Image forming apparatus and storage apparatus

Abstract

This image forming apparatus includes: a body that forms an image on a medium conveyed through a conveyance path; and a connector to which a cable can be connected on a first surface of the body, the first surface being parallel to the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and is configured such that a storage apparatus capable of feeding a stored medium to the conveyance path can be connected to the first surface, at a position below the position where the connector is disposed in the vertical direction. The image forming apparatus includes a guide part that guides, on the first surface of the body or on a second surface of the body parallel to the vertical direction and a second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction, the cable connected to the connector to a position not overlapping, in the first direction, the storage apparatus to be connected.

Description

Image forming apparatus and storage device

[0007] ,

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium and a storage device that can feed the medium to the image forming apparatus.

[0002] In Patent Document 1, in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, in order to suppress the replenishment frequency of the medium and increase the types of media that can be handled, while accommodating the medium, a large-capacity storage device that can feed the accommodated medium to the apparatus main body is connected to the apparatus main body. A technique is disclosed.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-135341

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, various cables may be connected via a connector provided above the storage device on the surface to which the storage device is connected. In this case, when connecting the apparatus main body and the storage device, the cable connected to the connector may be sandwiched between the apparatus main body and the storage device, preventing smooth connection between the apparatus main body and the storage device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of suppressing the sandwiching of cables when connecting an image forming apparatus and a storage device.

[0006] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a main body portion that forms an image on a medium conveyed through a conveyance path, and a first direction parallel to the vertical direction and intersecting the vertical direction. On the first surface of the main body portion, a connector to which a cable can be connected, and on the first surface, below the arrangement position of the connector in the vertical direction, a storage device that can feed the stored medium to the conveyance path. An image forming apparatus capable of connecting, wherein on the first surface of the main body portion, or on the second surface of the main body portion parallel to the vertical direction and a second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction, the cable connected to the connector is guided in the first direction to a position that does not overlap with the storage device to be connected. It is characterized by having a guide portion.

[0007] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to suppress the pinching of cables when connecting the image forming apparatus and the storage apparatus.

[0008] Further features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the multifunction printer's configuration. Figure 2 shows a detailed configuration of the printer section of the multifunction printer. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the control unit configuration. Figure 4 shows a side view of the multifunction printer. Figure 5 shows the configuration of the recording system when a high-capacity paper feed unit is attached to the multifunction printer. Figure 6 shows the recording system with the cover of the multifunction printer open. Figure 7 shows a plan view of the mounting section. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the mounting section. Figure 9 shows a schematic view of the mounting section from the Y direction. Figure 1 shows a modified example. Figure 1 shows a modified example. Figure 2 shows a modified example. Figure 3 shows a modified example. Figure 1 shows the connection part with the high-capacity paper feed unit in the multifunction printer. A diagram showing the connection state between the multifunction printer and the high-capacity paper feed unit via a connecting part. A diagram illustrating concerns that may arise from known technology. A diagram showing an example of a guide part provided on the multifunction printer. A diagram showing an example of a guide part provided on the multifunction printer. A diagram showing an example of a guide part provided on the high-capacity paper feed unit. A diagram showing an example of a guide part provided on the high-capacity paper feed unit. A diagram showing a fastening part provided on the high-capacity paper feed unit. A diagram illustrating the connection and separation of the multifunction printer and the high-capacity paper feed unit via a fastening part. A diagram illustrating the connection and separation of the multifunction printer and the high-capacity paper feed unit via a fastening part. A diagram showing the location of a fastening part where no effect occurs as described in this disclosure.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. While specific details may be provided in the embodiments described below for the sake of clarity, these are merely technically preferred examples and are not intended to unnecessarily limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments below are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure unless otherwise specified.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Recording Device> The configuration of the recording device in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Here, a multifunction printer will be used as an example of a recording device, but the technology of this disclosure can be applied to any device that ejects liquid such as ink to record an image on a recording medium such as paper (hereinafter referred to as "the medium"). Examples of such devices include (image) recording devices such as inkjet printers and fax machines.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction printer 11 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body 12, an image reading unit 13 located on the upper part of the main body 12, and an automatic document feeding unit 14 located above the image reading unit 13. The main body 12 also serves as the main part of the printer unit 15. The multifunction printer 11 has a configuration in which the printer unit 15, the image reading unit 13, and the automatic document feeding unit 14 are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction Z, from bottom to top. The main body 12 has a transport path T (see T1 to T11 in Figure 2) for transporting a medium M such as paper. The multifunction printer 11 is installed on a mounting surface F with multiple casters 16 provided on the bottom of the main body 12 touching the ground.

[0013] The image reading unit 13 is configured to read images such as characters and photographs recorded on the original document D (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1). The automatic document feeding unit 14 has a document tray 17 on which the original document D can be placed. The automatic document feeding unit 14 feeds the original document D placed on the document tray 17 toward the image reading unit 13. After being read by the image reading unit 13, the original document D is discharged into the output tray 18. The automatic document feeding unit 14 also serves as the document tray cover for the image reading unit 13 and is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the image reading unit 13. When the automatic document feeding unit 14 is opened, the document tray (not shown) located on the upper surface of the image reading unit 13 is exposed. After placing the original document on the document tray, the automatic document feeding unit 14 is closed. The image reading unit 13 is capable of reading the original document placed on the document tray.

[0014] Furthermore, an operation panel 19 is provided on the upper part of the main unit 12 of the device, which is operated when giving instructions to the multifunction printer 11. The operation panel 19 has a display unit 19A. The display unit 19A has a screen, for example, consisting of a touch panel. A touch panel is a display panel that allows instructions to be given to the multifunction printer 11 by touching the screen. The operation panel 19 may have buttons for operation, or it may consist only of buttons for operation without a display unit 19A.

[0015] The multifunction printer 11 is equipped with a cassette 20 (media storage section) for holding multiple media M. Multiple media M are stored in the cassette 20. The cassette 20 is, for example, a paper feed cassette capable of storing paper as an example of media M. The multifunction printer 11 of this embodiment has a total of four cassettes 20. The four cassettes 20 are arranged in four layers at the bottom of the device body 12, overlapping in the vertical Z direction. Multiple cassettes 20 are mounted on the device body 12 in a removable manner. The cassettes 20 are configured to be pullable out in the Y-axis direction relative to the device body 12. Multiple cassettes 20 can hold media M of different sizes or paper types, for example.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, each cassette 20 has a cassette cover 20K facing in the Y-axis direction. This cassette cover 20K is an example of a cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body 12, and is provided on the side surface 12F of the device body 12 facing in the Y-axis direction. To improve usability, the direction in which the side surface 12F on which the cassette cover 20K is provided faces is the same as the direction in which the operation panel 19 of the multifunction printer 11 faces. The cassette cover 20K is provided on the cassette 20 which can be pulled out in the Y-axis direction. The cassette cover 20K is also provided with a handle 20E for the user to pull out the cassette 20.

[0017] Furthermore, the number of cassettes 20 can be set arbitrarily. The number of cassettes 20 is not limited to four; it may be two, three, five, six or more. In addition, a multi-story cassette 20 may be composed of an optional expansion unit in which some of the cassettes are added. For example, the multifunction printer 11 may have a standard configuration with two cassettes 20, and the user may optionally add an expansion unit with two cassettes 20. The expansion unit may also be configured to allow for the addition of cassettes 20 one at a time.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side surface 12S of the main body 12 of the device is provided with a cover CV that can be switched between a first state in which the transport path T (see Figure 2) is exposed and a second state in which the transport path T is covered. The cover CV is divided into a first cover 21 and a second cover 22.

[0019] In other words, the side surface 12S is provided with a first cover 21 and a second cover 22 located below the first cover 21, both of which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 12 of the device. Furthermore, the side surface 12S is provided with a third cover 23 located below the second cover 22, which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 12 of the device.

[0020] The first cover 21 is larger than the second cover 22. That is, the first cover 21 occupies a larger area (occupied area) on the side surface 12S than the second cover 22. The first cover 21 has a handle 21A for the user to open and close it. The first cover 21 also includes a supply tray 24 as an example of a tray on which the medium M is placed. The supply tray 24 is attached to the first cover 21 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The supply tray 24 has a handle 24A.

[0021] The second cover 22 and the third cover 23 are substantially the same size and shape. The second cover 22 has a handle 22A for the user to open and close it. The third cover 23 also has a handle 23A for the user to open and close it. The second cover 22 and the third cover 23 are provided with the handles 22A and 23A at substantially the same position on the surface of each cover (upper left position in Figure 1). In this embodiment, the first cover 21, the second cover 22, and the third cover 23 allow most of the side surface 12S to be opened and closed.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a front cover 25 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front of the device body 12 in the upper right area of ​​the cassette 20. Here, "front" refers to the surface that the user faces when performing basic operations, and is the surface on which the operation panel 19 and the cassette cover 20K are provided. The front cover 25 can be opened and closed by swinging it sideways with its right end as the pivot axis. Note that the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 may differ in at least one of their size and shape. Alternatively, in Figure 1, the third cover 23 may be omitted, and the second cover 22 may be made of a single cover having the combined size of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 shown in Figure 1.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the device body 12 has a recording unit 30 that records on a medium M (see Figure 2). The recording unit 30 records on the medium M supplied from the cassette 20 and on the medium M supplied from the supply tray 24. Inside the device body 12 is a liquid supply source 35 (see Figure 2) that contains ink, which is an example of a liquid. The recording unit 30 records on the medium M using a liquid such as ink supplied from the liquid supply source 35. As shown in Figure 1, a window 26 is provided on the front of the device body 12 in an area corresponding to the liquid supply source 35. The user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid supply source 35 through the window 26.

[0024] A concave mounting section 31 is provided between the main body 12 of the device and the image reading unit 13. The mounting section 31 includes a discharge tray 32 that forms its bottom. The discharge tray 32 is a plate-shaped member, and the discharged media M is stacked on the upper surface of the discharge tray 32. The discharge tray 32 is inclined at a predetermined angle such that the downstream side in the discharge direction from which the recorded media M is discharged is higher than the upstream side. The main body 12 has a discharge port 71 (Figure 8) that opens into one of the side walls (right side wall) that forms the concave part of the mounting section 31. The recorded media M is discharged from the discharge port 71 and stacked on the discharge tray 32 of the mounting section 31. The media M discharged onto the discharge tray 32 descends along the slope due to its own weight and hits a regulating wall (not shown), thereby aligning the upstream end in the discharge direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, when viewing the mounting section 31 from the Y direction, the diagonal direction in which the discharge tray 32 extends is defined as direction B. Within direction B, the direction having a component in the +Z direction is defined as the +B direction, and the direction having a component in the -Z direction is defined as the -B direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to direction B that forms the slope of the discharge tray 32 is defined as direction C. Within direction C, the direction having a component in the +Z direction is defined as the +C direction, and the direction having a component in the -Z direction is defined as the -C direction.

[0026] <Printer Unit Configuration> The detailed configuration of the printer unit 15 shown in Figure 1 will be explained below using Figure 2. The main body of the device 12 is provided with a transport unit 40 that transports the medium M along the transport path T, and a recording unit 30 that records on the medium M. Furthermore, a medium width sensor 33 that detects the medium M being transported along the transport path T, a liquid supply source 35 that supplies liquid such as ink to the recording unit 30, a waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​that stores waste liquid such as ink, and a control unit 37 that controls the operation of each part of the multifunction printer 11.

[0027] The recording unit 30 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 30A that ejects a liquid such as ink onto the medium M. The liquid ejection head 30A ejects a liquid such as ink, supplied from a liquid supply source 35 through a tube (not shown), from a nozzle (not shown). The liquid supply source 35 may be a replaceable liquid cartridge such as an ink cartridge, or a liquid tank such as an ink tank that can be refilled with liquid.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, the liquid ejection head 30A is positioned at an angle to the horizontal. That is, the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head 30A, from which the liquid ejection nozzle opens, is positioned at an angle to the horizontal. The liquid ejection head 30A faces the conveyor belt 48. The liquid ejection head 30A ejects liquid onto the medium M being conveyed along the conveying direction A on the conveyor belt 48. The angle at which the liquid ejection head 30A is tilted relative to the horizontal can be changed as appropriate. For example, the liquid ejection head 30A and the conveyor belt 48 may be positioned horizontally (tilt angle 0°). The recording unit 30 may also be configured to include recording heads other than the liquid ejection head 30A that ejects liquid. Other recording heads may include dot impact recording heads, thermal recording heads, or, for example, laser recording heads that record with toner.

[0029] The transport unit 40 is equipped with a plurality of rollers provided along the transport path T. Specifically, the transport unit 40 has a feed roller 41 and a pair of separation rollers 42 for the cassette 20, and a feed roller 43 and a separation roller 44 for the feed tray 24. The transport unit 40 also has transport roller pairs 45-47, 54-56 of the transport system, discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, transport rollers 61-64, and a loading roller 65. The transport path T includes the first to sixth transport paths T1-T6, which are the transport paths of the feed system, and the seventh to ninth transport paths T7-T9 and reversing paths T10, T11, which are the transport paths of the transport system.

[0030] More specifically, a feeding roller 41 and a pair of separation rollers 42 are provided for each cassette 20 mounted on the main body 12 of the device, near the downstream end in the feeding direction of each cassette 20. The multiple media M contained in the cassette 20 are placed on a mounting plate 20F that is biased toward the +Z side (upwards), with the downstream portion in the feeding direction being placed on the mounting plate 20F. The mounting plate 20F is rotatably mounted on the main body 12 of the device, and biases the media M toward the +Z side, lifting it upwards as it moves downstream in the feeding direction. The uppermost media M of the multiple media M placed on the mounting plate 20F is pressed against the feeding roller 41. As the feeding roller 41 rotates in this state, the uppermost media M is fed in the feeding direction. The fed-out media M is then separated by the separation action of the separation roller pair 42, which rotates while nipped by the separation roller pair 42, and only one media is sent downstream. The media M supplied from each cassette 20 is transported along the transport paths T1 to T4 towards the +Z side and reaches the transport path T7. The media M supplied from the cassette 20 is transported towards the downstream transport path T7 by transport rollers 61 to 64 provided along each transport path T1 to T4.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the feeding tray 24 is equipped with edge guides 24B for positioning the placed medium M in the width direction. The first cover 21 is equipped with feeding rollers 43 for feeding the medium M placed on the feeding tray 24 to the transport path T. The first cover 21 is also equipped with separation rollers 44 that rotate in contact with the feeding rollers 43. The transport path T5, through which the medium M is transported from the feeding tray 24 by the feeding rollers 43 and separation rollers 44, merges with the transport path T7.

[0032] Furthermore, there is a transport path T6 for transporting the medium M from the entrance (not shown) of the second cover 22. The transport path T6 is a transport route used when the medium M is transported into the multifunction printer 11 from an external device. The second cover 22 is provided with transport rollers 65 for transporting the medium M from the entrance along the transport path T6. In addition, the transport rollers 61 also serve as transport rollers for transporting the medium M along the transport path T6. The medium M transported from the transport path T6 merges with the transport path T7 downstream.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the transport path T7 is curved in the region facing the medium width sensor 33 and extends diagonally upward from the medium width sensor 33. The medium M is transported along the transport path T7 to the recording position RP facing the liquid ejection head 30A by the rotation of the transport roller pairs 45, 46, and 47. At the recording position RP, the medium M is transported on a transport belt 48 positioned opposite the liquid ejection head 30A. The liquid ejection head 30A records on the medium M as it is transported on the transport belt 48. The liquid ejection head 30A is, for example, an inkjet recording method that ejects a liquid such as ink. At the recording position RP, the medium M is transported in direction A. After recording is complete, the medium M is transported downstream by the discharge roller pair 49. A flap 50 is provided downstream of the discharge roller pair 49. The flap 50 distributes the medium M to the transport path T8 and the reversal path T10.

[0034] In the case of single-sided recording, where recording is done on only one side of the medium M, after recording on the first side, the medium M is directed to the transport path T8 by the flap 50. The medium M directed to the transport path T8 is then transported downstream by the discharge roller pair 51. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided recording, where recording is done on both sides of the medium M, after recording on the first side, the medium M, having completed recording on one side, is directed from the transport path T7 to the reversal path T10 by the flap 50.

[0035] Furthermore, a flap 52 is provided in the middle of the transport path T8. The flap 50 distributes the medium M to the transport path T8 and the transport path T9. The medium M that is transported along the transport path T8 is discharged onto the discharge tray 32 of the mounting section 31. The medium M that is distributed to the transport path T9 is discharged to the mounting section 31 by a pair of discharge rollers 53 provided along the transport path T9, and then discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown) provided in the mounting section 31.

[0036] The medium M, which has completed one-sided recording and has been sent to the reversal path T10, switches back in the reversal path T10 and is then transported in the reverse direction towards the -Z side of the reversal path T10. Then it is transported from the reversal path T10 through the reversal path T11 towards the -Z side. After being transported along the reversal path T11 by the transport roller pairs 55 and 56 provided along the reversal path T11, it joins the transport path T7. In other words, the medium M that has passed through the reversal paths T10 and T11 via the switchback is re-supplied to the transport path T7 with its front and back orientation reversed. At this time, the re-supplied medium M is transported along the transport path T7 with the second side, which is the side opposite to the recorded first side, facing the liquid discharge head 30A. The liquid discharge head 30A records on the second side of the re-supplied medium M. The medium M, which has completed double-sided recording by recording on the second side, is discharged to the mounting section 31 from the transport path T8 or transport path T9. In this embodiment, the transport path T includes reversal paths T10 and T11 as an example of a switchback path.

[0037] The first cover 21 is positioned in a location corresponding to the reversal paths T10 and T11. In this embodiment, the first cover 21 forms the reversal paths T10 and T11, which are examples of switchback paths. The transport roller pair 45 provided along the transport path T7 consists of a drive roller 45A and a driven roller 45B. The transport roller pair 46 consists of a drive roller 46A and a driven roller 46B. Furthermore, the transport roller pair 54 provided along the reversal path T10 consists of a drive roller 54A and a driven roller 54B. The transport mechanism 70 that forms the reversal paths T10 and T11 is assembled on the back surface of the first cover 21. That is, when the first cover 21 is opened, the transport mechanism 70 is separated from the main body of the device 12.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the second cover 22 is positioned such that its Z-axis position coincides with the Z-axis position of the cassette 20. The first cover 21 is positioned such that its Z-axis position does not coincide with the Z-axis position of the cassette 20, and it covers the transport path downstream of the transport path covered by the second cover 22. The transport paths covered by the second cover 22 are the first transport path T1 and the second transport path T2. The transport paths covered by the first cover 21 are the seventh transport path T7 and the reversal paths T10 and T11, and the transport paths covered by the third cover 23 are the third transport path T3 and the fourth transport path T4.

[0039] The control unit 37 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage, which are not shown in the diagram. The control unit 37 controls the transport of the medium M in the printer unit 15 and the recording operation on the medium M by the liquid ejection head 30A. More specifically, the control unit 37 is not limited to performing software processing for all the processes it performs. For example, the control unit 37 may have a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that performs hardware processing for at least a portion of the processes it performs. That is, the control unit 37 can be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least a portion of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute the processes. Memory, or computer-readable storage media, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0040] The printer unit 15 is equipped with a plurality of sensors (detection units), not shown, capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium M on the transport path T. The control unit 37 determines whether the medium M is in the correct position on the transport path T when performing a recording operation to record on the medium M. If it is detected that the medium M is in an inappropriate position on the transport path T, it determines that a jam has occurred where the medium M is stuck. Based on the detection signals from the plurality of sensors, the control unit 37 identifies the location of the jam and displays a message on the display unit 19A indicating that a jam has occurred. The message includes information about the cover that should be opened to perform jam removal work. The user opens the cover indicated in the message and performs jam removal work. In this embodiment, the multifunction printer 11 functions as an image forming device that forms an image on the medium M.

[0041] <Configuration of the Recording Device Control Unit> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 37 shown in Figure 2. The control unit 37 mainly consists of a print engine unit 200 that manages the printer unit 15, a scanner engine unit 300 that manages the image reading unit 13, and a controller unit 100 that manages the entire multifunction device 11. The print controller 202 controls the various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to the instructions of the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The details of the configuration of the control unit 37 will be described below.

[0042] In the controller unit 100, the main controller 101, which is composed of a CPU, controls the entire multifunction printer 11 using the RAM 106 as the work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. For example, when a print job is input from the host device 400 via the host I / F 102 or wireless I / F 103, the image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data according to the instructions of the main controller 101. Then, the main controller 101 transmits the processed image data to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105.

[0043] Further, the multifunction machine 11 may acquire image data from the host device 400 via wireless communication or wired communication, or may acquire image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the multifunction machine 11. The communication methods used for wireless communication and wired communication are not limited. For example, as the communication method used for wireless communication, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is applicable. Also, as the communication method used for wired communication, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like is applicable. Further, for example, when a read command is input from the host device 400, the main controller 101 transmits this command to the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

[0044] The operation panel 19 is a mechanism for the user to perform input and output with respect to the multifunction machine 11. The user can instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set the printing mode, or recognize information of the multifunction machine 11 via the operation panel 19.

[0045] In the print engine unit 200, the print controller 202, which is composed of a CPU, controls various mechanisms of the printer unit 15, using the RAM 204 as the work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 203. When various commands and image data are received via the controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. To make the liquid ejection head 30A available for recording, the print controller 202 instructs the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into recording data. Once the recording data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the liquid ejection head 30A to perform a recording operation based on the recording data via the head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives each component of the transport unit 40 shown in Figure 2 via the transport control unit 207 to transport the medium M. Specifically, these components are the feed roller 41 and separation roller pair 42 for the cassette 20, and the feed roller 43 and separation roller 44 for the feed tray 24. The transport system also includes transport roller pairs 45-47, 54-56, discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, transport rollers 61-64, and input roller 65. In accordance with the instructions of the print controller 202, the recording operation by the liquid discharge head 30A is performed in conjunction with the transport operation of the medium M, and the printing process is carried out.

[0046] The head carriage control unit 208 changes the orientation and position of the liquid ejection head 30A according to the operating status of the multifunction printer 11, such as the maintenance status and recording status. The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit that supplies ink to the recording unit 30 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the liquid ejection head 30A is within an appropriate range. The ink supply unit is composed of a liquid supply source 35. The maintenance control unit 210 controls the operation of the cap unit and wiping unit in the maintenance unit (not shown) when performing maintenance operations on the liquid ejection head 30A.

[0047] In the scanner engine unit 300, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 while using the RAM 106 as a work area according to the programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. As a result, various mechanisms included in the image reading unit 13 are controlled. For example, by the main controller 101 controlling the hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301, the document placed on the automatic document feeder 14 is conveyed via the conveyance control unit 304 and read by the sensor 305. Then, the scanner controller 302 stores the read image data in the RAM 303. Incidentally, the print controller 202 can execute a recording operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302 on the liquid ejection head 30A by converting the image data acquired as described above into recording data.

[0048] <Configuration of Covers> FIG. 4 shows the side surface 12S where the cover CV in the printer unit 15 is provided. In the apparatus main body 12, a first opening 121 is provided in a region facing the first cover 21. The first cover 21 closes the first opening 121 in the closed state and opens the first opening 121 in the open state. In the apparatus main body 12, a second opening 122 is provided in a region facing the second cover 22. The second cover 22 closes the second opening 122 in the closed state and opens the second opening 122 in the open state. In the apparatus main body 12, a third opening 123 is provided in a region facing the third cover 23. The third cover 23 closes the third opening 123 in the closed state and opens the third opening 123 in the open state.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the first cover 21 has a pivot shaft 21B extending along the Z axis and is rotatably mounted relative to the device body 12. The second cover 22 is located on the -Z side of the first cover 21 and has a pivot shaft 22B extending along the Y axis on the -Z side and is rotatably mounted relative to the device body 12. Since the cover CV is divided into the first cover 21 and the second cover 22, the transport path T spanning the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 can be continuously opened by opening the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Continuous opening means, for example, that in the closed state, there are no non-door portions such as frames or exteriors that separate the first opening 121 corresponding to the first cover 21 and the second opening 122 corresponding to the second cover 22. Therefore, when both the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are opened, the first opening 121 and the second opening 122 form one large, continuous opening.

[0050] In Figure 4, the area occupied by the second cover 22 on the side surface 12S is smaller than that of the first cover 21, but the size is not limited to this. The area occupied by the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 on the side surface 12S may be the same. Also, for example, if the third cover 23 is eliminated and the second cover 22 is made large enough to cover the first to fourth transport paths T1 to T4, the area occupied by the second cover 22 on the side surface 12S may be larger than that of the first cover 21.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 in the Z-axis direction (LY1 > LZ2). The dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 in the Y-axis direction may also be smaller than the dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 in the Z-axis direction (LY1 < LZ1).

[0052] The dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 in the Z-axis direction (LY2 > LZ2). The dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 in the Z-axis direction may be less than the dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 in the Z-axis direction (LZ2 < LZ1).

[0053] The dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 in the Y-axis direction may be equal to the dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction (LY1 = LY2). Also, the side edge 21S of the first cover 21 extending in the Z-axis direction and the side edge 22S of the second cover 22 extending in the Z-axis direction may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction.

[0054] The third cover 23 is positioned on the -Z side of the cover CV and has a pivot shaft 23B on the -Z side that extends along the Y axis perpendicular to the Z axis. The third cover 23 may be configured to rotate around the pivot shaft 23B relative to the device body 12. The dimension LY3 of the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the dimension LZ3 of the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction (LY3 > LZ3). The dimension LY3 of the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction may be equal to the dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction (LY2 = LY3). Furthermore, the side edge 23S of the third cover 23 extending in the Z-axis direction and the side edge 22S of the second cover 22 extending in the Z-axis direction may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the three side edges 21S, 22S, and 23S may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction may be less than half (1 / 2) of the dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 in the Z-axis direction (LZ2 < 1 / 2 × LZ1, LZ3 < 1 / 2 × LZ1).

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the Z-axis dimension LZ4 of the cassette 20 is smaller than the Z-axis dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 (LZ4 < LZ2, LZ4 < LZ3).

[0057] The feeding tray 24 has a pivot shaft 24C that extends along the Y-axis and is configured to be rotatable relative to the first cover 21. As shown in Figure 4, the dimension LY5 of the feeding tray 24 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the dimensions LY2 and LY3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction (LY5 < LY2, LY5 < LY3). Also, the dimension LZ5 of the feeding tray 24 in the Z-axis direction may be larger than the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction (LZ5 > LZ2, LZ5 > LZ3).

[0058] <Configuration of a Recording System with a Paper Feeding Unit> Figure 5 shows the configuration of the recording system 10A. As shown in Figure 4, the recording system 10A, as an example of a media transport system, comprises a multifunction printer 11 and a high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 that supplies media M to the multifunction printer 11. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is used in connection (coupled) with the multifunction printer 11. In this example, the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11 at the second cover 22. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is arranged in line with the main body of the device 12 in the X-axis direction. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 accommodates multiple media M. The maximum number of media that the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 can accommodate is greater than the maximum number of media that each cassette 20 can accommodate. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 feeds the stored media M to the transport path T of the multifunction printer 11. The main body 12 of the multifunction printer 11 is configured to be able to receive media M from the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 to the transport path T.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 comprises a housing 81, a high-capacity cassette 82 that is detachable from the housing 81, and casters 83 that make contact with the installation surface F. The high-capacity cassette 82 has a handle 82A on the side facing the Y-axis (front) that is operated by the user when pulling it out. As shown in Figure 5, the Z-axis dimension LZ6 of the high-capacity cassette 82 is larger than the Z-axis dimension LZ4 (see Figure 4) of the cassette 20 on the multifunction printer 11 side. Therefore, the number of sheets that can be loaded into the high-capacity cassette 82 is greater than the number of sheets that can be loaded into the cassette 20. The high-capacity cassette 82 in this embodiment has a height dimension of approximately four times that of the cassette 20.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the height dimension H1 of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the installation surface F is slightly higher than the top edge height of the uppermost first cassette 20A in the multifunction printer 11 equipped with four cassettes 20. The height dimension H1 of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is set so as not to interfere with the feed tray 24 when the feed tray 24 of the multifunction printer 11 is opened.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, when opening at least one of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23, the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is moved a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction away from the multifunction printer 11. This predetermined distance is the distance required to open at least one of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23. The dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction are smaller than their respective dimensions LY2 and LY3 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 4). Furthermore, it is preferable that the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 are smaller than half (1 / 2) of the Z-axis direction dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 (LZ2 < 1 / 2 × LZ1, LZ3 < 1 / 2 × LZ1). In these cases, the distance that the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 needs to be moved in the X-axis direction when opening the second cover 22 or the third cover 23 is shorter.

[0062] <Configuration of the mounting section> Figure 7 is a plan view of the mounting section 31 as seen from above. As shown in Figure 7, the mounting section 31 has a discharge tray 32. The mounting section 31 also has a mounting surface 91 on which the media M discharged from the discharge port 71 (Figure 8) is placed. A vertical wall 99 is provided at the -X end of the mounting surface 91, extending upright from the mounting surface 91 in the +Z direction. When viewed from a position in the +X direction relative to the multifunction printer 11, the vertical wall 99 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, with its Y-direction dimension being longer than its Z-direction dimension. The vertical wall 99 is also formed in a plate shape with a predetermined thickness in the X direction. The vertical wall 99 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the discharge port 71. The width of the vertical wall 99 in the Y direction is wider than the maximum Y-direction width of the media M used in the multifunction printer 11. The height of the vertical wall 99 in the Z direction is higher than the maximum stacking height of the multiple media M placed on the mounting section 31.

[0063] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting surface 91 includes, for example, a first mounting surface 92, second mounting surfaces 94 and 95, third mounting surfaces 96 and 97, and a fourth mounting surface 98. The first mounting surface 92 constitutes the central part of the mounting surface 91 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first mounting surface 92 is a surface that rises towards the +C direction (+Z direction) from the +B direction (+X direction). In other words, the first mounting surface 92 is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane. Moreover, the first mounting surface 92 is formed in a rectangular shape, with the dimension in the B direction being longer than the dimension in the Y direction when viewed from the C direction. A through hole 93 is formed in the central part of the first mounting surface 92 in the Y direction, as an example of an opening. The through hole 93 is formed in a rectangular shape, with the dimension in the B direction being longer than the dimension in the Y direction, as an example. The size of the through hole 93 is such that the movable rib 90, which will be described later, can pass through it. As a result, the movable rib 90 can move in the C direction through the through hole 93 and protrude from the first mounting surface 92. In this specification, the elements involved in the discharge of the medium M, specifically the print controller 202, the discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, and the discharge port 71, are collectively referred to as the discharge section. The B direction has the discharge direction component when the medium M is discharged from the discharge port 71. The Y direction is perpendicular to the B direction and the discharge direction. Here, a configuration in which these directions are perpendicular is shown, but they do not necessarily have to be perpendicular; a configuration in which they are approximately perpendicular (i.e., intersecting at a few degrees from 90 degrees) is also acceptable.

[0064] The second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 are located on one side of the first mounting surface 92 in the Y direction. The second mounting surface 94 is continuous with the first mounting surface 92 and is located in the +Y direction more than the first mounting surface 92. The length of the second mounting surface 94 in the B direction becomes shorter as it approaches the +Y direction. Also, the second mounting surface 94 slopes downward in the -C direction as it approaches the -Y direction. In other words, the second mounting surface 94 slopes toward the first mounting surface 92. The second mounting surface 95 is continuous with the first mounting surface 92 and is located in the -Y direction more than the first mounting surface 92. The length of the second mounting surface 95 in the B direction becomes shorter as it approaches the -Y direction. Also, the second mounting surface 95 slopes downward in the -C direction as it approaches the +Y direction. In other words, the second mounting surface 95 slopes toward the first mounting surface 92. The inclination angle of the second mounting surface 94 with respect to the B-Y plane and the inclination angle of the second mounting surface 95 are approximately the same. The area and inclination angle of the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 are set so that the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 can come into contact with the medium M.

[0065] The third mounting surfaces 96 and 97 are located outside the first mounting surface 92 and the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 in the Y direction. The third mounting surface 96 is continuous with the second mounting surface 94 and is located further in the +Y direction than the second mounting surface 94. The third mounting surface 96 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, except for the cut-out portion in the -B direction. The third mounting surface 96 is also parallel to the Y direction. In other words, the third mounting surface 96 is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane, similar to the first mounting surface 92. The third mounting surface 97 is continuous with the second mounting surface 95 and is located further in the -Y direction than the second mounting surface 95. The third mounting surface 97 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, except for the cut-out portion in the -B direction. The third mounting surface 97 is also parallel to the Y direction. In other words, the third mounting surface 97 is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane, just like the first mounting surface 92.

[0066] The fourth mounting surface 98 is a surface located in the +B direction relative to the first mounting surface 92, the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95, and the third mounting surfaces 96 and 97, and is continuous with them. Furthermore, the fourth mounting surface 98 is, for example, a plane parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane. At the -B direction end of the fourth mounting surface 98, the central part in the Y direction is recessed in the +B direction compared to both ends in the Y direction.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the movable rib 90 is an example of a projection that can project from the mounting surface 91 in the C direction, and is formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the B direction. The end of the movable rib 90 in the -C direction is open. The movable rib 90 also has a side wall 72 formed in the shape of a frame when viewed from the C direction, an upper wall 74 that covers the end of the side wall 72 in the +C direction, and two slide rails 76 provided on the inside of the side wall 72. A notch 73 is formed at the end of the side wall 72 in the +B direction. The upper surface 74A of the upper wall 74 in the +C direction is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane. The upper surface 74A is formed in the shape of a rectangle where the dimension in the B direction is longer than the dimension in the Y direction when viewed from the C direction.

[0068] The movable rib 90, which extends in the B direction, has a dimension in the B direction that is greater than its dimension in the Y direction. Furthermore, the movable rib 90 has a dimension in the B direction that is smaller than the B direction dimension of the largest size medium M used in the multifunction printer 11. Additionally, the movable rib 90 has a dimension in the Y direction that is smaller than the Y direction dimension of the smallest size medium M used in the multifunction printer 11. The movable rib 90 is moved back and forth in the C direction by a moving part 77 (described later), allowing it to move between a protruding position that extends from the mounting surface 91 in the +C direction and a retracted position where the mounting surface 91 and the upper surface 74A are at approximately the same height in the C direction. The protruding position is an example of the second position. The retracted position is an example of the first position. The movable rib 90 also supports a portion of the medium M in both the protruding and retracted positions. In this embodiment, the medium M is transported using a center-resist method. Therefore, the movable rib 90 supports approximately the center of the medium M in the Y direction.

[0069] The movable section 77 is configured, for example, as a link mechanism. Specifically, the movable section 77 includes a support plate 78, a movable rod 79, two first link members 84 spaced apart in the B direction, and one second link member 85 connected to each of the two first link members 84. The support plate 78 extends in the B direction in the -C direction relative to the movable rib 90. The movable rod 79 is provided between the support plate 78 and the movable rib 90 so as to be able to reciprocate in the B direction. The movable rod 79 is also moved back and forth in the B direction by a motor (not shown). This motor is controlled by a transport control unit 207 (Figure 3). The position of the movable rod 79 in the B direction is detected by a sensor (not shown). Based on this detection result, it is determined whether the movable rib 90 is in the protruding position or the retracted position. The position information of the movable rib 90 is sent to the control unit 37.

[0070] The first link member 84 is a member that is long in one direction. One end of the first link member 84 is connected to the support plate 78 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction. The other end of the first link member 84 is connected to the slide rail 76 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction and to move together with the slide rail 76. The second link member 85 is a member that is long in one direction and is shorter than the first link member 84. One end of the second link member 85 is connected to a part of the first link member 84 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction. The other end of the second link member 85 is connected to the moving rod 79 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction.

[0071] In the moving section 77, when the moving rod 79 is moved in the +B direction, one end of the second link member 85 moves downward in the -C direction, causing the other end of the first link member 84 to move downward in the -C direction and slide relative to the slide rail 76 in the +B direction. As a result, the moving section 77 lowers the movable rib 90 in the -C direction. Also, in the moving section 77, when the moving rod 79 is moved in the -B direction, one end of the second link member 85 moves upward in the +C direction, causing the other end of the first link member 84 to move upward in the +C direction and slide relative to the slide rail 76 in the -B direction. As a result, the moving section 77 moves the movable rib 90 in the +C direction. In other words, the moving section 77 causes the movable rib 90 to protrude from the mounting surface 91 in the +C direction.

[0072] <Configuration of a recording system with a post-processing device> Figure 10 shows a recording system 10B including a multifunction printer 11. As shown in Figure 10, the recording system 10B comprises a multifunction printer 11 and a post-processing device 86. The multifunction printer 11 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 30A that performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium M, such as recording paper. Here, the liquid ejection head 30A is described as a line head, but it is not particularly limited to that.

[0073] The multifunction printer 11 comprises a main unit 12, a cassette 20 for containing media, a transport unit 40 (see Figure 2) for transporting media, a liquid discharge head 30A, a mounting unit 31 for discharging media, and a relay unit 88 for transporting media to a post-processing device 86. As shown in Figure 10, a media transport path TA is provided inside the main unit 12, more specifically, directly below the liquid discharge head 30A.

[0074] The liquid ejection head 30A has multiple nozzles (not shown) arranged to cover the entire Y-axis area of ​​the medium. The liquid ejection head 30A records data onto the medium by ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown) from the multiple nozzles toward the medium.

[0075] The media recorded on by the multifunction printer 11 is sent to the post-processing device 86 via the relay unit 88. The post-processing device 86 comprises a main unit 89, a processing tray 58 and a stapler 57 (an example of a post-processing unit) located inside the main unit 89, and a main tray 59 located outside the main unit 89. The media transferred from the relay unit 88 to the main unit 89 is transported along the transport path TB inside the main unit 89 and sent to the processing tray 58.

[0076] <Configuration of the relay unit> Figure 11 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11, the relay unit 88 is an example of a relay transport unit capable of transporting the medium M discharged from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86. The relay unit 88 also includes, as an example, a main frame (not shown), an upper path member 111, a rotating mechanism 130, a lower path member 116, a first rotating shaft 117, a second rotating shaft 118, and a spring member (not shown). The relay path TC is defined as the path between the discharge roller pair 120 of the discharge port 71 and the post-processing device 86 within the transport path T of the medium M. In other words, the transport path T in this embodiment includes the relay path TC.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11, the upper path member 111 constitutes the upper part of the relay path TC located in the +Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The upper path member 111 is provided with a rotating mechanism 130, which will be described later. The upper path member 111, as an example, has an inclined wall 112 and an upper wall 113. The inclined wall 112 is located downstream in the E direction of the discharge guide 119. The E direction is the direction in which the medium M is transported through the relay path TC in the relay unit 88. The inclined wall 112 is inclined such that its +X direction end is located in the +Z direction relative to its -X direction end. In other words, the inclined wall 112 extends diagonally upward relative to the discharge guide 119. The upper wall 113 extends in the +X direction, starting from the point where the inclined wall 112 and the upper wall 113 connect at the +X direction end of the inclined wall 112. This connecting point is curved.

[0079] The rotating mechanism 130 is driven by a drive motor (not shown) to transport the medium M from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86. The rotating mechanism 130 is composed of, for example, a plurality of upper rollers 131, a drive motor (not shown), a plurality of spurs (also called serrated rollers) 132, and a gear section (not shown). The plurality of upper rollers 131 are arranged at intervals in the E direction on the upper path member 111. In addition, a plurality of upper rollers 131 are also arranged in the Y direction. The plurality of upper rollers 131 rotate around a rotation axis along the Y direction. A portion of the outer circumferential surface of the plurality of upper rollers 131 is exposed from the upper path member 111 to the relay path TC and can come into contact with the medium M.

[0080] Multiple spurs 132 are provided on the upper path member 111 at intervals in the E direction and at positions different from the multiple upper rollers 131, and multiple spurs 132 are also arranged in the Y direction. Each of the multiple spurs 132 rotates around a rotation axis along the Y direction. Multiple teeth (not shown) are provided on the outer circumference of the multiple spurs 132. The outer diameter of the spurs 132 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper rollers 131. The multiple spurs 132 rotate by contact with the conveyed medium M.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, the lower path member 116 constitutes the lower part of the relay path TC located in the -Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The lower path member 116 is an example of a switching member. The lower path member 116 is configured to switch between a first state in which it constitutes the relay path TC for the medium M from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86, and a second state in which it opens the relay path TC toward the mounting section 31. Note that the lower path member 116 is not provided with a drive motor or gear section as a rotating mechanism section 130.

[0082] The lower path member 116 includes, for example, a first lower path member 133 and a second lower path member 134. The width of the first lower path member 133 and the second lower path member 134 in the Y direction is wider than the width of the medium M in the Y direction. The first lower path member 133 is rotatable about a first rotation axis 117. The second lower path member 134 is rotatable about a second rotation axis 118. In this embodiment, the first lower path member 133 of the lower path member 116 switches between the first state and the second state by rotating about the first rotation axis 117. In this embodiment, for example, the first and second states are not defined for the rotation of the second lower path member 134.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, the first rotation axis 117 is located in the -X and -Z directions relative to the middle of the relay path TC in the E direction (specifically, the center of the relay path TC). The first rotation axis 117 is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown) of the device body 12. The first rotation axis 117 extends in the Y direction, intersecting both the E and Z directions. The first rotation axis 117 is made of a cylindrical member. The first rotation axis 117 rotatably supports the first lower path member 133. Specifically, the base end portion 133A of the first lower path member 133 is attached to the first rotation axis 117. The first state and the second state are switched by the first lower path member 133 rotating around the first rotation axis 117.

[0084] The second lower path member 134 is located downstream in the E direction relative to the first lower path member 133. The second rotation axis 118 is located in the -Z direction relative to the upper wall 113. The second rotation axis 118 is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown) of the device body 12. The second rotation axis 118 consists of a cylindrical member extending in the Y direction. The second rotation axis 118 rotatably supports the second lower path member 134. Specifically, the base end 134A in the +X direction of the second lower path member 134 is attached to the second rotation axis 118. In other words, the downstream end in the E direction of the second lower path member 134 is rotatably supported by the second rotation axis 118. The second lower path member 134 rotates around the second rotation axis 118, switching between a closed state that forms the relay path TC and an open state that opens the relay path TC.

[0085] In the first state of the lower path member 116, the first lower path member 133 faces the inclined wall 112, forming the upstream portion of the relay path TC. The arrangement in which the first lower path member 133 faces the inclined wall 112 is defined as the first state of the first lower path member 133. In the first state of the lower path member 116, the second lower path member 134 faces the upper wall 113, forming the downstream portion of the relay path TC.

[0086] =First Modified Relay Unit= Figure 12 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11, as the first modified example of Figure 11. This modified example differs from Figure 11 in that it has a linear upper path member 152 and a plate-shaped lower path member 154 instead of the upper path member 111 and lower path member 116. In this modified example, the first rotation axis 117 (Figure 11) is not provided. The upper path member 152 is inclined such that its end in the +X direction is located in the +Z direction relative to its end in the -X direction.

[0087] In the first state, when the lower path member 154 forms the relay path TC together with the upper path member 152, the lower path member 154 has a predetermined thickness in the C direction and extends in the B direction. The base end portion 154A of the lower path member 154 in the +B direction is rotated around the second rotation axis 118. The lower path member 154 switches between the aforementioned first state and a second state in which it is retracted from the relay path TC in the -Z direction. In this modified example, when the lower path member 154 is in the second state, the medium M is discharged into the space on the mounting surface 91. Thus, the lower path member 154 may be composed of a single member. Alternatively, instead of providing the second rotation axis 118, a first rotation axis 117 (Figure 11) may be provided, and the base end portion of the lower path member 154 in the -B direction may be rotated around the first rotation axis 117. Alternatively, instead of providing the first rotating shaft 117 and the second rotating shaft 118, a lifting mechanism 166 (Figure 14) may be provided to raise and lower the lower path member 154.

[0088] =Second Modification of the Relay Unit= Figure 13 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11, as a modification of Figure 11. This modification differs from Figure 11 in that an upper path member 142 is provided as an example of an upper path member instead of the upper path member 111 (Figure 11), and a first lower path member 146 is provided as an example of a lower path member instead of the first lower path member 133 (Figure 11). The other configurations are the same as in Figure 11.

[0089] The upper path member 142 constitutes the upper part of the relay path TC located in the +Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The upper path member 142 is provided with a rotating mechanism 130. The upper path member 142, as an example, has an inclined wall 112 and an upper wall 113. The inclined wall 112 is located downstream in the E direction from the discharge guide 119. The inclined wall 112 is inclined such that its end in the +X direction is located in the +Z direction relative to its end in the -X direction. In other words, the inclined wall 112 is a wall that extends diagonally upward from the discharge guide 119.

[0090] The first lower path member 146 is formed in the shape of a plate having a predetermined thickness. The first lower path member 146 is formed in the shape of a rectangle in which the dimension in the Y direction is longer than the dimension in the E direction. The upstream end of the first lower path member 146 in the E direction is defined as the base end 146A. The downstream end of the first lower path member 146 in the E direction is defined as the tip end 146B. In other words, the tip end 146B is located opposite to the base end 146A. The base end 146A is rotatably mounted on the first rotation axis 117. When the first lower path member 146 is rotated around the first rotation axis 117, the trajectory traced by the tip end 146B is defined as the rotation trajectory R. The region inside the rotation trajectory R is defined as the rotation region SR. The mounting surface 91 is located outside the rotation trajectory R of the tip end 146B. In other words, when the first lower path member 146 is rotated, the first lower path member 146 does not come into contact with the mounting surface 91.

[0091] =Third Modification of the Relay Unit= Figure 14 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11, as a modification of Figure 13. This modification differs from Figure 13 in that the first rotating shaft 117 and the second rotating shaft 118 (Figure 13) are absent, a first lower path member 163 is provided in place of the first lower path member 146, and a lifting section 166 is provided. The other configurations are the same as in Figure 13.

[0092] The lower path member 162 includes, for example, a first lower path member 163 and a second lower path member 164 located downstream of the first lower path member 163 in the E direction. The first lower path member 163 is provided so as to be retractable from the relay path TC in the -Z direction. The lower path member 162 switches from a first state to a second state when the first lower path member 163 is retracted from the relay path TC.

[0093] Specifically, the first lower path member 163 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the C direction and extending in the B direction. The first lower path member 163 switches between a first state and a second state when the lifting unit 166 is driven. In the first state, the first lower path member 163 faces the inclined wall 112 and forms the relay path TC. In the second state, when the first lower path member 163 is retracted from the relay path TC in the -Z direction, it rests on the mounting surface 91.

[0094] The second lower path member 164 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. For example, the second lower path member 164 is fixed in a state where it faces the upper wall 113 and forms the relay path TC.

[0095] <High-capacity paper feeding unit> As described above, the multifunction printer 11 is configured such that a high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 can be connected to the side surface 12S of the main body (main unit) 12, which is provided with the first cover 21, the second cover 22, and the third cover.

[0096] Specifically, in this embodiment, the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11 at the portion of the second cover 22. In this case, for example, although not shown in the figures, the position of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Y direction relative to the multifunction printer 11 is determined via an insertion / removal needle or the like. The insertion / removal needle is provided on either the multifunction printer 11 or the high-capacity paper feed unit 80, and a hole into which the insertion / removal needle can be fitted is provided on the other side.

[0097] The large-capacity paper feed unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11, for example, electrically connected to the multifunction printer 11, and is configured to be able to feed the media M to be stored to the multifunction printer 11 under the control of the control unit 37. In this embodiment, the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 functions as a storage device that stores the media M so that it can be fed to the connected multifunction printer 11.

[0098] Figure 15 illustrates the configuration of the connection part between the second cover 22 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. Figure 16 illustrates the feeding of the medium M stored in the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 to the multifunction printer 11. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the second cover 22 is provided with an inlet 66 through which the medium M fed from the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 passes. The inlet 66 opens between the transport roller 61 and the transport roller 62. The second cover 22 may also be provided with a transport roller 65 for transporting the medium M from the inlet 66. The transport roller 65 transports the medium M along the path from the inlet 66 to the transport roller 61.

[0099] In other words, in this embodiment, the transport roller 61 also serves a transport function for transporting the medium M that has been brought into the multifunction printer 11 from the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 through the loading port 66. The medium M brought into the multifunction printer 11 from the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 through the loading port 66 is transported along the transport path T6 inside the main body of the device 12 and merges with the transport path T7. Alternatively, instead of providing the loading roller 65, the medium M may be guided from the loading port 66 to the transport roller 61 by ribs provided along the path.

[0100] As shown in Figure 16, the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 supplies the medium M to the main body 12 of the multifunction printer 11 through the loading opening 66 that opens in the second cover 22, so the position of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Z direction coincides with the position of the second cover 22 in the Z direction. Also, as shown in Figure 16, a feed roller 184 and a pair of separation rollers 185 are provided at an upper position inside the housing 81 of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80. A feed guide 186 extends horizontally from one side of the housing 81 (side 80S, which will be described later) from a position corresponding to the pair of separation rollers 185. The high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11 with the tip of the feed guide 186 inserted into the loading opening 66 that opens in the second cover 22 of the multifunction printer 11.

[0101] Multiple media M are stored in a large-capacity cassette 82 inside the housing 81 of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. The multiple media M stored in the large-capacity cassette 82 are biased to the +Z side of the vertical Z direction by a spring (not shown). As a result, the multiple media M are pressed against the feed roller 184. When the feed roller 184 rotates, the topmost of the multiple media M is fed. At this time, only one media M is separated by the separation roller pair 185. As a result, double feeding of media M is suppressed. In this way, media M are fed one by one from the feed guide 186 of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 to the multifunction printer 11.

[0102] As shown in Figure 16, the lower end of the first cover 21 of the multifunction printer 11 on the -Z side (downward side) is located on the +Z side (upward side) than the high-capacity paper feed unit 80. That is, the upper end surface of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is lower than the lower end of the first cover 21. Therefore, even when the first cover 21 is opened, it does not collide with the high-capacity paper feed unit 80. Thus, when performing jam removal work by opening only the first cover 21, it is not necessary to move the high-capacity paper feed unit 80. In addition, the first cover 21 can be opened and closed around a pivot axis 21B (see Figure 4) along the Z axis at its rear end, and when opened, the first cover 21 rotates to the rear around the pivot axis 21B. Therefore, the user can perform jam removal work from the front side of the multifunction printer 11 without the first cover 21 getting in the way.

[0103] As shown in Figure 16, the position of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is in the Z-direction, overlapping with the position of the second cover 22. Therefore, when opening the second cover 22, it is necessary to move the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the main body 12 in the X-direction. The distance by which the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is moved in the X-direction depends on the Z-direction dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 (see Figure 4). To reduce this distance, the Y-direction dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 may be larger than the Z-direction dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22. In other words, the height dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 may be smaller than the width dimension LY1 of the first cover 21.

[0104] In the following explanation, the direction in which the user faces the front of the multifunction printer 11 where the control panel 19 is located will be expressed using the X, Y, and Z directions. Specifically, the left-right direction will be the X direction, the front-back direction (depth direction) will be the Y direction, and the up-down direction will be the Z direction. Therefore, in the following explanation, the +X side will mean the left side, the -X side will mean the right side, the +Y side will mean the rear side, the -Y side will mean the front side, the +Z side will mean the upper side, and the -Z side will mean the lower side.

[0105] <Concerns that may arise from prior art> Figure 17 illustrates concerns that may arise from prior art, where (a) shows the state in which the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12 are connected, and (b) shows the state in which the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12 are separated and spaced apart. In the drawings from Figure 17 onward, for ease of understanding, the insertion and removal needle for positioning the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 relative to the multifunction printer 11 is shown at the center of the Y direction of the multifunction printer 11.

[0106] In the multifunction printer 11, if a jam occurs in the transport path T1-T4 corresponding to the second cover 22 and third cover 23 while the main unit 12 is connected to the high-capacity paper feed unit 80, the user separates the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the main unit 12 and moves it a predetermined distance away (see Figure 6). Then, the user opens the cover of the second cover 22 and third cover 23 that corresponds to the transport path where the jam occurred. After that, the user performs the necessary work to resolve the jam, and once the work is completed, closes the opened cover and then reconnects the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 to the main unit 12.

[0107] However, on the side 12S to which the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 is connected, the main body of the device 12 is provided with a connector 87 on the side (+Z side) above the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, to which various cables 1700 can be connected (see Figures 1, 4, and 17(a)). Therefore, when the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main body of the device 12 are separated, the cables 1700 connected to the connector 87 hang down due to their own weight and get trapped between the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main body of the device 12 (see Figure 17(b)).

[0108] Therefore, after the jamming work is completed, if the user attempts to reconnect the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 to the main unit 12 in the state shown in Figure 17(b), the cable 1700 will obstruct the connection between the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12. For this reason, in order to suppress this obstruction of the connection between the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12 by the cable 1700, the user must prevent the cable 1700 from being inserted between the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12 each time the connection is made. However, this work was burdensome for the user.

[0109] <Characteristic Technology of This Embodiment> Therefore, in this embodiment, a guide portion is provided to guide the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 so as to restrict the cable 1700 from entering between the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the device body 12. The guide portion will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a diagram showing a guide portion provided on the multifunction printer 11, where (a) shows a guide member provided on the side surface 12S of the device body 12, and (b) shows a guide member provided on the rear surface 12B of the device body 12.

[0110] The multifunction printer 11 is provided with a guide member 1800 that guides the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 to the rear side (+Y side) of the rear surface 12B of the device body 12. Specifically, the guide member 1800 is cylindrical in shape through which the cable 1700 can be inserted, and is provided, for example, on the side surface 12S of the device body 12 so as to be located between the connector 87 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Z direction (vertical direction) (see Figure 18(a)). Note that the guide member 1800 is not limited to being provided on the side surface 12S, but may also be provided on the rear surface 12B of the device body 12 (see Figure 18(b)). The rear surface 12B of the device body 12 is the surface facing the side surface (front) 12F of the device body 12, where the operation panel 19 is provided.

[0111] When the guide member 1800 is provided on the side surface 12S, one opening 1800a is located near the connector 87, and the other opening 1800b is located in the Y direction at the same time as or behind the rear surface 12B. When the guide member 1800 is provided on the rear surface 12B, one opening 1800a is located near the aforementioned connection portion, and the other opening 1800b is located in the Y direction behind the rear surface 12B. Preferably, the guide member 1800 is shaped so that the cable 1700 inserted through the opening 1800a is guided through the opening 1800b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear surface 12B.

[0112] In this embodiment, the guide member 1800 is made to be substantially L-shaped (see Figures 18(a) and 18(b)), but it is not limited to this, and any shape is acceptable as long as it can guide the cable 1700 to a position behind the rear surface 12B. Furthermore, the guide member 1800 may be fixedly attached to the device body 12 or it may be detachably attached. In addition, the guide member 1800 may be substantially cylindrical in shape, and may have a groove formed along the extending direction of the guide member 1800 so that the cable 1700 can be inserted into it or the cable 1700 located inside can be pulled out to the outside.

[0113] Although not specifically mentioned in the above description, when the multifunction printer 11 is equipped with multiple connectors 87 and multiple cables 1700 are connected, the guide member 1800 is formed to a size that allows multiple cables 1700 to be inserted into it simultaneously. Furthermore, in the above description, when the guide member 1800 is provided on the rear surface 12B, it is positioned below the connectors 87 and above the high-capacity paper feed unit 80, but it is not limited to this. For example, the guide member 1800 may be provided on the rear surface 12B below the high-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0114] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, a guide member 1800 is provided on the main body 12 to guide the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 above the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and behind the rear surface 12B. As a result, the cable 1700 is positioned so as not to overlap with the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 connected to the main body 12 in the Y direction, and is less likely to hang down between the main body 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. Therefore, when connecting the multifunction printer 11 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, pinching of the cable 1700 between the main body 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 can be suppressed. As a result, the user can smoothly connect the multifunction printer 11 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, and the burden on the user during the connection is reduced.

[0115] [Second Embodiment] Next, a multifunction printer according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 19. In the following description, the same reference numerals used in the first embodiment will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0116] <Characteristic Technology of This Embodiment> The multifunction printer 11 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that it is equipped with a hook (hooking part) for hooking the cable 1700 instead of the guide member 1800. The configuration of this hook will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 is a diagram showing a hook provided on the multifunction printer 11. Figure 19(a) shows a hook provided on the side surface 12S of the device body 12, and Figure 19(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the hook in Figure 19(a). Figure 19(c) shows an example of a hook provided on the back surface 12B of the device body 12, and Figure 19(d) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the hook in Figure 19(c). Figure 19(e) shows an example of a hook provided on the back surface 12B of the device body 12, and Figure 19(f) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the hook in Figure 19(e).

[0117] The multifunction printer 11 according to this embodiment is provided with a hook 1900 that hooks onto the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 so as to guide it to the rear side (+Y side) of the rear surface 12B of the device body 12. This hook 1900 functions as a guide that guides the cable 1700 to a position in the Y direction that does not overlap with the large-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0118] Specifically, the hook 1900 has a roughly L-shape that allows the cable 1700 to be hooked onto it, and is provided, for example, on the side surface 12S of the device body 12 so as to be located between the connector 87 and the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Z direction (see Figure 19(a)). The hook 1900 is provided at the rear end (+Y side end) of the side surface 12S (see Figure 19(b)). More specifically, the hook 1900 is located -Z side of the connector 87 and +Z side of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80, extending -X side from a predetermined position at the rear end of the side surface 12S, and extending +Y side at the bent portion P. As a result, the cable 1700 hooked onto the hook 1900 is located -Z side of the hook 1900 and behind the back surface 12B (+Y side), making it less likely to hang down between the device body 12 and the high-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0119] Furthermore, the hook 1900 is not limited to being formed in a substantially L-shape and provided on the side surface 12S. The hook 1900 may be formed by a pair of substantially L-shaped members 1900a and 1900b that can hook the cable 1700 (see Figure 19(c)). In this case, the hook 1900 is provided on the back surface 12B of the device body 12 so as to be located between the connector 87 and the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Z direction. Specifically, the hook 1900 is provided by a pair of members 1900a and 1900b at a predetermined position on the back surface 12B that is -Z side of the connector 87 and +Z side of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 (see Figure 19(d)). One of the members 1900a is formed to extend from the back surface 12B to the +Y side and to the +X side at the bent portion P. Furthermore, the other member 1900b is formed to extend from the back surface 12B toward the +Y direction, with a gap between it and the first member 1900a in the X direction, and to extend in the -X direction at the bent portion P.

[0120] In this way, by forming a hook 1900 with a pair of roughly L-shaped members 1900a and 1900b, it becomes possible not only to hook the cable 1700 but also to wrap the cable 1700 around the hook 1900 and secure it. This allows the cable 1700 to be stably fixed to the hook 1900. Furthermore, since the cable 1700 can be stably fixed on the back surface 12B, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the cable 1700 from hanging down between the main body of the device 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. In this case, the hook 1900 may be positioned on the back surface 12B below the large-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0121] Furthermore, the hook 1900 may be made into a substantially T-shape, for example, to which a cable 1700 can be hooked (see Figure 19(e)). In this case, the hook 1900 is provided on the back surface 12B of the device body 12 so as to be located between the connector 87 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Z direction. Specifically, the hook 1900 is formed at a predetermined position on the back surface 12B, which is -Z side of the connector 87 and +Z side of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. The hook 1900 is formed by a first member 1900c extending in the +Y direction from the predetermined position, and a second member 1900d extending in the X direction and joined to the first member 1900c at approximately the center position. By making the hook 1900 substantially T-shaped in this way, the same effects and advantages as when the hook 1900 is composed of a pair of substantially L-shaped members 1900a and 1900b, as described above, are achieved. In this case, the hook 1900 may be positioned on the rear surface 12B below the high-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0122] In the above description, the hook 1900 is provided in one location, but it is not limited to this. For example, the hook 1900 shown in Figure 19(a) may be provided at multiple locations on the rear end of the back surface 12B, on the -Z side of the connector 87 and on the +Z side of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80. Also, in the above description, the hook 1900 is provided below the connector 87 (on the -Z side), but it is not limited to this. For example, the hook 1900 provided on the back surface 12B may be provided above the connector 87 (on the +Z side).

[0123] The above description explains three types of hooks 1900, but different types of hooks 1900 may be used in combination. Also, although not specifically mentioned in the above description, the hooks 1900 may be configured to be housed in the device body 12. Specifically, in this case, when using the hooks 1900 (to hook the cables 1700), the hooks 1900 housed in the device body 12 are pulled out, and when not using the hooks 1900, the hooks 1900 are housed in the device body 12. Furthermore, when the multifunction printer 11 is equipped with multiple connectors 87 and multiple cables 1700 are connected, the hooks 1900 may be formed to a size that allows multiple cables 1700 to be hooked simultaneously. Alternatively, there may be enough hooks to allow multiple cables 1700 to be hooked individually.

[0124] <Effects and Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, a hook 1900 is provided on the main body 12 of the device, which can be used to hook the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 so as to guide it above the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and behind the rear surface 12B. As a result, this embodiment achieves the same effects and effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0125] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 20, a high-capacity paper feed unit connected to the multifunction printer according to the third embodiment will be described. In the following description, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the multifunction printer and high-capacity paper feed unit according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals used in the first embodiment described above will be used, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0126] <Characteristic Technology of This Embodiment> The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that, instead of the guide member 1800, a guide section is provided on the back surface 80B of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 that can guide the cable 1700 in a direction away from the multifunction printer 11. The configuration of this guide section will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 20. Figure 20 is a diagram showing the guide section provided on the large-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0127] The large-capacity paper feed unit 80 is provided with a guide member 2000 at or near the upper end (+Z side end) of the rear surface 80B, which can guide the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 away from the multifunction printer 11. Specifically, the guide member 2000 is cylindrical in shape through which the cable 1700 can be inserted, and extends linearly along the X direction, for example (see Figure 20). The rear surface 80B is the rear side (+Y side) of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. In this specification, the end in "upper end" and "rear end" refers to an area within 10%, more preferably 5%, of the end of the device in that direction. For example, the upper end of the rear surface 80B refers to an area within 10% (preferably 5%) of the height of the rear surface 80B in the -Z direction from the upper end of the rear surface 80B.

[0128] By inserting the cable 1700 through the guide member 2000, in the Z-direction, the position where it overlaps with the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 does not overlap with the connection position between the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12 in the X-direction. In other words, the guide member 2000 guides the cable 1700 to a position where it does not overlap with the multifunction printer 11 in the Y-direction. As a result, the cable 1700 inserted through the guide member 2000 is less likely to hang down between the main unit 12 and the high-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0129] Furthermore, the guide member 2000 is not limited to being provided along the X direction. For example, it may be provided at an inclination with respect to the X direction such that one opening 2000a located on the multifunction printer 11 side (+X side) is located above the other opening 2000b (+Z side). Also, the guide member 2000 is not limited to being formed in a straight line, but may be bent, curved, or a combination of these shapes. Moreover, the guide member 2000 is not limited to being cylindrical, but may be substantially cylindrical in shape, for example, with a groove formed along the extending direction that allows the cable 1700 to be inserted into the interior or the cable 1700 located inside to be pulled out to the outside. Although not specifically mentioned in the above description, when the multifunction printer 11 is equipped with multiple connectors 87 and multiple cables 1700 are connected, the guide member 2000 is formed to a size that allows multiple cables 1700 to be inserted into the interior simultaneously.

[0130] <Effects and Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, a guide member 2000 is provided to guide the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 in the vicinity of the upper end of the rear surface 80B of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, in a direction away from the multifunction printer 11. As a result, the cable 1700, which is in a position overlapping with the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Z direction, is positioned behind the rear surface 12B of the device body 12 and the rear surface 80B of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. Therefore, this embodiment achieves the same effects and effects as the first embodiment described above. In addition, by providing the guide member 2000 on the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, unnecessary configurations for users who only use the multifunction printer 11 are eliminated, and the cost associated with the multifunction printer 11 can be reduced.

[0131] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 21, a high-capacity paper feed unit connected to the multifunction printer according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the multifunction printer and high-capacity paper feed unit according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals used in the first embodiment described above will be used, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0132] <Characteristic Technology of This Embodiment> The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that, instead of the guide member 1800, a hook (hooking part) for hooking the cable 1700 is provided on the back surface 80B of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 connected to the multifunction printer 11. The configuration of this hook will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 21. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the hook provided on the large-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0133] The high-capacity paper feed unit 80 according to this embodiment is provided with a hook 2100 at the upper end of the rear surface 80B, which is used to hook the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 so that it is guided away from the multifunction printer 11. Specifically, the hook 2100 has a substantially L-shape that allows the cable 1700 to be hooked onto it, and is provided at the upper end (the +Z side end) of the rear surface 80B (see Figure 21). Specifically, the hook 2100 is formed to extend from a predetermined position at the upper end of the rear surface 80B toward the +Y side and to extend toward the -X side at the bend P.

[0134] By being hooked onto the hook 2100, the cable 1700, in the Z-direction, overlaps with the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, but in the X-direction, it does not overlap with the connection point between the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12. In other words, the hook 2100 guides the cable 1700 to a position in the Y-direction where it does not overlap with the multifunction printer 11 (main unit 12). As a result, the cable 1700 hooked onto the hook 2100 is less likely to hang down between the main unit 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0135] The hook 2100 may be positioned at the upper end of the rear surface 80B on the side of the multifunction printer 11 (+X side) (as shown in Figure 21), but it may also be positioned further away from the multifunction printer 11 than the position shown in Figure 21. Positioning it further away from the multifunction printer 11 than positioning it closer to the multifunction printer 11 will suppress the sagging of the cable 1700 between the main body of the device 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0136] The hook 2100 is not limited to being a single piece; multiple hooks may be provided. In this case, the hook 2100 closest to the multifunction printer 11 is positioned in the X direction to fix the cable 1700 at a location that does not overlap with the connection point between the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12. The other hooks are configured to define the position of the cable 1700 in the Z direction, so that multiple hooks 2100 can guide the cable 1700 to a position away from the multifunction printer 11.

[0137] Although not specifically mentioned in the above description, when the multifunction printer 11 is equipped with multiple connectors 87 and multiple cables 1700 are connected, the hook 2100 is formed to a size that allows multiple cables 1700 to be hooked simultaneously. In this case, if there are many cables 1700, for example, multiple hooks 2100 may be provided at different positions in the X direction on the upper end of the rear surface 80B.

[0138] <Effects and Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, a hook 2100 is provided at the upper end of the rear surface 80B of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, which can be used to hook the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87. As a result, this embodiment achieves the same effects and effects as the third embodiment described above.

[0139] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a high-capacity paper feed unit connected to the multifunction printer according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 25. In the following description, detailed explanations of components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the multifunction printer and high-capacity paper feed unit according to the first embodiment described above will be omitted by using the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment described above.

[0140] <Characteristic Technology of This Embodiment> The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that, instead of the guide member 1800, a fastening part is provided to fasten the main body of the device and the large-capacity paper feed unit in order to restrict the insertion of a cable between the multifunction printer and the large-capacity paper feed unit. The configuration of this fastening part will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 22 to 25. The fastening part may be provided on the multifunction printer 11 or on the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. In the following description, the case in which the fastening part is provided on the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 will be described as an example.

[0141] Figure 22 shows fastening parts provided on the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, where (a) shows a sliding fastening part, (b) is an enlarged view of the fastening member provided on the fastening part in (a), (c) shows a folding fastening part, and (d) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the fastening part in (c). Figure 23 shows the connected and disconnected states of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 equipped with a sliding fastening part and the multifunction printer 11, where (a) is a view from the rear and (b) is a view from above. Figure 24 shows the transition between the connected and disconnected states of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 equipped with a folding fastening part and the multifunction printer 11, where (a), (b), and (c) are perspective views from the rear and (b), (e), and (f) are views from above. Figure 25 shows the arrangement of the fastening parts so as not to create a function that restricts the insertion of cables between the multifunction printer and the large-capacity paper feed unit.

[0142] The high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is provided with a fastening portion 2200 located at the rear upper corner of the surface facing the main body 12 of the device. The fastening portion 2200 can be fastened to the main body 12 of the multifunction printer 11 and is configured to extend according to the distance between the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the multifunction printer 11. This fastening portion 2200 is provided to restrict the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 from entering between the main body 12 and the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 when connecting and disconnecting the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the multifunction printer 11.

[0143] Specifically, the fastening portion 2200 is provided at a position including the corner located at both the rear end (+Y side end) and the upper end (+Z side end) of the side 80S of the device body 12 that faces the side 12S when connecting the multifunction printer 11 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 (see Figure 22(a)). The fastening portion 2200 includes a fastening member 2202 for fastening to the device body 12, and a storage portion 2204 that allows the fastening member 2202 to slide and house the fastening member 2202. Therefore, in the fastening portion 2200, the fastening member 2202 is configured to slide out from its storage position in the storage portion 2204 provided in the large-capacity paper feed unit 80.

[0144] One side of the fastening member 2202 has a locking portion 2208 that can be engaged with the receiving portion 2206 of the device body 12 to be fastened (see Figures 22(b) and (d)). The other side of the fastening member 2202 has a restricting portion 2210 that engages with a rail (not shown) provided in the storage portion 2204 to restrict the fastening member 2202 from falling out of the large-capacity paper feeding unit 80.

[0145] The high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is fastened to the main unit 12 via the fastening portion 2200 while connected to and disconnected from the multifunction printer 11 (see Figure 23). When the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is disconnected from the multifunction printer 11, the fastening member 2202 is pulled out from the storage portion 2204 as the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 moves in the -X direction, while maintaining its fastened state to the main unit 12. When the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11 from a disconnected state, the fastening member 2202 is stored in the storage portion 2204 as the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 moves in the +X direction, while maintaining its fastened state to the main unit 12.

[0146] When the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11, the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 is located behind the rear 12B and rear 80B in a position where it overlaps with the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 in the Z direction. However, when the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is separated from the main unit 12, the cable 1700 connected to the connector 87 may, due to its own weight, enter the space created between the main unit 12 and the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 as a result of the separation.

[0147] In this embodiment, a fastening portion 2200 is provided at the rear end of the side surface 80S of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, including the corner located at the upper end. Therefore, for example, when separating the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the main body 12 to perform work on a jam, the fastening member 2202 is pulled out while maintaining its fastened state with the main body 12. As a result, while the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 is moving, the fastening member 2202 prevents the cable 1700 from entering the space created between the main body 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 due to the separation. Furthermore, when reconnecting the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 to the main body 12 after the work on the jam is completed, the fastening member 2202 is stored in the storage portion 2204 while maintaining its fastened state with the main body 12. As a result, while the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 is moving, the fastening member 2202 prevents the cable 1700 from entering the space created between the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main body 12.

[0148] As described above, when separating the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the main unit 12 for jamming work, the fastening portion 2200 is configured to maintain fastening between the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the main unit 12. For this reason, the fastening portion 2200 is configured to allow the second and third covers to be opened while maintaining fastening to the main unit, and to allow the high-capacity paper feed unit to be separated from the main unit to the extent that the user can perform jamming work. When completely separating the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the multifunction printer 11 (main unit 12), the locking portion 2208 of the fastening member 2202 is detached from the receiving portion 2206 of the main unit 12.

[0149] In this embodiment, the fastening portion 2200 is provided at the rear end of the side surface 80S, including the corner at the upper end, thereby restricting the cable 1700 between the device body 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. For example, as shown in Figure 25(a), suppose the fastening portion 2200 is provided at the rear end (+Y side end) of the side surface 80S, approximately midway in the Z direction. In this case, the cable 1700 will enter between the device body 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 above the fastening portion 2200 (+Z side). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 25(b), suppose the fastening portion 2200 is provided at the upper end (+Z side end) of the side surface 80S, slightly towards the center in the Y direction from the rear end (+Y side end) (slightly towards the -Y side). In this case, the cable 1700 gets trapped between the device body 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 on the rear side (+Y side) of the fastening portion 2200. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25(c), the fastening portion 2200 is located on the side surface 80S, slightly -Z from the upper end and slightly -Y from the rear end. In this case, the cable 1700 gets trapped between the device body 12 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 on the upper and rear sides of the fastening portion 2200.

[0150] The fastening portion 2200 is not limited to a form in which the fastening member 2202 slides. The fastening portion 2200 may, for example, be configured such that the fastening member 2212 is foldable, and the fastening member 2212 can be folded and stored in the storage portion 2214 (see Figures 22(c) and 22(d)). In this case, the fastening member 2212 is configured to be able to be unfolded and pulled out from its storage position in the storage portion 2214 provided in the large-capacity paper feeding unit 80. The fastening member 2212, for example, constitutes a part of the side surface 80S in its storage position in the storage portion 2214 so that it can be unfolded from a folded state.

[0151] One side of the fastening member 2212 has a locking portion 2218 that can be locked onto the receiving portion 2206 of the device body 12 to be fastened (see Figure 22(d)). The other side of the fastening member 2212 has a fixing portion 2220 that is rotatably fixed in the storage portion 2214. In this embodiment, the fastening member 2212 is configured to be rotatable around a pivot axis parallel to the Z direction at three points: the locking portion 2218, the fixing portion 2220, and the central portion 2222 located between the locking portion 2218 and the fixing portion 2220.

[0152] The fastening member 2212 is configured such that when folded and unfolded, the central portion 2222 is not positioned in front of the storage portion 2214 in the Y direction (-Y side). As a result, when the high-capacity paper feed unit and the main unit are fastened together by the fastening portion 2200, the fastening portion 2200 reliably prevents the cable 1700 from entering between the high-capacity paper feed unit and the main unit when connecting and disconnecting the high-capacity paper feed unit and the multifunction printer.

[0153] Specifically, the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 is fastened to the main unit 12 by the fastening portion 2200, and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11. At this time, the fastening member 2212, from its unfolded state (see Figures 24(a) and (d)), has its central portion 2222 protrude to the rear (+Y side) (see Figures 24(b) and (e)), and then folds up and is stored in the storage portion 2214 (see Figures 24(c) and (f)). As a result, the cable 1700 that has been moved to the rear side of the back surface 80B by the fastening member 2212 is always positioned behind the storage portion 2214 due to the deformation of the fastening member 2212, and is prevented from entering between the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the multifunction printer 11.

[0154] Furthermore, with the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 fastened to the main unit 12 by the fastening member 2202, the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is separated from the multifunction printer 11. At this time, the fastening member 2212, which is in a folded state (see Figures 24(c) and (f)), has its central part 2222 protruding to the rear (see Figures 24(b) and (e)), and then it is unfolded (see Figures 24(a) and (d)). As a result, the cable 1700 that has been moved to the rear side of the back surface 80B by the fastening member 2212 is always positioned behind the storage section 2214 due to the deformation of the fastening member 2212, and is prevented from entering between the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 and the multifunction printer 11.

[0155] In the above description, the fastening portion 2200 is provided on the high-capacity paper feed unit 80, but it is not limited to this, and the fastening portion 2200 may also be provided on the main body 12 of the multifunction printer 11. In this case, the fastening portion 2200 is formed to be fastened to and extendable on the side surface 12S of the main body 12, at a position including the corner located at the rear end and upper end of the side surface 80S of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80. A receiving portion is provided at the rear end of the side surface 80S, including the corner at the upper end, to which the locking portion 2208 of the fastening member 2202 (2212) can be locked.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above description, the fastening portion 2200 is provided so as to be able to fasten to the device body 12 at a position including the corner located at the rear end and upper end of the side surface 80S, but it is not limited to this. For example, if there is no space to position the cable 1700 on the rear side of the multifunction printer 11 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, the fastening portion 2200 may be provided so as to be able to fasten to the device body 12 at a position including the corner located at the front end and upper end of the side surface 80S.

[0157] <Effects and Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, a fastening portion 2200 is provided on the large-capacity paper feed unit 80 that can be fastened to the main body 12 while simultaneously connecting and disconnecting the multifunction printer 11 and the large-capacity paper feed unit 80. The fastening portion 2200 is provided in the area including the corner located at the rear end and upper end of the side surface 80S of the large-capacity paper feed unit 80, which faces the side surface 12S of the main body 12 on which the connector 87 is provided. As a result, this embodiment achieves the same effects and effects as the third embodiment described above.

[0158] [Other Embodiments] The embodiments and their modifications described above may be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modifications.

[0159] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0160] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of this disclosure public.

[0161] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-227604, filed on December 24, 2024, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body for forming an image on a medium transported via a transport path; a connector on a first surface of the main body parallel to a vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, to which a cable can be connected; and a storage device capable of supplying a stored medium to the transport path, located vertically below the position of the connector on the first surface, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized by having a guide portion on the first surface of the main body, or on a second surface of the main body parallel to a vertical direction and a second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction, for guiding the cable connected to the connector to a position in the first direction that does not overlap with the storage device to which it is connected.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide portion is provided on the second surface, vertically below the position of the connector and vertically above the storage device to which it is connected.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide portion is a cylindrical guide member through which the cable can be inserted.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide member is shaped such that the cable inserted through one opening is guided through the other opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide portion is a hook on which the cable can be hooked.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the hook is formed in a substantially L-shape on the first surface.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the hook is formed on the second surface by a pair of substantially L-shaped members.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the hook is formed in a substantially T-shape on the second surface.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body for forming an image on a medium transported via a transport path; a connector on a first surface of the main body parallel to the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, to which a cable can be connected; and a storage device capable of supplying a stored medium to the transport path, located vertically below the position of the connector on the first surface, wherein the first surface is provided with an extendable fastening portion that can be fastened to a position including the vertically upper corner of a second surface of the storage device that faces the first surface when connected to the storage device.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the fastening portion comprises a fastening member that can be fastened to the storage device and a storage portion that slidably houses the fastening member, and the fastening member slides and extends according to the distance from the storage device to which it is fastened.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the fastening portion comprises a fastening member that can be fastened to the storage device and extends by unfolding in accordance with the distance from the storage device to which it is fastened, and a storage portion in which the fastening member is folded and stored.

12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the main body portion is provided with a cover that can be opened and closed in the area of ​​the first surface facing the storage device to which it is connected, and which allows access to the interior when opened.

13. A storage device capable of supplying stored media to the transport path, connected to an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body for forming an image on a medium transported via a transport path; and a connector on a first surface of the main body parallel to the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, to which a cable can be connected, located vertically below the position of the connector on the first surface, the storage device is characterized by having a guide portion at the upper end or above the vertical side of a second surface parallel to the vertical direction and a second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction, to guide the cable connected to the connector to a position in the first direction that does not overlap with the connected image forming apparatus.

14. The storage device according to claim 13, characterized in that the guide portion is a cylindrical guide member through which the cable can be inserted.

15. The storage device according to claim 14, characterized in that the guide member guides the inserted cable in the second direction away from the image forming apparatus.

16. The storage device according to 13, characterized in that the guide portion is a hook on which the cable can be hooked.

17. A storage device capable of supplying stored media to the transport path, connected to an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body for forming an image on a medium transported via a transport path; and a connector on a first surface of the main body parallel to the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, on the first surface, vertically below the position of the connector, the storage device being characterized by having a fastening portion that can be fastened to the image forming apparatus and is extendable, located at a position including the vertically upper corner of a second surface facing the first surface when connected to the image forming apparatus.

18. The fastening portion comprises a fastening member for fastening to the image forming apparatus and a storage portion for slidably housing the fastening member, wherein the fastening member slides and extends according to the distance from the image forming apparatus to which it is fastened, as described in 17.

19. The storage device according to claim 17, characterized in that the fastening portion comprises a fastening member that can be fastened to the image forming apparatus and extends by unfolding in accordance with the distance to the image forming apparatus to which it is fastened, and a storage portion in which the fastening member is folded and stored.

20. The storage device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the fastening portion can separate the storage device from the image forming apparatus by a distance that allows access to the inside of the main body by opening the cover provided on the first surface of the main body, while maintaining the fastened state with the image forming apparatus.

Images