward path, and a moving section that moves the first path forming section to one of the first and second positions in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the cover section, wherein at least a part of the first path forming section is located in the moving area of the second path forming section in the closed state, and the moving section moves the first path forming section to the second position when the cover section is opened, and moves the first path forming section to the first position when the cover section is closed. According to this embodiment, compared to a configuration having a transport path that extends linearly along the height direction of the device, the length of the transport path can be increased by having an upward path and a downward path that overlap in the height direction of the device. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first path forming section is located in the moving area of the second path forming section when the cover section is closed. In other words, since at least a portion of the first path forming section and at least a portion of the second path forming section overlap in the height direction of the device, the conveying device can be miniaturized. Furthermore, when the cover is opened, the moving part moves the first path forming part to the second position, causing the first path forming part to move away from the moving area of the second path forming part. This makes it less likely for the opening of the cover to be restricted, and makes it easier to open the transport path. As a result, any medium that remains in the transport path due to jam or the like can be easily removed.
[0008] The transport device according to the second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the first path forming unit and the second path forming unit are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined distance between them to form the descending path, and when the moving unit moves the first path forming unit to the second position, the distance between the first path forming unit and the second path forming unit is set to be greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. According to this embodiment, when the first path forming unit is moved to the second position, a distance greater than or equal to the predetermined distance is maintained. In other words, the first path forming unit and the second path forming unit are less likely to come into contact, so that damage to the medium remaining in the transport path can be suppressed.
[0009] The conveying device according to the third embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the first path forming unit comprises a medium support member capable of supporting the medium, and a first rotating shaft that supports the medium support member so as to be rotatable to one of the first position and the second position, wherein the first rotating shaft is located below the moving region of the second path forming unit in the height direction of the device. According to this embodiment, the first path forming portion is moved to one of the first and second positions by rotating around the first rotation axis, so that the first path forming portion can be moved with a simple configuration. Furthermore, since the first rotation axis is located below the movement area of the second path forming portion, it is possible to prevent the first rotation axis from coming into contact with the second path forming portion.
[0010] The transport device according to the fourth embodiment is provided with a holding portion that holds the first path forming portion in the first position, and the holding portion releases the holding state of the first path forming portion when the cover portion is opened. According to this embodiment, when the cover is opened, the holding part releases the holding state of the first path forming part. Here, when the holding state of the first path forming part is released, it enters a cantilever state on the first rotation axis and rotates by its own weight, so that the moving area of the second path forming part can be opened with a simple configuration.
[0011] The conveying device according to the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, comprises a holding portion comprising a second rotating shaft, a lever portion fixed to the second rotating shaft and rotating the second rotating shaft in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover portion, and a support portion fixed to the second rotating shaft and supporting the media support member in the first position, wherein the lever portion contacts the cover portion when the cover portion is in the closed state, separates from the cover portion when the cover portion is in the open state, and the support portion supports the media support member when the lever portion is in contact with the cover portion. According to this embodiment, when the cover portion is in the closed state, the lever portion comes into contact with the cover portion, thereby acting a pressing force on the lever portion. This causes the lever portion to rotate the second rotation axis and the support portion. As the support portion rotates, it pushes up the media support member and supports the media support member in the first position. When the cover part is in the open state, the medium support member drops due to its own weight, causing the support part to rotate and the movement area of the second path forming part to be opened. In this way, by opening and closing the cover part, the medium support member, that is, the first path forming part, can be displaced.
[0012] The transport device according to the sixth aspect is characterized in that in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, the moving part also serves as the holding part. According to this aspect, since there is no need to provide the holding part as a configuration separate from the moving part, the configuration for moving and holding the first path forming part can be made simple.
[0013] The transport device according to the seventh aspect is such that in any one of the third aspect to the sixth aspect, the first rotation axis is provided with a first transport roller capable of transporting the medium, the second path forming part is provided with a second transport roller for transporting the medium together with the first transport roller, when the cover part is in the closed state, the first transport roller and the second transport roller form a nip part sandwiching the medium, and when the cover part is in the open state, the formation of the nip part is released. According to this aspect, among the nip parts of the roller pair for transporting the medium in the transport path, the nip part formed by the first transport roller and the second transport roller is released in conjunction with the cover part being in the open state, so it becomes easier to take out the medium remaining in the transport path.
[0014] The conveying device according to the eighth aspect is, in any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, provided with a support roller for supporting the medium in the first path forming portion, and the second path forming portion is provided with an opposing roller that faces the support roller and rotates together with the support roller to convey the medium. When the first path forming portion is disposed at the first position, the support roller and the opposing roller are in a nip state, and when the first path forming portion is disposed at the second position, the nip state between the support roller and the opposing roller is released. According to this aspect, among the nip portions of the roller pair that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, the nip state formed by the support roller and the opposing roller is released in conjunction with the cover portion being in an open state, so that it becomes easier to take out the medium remaining in the conveyance path.
[0015] The conveying device according to the ninth aspect is, in the eighth aspect, characterized in that the moving portion moves the first path forming portion upward in the device height direction to push up the support roller to a position where it nips the opposing roller. According to this aspect, since the moving portion moves the first path forming portion, the support roller comes into a nip state with the opposing roller. Compared with a configuration in which the movement of the first path forming portion and the operation of bringing the support roller and the opposing roller into a nip state are performed separately, the support roller and the opposing roller can be nipped with a simple configuration.
[0016] The printing device according to the tenth aspect includes the conveying device according to any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, and a recording portion that performs recording on a medium conveyed by the conveying device. According to this aspect, the operations and effects described in any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect can be obtained.
[0017] Hereinafter, a conveying unit 30 as an example of the conveying device according to the present invention and a printer 10 as an example of the printing device will be specifically described. As shown in Figure 1, the printer 10 is configured as an inkjet device that records data by ejecting ink Q, an example of a liquid, onto paper P, an example of a medium. Note that the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is a Cartesian coordinate system. The X direction is the width direction of the printer 10 as viewed from the operator's perspective, and is horizontal. The direction of X that points to the left is called the +X direction, and the direction that points to the right is called the -X direction. The Y direction is the width direction and depth direction of the device, intersecting the paper transport direction P, and is horizontal. The direction towards the front in the Y direction is called the +Y direction, and the direction towards the back is called the -Y direction. The Z direction is an example of the device height direction and is the vertical direction. The direction above the Z direction is the +Z direction, and the direction below is the -Z direction. In this embodiment, "above" means the direction that includes the upward component in the Z direction. "Below" means the direction that includes the downward component in the Z direction.
[0018] In the printer 10, the paper P is transported along the transport path T, which is represented by a dashed line. The direction in which the paper P is transported is the same as the direction along the transport path T, and therefore differs at each point along the transport path T. The printer 10 comprises a main unit 12, a transport unit 30 (described later), and a line head 28. The device body 12 includes an outer casing. An ejection section 13 is formed in the +Z direction from the center of the device body 12 in the Z direction, which includes a space for ejecting the recorded paper P. The device body 12 is also provided with multiple paper cassettes 14. An opening 12A is formed at the -X end of the device body 12, which opens in the X direction. When the opening 12A is open, the transport path T, which will be described later, is exposed.
[0019] Multiple paper cassettes 14 store paper P. Paper P stored in the paper cassettes 14 is transported along the transport path T by pick rollers 16 and transport roller pairs 17 and 18. The transport path T is formed by the confluence of a transport path T1 from which paper P is transported from an external device (not shown) and a transport path T2 from which paper P is transported from a manual feed tray 19 provided on the main body of the device 12 via feed roller pair 31. The part of the printer 10 in the -X direction from the center in the X direction is configured as a transport section 30, which is an example of a transport device that transports paper P. Details of the transport section 30 will be described later. The main body of the transport section 30 is, for example, shared with the main body of the device 12.
[0020] The transport path T includes two pulleys 21, a transport belt 22 wrapped around the two pulleys 21, a pair of registration rollers 23 that perform skew correction of the paper P, a plurality of transport roller pairs 24 that transport the paper P, a plurality of flaps 25 that switch the transport path of the paper P, and a media width sensor 26 that detects the width of the paper P in the Y direction. Downstream from the transport belt 22 in the transport path T, there is a transport path T3 leading to the discharge section 13 and a reversal path T4 for reversing the front and back sides of the paper P.
[0021] In the transport path T, a curved path R is formed upstream of the medium width sensor 26. The curved path R is formed as a path having a set of peaks and valleys. Specifically, the curved path R has an introduction path R1 that curves toward a position in the +X and +Z directions from the transport roller pair 18, a descending path R2 that curves downwards toward a position in the +X and -Z directions from the +X end of the introduction path R1, and an ascending path R3 that curves upwards toward the +X and +Z directions from the +X end of the descending path R2.
[0022] Furthermore, the main unit 12 of the device is equipped with an ink tank 27 for containing ink Q, a line head 28, and a control unit 29 for controlling the operation of each part of the printer 10. The line head 28 is located downstream of the media width sensor 26 in the paper transport direction of the paper P. The line head 28 is also an example of a recording unit, and records by ejecting ink Q supplied from the ink tank 27 onto the paper P transported by the transport unit 30. The control unit 29 is composed of 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, as well as the operation of each part, including the line head 28 and the transport unit 30.
[0023] As shown in Figure 6, the main body 12 of the device has a main frame 15 which constitutes a part of the main body 12 of the device. The main frame 15 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the first path forming section 42, which will be described later. The main frame 15 is formed, for example, by bending a sheet metal at multiple points, and is formed in a U-shape that opens in the +Z direction when viewed from the Y direction. Specifically, the main frame 15 has a bottom wall 15A along the XY plane, a support wall 15B that stands upright in the +Z direction at the -X end of the bottom wall 15A, and a vertical wall 15C formed by cutting and bending a part of the bottom wall 15A in the +Z direction. A through hole 15D that penetrates in the Y direction is formed in the vertical wall 15C.
[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the transport unit 30 includes, as an example, a device body 12, a cover unit 32, a first path forming unit 42, a second path forming unit 74, and a moving unit 60. As previously described, the main body of the device 12 has a transport path T that includes an introduction path R1, a descending path R2, and an ascending path R3. The descending path R2 is the path through which the paper P is transported downwards in the +Z direction. The upward path R3 is located downstream of the downward path R2 in the direction of paper transport for paper P. Furthermore, the upward path R3 is the path through which paper P is transported upward in the Z direction. The descending path R2 and the ascending path R3 are formed by the first path forming section 42 and the second path forming section 74, which will be described later. The descending path R2 and the ascending path R3 included in the transport path T overlap in the range ZA in the Z direction.
[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the cover portion 32 is formed in the shape of a plate having a predetermined thickness. The cover portion 32 is provided at the -X end of the device body 12 and at the -Y end of the opening 12A via a hinge portion (not shown). This allows the cover portion 32 to rotate around an axis along the Z direction. The cover portion 32 opens or closes the opening 12A as it rotates, thereby enabling the transport path T to be opened and closed. In other words, the cover portion 32 is rotatable to an open position that exposes the transport path T and a closed position that hides the transport path T. Furthermore, as an example, the cover portion 32 may be fitted with a reversal path forming member 34 and a second path forming portion 74, which will be described later. The reversal path forming member 34 has an upper part 36 that forms the area above the center in the Z direction of the reversal path T4 (Figure 1), and a lower part 38 that encloses the area below the center in the Z direction of the reversal path T4. The lower part 38 is to which the second path forming section 74 is attached.
[0026] Figures 1 and 4 show the first path forming unit 42 and the moving unit 60 in the state where the transport path T is being formed. The first path forming section 42 is provided in the main body of the device 12 so as to be movable between a first position and a second position. When the first path forming section 42 is in the first position, it forms a part of the descending path R2. When the first path forming section 42 is in the second position, it is retracted from the descending path R2 in the -Z direction. The first path forming section 42 includes, as an example, a lower guide member 46 capable of supporting the paper P, and a first rotating shaft 43 that supports the lower guide member 46 so that it can rotate to one of a first position and a second position.
[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the first rotation axis 43 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the transport path T at the connection and inflection point between the descending path R2 and the ascending path R3. Furthermore, in the Z direction, the first rotation axis 43 is located below the movement region S of the second path forming section 74, which will be described later. A portion of the first path forming section 42 in the -X direction from the center is located within the movement region S of the second path forming section 74 when the cover section 32 is closed. A second transport roller 81 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first rotation axis 43. The second transport roller 81 has a shaft portion 81A aligned with the Y direction and, together with the first transport roller 45 (described later), grips the paper P and transports the paper P downstream while rotating.
[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the first rotating shaft 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the Y direction. Both ends of the first rotating shaft 43 in the Y direction are rotatably supported by bearings 44 provided on a frame (not shown) of the device body 12 (Figure 1). A first conveying roller 45 is provided at the center of the first rotating shaft 43 in the Y direction. The first transport roller 45 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating shaft 43. The first transport roller 45 is also capable of transporting paper P. In this embodiment, as an example, two first transport rollers 45 are provided spaced apart in the Y direction.
[0029] The lower guide member 46 is an example of a media support member and is composed of an upper wall 47, a front wall 48, a rear wall 51, two side walls 52, two arm portions 54, a reinforcing portion 56, and a supported portion 58. Here, the arrangement of each component will be described assuming that the lower guide member 46 is positioned in the second position, that is, along the X direction. The upper wall 47 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The width of the upper wall 47 in the Y direction is greater than the width of the paper P in the Y direction. The front wall 48 extends in the -Z direction from the -X end of the upper wall 47. The connection between the upper wall 47 and the front wall 48 is rounded (R-shaped). The rear wall 51 extends in the -Z direction from the +X end of the upper wall 47. The two side walls 52 extend in the -Z direction from both ends of the upper wall 47 in the Y direction, connecting the front wall 48 and the rear wall 51 in the X direction.
[0030] As shown in Figure 5, a storage section 49 is formed in the upper wall 47 in the -X direction from the center in the X direction, recessed in the -Z direction from the upper surface 47A of the upper wall 47. The storage section 49 is provided so that the support roller 53 can rotate with the Y direction as its axial direction. The storage section 49 also has a groove 49A that guides the shaft 53A, which will be described later, in the Z direction. The support roller 53 is cylindrical in shape and has a shaft portion 53A and an outer circumferential surface 53B. A portion of the outer circumferential surface 53B protrudes from the upper surface 47A in the +Z direction. The support roller 53 supports the paper P being transported and also transports it downstream. Multiple ribs 47B are formed on the upper surface 47A.
[0031] As shown in Figure 7, a spring housing 59 is provided on the lower guide member 46, on the outer side in the Y direction relative to the storage portion 49. The spring housing 59 houses a coil spring 61. The coil spring 61 is expandable and contractible in the Z direction, and presses the shaft portion 53A in the +Z direction. When an external force is applied, the support roller 53 moves in the -Z direction, but because the shaft portion 53A is pressed in the +Z direction by the coil spring 61, it stops at a position where the external force and the reaction force are balanced.
[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the arm portion 54 extends from both ends of the side wall 52 in the +X direction, beyond the rear wall 51 in the +X direction. The length of the arm portion 54 in the X direction is longer than the length corresponding to the radius of the first conveyor roller 45. In addition, a notch 55 is formed at the +X end of the arm portion 54. The notch 55 is formed in a U-shape that opens in the +X direction when viewed from the Y direction. The notch 55 is in contact with and slidable against the outer circumferential surface of the first rotation shaft 43. In other words, the lower guide member 46 can rotate, or swing, around the first rotation shaft 43 when the notch 55 is in contact with the first rotation shaft 43.
[0033] The reinforcing section 56 consists of a plurality of vertical walls 57 extending in the -Z direction from the upper wall 47. The supported portion 58 is formed as part of the reinforcing portion 56 and is a wall portion that extends in the -Z direction from a point in the -X direction from the center of the upper wall 47 in the X direction. The -Z end face 58A of the supported portion 58 is a plane that aligns with the XY plane.
[0034] The movable part 60 moves the first path forming part 42 to one of the first and second positions described above in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover part 32 (Figure 3). Specifically, when the cover part 32 is opened, the movable part 60 moves the first path forming part 42 to the second position, and when the cover part 32 is closed, it moves the first path forming part 42 to the first position. The term "movement" here is not limited to configurations in which the lower guide member 46 is moved by applying force to it, but also includes configurations in which the lower guide member 46 is moved by releasing its support, or by moving the lower guide member 46 while it is being supported. In this embodiment, the movable part 60 is also an example of a holding part that holds the first path forming part 42 in the first position. In other words, the movable part 60 also functions as a holding part. When the cover part 32 is opened, the movable part 60 releases the holding state of the first path forming part 42.
[0035] The movable part 60 includes, as an example, a second rotating shaft 62, a lever part 64, and a support part 68. The second rotation axis 62 is located in the -Z direction relative to the lower guide member 46. The second rotation axis 62 is also formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the Y direction. Both ends of the second rotation axis 62 in the Y direction are rotatably supported by the vertical walls 15C (Figure 6) of the main frame 15. A support portion 68, which will be described later, is provided in the center of the second rotation axis 62 in the Y direction.
[0036] The lever portion 64 is fixed, for example, to the +Y end of the second rotation shaft 62. The lever portion 64 is also positioned in the +Y direction with respect to the side wall 52 in the +Y direction. The lever portion 64 then contacts the contact surface 86 (Figure 8) of the cover portion 32, which will be described later, and rotates the second rotation shaft 62 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover portion 32. The lever portion 64 has a mounting portion 65 extending radially from the second rotation shaft 62, an extended portion 66 extending from the end of the mounting portion 65 in a direction intersecting the radial direction, and a contact portion 67 formed at the tip of the extended portion 66. The extended portion 66 extends in the +Z direction from the upper wall 47 when viewed from the +Y direction. The contact portion 67 protrudes from the extended portion 66 in the -X direction. The contact portion 67 is formed in a trapezoidal shape with its upper base in the -X direction when viewed from the +Y direction. A contact surface 67A is formed at the position corresponding to the upper base of the trapezoid of the contact portion 67.
[0037] As an example, the support portion 68 is fixed to the second rotation shaft 62 and supports the lower guide member 46 in a first position. The support portion 68 also has a first plate portion 69 extending from the second rotation shaft 62 toward the lower guide member 46 in both the -X and +Z directions, and a second plate portion 71 extending in the -X direction from the portion of the first plate portion 69 opposite to the second rotation shaft 62 side. The upper surface 71A of the second plate portion 71 in the +Z direction contacts the end face 58A, thereby allowing the support portion 68 to support the lower guide member 46. In other words, the movable portion 60 holds the lower guide member 46.
[0038] When the moving unit 60 moves the first path forming unit 42 to the second position, it sets the distance between the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74 (Figure 2), which will be described later, to a distance of a predetermined distance d (Figure 2) or greater. Here, the predetermined distance d is the shortest distance between the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74 in the Z direction when the first path forming unit 42 is positioned at the first position and facing the second path forming unit 74, and the paper P can be transported. Furthermore, the movable part 60 moves the first path forming part 42 upward in the Z direction, thereby pushing up the support roller 53 to a position where it nips with the opposing roller 82 (Figure 2), which will be described later.
[0039] The lever portion 64 contacts the cover portion 32 when the cover portion 32 is closed, and separates from the cover portion 32 when the cover portion 32 is open. Specifically, when the cover portion 32 is closed, the contact surface 67A of the lever portion 64 contacts the contact surface 86 (Figure 8) of the contacted portion 84, which will be described later. When the lever portion 64 is in contact with the cover portion 32, the support portion 68 supports the lower guide member 46.
[0040] As shown in Figure 6, when the first path forming portion 42 is positioned at the second position, the lower guide member 46 is positioned along the X direction. Here, the upper surface 69A of the first plate portion 69 in the +Z direction contacts the end face 58A, thereby supporting the lower guide member 46 with the support portion 68. Thus, the support portion 68 supports the lower guide member 46 regardless of whether the first path forming portion 42 is positioned at the first or second position, as an example.
[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the second path forming section 74 is provided at the -Z end of the cover section 32. Furthermore, when the cover section 32 closes the opening 12A, that is, when the cover section 32 closes the transport path T, the second path forming section 74 forms the upward path R3 and, together with the first path forming section 42, forms the downward path R2. In this embodiment, the second path forming section 74 refers to the part of the member provided in the cover section 32 that forms the downward path R2 and the upward path R3.
[0042] When viewed from the Y direction, the region sandwiched between a virtual line K1 passing through the +Z end of the second path forming section 74 and along the X direction, and a virtual line K2 passing through the -Z end of the second path forming section 74 and along the X direction, is referred to as the movement region S of the second path forming section 74. The movement region S is the region in which the second path forming portion 74 moves when the cover portion 32 is opened and closed. In Figure 2, the movement region S is shown as a shaded area.
[0043] As shown in Figure 9, the second path forming section 74 is provided, for example, with an upper guide member 76, a second transport roller 81, an opposing roller 82, and a contacted section 84 (Figure 8). The upper guide member 76 has a bottom wall 77 located at its lower end in the -Z direction. The bottom wall 77 has a recess 78 facing the lower guide member 46 in the Z direction, and a protrusion 79 located downstream of the recess 78 in the paper transport direction. The recess 78 is a recessed portion in the +Z direction. The recess 78 also has a slope 78A extending toward a position in the +X and +Z directions, and a slope 78B extending toward a position in the +X and -Z directions downstream of slope 78A. Slope 78B faces the upper surface 47A in the Z direction. The protrusion 79 is a portion that protrudes in the -Z direction. The top of the protrusion 79 faces the first conveyor roller 45 in the Z direction. Here, the first path forming section 42 and the second path forming section 74 are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined distance d as described above, thereby forming a descending path R2.
[0044] The second transport roller 81 is, for example, provided on the top of the protrusion 79. The second transport roller 81 has a shaft portion 81A extending along the Y direction. The shaft portion 81A is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the upper guide member 76. The second transport roller 81, together with the first transport roller 45, grips the paper P and transports the paper P while rotating. When the cover portion 32 is closed, the first transport roller 45 and the second transport roller 81 form a nip portion N1 that grips the paper P. When the cover portion 32 is opened, the formation of the nip portion N1 is released.
[0045] The opposing roller 82 is positioned, for example, in the +X direction relative to the deepest part of the recess 78. The opposing roller 82 has a shaft portion 82A extending along the Y direction. The shaft portion 82A is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the upper guide member 76. The opposing roller 82 faces the support roller 53 in the Z direction and, together with the support roller 53, sandwiches the paper P and rotates to transport the paper P. When the first path forming section 42 is positioned in the first position, the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 are in a nip state, and a nip section N2 is formed. When the cover section 32 is opened and the first path forming section 42 is positioned in the second position, the nip state between the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 is released.
[0046] As shown in Figure 8, a contact portion 84 is provided at the +Y direction end of the upper guide member 76. The contact portion 84 is included in the cover portion 32 (Figure 2). The contacted portion 84, as an example, has a vertical wall 85 that stands upright along the YZ plane and a rib 87 that supports the vertical wall 85 from the -X direction. The end face of the vertical wall 85 in the +X direction is the contacted surface 86 along the YZ plane. The contact surface 86 contacts the contact portion 67 in the X direction during the closing operation and in the closed state when the cover portion 32 is closed. When the contact surface 86 contacts the contact portion 67, a pressing force in the +X direction is applied from the cover portion 32 to the lever portion 64 via the contact surface 86 and the contact portion 67. As a result, the lever portion 64 is rotated and the first path forming portion 42 (Figure 2) is positioned in the first position.
[0047] Next, we will explain the operation of printer 10. As shown in Figure 2, in the closed state by the cover portion 32, the cover portion 32 closes the opening 12A. The lower guide member 46 is inclined toward the -X direction and the +Z direction. Assume that the cover portion 32 is opened in this closed state.
[0048] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, as the cover portion 32 moves in the -X direction, the contacted portion 84 (Figure 8) moves away from the lever portion 64. This allows the lever portion 64 to rotate freely, and the support force of the support portion 68 supporting the lower guide member 46 is weakened. Here, the portion of the lower guide member 46 in the -X direction moves downward due to its own weight, causing the support portion 68 to rotate and the lever portion 64 to rotate as well. Then, the rotation of the lower guide member 46 stops when the first plate portion 69 comes into contact with the main frame 15 (Figure 6). At this time, the lower guide member 46 is positioned in the second position along the X direction. In other words, the first path forming portion 42 retracts in the -Z direction relative to the movement region S (Figure 9) of the second path forming portion 74. As the first path forming section 42 retracts in the -Z direction, there are no longer any members restricting the movement of the second path forming section 74 within the movement region S of the second path forming section 74. As a result, the cover section 32 can be opened to a position where the opening 12A and the transport path T are opened.
[0049] On the other hand, when the cover portion 32 is closed from an open state of the transport path T, the contact portion 67 comes into contact with the contact surface 86 (Figure 8), causing the lever portion 64 to rotate in the opposite direction. As the lever portion 64 rotates in the opposite direction, the support portion 68 also rotates in the opposite direction, causing the second plate portion 71 to push up the -X end of the lower guide member 46 in the +Z direction. As a result, the lower guide member 46 rotates in the opposite direction and is positioned in the first position. At this time, nip portions N1 and N2 (Figure 9) are formed. In this way, the cover portion 32 closes the transport path T and the opening 12A.
[0050] As explained above, the transport unit 30 allows for a longer transport path length T compared to a configuration with a transport path that extends linearly along the Z direction, by having an overlapping upward path R3 and a downward path R2 in the Z direction. Furthermore, a portion of the first path forming section 42 is located in the movement region S of the second path forming section 74 when the cover section 32 is closed. In other words, since a portion of the first path forming section 42 and a portion of the second path forming section 74 overlap in the Z direction, the transport section 30 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, when the cover portion 32 is opened, the moving portion 60 moves the first path forming portion 42 to the second position, causing the first path forming portion 42 to move away from the moving area S of the second path forming portion 74. This makes it less likely for the opening operation of the cover portion 32 to be restricted, and makes it easier to open the transport path T. As a result, any paper P that gets stuck in the transport path T due to jams or the like can be easily removed.
[0051] According to the transport unit 30, when the first path forming unit 42 is moved to the second position, a distance of a predetermined distance d or greater is maintained. In other words, the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74 are less likely to come into contact, so damage to the paper P remaining in the transport path T can be suppressed. According to the transport unit 30, the first path forming unit 42 is moved to one of the first and second positions by rotating around the first rotation axis 43, so the first path forming unit 42 can be moved with a simple configuration. In addition, since the first rotation axis 43 is located below the movement area S of the second path forming unit 74, it is possible to prevent the first rotation axis 43 from coming into contact with the second path forming unit 74.
[0052] According to the transport unit 30, when the cover unit 32 is opened, the moving unit 60 releases the holding state of the first path forming unit 42. Here, when the holding state of the first path forming unit 42 is released, it becomes cantilevered by the first rotating shaft 43 and rotates by its own weight, so the moving area S of the second path forming unit 74 can be opened with a simple configuration. According to the transport unit 30, when the cover unit 32 is closed, the lever unit 64 comes into contact with the contact surface 86 of the cover unit 32, thereby applying a pressing force to the lever unit 64. This causes the lever unit 64 to rotate the second rotation shaft 62 and the support unit 68. As the support unit 68 rotates, it pushes up the lower guide member 46, supporting the lower guide member 46 in the first position. When the cover portion 32 is in the open state, the lower guide member 46 lowers due to its own weight, causing the support portion 68 to rotate and opening the movement region S of the second path forming portion 74. In this way, the lower guide member 46, i.e., the first path forming portion 42, can be displaced by opening and closing the cover portion 32.
[0053] According to the transport unit 30, since there is no need to provide a holding unit as a separate configuration from the moving unit 60, the configuration for moving and holding the first path forming unit 42 can be made simpler. According to the transport unit 30, the nip portion N formed by the first transport roller 45 and the second transport roller 81 of the pair of rollers that transport the paper P in the transport path T is released in conjunction with the opening of the cover unit 32, making it easier to remove the paper P remaining in the transport path T.
[0054] According to the transport unit 30, the nip state formed by the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 of the pair of rollers that transport the paper P in the transport path T is released in conjunction with the opening of the cover unit 32, making it easier to remove the paper P remaining in the transport path T. According to the conveying unit 30, the moving unit 60 moves the first path forming unit 42, causing the support roller 53 to nip with the opposing roller 82. Compared to a configuration in which the movement of the first path forming unit 42 and the operation of nipping the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 are performed separately, the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 can be nipped with a simpler configuration. According to the printer 10, the operation and effects of the transport unit 30 can be obtained.
[0055] The transport unit 30 and printer 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention are based on having the configuration 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, the entirety of the first path forming unit 42 may be located in the moving area S. The descending path R2 and the ascending path R3 may be arranged in opposite directions in the X direction, that is, a portion of the transport path T may be shaped like a mountain in the +Z direction. The medium is not limited to paper P; it may also be film. When the moving unit 60 moves the first path forming unit 42 to the second position, it may move the first path forming unit 42 such that the distance between the first path forming unit 42 and the second path forming unit 74 is maintained at a predetermined distance d.
[0057] In the printer 10, the first path forming unit 42 is not limited to a configuration in which the lower guide member 46 is rotated, but may also be configured in which the lower guide member 46 is slid in the -Z direction or diagonally downward. The movable part 60 and the holding part that holds the first path forming part 42 in a first position may be provided separately. For example, the holding part may have a spring, and when the first path forming part 42 is in the first position, the spring may apply a pressing force to the first path forming part 42 to hold its position. Alternatively, the holding part may consist of a member that moves up and down in the Z direction and a motor, and the motor may be driven in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover part 32 to hold the first path forming part 42.
[0058] In the printer 10, the first transport roller 45 and the second transport roller 81 do not necessarily have to be provided. Also, the support roller 53 and the opposing roller 82 do not necessarily have to be provided. The movable part 60 does not need to push the support roller 53 up to the nip position. The recording unit may not be limited to the line head 28, but may also have a serial head that moves back and forth in the width direction of the paper P. The height direction of the device may be in a direction that intersects with the vertical direction. [Explanation of symbols]
[0059] 10...Printer, 12...Device body, 12A...Opening, 13...Ejector 14...Paper cassette, 15...Main frame, 15A...Bottom wall, 15B...Support wall, 15C...Vertical wall, 15D...Through hole, 16...Pick roller, 17...Pair of conveyor rollers 18...Conveyor roller pair, 19...Manual feed tray, 21...Pulley, 22...Conveyor belt, 23... Resist roller pair, 24... Conveyor roller pair, 25... Flap, 26...Media width sensor, 27...Ink tank, 28...Line head, 29...Control unit, 30...Conveying section, 31...Feeding roller pair, 32...Cover section, 34...Reversal path forming member, 36... Upper part, 38... Lower part, 42... First path forming part, 43... First rotating shaft, 44... Bearing 45...First conveyor roller, 46...Lower guide member, 47...Upper wall, 47A...Upper surface, 47B...Rib, 48...Front wall, 49...Storage section, 49A...Groove section, 51...Rear wall, 52...Side wall, 53...Support roller, 53A...Shaft portion, 53B...Outer surface, 54...Arm portion, 55...Notch portion, 56...Reinforcement part, 57...Vertical wall, 58...Supported part, 58A...End face, 59...Storage part, 60...movable part, 62...second rotating shaft, 64...lever part, 65...mounting part, 66...extended part, 67...Contact part, 67A...Contact surface, 68...Support part, 69...First plate part, 69A...Top surface, 71...Second plate portion, 71A...Upper surface, 74...Second path forming portion, 76...Upper guide member, 77...Bottom wall, 78...Recess, 78A...Slope, 78B...Slope, 79...Convex part 81...Second conveyor roller, 81A...Shaft section, 82...Opposite roller, 82A...Shaft section, 84...Contacted part, 85...Vertical wall, 86...Contacted surface, 87...Rib, K1...Imaginary line K2...Illegible line, N1...Nip area, N2...Nip area, P...Paper, Q...Ink R1: Introduction path, R2: Descent path, R3: Ascent path, S: Movement area, T: Conveyance path T1…Conveyor path, T2…Conveyor path, T3…Conveyor path, T4…Reversal path, ZA…Range
Claims
1. A device body in which a transport path is formed for transporting the medium, The main body of the device is provided with a cover portion that can open and close the transport path, The device body includes a first path forming section that is movable to a first position and a second position, which forms a part of the transport path in the first position and retracts from the transport path in the second position, In the closed state in which the cover portion is closed to the main body of the device, a second path forming portion forms a part of the transport path, A moving part moves the first path forming part to the second position in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover part, Equipped with, The second path forming section moves in the opening and closing direction of the cover section as the cover section opens and closes. The cover portion, the first path forming portion, and the second path forming portion are arranged to overlap in the order of the cover portion, the first path forming portion, and the second path forming portion when viewed from the front with the cover portion in the closed state. The moving part moves the first path forming part to the second position when the cover part is opened, and moves the first path forming part to the first position when the cover part is closed. The second position is in a direction different from the opening and closing direction with respect to the first position, and is located in a direction that opens the transport path. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
2. In the conveying device according to claim 1, The direction in which the cover portion in the closed state is viewed from the front is along the horizontal plane. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
3. In the conveying device according to claim 1 or claim 2, At least a portion of the first path forming portion at the first position and at least a portion of the second path forming portion face each other in the closed state and form a part of the transport path. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
4. In the conveying device according to claim 3, The transport path includes a curved path that first transports the medium from top to bottom via a descending path, and then transports the medium from bottom to top in the height direction of the device via an ascending path. The aforementioned upward path and the aforementioned downward path overlap in the height direction of the device. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
5. In the conveying device according to claim 3 or claim 4, The first path forming section and the second path forming section are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined distance between them to form a part of the transport path. When the moving unit moves the first path forming unit to the second position, the distance between the first path forming unit and the second path forming unit is set to be greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
6. In the conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The first path forming unit comprises a medium support member capable of supporting the medium, and a first rotation shaft that supports the medium support member so as to be rotatable to one of the first position and the second position. The first rotating shaft, when viewed from the front of the cover portion in the closed state, does not overlap with the second path forming portion. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
7. In the conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A holding portion is provided for holding the first path forming portion in the first position. The holding part releases the holding state of the first path forming part when the cover part is opened. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
8. In the conveying device according to claim 7, The first path forming unit comprises a medium support member capable of supporting the medium, and a first rotation shaft that supports the medium support member so as to be rotatable to one of the first position and the second position. The holding portion comprises a second rotating shaft, a lever portion fixed to the second rotating shaft and rotating the second rotating shaft in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover portion, and a support portion fixed to the second rotating shaft and supporting the media support member in the first position. The lever portion contacts the cover portion when the cover portion is in the closed state, and moves away from the cover portion when the cover portion is in the open state. In the state in which the lever portion is in contact with the cover portion, the support portion supports the media support member. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
9. In the conveying device according to claim 7 or claim 8, The movable part also serves as the holding part. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
10. In the conveying device according to claim 6 or claim 8, The first rotating shaft is provided with a first transport roller capable of transporting the medium, The second path forming unit is provided with a second transport roller that transports the medium together with the first transport roller. When the cover is in the closed state, the first and second conveyor rollers form a nip portion that grips the medium, and when the cover is in the open state, the formation of the nip portion is released. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
11. In the conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The first path forming section is provided with a support roller that supports the medium, The second path forming section is provided with an opposing roller that faces the support roller and rotates together with the support roller to transport the medium. When the first path forming unit is positioned at the first position, the support roller and the opposing roller are in a nip state, and when the first path forming unit is positioned at the second position, the nip state between the support roller and the opposing roller is released. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
12. In the conveying device according to claim 11, The moving part moves the first path forming part to the first position, thereby moving the support roller to a position where it nips the opposing roller. A conveying device characterized by the following features.
13. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A recording unit that records on a medium transported by the transport device, A printing apparatus characterized by being equipped with the following features.