JP2005028598A - Print unit and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record images on the opposite sides of a recording sheet and to regulate print capacity over a wide range by increasing/decreasing the number of print units constituting a printer easily. <P>SOLUTION: In the printer 100, images can be printed in parallel on a plurality of recording sheets P by means of a plurality of print units 10 by increasing/decreasing the number of the print units 10 where a first sheet feed guide path 58 and a first sheet discharge guide path 90 are stacked while directing the same direction. In the printer 100, a print unit 10T is stacked for other print unit 10 while inverting the first sheet feed guide path 58 and the first sheet discharge guide path 90 along the width direction. After an image is recorded on the surface of a recording sheet P by means of the print unit 10, the recording sheet P is fed, while being inverted, into the sheet feed guide path 58 of the print unit 10T and an image is printed on the rear surface of the recording sheet P at the print section 34 of the print unit 10T. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing unit that constitutes a printer device capable of recording an image on both sides of a recording sheet by stacking a plurality of units, and a plurality of units including the printing unit. The present invention relates to a printer apparatus capable of recording an image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When creating a large amount of printed matter, high-speed printing is realized by arranging multiple printing units in parallel, distributing print jobs to these printing units, and operating these printing units in parallel. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a parallel processing type printer apparatus. The printer apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 stores a printing unit, a paper discharge unit that discharges printed recording paper carried out from the printing unit, and the recording paper, and supplies the recording paper to the printing unit. And a base unit constituted by a control unit, and at least one printing unit is stacked on the base unit.
[0003]
Here, each printing unit of Patent Document 1 includes a printing unit including an inkjet head or the like that performs printing on a recording paper, and a first paper feeding unit that supplies the recording paper carried from a carry-in entrance to the printing unit to the printing unit. (First paper feed path), a second paper feed unit (second paper feed path) for supplying the recording paper carried in from the carry-in entrance to another printing unit, and the recording paper printed by the printing unit A first paper discharge section (first paper discharge path) that discharges paper to the carry-out port, and a second paper discharge section (second paper discharge path) that discharges the recording paper printed by the printing unit of the other stage to the carry-out port. have.
[0004]
In the printer device of Patent Document 1, the carry-out port of the lowermost printing unit is connected to the paper discharge unit of the base unit, and the carry-in port is connected to the paper feed unit of the base unit. In addition, between the adjacent printing units, the second paper feed path and the second paper discharge path of the lower printing unit are connected to the carry-in port and the discharge port of the upper printing unit, respectively. Thus, in this printer apparatus, the second paper feed path of each printing unit is connected to form a single paper feed path for guiding the recording paper to the printing unit, and the second discharge of each printing unit. The paper path is connected to form a single paper discharge path for guiding the recording paper to the paper discharge unit. Accordingly, the recording paper sent from the paper feed unit of the base unit to an arbitrary printing unit through the paper feed path to which each second paper feed path is connected can be fed to the printing unit by the first paper feed path. The recording paper printed by the printing unit is sent to the second paper discharge path through the first paper discharge path, and the recording paper is discharged along the paper discharge path configured by connecting the second paper discharge paths. The paper is transported by transport rollers and is transported from the paper discharge path to the paper discharge section of the base unit.
[0005]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-26883 discloses that by increasing or decreasing the number of printing units stacked on the base unit, the printing capability such as printing speed by the printer device can be adjusted in a wide range according to the user's request. Are listed.
[0006]
By the way, in recent years, printer apparatuses are required to have a function (double-sided printing function) for automatically recording images on both sides of a recording sheet in order to reduce the number of recording sheets used in order to save paper in offices and the like. A lot is happening. Such a double-sided printing function is realized by, for example, recording an image on one side of a recording sheet by the image recording unit, then turning the recording sheet upside down and supplying it again to the image recording unit. An example of a printer device having such a double-sided printing function is disclosed in Patent Document 2.
[0007]
In the printer device disclosed in Patent Document 2, a plurality of recording units for ejecting ink from a recording head and printing on recording paper based on print data are arranged in tandem, and one of the recording papers among the recording units is arranged. The first surface recording portion that prints the first surface (front surface) of the recording medium and the second surface recording portion that prints the remaining second surface (back surface) of the recording medium are opposite in print conveyance direction. Are arranged as follows. Here, a supply path is provided between the discharge side of the first surface recording unit and the supply side of the second surface recording unit, and the supply path is discharged from the first surface recording unit. The recording sheet is turned upside down and supplied to the second surface recording section, or the recording paper discharged from the first surface recording section is discharged to the recording paper storage section without going through the second surface recording section. A reversing part is provided which enables it. As a result, when performing double-sided printing on the recording paper, after printing on the surface of the recording paper by the first surface recording unit, the recording paper is carried out to the supply path and recorded on the second surface by the reversing unit. If it is supplied to the printing unit, it can be printed on the back side of the recording paper by the recording unit for the second side, and when performing single-sided printing, after printing on the surface of the recording paper by the recording unit for the first side, It is carried out to the supply path, and is directly discharged to the accommodating portion by the reversing portion without passing through the second surface recording portion.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-103735 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-301808 A
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the printer device of Patent Document 1, the printing capability such as the printing speed can be adjusted in a wide range by increasing or decreasing the number of printing units stacked on the base unit, but the double-sided printing function for recording paper cannot be realized. .
[0010]
On the other hand, the printer device of Patent Document 2 enables double-sided printing on recording paper, but the printing capability such as the printing speed on the recording paper is basically fixed, and printing by the printer device according to the user's request etc. The ability cannot be easily increased or decreased.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to consider the above facts, and by stacking a plurality of units, it is possible to configure a printer device capable of recording images on both sides of a recording medium, and according to the number of units stacked, the printing capability of the printer device It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing unit that can easily increase / decrease and a printer that can record images on both sides of a recording medium, and that can easily increase / decrease the number of printing units and adjust the printing capability over a wide range.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a printing unit according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a printing unit that records an image on at least one side of a sheet-like recording medium, and at least two units are opposite to each other in the width direction. In a printing unit that constitutes a printer apparatus that can perform image recording on both sides of a recording medium by being superimposed along a predetermined overlapping direction in a state of being inverted so as to face the direction of A first conveying means disposed on one of both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, extending along the overlapping direction, and conveying a recording medium; A second conveying means arranged along the width direction on the other end of the print unit and extending along the overlapping direction and conveying the recording medium; and the first conveying From means A main conveying unit that sends a recording medium to the printing unit and sends the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit to the second conveying unit, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit. Are arranged so that they are point-symmetric with respect to the center when the units are inverted along the width direction on the overlapping surface with other units extending along the width direction. Features.
[0013]
According to the printing unit according to claim 1, the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit are arranged on the overlapping surface with another unit extending along the width direction, and the units are separated from each other by the width. When the printer device is configured by stacking at least two printing units along the overlapping direction by arranging them so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center when reversed along the direction, The above printing units can be overlapped with the other one printing unit in a state where the printing unit is reversed so that the printing unit faces in the opposite direction along the width direction. And the second conveying means are connected to the first conveying means and the second conveying means or the second conveying means and the first conveying means in the other printing unit, respectively, on the overlapping surface with the other unit. Kill.
[0014]
Therefore, in a printer apparatus configured such that at least two printing units are overlapped with each other so that the printing units are turned in the opposite direction along the width direction, the printing unit in one printing unit When a recording medium having an image recorded on the surface is sent to the second conveying means by the main conveying means and this recording medium is sent to the first conveying means in the other one printing unit, At the time of supply to the printing unit, the recording medium can be supplied to the printing unit of another printing unit with the front and back sides reversed, so that an image can be recorded on the back side of the recording medium by this printing unit.
[0015]
According to the printing unit of the first aspect, the first transport unit and the second transport unit are arranged at both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, so that the recording is performed by the main transport unit. When the medium is fed from the first conveying means to the printing unit, and the recording medium is moved to the second conveying means side along the width direction, an image is formed on the recording medium while the recording medium is substantially linear. Since the sheet can be conveyed from the first conveying unit to the printing unit and further conveyed from the printing unit to the second conveying unit, the conveyance time only for conveying the recording medium in the unit can be effectively shortened.
[0016]
The printing unit according to claim 2 is the printing unit according to claim 1, wherein the first transport unit includes a slit-shaped first transport guide path extending along the overlapping direction, The second transport means includes a slit-shaped second transport guide path extending along the overlapping direction.
[0017]
According to the printing unit of the second aspect, the first conveying means is disposed at one of both end portions sandwiching the printing portion along the width direction, and the slit-shaped first extending along the overlapping direction. A slit-shaped second conveyance guide that includes one conveyance guide path and is disposed on the other end of the both ends sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction and extends along the overlapping direction. By including the path, the first transport unit and the second transport unit can be arranged efficiently inside the unit, respectively, and the first transport guide path and the second transport guide path are arranged inside the unit. Space can be made small.
[0018]
The printing unit according to claim 3 is the printing unit according to claim 2, wherein the first conveyance guide path is provided along one of both end faces sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, A 2nd conveyance guide path is provided along the other of the both end surfaces which pinch | interpose the said printing part along the said width direction.
[0019]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing unit according to the second or third aspect, the first transport unit includes a first transport roll that transports the recording medium along the first transport guide path. And the second conveying means includes a second conveying roll for conveying the recording medium along the second conveying guide path.
[0020]
The printing unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4 according to claim 5, wherein the first transport guide path and the second transport guide path are adjacent to each other along the overlapping direction. A first sheet passing path that is connected to one of the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path in the printing unit to receive the recording medium from the outside of the unit and to discharge the recording medium to the outside of the unit. And a part of the second sheet passing path.
[0021]
According to the printing unit of the fifth aspect, the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path are arranged on one of the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path in the other adjacent printing unit. The first and second sheet passing paths are connected to receive the recording medium from outside the unit and to discharge the recording medium to the outside of the unit. The recording medium can be supplied to any one of a plurality of superimposed printing units through the sheet passing path or the second sheet passing path, or can be discharged outside the unit on which the image is recorded by the printing unit.
[0022]
A printing unit according to a sixth aspect is the printing unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the overlapping direction substantially coincides with the vertical direction.
[0023]
A printing unit according to claim 7 is the printing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main conveying unit is provided between the second conveying unit and the printing unit. It further comprises buffer means for temporarily storing a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit.
[0024]
According to the printing unit of the seventh aspect, the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the printing unit is temporarily held by the buffer unit, so that the recording medium on which the image is recorded is immediately discharged to the second transport unit by the main transport unit. Even if the recording medium is not sent out, the recording medium can be continuously supplied to the printing unit, and image recording can be started on the recording medium by the printing unit. For example, the recording medium on which the image is recorded by another printing unit is the second recording medium. It is not necessary to interrupt the recording operation of the image on the recording paper by the printing unit even when the recording medium that has been sent to the conveying means and the recording medium on which the image is immediately recorded cannot be sent to the second conveying means, and the buffer means With respect to the recording medium temporarily held in the recording medium, when the recording medium can be sent to the second conveying means, the recording medium is transferred to the second conveying means by the main conveying means. If so fed to the unit, without affecting the recording operation by the printing unit, capable of carrying a recording medium on which the image has been recorded to the outside of the printing unit by the second transport means.
[0025]
Also, for example, if the printing unit records an image on a recording medium with ink, the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the printing unit is held by the buffer unit for a certain period of time, so that the recording medium is sufficiently filled with the ink. After drying, it can be sent to the second conveying means, so that ink bleeding may occur due to contact with a roller or the like when the image is recorded on the recording medium by the printing unit for back side recording, Thus, it is possible to prevent ink transfer to another recording medium when loaded on the other recording medium.
[0026]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printing unit according to the seventh aspect, the buffer means includes storage means capable of storing one or more recording media on which an image is recorded by the printing unit, and the storage. Separating and discharging means for separating the recording media stored in the means one by one and feeding them to the second conveying means.
[0027]
According to the printing unit of the eighth aspect, the buffer means includes storage means capable of storing one or more recording media on which an image is recorded by the printing unit, and one recording medium stored in the storage means. And separating and discharging means for separating and feeding the second conveying means to the second conveying means, so that a plurality of recording media on which images are recorded are temporarily stored in the accommodating means, and then to the second conveying means. When the recording medium can be fed, only one recording medium is separated from the plurality of recording media stored in the storing means by the separating and discharging means, and this one recording medium is transported to the second transport medium. Therefore, the recording medium on which the image is recorded cannot be sent to the second conveying means as compared with the case where there is no such storing means or the case where only one recording medium can be stored in the storing means. Sometimes the printing department You can prolong the time to continue the recording operation on the recording medium.
[0028]
A printing unit according to a ninth aspect is the printing unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising individual supply means for supplying a recording medium to the printing unit.
[0029]
According to the printing unit according to the ninth aspect, the individual supply unit supplies the recording medium to the printing unit at the time of image recording by the printing unit, so that the recording medium is not supplied to the first conveying unit from the outside of the unit. Since a recording medium can be supplied to the printing unit and an image can be recorded on the recording medium, for example, even if the first conveying means is used to supply the recording medium to another printing unit, the printing unit Image recording can be performed without hindrance.
[0030]
The printing unit according to claim 10 is the printing unit according to claim 9, wherein the individual supply means includes storage means for storing one or more recording media, and one recording medium stored in the storage means. Separating supply means for separating and supplying to the printing unit one by one.
[0031]
According to the printing unit of the tenth aspect, the individual supply unit separates the storage unit that stores one or more recording media and the recording medium stored in the storage unit one by one to the printing unit. Including a separation and supply unit for supplying a plurality of recording media in the storage unit in advance, and the plurality of recording media in the storage unit can be separated one by one and supplied to the printing unit. .
[0032]
The printing unit according to claim 11 is the printing unit according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the storage means is a tray provided so as to be freely inserted into and removed from the unit main body. To do.
[0033]
According to the printing unit of the eleventh aspect, the individual supply means stores one or more recording media, and also includes a storage tray that is detachable with respect to the unit main body. If the tray is extracted and one or more recording media are loaded into the storage tray, and then the tray is reinserted into the unit main body, the recording medium can be easily and quickly supplied into the storage means.
[0034]
Further, the printing unit according to claim 12 is the printing unit according to claim 11, wherein the tray is removable in both forward and backward directions along the depth direction from the mounting position in the unit main body. Features.
[0035]
A printing unit according to a thirteenth aspect is the printing unit according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the main transport unit selectively selects a recording medium transported by the first transport unit. The image forming apparatus includes a selection unit that is separated from the first conveying unit and is sent to the printing unit.
[0036]
According to the printing unit of the thirteenth aspect, the main transport unit includes a selection unit that selectively separates the recording medium transported by the first transport unit from the first transport unit and sends the recording medium to the printing unit. The recording medium transported by the first transporting unit is sent to the printing unit and an image is recorded by the printing unit, or the recording medium transported by the first transporting unit is not sent to the printing unit. It is possible to freely select whether to discharge to the outside.
[0037]
A printer device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit including a printing unit that records an image on at least one surface of a sheet-like recording medium, and at least two of the printing units are mutually in the width direction. A printer device capable of recording an image on both sides of a recording medium by being superposed along a predetermined superposition direction in an inverted state so as to face in the opposite direction, The printing unit is disposed at one of both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and extends along the overlapping direction, and includes a first conveying unit for conveying the recording medium, A second conveying means disposed along the width direction on the other end of the print unit and extending along the overlapping direction and conveying the recording medium; and Main conveying means for feeding a recording medium from the feeding means to the printing unit and sending the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit to the second conveying means, and the first conveying means and the second conveying means. Are arranged so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center when the units are reversed along the width direction on the overlapping surface with the other units extending along the width direction. It is characterized by that.
[0038]
In the printer device according to the fourteenth aspect, the first transport unit and the second transport unit in the printing unit are arranged so as to be point-symmetric with each other, so that at least two printing units are arranged in the overlapping direction. When the printer apparatus is configured by superimposing them, the printing unit for one or more rear surface recording units is set so that the printing unit faces in the opposite direction along the width direction with respect to the other front surface recording printing units. In this case, the first conveying means and the second conveying means in one printing unit can be overlapped with each other on the overlapping surface with the other unit. The first transport unit and the second transport unit or the second transport unit and the first transport unit in the printing unit can be respectively connected.
[0039]
Therefore, according to the printer device of the fourteenth aspect, the recording medium on which the image is recorded on the surface by the printing unit in one printing unit is sent to the second conveying means by the main conveying means, and the recording medium is transferred to the other conveying means. If the recording medium is fed to the first transport means in one printing unit, the recording medium is printed on the other printing unit in a state where the front and back sides are reversed from when the printing unit is supplied to the printing unit. Therefore, the printing unit can record an image on the back surface of the recording medium.
[0040]
A printer apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect is the printer apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, further comprising a discharge unit that holds one or more recording media discharged from the print unit by the second transport unit. To do.
[0041]
According to the printer device of the fifteenth aspect, when the discharge unit holds one or more recording media discharged from the printing unit by the second conveying means, the timing of completion of discharging the recording medium from the printing unit. The recording medium on which the image is recorded at a desired timing can be collected from the apparatus without being affected by the above.
[0042]
A printer device according to a sixteenth aspect is the printer device according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, wherein the printer device is disposed at one of both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and a recording medium is disposed on the first conveying unit. A first carry-in port for feeding, and a second carry-in port for feeding a recording medium to the second transport unit, which is arranged at the other end of both ends of the printing unit along the width direction. It is characterized by having.
[0043]
According to the printer device of the sixteenth aspect, the recording medium is supplied to the first conveying means or the second conveying means through the first carry-in port or the second carry-in port, thereby being along the overlapping direction. Since the recording medium can be sent from the outside of the apparatus without going through the printing section to the first transport means of any printing unit in the plurality of stacked printing units, the first transport means of any printing unit The recording medium is directly fed, and an image can be recorded on the recording medium by the printing unit of the back surface recording printing unit.
[0044]
A printer device according to a seventeenth aspect is the printer device according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth embodiments, wherein the printer device is disposed at one of both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and the first conveying unit. The first discharge port for discharging the recording medium from the means to the outside of the apparatus and the other end of the both ends sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and the recording medium from the second conveying means to the outside of the apparatus And a second discharge port for discharging the gas.
[0045]
According to the printer device of the seventeenth aspect, the recording medium is discharged by the first conveying means or the second conveying means through the first discharge port or the second discharge port, thereby being along the overlapping direction. A recording medium on which an image is recorded by any printing unit of a plurality of superimposed printing units can be discharged to the outside of the apparatus.
[0046]
The printer device according to claim 18 is the printer device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the printing unit has an individual supply means for supplying a recording medium to the printing unit. And
[0047]
According to the printer device of the eighteenth aspect, in any printing unit, the individual supply means supplies the recording medium to the printing unit during image recording by the printing unit, whereby the recording medium is conveyed from the outside of the unit to the first transport unit. Since the recording medium can be supplied to the printing unit and the image can be recorded on the recording medium without being supplied to the means, for example, even if the first conveying means is used to supply the recording medium to another printing unit. The image recording on the recording medium can be performed without any trouble by the printing unit.
[0048]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, the individual supply means includes a storage means for storing one or more recording media and a recording medium stored in the storage means one by one. Separating supply means for separating and feeding to the printing unit.
[0049]
According to the printer device of the nineteenth aspect, the individual supply means separates the storage means for storing one or more recording media and the recording medium stored in the storage means one by one and sends them to the printing unit. By including the supply unit, it is possible to supply the recording medium from the storage unit to the printing unit without recording the recording medium from the outside of the apparatus to the first transport unit in the printing unit, and to record an image on the recording medium. For example, if a plurality of recording media are temporarily stored in the storage means, compared to the case where there is no such storage means or only one recording medium can be stored in the storage means, other printing units Even if the first conveying means of one printing unit is used to supply the recording medium to the printing medium, the time for which the printing unit can continue image recording on the recording medium can be extended in the one printing unit.
[0050]
A printer apparatus according to a twentieth aspect is the printer apparatus according to any one of the fourteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the printer apparatus stores one or more recording media, and the stored recording medium is first conveyed in the printing unit. It has a common supply means to supply to any one of a means and a 2nd conveyance means.
[0051]
According to the printer device of the twenty-second aspect, the common supply unit stores one or more recording media and supplies the stored recording medium to the individual supply unit in the printing unit, thereby printing from the common supply unit. Since the recording medium can be supplied to the individual supply means in the unit, the stop time of the printing unit for supplying the recording medium to the individual supply means of the printing unit can be reduced, and as a result, the printing capability of the printing unit can be improved.
[0052]
A printer device according to a twenty-first aspect is the printer device according to any one of the fourteenth to twentieth embodiments, wherein the first conveying means is a slit-shaped first extending along the overlapping direction. Including a transport guide path, the second transport means includes a slit-shaped second transport guide path extending along the overlapping direction.
[0053]
According to the printer device of the twenty-first aspect, the first conveying unit is disposed at one of both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and the slit-shaped first unit extending along the overlapping direction. A slit-shaped second conveyance guide that includes one conveyance guide path and is disposed on the other end of the both ends sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction and extends along the overlapping direction. By including the path, the first transport unit and the second transport unit can be arranged efficiently inside the unit, respectively, and the first transport guide path and the second transport guide path are arranged inside the unit. Space can be made small.
[0054]
The printer device according to claim 22 is the printer device according to claim 21, wherein the first transport means includes two first transport guide paths adjacent to each other along the width direction. The two transport means include two second transport guide paths adjacent along the width direction.
[0055]
According to the printer device of the twenty-second aspect, since the first transport unit includes two first transport guide paths, and the second transport unit includes two first transport guide paths, Even if the recording medium cannot be transported through one first transport guide path or the second transport guide path, the recording medium can be transported through the other first transport guide path or the second transport guide path. Since the recording medium cannot be conveyed through one conveyance guide path or the second conveyance guide path, it is possible to prevent the start of ejection of the recording medium on which an image is recorded by each printing unit from being delayed, and the recording medium to the printing unit The start of supply can prevent delay.
[0056]
The printer device according to claim 23 is the printer device according to claim 22, wherein the first transport unit and the second transport unit are arranged along the width direction of a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit. It is sent out to the second conveyance guide path outside.
[0057]
A printer apparatus according to a twenty-fourth aspect is the printer apparatus according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-third aspects, wherein the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path are each along the overlapping direction. Connected to one of the first transport guide path and the second transport guide path in another adjacent printing unit to receive a recording medium from the outside of the unit and discharge the recording medium to the outside of the unit And a part of the second sheet passing path.
[0058]
According to the printer device of the twenty-fourth aspect, the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path are arranged on one of the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path in the other adjacent printing unit. The first and second sheet passing paths are connected to receive the recording medium from outside the unit and to discharge the recording medium to the outside of the unit. The recording medium can be supplied to any one of a plurality of superimposed printing units through the sheet passing path or the second sheet passing path, or can be discharged outside the unit on which the image is recorded by the printing unit.
[0059]
The printer device according to claim 25 is the printer device according to claim 24, wherein the common supply means passes the recording medium through the one of the first paper passing path and the second paper passing path. It is characterized by supplying to.
[0060]
According to the printer device of the twenty-fifth aspect, the common supply means supplies the recording medium into the storage means through one of the first paper passage path and the second paper passage path. The recording medium can be replenished into the storage means in any printing unit among a plurality of printing units superimposed through one of the first sheet passing path and the second sheet passing path.
[0061]
A printer apparatus according to a twenty-sixth aspect is the printer apparatus according to any one of the nineteenth to twenty-fifth aspects, wherein the main conveying means in the one printing unit includes the second conveying means and the printing unit. A buffer unit that temporarily holds a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit; and the other recording medium that is temporarily held by the buffer unit and is reversed in the width direction. Reversal supply means for feeding the storage means in the printing unit in a state where the front and back sides are reversed.
[0062]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a printing unit and a printer apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0063]
(First embodiment)
1 and 2 show a printer apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show a printing unit applied to the printer apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 3, the printing unit 10 includes a casing 12 as an outer shell portion, and the casing 12 is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape along the height direction of the apparatus (the arrow H direction). . One end side of the casing 12 along the width direction (arrow W direction) in the bottom plate portion 13 (right side in FIG. 3, hereinafter, for convenience in the printing unit 10, this one end side is referred to as “front end side” for the sake of convenience. A slit-shaped paper feed / inlet 16 is formed on the end side of the bottom plate 13 and a slit-type paper discharge / inlet 18 is formed on the rear end side of the bottom plate portion 13. Yes. Further, the casing 12 is provided with a slit-shaped paper feed / outlet 17 at the front end side of the top plate portion 14 so as to face the paper feed / inlet 16, and paper discharge is carried into the rear end side of the top plate portion 14. A slit-shaped discharge exit 19 is formed so as to face the opening 18.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 3, a casing-like sheet feeding hopper 20 having an upper surface opened on the bottom plate portion 13 is disposed in the casing 12. In the paper feed hopper 20, a sheet of recording paper P or a stack of recording papers in which a plurality of recording papers P are stacked (hereinafter referred to as “recording paper P” in particular). , Referred to as “paper bundle B”). In the sheet feeding hopper 20, a pair of stacking plates 22 and 23 are arranged on the bottom plate portion 21 along the width direction so as to be adjacent to each other. Is connected to the bottom plate portion 21 in a swingable manner. As a result, the recording paper P (paper bundle B) stored in the paper feed hopper 20 has its front end portion placed on the stacking plate 22 and its rear end portion placed on the stacking plate 23. Placed. The loading plates 22 and 23 are each urged upward on the swing end side by a biasing member 24 such as a coil spring.
[0066]
The sheet feeding hopper 20 is supported by the casing 12 so as to be slidable between the mounting position and the replenishing position along the depth direction (the arrow D direction shown in FIG. 4). Here, when the sheet feeding hopper 20 slides from the mounting position in the casing 12 to the replenishment position protruding to the side of the casing 12, the opening on the upper surface side is opened, and the recording paper P is fed through the opening. It becomes possible to replenish or take out. Note that in the printing unit 10 of the present embodiment, the paper feed hopper 20 at the mounting position is either forward (downward in FIG. 4A) or backward (upward in FIG. 4A) along the depth direction. The sheet feeding hopper 20 can be moved from the mounting position to the replenishing position even when the sheet feeding hopper 20 is moved in the rearward or forward direction.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the printing unit 10, a housing-like paper discharge buffer 26 having an upper surface opened on the upper side of the paper feed hopper 20 is disposed. The paper discharge buffer 26 can store recording paper P (paper bundle B). In the paper discharge buffer 26, a pair of stacking plates 28 and 29 are arranged on the bottom plate portion 27 along the width direction so as to be adjacent to each other. The end portion on the side is connected to the bottom plate portion 27 so as to be swingable. As a result, the recording paper P (paper bundle B) stored in the paper discharge buffer 26 is placed on the stacking plate 28 at the leading end portion and on the stacking plate 29 at the trailing end portion. Placed. The loading plates 28 and 29 are urged upward on the swing end side by an urging member 30 such as a coil spring. In the paper discharge buffer 26, the front and rear ends of the recording paper P are opposite to those in the paper feed hopper 20, and the front and back surfaces are reversed.
[0068]
Similarly to the paper feed hopper 20, the paper discharge buffer 26 is supported by the casing 12 so as to be slidable between the mounting position and the paper discharge position along the depth direction. Here, when the paper discharge buffer 26 slides from the mounting position in the casing 12 to a paper discharge position protruding to the side of the casing 12, the opening on the upper surface side is opened, and the recording paper P is passed through this opening. Can be taken out. In the printing unit 10 of the present embodiment, the paper discharge buffer 26 at the mounting position is movable in either the front or rear direction along the depth direction. Even when it is moved in the direction, it can be moved from the mounting position to the paper discharge position.
[0069]
The discharge buffer 26 is provided with an actuator (not shown) for moving and restraining the stacking plates 28 and 29 to the lower limit position close to the bottom plate portion 27 along the swinging direction against the biasing member 30. When the recording paper P on which an image has been recorded is received in the paper discharge buffer 26, the actuator swings and restrains the stacking plates 28 and 29 to the lower limit position close to the bottom plate portion 27 to discharge the paper. After receiving the recording paper P into the buffer 26, the stacking plates 28 and 29 are released from the lower limit position. The actuator also swings and restrains the stacking plates 28 and 29 to the lower limit position when the discharge buffer 26 is moved from the mounting position to the discharge position, and the discharge buffer 26 returns from the discharge position to the mounting position. Then, in conjunction with this, the loading plates 28 and 29 are released from the lower limit position.
[0070]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the printing unit 10, a printing unit 34 is disposed above the paper feed hopper 20 and adjacent to the paper discharge buffer 26 along the width direction. . The printing unit 34 is provided with a guide rod 36 extending in the main scanning direction (arrow S direction shown in FIG. 4) parallel to the depth direction, and can be moved along the main scanning direction by the guide rod 36. A block-like ink jet head 38 supported by the head is provided. The printing unit 34 is provided with a head drive mechanism (not shown) that reciprocally moves the inkjet head 38 at a predetermined main scanning speed when an image is recorded on the recording paper P.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 3, the print unit 34 includes two pairs of nip rollers 40, so as to sandwich the inkjet head 38 along the sub-scanning direction (direction of arrow F shown in FIG. 4) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. 42 is disposed, and a guide plate 44 is disposed between the pair of nip rollers 40 and 42 so as to face the lower surface portion of the inkjet head 38. The guide plate 44 forms a slit-like gap between the lower surface of the inkjet head 38. The two pairs of nip rollers 40 and 42 convey the recording paper P at a predetermined sub-scanning speed while pressing the recording paper P on which an image is recorded by the inkjet head 38 against the upper surface side of the guide plate 44.
[0072]
Here, the inkjet head 38 is provided with a plurality of nozzles (not shown) disposed on the lower surface portion thereof at a pitch corresponding to the pixel density of an image to be recorded along the main scanning direction. 38 is transported in the sub-scanning direction by a pair of nip rollers 40 and 42 by ejecting and stopping ejection from each nozzle based on digitized image information while moving in the main scanning direction by the head drive mechanism. An image corresponding to the image information is formed on the recording paper P.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 3, the printing unit 10 has a cylindrical separation sheet feeding roller 46 disposed above the sheet feeding hopper 20. The separation paper feeding roller 46 is pressed against the leading end of the upper surface of the recording paper P (paper bundle B) housed in the paper feeding hopper 20 and urged upward by the stacking plates 22 and 23. Further, in the printing unit 10, a pair of print guide plates 48 and 50 that are opposed to each other with a predetermined gap are disposed between the separation paper feed roller 46 and the nip roller pair 40 of the printing unit 34. The pair of print guide plates 48 and 50 are respectively curved in a U-shape, and a print guide path for guiding one sheet of recording paper P to the nip roller pair 40 between the pair of print guide plates 48 and 50. 52 is formed.
[0074]
In the printing unit 10, when the recording paper P is supplied from the paper feed hopper 20 to the inkjet head 38, the separation paper feed roller 46 that is pressed against the recording paper P in the paper feed hopper 20 is rotated by a predetermined amount. Thereby, one sheet of recording paper P is separated from the inside of the paper feed hopper 20, and this one sheet of recording paper P is conveyed to the nip roller pair 40 along the print guide path 52 by the conveying force from the separation paper feeding roller 46. Is done. If the printing guide path 52 is relatively long and the recording paper P cannot be reliably conveyed to the nip roller pair 40 only by the conveying force from the separation paper feeding roller 46, the printing guide path 52 is in the middle of the printing guide path 52. A pair of conveyance rollers may be arranged, and the recording paper P conveyed halfway along the print guide path 52 by the pair of conveyance rollers may be conveyed to the nip roller pair 40.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the printing unit 10, a pair of paper feed guide plates 54 and 56 extending along the height direction are disposed at the front end portion, and the paper feed guide plates 54 and 56. A slit-shaped paper feed guide path 58 that passes through the printing unit 10 along the height direction and connects the paper feed / inlet 16 and the paper feed / outlet 17 of the casing 12 is formed therebetween. . In the paper feed guide path 58, at least a lower end portion and an upper end portion are provided with a pair of conveying rollers 60, respectively.
[0076]
The printing unit 10 is provided with a first branch guide path 62 that branches from the paper feed guide path 58 to the paper feed hopper 20 side. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical receiving guide portion 64 that extends toward the first branch guide path 62 along the width direction is integrally formed in the sheet feeding hopper 20 as shown in FIG. A slit-shaped receiving guide path 66 through which the recording paper P can pass is formed in the receiving guide portion 64. The receiving guide path 66 has a discharge port 68 having one end opened into the sheet feeding hopper 20 and a sheet feeding port 70 at the other end. The sheet feeding port 70 is a first branch guide path. It faces the front end of 62. As a result, the recording paper P discharged from the leading end of the first branch guide path 62 is inserted into the receiving guide path 66 through the paper feed port 70. The recording paper P inserted into the receiving guide path 66 receives the conveying force from the conveying roller pair 60 and is discharged from the receiving guide path 66 into the sheet feeding hopper 20 through the sheet discharge outlet 68.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 3B, the printing unit 10 is provided with a first guide lever 72 in the vicinity of a branch portion between the paper feed guide path 58 and the first branch guide path 62. The first guide lever 72 is provided with a support shaft portion 73 serving as a rotation center at one end portion. The support shaft portion 73 is a bearing portion (not shown) disposed outside the paper feed guide plate 54. It is supported by. Here, the first guide lever 72 is rotatable in a range between a paper feed position indicated by a solid line and a conveyance position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Further, a rotary actuator (not shown) is connected to the support shaft portion 73 of the first guide lever 72, and the first guide lever 72 is rotated to either the paper feeding position or the transport position by the rotary actuator. Retained.
[0078]
Here, the recording paper P conveyed into the paper feed guide path 58 from a paper feed unit 140 or a lower printing unit 10 described later is the first guide lever when the guide lever 72 is in the paper feed position. When the first guide lever 72 is in the transport position, the upward conveyance along the paper feed guide path 58 is continued. .
[0079]
Similar to the paper discharge buffer 26, the paper feed hopper 20 moves the pair of stacking plates 22 and 23 against the urging member 24 to the lower limit position close to the bottom plate portion 21 along the swinging direction. When the recording paper P is received from the receiving guide path 66 into the paper feed hopper 20 as shown in FIG. 5A, an actuator (not shown) is provided. The loading plates 22 and 23 are restrained by swinging to the lower limit position. At this time, the sheet bundle B stacked on the stacking plates 22 and 23 is positioned lower than the sheet discharge outlet 68 of the receiving guide path 66. Further, the actuator releases the stacking plates 22 and 23 from the lower limit position after the receipt of the recording paper P into the paper feeding hopper 20 is completed. As a result, the stacking plates 22 and 23 are swung upward by the urging force of the urging member 24, and the leading end portion of the recording paper P is pressed against the separation paper feeding roller 46 as shown in FIG. .
[0080]
In addition, since the actuator replenishes the recording paper P into the paper feeding hopper 20, when the paper feeding hopper 20 is slid from the mounting position to the replenishing position, the stacking plates 22 and 23 are swung to the lower limit position and restrained. When the paper feed hopper 20 returns from the replenishment position to the mounting position, the stacking plates 22 and 23 are released from the lower limit position in conjunction with this.
[0081]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the printing unit 10 is provided with a second branch guide path 74 that branches from the paper feed guide path 58 above the first branch guide path 62, and this second branch. The leading end of the guide path 74 is connected to the intermediate part of the print guide path 52. In the printing unit 10, a second guide lever 76 is provided in the vicinity of a branch portion between the paper feed guide path 58 and the second branch guide path 74. The second guide lever 76 has a structure similar to that of the first guide lever 72, and is rotatable between the paper feed position and the transport position around the support shaft portion. A rotary actuator is also connected to the second guide lever 76, and a feeding position for guiding the recording paper P into the second branch guide path 74 and a first feeding of the recording paper P by the driving force from the rotary actuator. It is rotated and held at any one of the transport positions where the transport along the guide path 58 is continued.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical separation discharge roller 78 is disposed above the discharge buffer 26 in the printing unit 10. The separation discharge roller 78 is in pressure contact with the leading end of the upper surface of the recording paper P (paper bundle B) urged upward by the stacking plates 28 and 29. Further, the printing unit 10 is provided with a connection guide path 84 extending from the separation paper discharge roller 78 to the rear end side.
[0083]
In the printing unit 10, a pair of paper discharge guide plates 86 and 88 extending in the height direction is disposed at the rear end portion thereof, and the pair of paper discharge guide plates 86 and 88 are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. It is supported so as to face each other. A first paper discharge guide path 90 is formed between the pair of paper discharge guide plates 86 and 88 for guiding one sheet of recording paper P to a paper discharge unit 104 described later. The first paper discharge guide path 90 connects the paper discharge carry-in port 18 formed in the casing 12 and the paper discharge carry-out port 19. Further, the printing unit 10 is provided with a pair of conveying rollers 92 for conveying the recording paper P to the upper printing unit 10 or the paper discharging unit 104 along the first paper discharging guide path 90. The pair of conveying rollers 92 are disposed at least at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the first paper discharge guide path 90, respectively, and further according to the length of the first paper discharge guide path 90, the length of the recording paper P, and the like. The first paper discharge guide path 90 is appropriately disposed between the upper end portion and the lower end portion.
[0084]
The printing unit 10 is provided with a third branch guide path 94 that branches from the first paper discharge guide path 90 to the paper feed hopper 20 side below the connection guide path 84. The leading end opens into the paper feed hopper 20. In the printing unit 10, a third guide lever 96 is provided in the vicinity of a branch portion between the first paper discharge guide path 90 and the third branch guide path 94. The third guide lever 96 has a structure similar to that of the first guide lever 72, and is rotatable between the paper feed position and the transport position around the support shaft portion. A rotary actuator is also connected to the third guide lever 96, and the feeding position from which the recording paper P is guided into the third branch guide path 94 by the driving force from the rotary actuator and the first discharge of the recording paper P. It is rotated and held at any one of the transport positions where the transport along the guide path 90 is continued.
[0085]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the printer device 100 according to the present embodiment, one or more (three in the present embodiment) printing units 10 and paper discharge units 104 are arranged in the height direction on a paper feed unit 140. It is configured to be stacked along. Here, the paper discharge unit 104 is for receiving and temporarily storing the recording paper P on which an image is recorded by the printing unit 10, and is disposed at the uppermost stage in the printer device 100. The paper feeding unit 140 is for storing the recording paper P and supplying the recording paper P into the paper feeding hopper 20 in each printing unit 10.
[0086]
The paper discharge unit 104 includes a casing 106 as an outer shell, and the size of the casing 74 along the width direction and the depth direction is substantially the same as the casing 12 of the printing unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a slit-like first receiving port 108 and a second receiving port 110 are opened in the front end portion and the rear end portion of the lower surface portion of the casing 106, respectively. The first receiving port 108 and the second receiving port 110 are respectively connected to the paper discharge port 19 and the paper feed port 17 of the printing unit 10 arranged so as to be adjacent to the lower side of the paper discharge unit 104. A paper discharge tray section 112 on which a plurality of recording papers P can be stacked is provided on the upper surface of the casing 106. A stacking surface 114 having a substantially horizontal flat surface is formed on the paper discharge tray 112, and positioning surfaces 118 and 120 are formed to rise substantially vertically from both end portions along the width direction of the stacking surface 114, respectively. Yes. A slit-like first discharge port 122 and a second discharge port 124 are opened on the upper ends of the positioning surfaces 118 and 120, respectively, and the first discharge port 122 and the second discharge port 124 are formed in the casing 106. A first receiving guide path 126 that connects the first receiving port 108 and a second receiving guide path 128 that connects the second discharge port 124 and the second receiving port 110 are provided. Further, the discharge unit 104 is provided with a pair of carry-out rollers 130 at the end of the first receiving guide path 126 on the first discharge port 122 side, and the second receiving guide path 128 on the second discharge port 124 side. A pair of carry-out rollers 132 is disposed at the end of the roller.
[0087]
As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feeding unit 140 includes a casing 142 as an outer shell, and the size of the casing 142 along the width direction and the depth direction is substantially the same as the casing 12 of the printing unit 10. Yes. The casing 142 has a slit-like first discharge port 144 and a second discharge port 146 at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the upper surface portion thereof, respectively. The paper unit 140 is connected to the paper feed inlet 16 and the paper discharge inlet 18 in the printing unit 10 adjacent to the upper side of the paper unit 140, respectively.
[0088]
In the casing 142, a first main paper feed hopper 148 capable of storing a bundle of paper B on which a plurality of recording papers P are stacked is disposed, and below the first main paper feed hopper 148. A second main paper feed hopper 150 is disposed. The main sheet feeding hoppers 148 and 150 are supported by the casing 142 so as to be slidable between the mounting position and the replenishing position along the depth direction. Here, when the main sheet feeding hoppers 148 and 150 are slid from the mounting position in the casing 142 to the replenishment position protruding to the side of the casing 142, the opening on the upper surface side is opened, and recording is performed through the opening. The paper P (paper bundle B) can be replenished or taken out.
[0089]
In the main sheet feeding hoppers 148 and 150, the first and second stacking trays 152 and 154 and the first and second stacking trays 152 and 154 on which the bundle of sheets B stored therein are stacked are arranged along the height direction. An elevating mechanism (not shown) supported so as to be movable up and down is disposed. In the casing 142, first and second separation sheet feeding rollers 156 and 158 are arranged above the main sheet feeding hoppers 148 and 150, respectively. The second separation paper feeding roller 158 is supported so as to face the leading end of the upper surface of the paper bundle B loaded on the first stacking tray 152, and the second separation paper feeding roller 158 has a roller surface loaded on the second stacking tray 154. B is supported so as to face the tip of the upper surface of B.
[0090]
The elevating mechanism moves the stacking trays 150 and 152 to the lower limit position close to the bottom plate portion of the main paper feed hoppers 148 and 150 in conjunction with the slide from the mounting position of the main paper feed hoppers 148 and 150 to the replenishment position. Further, the stacking trays 150 and 152 are raised in conjunction with the slide of the main sheet feeding hoppers 148 and 150 from the replenishment position to the mounting position, and the sheet bundle B on the stacking trays 150 and 152 is separated and fed by a predetermined pressure. 156 and 158 are pressed.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 142 is provided with a first connection guide path 160 extending from the first paper discharge port 144 toward the first separation paper feed roller 156, and this first connection guide. The front end portion of the path 160 is opened facing the pressure contact portion between the first separation paper feeding roller 156 and the paper bundle B. As a result, when the first separation paper feeding roller 156 rotates by a predetermined amount, the first separation paper feeding roller 156 separates one recording paper P from the paper bundle B on the first stacking tray 152, and the recording paper P The distal end side is fed into the first connection guide path 160.
[0092]
Further, in the casing 142, a second connection guide path 162 extending from the second paper discharge port 146 to the second separation paper feed roller 158 side is provided, and the tip of the second connection guide path 162 is The second separation paper feeding roller 158 and the paper bundle B are opened facing the pressure contact portion. As a result, when the second separation paper feeding roller 158 rotates by a predetermined amount, the second separation paper feeding roller 158 separates one recording paper P from the paper bundle B on the second stacking tray 154, and the recording paper P The distal end side is fed into the second connection guide path 162.
[0093]
The number of stacking trays 152 and 154 disposed in the main sheet feeding hoppers 150 and 152 is not limited to one, and a plurality of stacking trays 152 and 154 are disposed in the main sheet feeding hoppers 150 and 152, respectively. Different types of recording paper P may be stacked on the plurality of stacking trays 152 and 154, respectively. In this case, for example, a plurality of stacking trays 152 and 154 are added in the vertical direction by the elevating mechanism and moved in the front-rear direction (width direction), and the stack of papers stacked on any of the plurality of stacking trays 152 and 154 By selectively bringing B into contact with the separation paper feeding rollers 156 and 158, one type of recording paper P selected from a plurality of types of recording paper P can be fed into the connection guide paths 160 and 162, respectively. .
[0094]
The casing 12 of the printing unit 10 is provided with a guide projection (not shown) protruding upward on the top plate portion 14, and a concave guide receiving portion (not shown) corresponding to the guide projection on the bottom plate portion 13. ing. Further, a concave guide receiving portion (not shown) corresponding to the guide protrusion is provided on the lower surface portion of the paper discharge unit 104, and the casing 142 of the paper supply unit 140 has a plurality of guides protruding upward from the top plate portion thereof. A protrusion (not shown) is provided. At least two guide protrusions are provided on each printing unit 10 and paper discharge unit 104, and at least two guide receiving portions are provided on each printing unit 10 and paper feed unit 140 so as to correspond to the guide protrusions. It is provided one by one.
[0095]
Here, in a state where a plurality of printing units 10 and paper discharge units 104 are stacked on the paper feeding unit 140 to constitute the printer apparatus 100, the guide protrusions provided on the printing unit 10 and the paper feeding unit 140 are The upper printing unit 10 or the paper discharge unit 104 is inserted into the guide receiving unit, and the lower printing unit 10 or the paper feeding unit 140 is provided in the guide receiving unit provided in the printing unit 10 and the paper discharging unit. The inserted guide projection is inserted. As a result, the paper feed unit 140, the printing unit 10, and the paper discharge unit 104 are positioned so as to coincide with each other along the width direction and the depth direction, and movement between the units 10, 104, 140 is restricted. Integrated.
[0096]
Note that a plurality of printing units 10 and paper feeding units 140 constituting the printer apparatus 100 include control units 170 and 172, respectively. The control units 170 of each printing unit 10 are electrically connected, and the control unit 172 of the paper feeding unit 140 is electrically connected to the control unit 170 of at least one printing unit 10. In order to electrically connect the control units 170 and 172 of the printing unit 10 and the paper feeding unit 140, for example, a cable and a socket are provided in each printing unit 10 and the paper feeding unit 140, and arranged at the end of the cable. The connected connector may be electrically connected by inserting it into the socket of another printing unit 10 or the paper feeding unit 140, and at least one of the guide protrusion and the guide receiving part is adapted to each other. The printing unit 10 may be stacked on the paper feeding unit 140 and electrically connected by inserting a guide projection as a connector into a guide receiving portion as a socket.
[0097]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the printer apparatus 100, the printing unit 10 arranged at the uppermost stage faces a different direction with respect to the lower printing unit. That is, the uppermost printing unit 10 (referred to as “printing unit 10T” in the case where it is particularly necessary to distinguish the other printing units 10) extends along the width direction with respect to the lower printing unit 10. The first paper feed guide path 58 and the first paper discharge guide path 90 are stacked on the lower printing unit 10 in a state where the first paper feed guide path 58 and the first paper discharge guide path 90 are reversed (rotated) by 180 °. Thereby, the paper feed carry-in port 16 of the printing unit 10T is connected to the paper discharge carry-out port 19 of the print unit 10 adjacent to the lower stage side, and the paper feed carry-in port 16 of the print unit 10T is printed adjacent to the lower stage side. It is connected to the paper feed / outlet 17 of the unit 10.
[0098]
Here, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the printing unit 10 </ b> T has a reversal axis R that is a geometric center point along the width direction and the depth direction with respect to the other printing units 10. As shown in FIG. Further, the first paper feed guide path 58 and the first paper discharge guide path 90 of each printing unit 10 are symmetrically arranged and shaped with respect to the reversing axis R, and the paper feed inlet 16 and the paper feed The carry-out port 17, the paper discharge carry-in port 18, and the paper discharge carry-out port 19 are also arranged and shaped symmetrically with respect to each other. Further, the first receiving port 108 and the second receiving port 110 of the paper discharge unit 104 are also arranged and shaped symmetrically with respect to the reversing axis R, and the first paper supply port 144 of the paper supply unit 140 and the second paper supply port 110 are symmetrical. The two paper feed openings 146 are also arranged and shaped symmetrically with respect to the reverse axis R.
[0099]
Therefore, if the printing unit 10T is reversed 180 ° around the reversing axis R with respect to the other printing units 10 and stacked on the other printing units 10, the first paper feed guide path 58 of this arbitrary printing unit 10T. The first paper discharge guide path 90 is connected to the first paper discharge guide path 90 and the first paper feed guide path 58 of the other printing unit 10, respectively. Further, when the paper discharge unit 104 is stacked on the printing unit 10T, the first receiving guide path 126 and the second receiving guide path 128 of the paper discharging unit 104 are connected to the first paper discharge guide path 90 and the first paper supply guide path 90 of the printing unit 10T. Each is connected to a paper guide path 58.
[0100]
In the lower printing unit 10T of the printing unit 10T, the first paper feeding guide paths 58 are connected to each other, and the paper feeding port 16 of the lowermost printing unit 10 serves as the first paper feeding of the paper feeding unit 140. The first paper discharge guide paths 90 are connected to each other, and the paper discharge inlet 18 of the lowermost printing unit 10 is connected to the second paper supply port 146 of the paper supply unit 140. . Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, the front end portion of the printer apparatus 100 penetrates the front end portions of the plurality of printing units 10 along the height direction, and the lower end portion and the upper end portion respectively feed paper units. 140 and a paper passing path (this is referred to as a “first paper passing path”) 134 connected to the paper discharge unit 104 are configured. The rear end portion of the printer apparatus 100 also passes through the rear end portions of the plurality of printing units 10 along the height direction, and is connected to the paper feed unit 140 and the paper discharge unit 104 at the lower end portion and the upper end portion, respectively. The sheet passing path (this is referred to as “second sheet passing path”) 136 is configured.
[0101]
As described above, the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured by stacking a plurality of printing units 10 and paper discharge units 104 on a paper feed unit 140. As a result, the printing unit 10 and the paper discharge unit 104 constituting the printer apparatus 100 can be easily lifted up by simply lifting the upper printing unit 10 or the paper discharge unit 104 upward as shown in FIG. It can be separated from the printing unit 10 or the paper feeding unit 140. Accordingly, in the printer apparatus 100, if one printing unit 10 is separated from the other printing units 10 or the paper discharge unit 104 is separated from the lower printing unit 10, one or more printing units are provided. 10 is inserted between the other printing units 10 or between the printing unit 10 and the paper discharge unit 104, or one or a plurality of units from between the printing unit 10 or between the printing unit 10 and the paper discharge unit 104. The printing unit 10 can be extracted. Thereby, in the printer apparatus 100, the number of printing units 10 constituting the apparatus can be easily increased or decreased. By increasing or decreasing the number of printing units 10, the printing capability including the printing speed as the entire apparatus can be adjusted.
[0102]
Further, in the printer device 100 of the present embodiment, only the uppermost printing unit 10T is inverted with respect to the other printing units 10. However, any one of the other printing units 10 can be inverted or inverted. It is also possible to additionally insert another printing unit 10 between other printing units 10.
[0103]
Next, operations of the printing unit 10 and the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0104]
In the printer device 100, the control unit 170 of the printing unit 10 and the control unit 172 of the paper feeding unit 140 are connected to an external information processing device (not shown) such as a personal computer or a server. When the image information is input, the printing unit 10 starts an image recording operation on the recording paper P.
[0105]
Here, the control unit 172 in the paper feed unit 140 in the plurality of printing units 10 may be connected to the information processing apparatus in parallel, and one of the control units 170 and 172 is connected to the main control unit 170. , 172, and only the main control units 170, 172 are connected to the information processing apparatus, and various information is output to the other control units 170, 172 through the main control units 170, 172. good. The control units 170 and 172 may be different from other control units 170 and 172 in terms of information processing speed, storage capacity, and other performance and functions.
[0106]
Further, in the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when a print command and image information are input, each printing unit so that the number of times of recording on the recording paper P by each printing unit 10 except the printing unit 10T is leveled as much as possible. 10 are operated cyclically in a predetermined order. Further, in the printer apparatus 100, when a plurality of print commands and image information are input at a time, as many printing units 10 as possible are simultaneously operated, and recording is performed by the simultaneously operating multiple printing units 10, respectively. An image is formed on the paper P. At this time, the image that each printing unit 10 records on the recording paper P may be different for each printing unit 10 or may be the same. The printing unit 10T is used to record an image on the back surface of the recording paper P, particularly when an instruction to record an image on the back surface of the recording paper P is given by a print command.
[0107]
First, an image recording operation on the surface of the recording paper P stored in the paper feed hopper 20 in each printing unit 10 other than the printing unit 10T will be described.
[0108]
In the printer apparatus 100, when a print command and image information from the information processing apparatus are input, at least one print unit 10 excluding the print unit 10T operates to start image formation on the recording paper P. At this time, in the printing unit 10 that is in an activated state, first, the separation paper feeding roller 46 rotates to separate one recording paper P from the paper bundle B stored in the paper feeding hopper 20, and this recording paper P Is conveyed along the printing guide path 52 to the nip roller pair 40 of the printing unit 34. The nip roller pair 40 rotates while sandwiching the recording paper P, feeds the recording paper P between the ink jet head 38 and the guide plate 44, conveys the recording paper P along the guide plate 44, and the leading edge of the recording paper P. The part is inserted between the roller pair 42. As a result, the recording paper P is conveyed by the nip roller pair 40 and the roller pair 42 in the sub scanning direction at the sub scanning speed.
[0109]
The inkjet head 38 is based on image information from a plurality of nozzles arranged in the main scanning direction while moving in the main scanning direction by the head driving mechanism after the leading end portion of the recording paper P is sandwiched by the roller pair 42. The ink is selectively ejected or stopped, and an image is formed with the ink on the recording paper P moving in the sub-scanning direction. In parallel with the image recording operation of the inkjet head 38, the roller pair 42 feeds the portion on the leading end side of the recording paper P on which the image is recorded into the paper discharge buffer 26. At this time, the stacking plates 28 and 29 in the paper discharge buffer 26 are restrained to the lower limit position by the actuator. As a result, the recording paper P is fed into the paper discharge buffer 26 by the conveying force from the nip roller pair 40 and the roller pair 42 without the front end of the recording paper P colliding with the separation paper discharge roller 78, and the rear end thereof is the roller pair. The sheet is detached from 42 and stored in the sheet discharge buffer 26.
[0110]
The controller 170 of the printing unit 10 immediately takes the recording paper P from the paper discharge buffer 26 to the first paper discharge guide path 90 until the recording paper P on which the image is recorded is stored in the paper discharge buffer 26. Judge whether or not to carry out. This determination is made, for example, by whether or not the recording paper P is conveyed in the second paper passing path 136 constituted by the first paper discharge guide path 90 of each printing unit 10, and whether or not the recording paper P is transferred to the recording paper P by each printing unit 10. On the other hand, different pages (image information) are printed, and the recording paper P on which an image of a page with a small number of pages is recorded is conveyed in advance from another printing unit 10 to the paper discharge unit 104. The determination is made based on various situations, such as whether or not the timing of carrying out the recording paper P from the paper discharge buffer 26 needs to be adjusted.
[0111]
When the control unit 170 determines that the recording paper P is immediately carried out from the paper discharge buffer 26 into the first paper discharge guide path 90, when the recording paper P is stored in the paper discharge buffer 26, the controller 170 immediately Thus, the loading plates 28 and 29 are released from the lower limit position. As a result, the stacking plates 28 and 29 swing upward due to the urging force of the urging member 30, and press the leading end side of the recording paper P against the separation paper discharge roller 78. In synchronization with this, the control unit 170 starts rotation of the separation paper discharge roller 78 and feeds the recording paper P stored in the paper discharge buffer 26 into the connection guide path 84. At this time, when a plurality of recording papers P are stored in the paper discharge buffer 26 to form a paper bundle B, the separation paper discharge roller 78 is placed on the uppermost sheet of recording paper P. Only the paper sheet B is separated, and the recording paper P is fed into the connection guide path 84. The leading end side of the recording paper P is fed into the first discharge guide path 90 by the conveying force from the separation discharge roller 78, and the leading end side reaches the conveying roller pair 92 in the first discharge guide path 90.
[0112]
When the control unit 170 of the printing unit 10 determines that the recording sheet P on which the image is recorded is not immediately carried out from the discharge buffer 26 into the first discharge guide path 90, the recording sheet P is discharged. Even when stored in the buffer 26, the loading plates 28 and 29 are kept at the lower limit position by the actuator. As a result, the recording paper P on which an image is recorded by the ink jet head 38 can be continuously fed into the paper discharge buffer 26, and the recording paper P can be stacked on the recording paper P already stored in the paper discharge buffer 26. .
[0113]
On the other hand, in the printer device 100, when the leading end side of the recording paper P is sent from the connection guide path 84 into the first paper discharge guide path 90 by the printing unit 10 in the activated state, the conveyance roller pair 60, 92 and the second carry-out roller pair 132 of the paper discharge unit 104 are rotated. At this time, the first guide lever 72, the second guide lever 76, and the third guide lever 96 arranged in the second sheet passing path 136 are respectively held at the transport position. Thus, the recording paper P fed into the second paper passing path 136 by the printing unit 10 in the operating state is transported to the paper discharge unit 104 side by the pair of transport rollers 60 and 92, and from the second paper passing path. It is fed into the second receiving guide path 128 of the paper discharge unit 104.
[0114]
The leading end of the recording paper P fed into the second receiving guide path 128 is nipped by the carry-out roller pair 132 and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray unit 112 through the second paper discharge port 124 by the carry-out roller pair 132. . At this time, the recording paper P that has fallen on the stacking surface 114 of the paper discharge tray unit 112 abuts the leading end of the recording paper P on the positioning surface 118 on the side opposite to the second paper discharge port 124, so Positioned at the second loading position.
[0115]
The image recording operation on the recording paper P by the printing unit 10 described above may be performed by operating only one printing unit 10 at the same time and recording an image on only one recording paper P, or at the same time. Alternatively, a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) printing units 10 excluding the printing unit 10T may be operated to record images in parallel on a plurality of recording sheets P.
[0116]
Next, a case where images are recorded on both sides of the recording paper P by the printer apparatus 100 will be described. In the printer apparatus 100, when a print command to be printed on both sides of the recording paper P and image information corresponding thereto are input from the information processing apparatus, first, as described above, recording is performed by a print unit 10 other than the print unit 10T. An image is recorded on one surface (front surface) of the paper P, and the recording paper P is sent from the discharge buffer 26 into the second paper passing path 136. At this time, the recording paper P having an image recorded on the surface is held in the paper discharge buffer 26 at least until the ink is sufficiently dried.
[0117]
In the printer apparatus 100, when the recording paper P is fed into the second paper passage path 136, the conveyance roller pair 60, 92 of each printing unit 10 is rotated and the second guide lever 76 in the printing unit 10T is moved to the conveyance position. To the paper feed position. As a result, the recording paper P fed into the second paper passage path 136 is guided into the second branch guide path 74 of the printing unit 10T by the second guide lever 76, and the print guide from within the second branch guide path 74. It is sent into the path 52. At this time, the recording paper P is reversed from the inside and the inside of the printing guide path 52 in the other printing unit 10, the one surface (front surface) on which the image has been recorded faces downward, and the other surface on which no image is recorded. (Back side) is facing upward.
[0118]
In the printing unit 10T, when the recording paper P is fed into the printing guide path 52 from the second paper passing path 136, the rotation of the nip roller pairs 40 and 42 of the printing unit 34 is started. Thereafter, when the leading edge of the recording paper P reaches the printing unit 34, the nip roller pair 40 rotates while sandwiching the recording paper P to feed the recording paper P between the ink jet head 38 and the guide plate 44, and the guide plate The recording paper P is transported along 44, and the leading end of the recording paper P is inserted between the roller pair 42. As a result, in the printing unit 10T, the recording paper P is recorded by the inkjet head 38 in the same manner as when recording an image on the surface while the recording paper P is being conveyed by the nip roller pair 40 and the roller pair 42 in the sub scanning direction at a predetermined sub scanning speed. An image is formed on the back surface of the paper P with ink. The recording paper P is temporarily stored in the paper discharge buffer 26 and is held in the paper discharge buffer 26 until at least the ink on which the image is formed is sufficiently dried, and then the separation paper discharge roller 78 passes through the connection guide path 84. The sheet is fed into the first sheet discharge guide path 90 (first sheet passing path 134).
[0119]
The recording paper P fed into the first paper passage path 134 is fed into the first receiving guide path 126 of the paper discharge unit 104 by the conveying roller pair of the printing unit 10T, and the first paper discharge port by the carry-out roller pair 130. The sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 112 through 122. At this time, the recording paper P that has fallen on the stacking surface 114 of the paper discharge tray unit 112 comes into contact with the positioning surface 120 on the side opposite to the first paper discharge port 122, and the recording paper P falls on the second stacking surface 114. It is positioned at a predetermined first loading position different from the loading position.
[0120]
In the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the recording paper P can be supplied from the paper supply unit 140 into the paper supply hopper 20 of each printing unit 10. Next, the replenishment operation of the recording paper P from the paper feeding unit 140 to the paper feeding hopper 20 will be described.
[0121]
The control unit 170 of the printing unit 10 needs to feed the recording paper P from the paper feeding unit 140 according to the content of the printing command from the information processing apparatus, the remaining amount of the recording paper P in the paper feeding hopper 20, and the like. And when it is determined that paper can be fed from the paper feed unit 140, the recording paper P is prepared to be received from the paper feed unit 140, and the recording paper P is fed to the paper feed unit 140. Request. At this time, the control unit 170 determines that the recording paper P needs to be fed from the paper feeding unit 140 when the recording paper P in the paper feeding hopper 20 is low and is fed by a print command. In some cases, it is necessary to record an image on the recording paper P stored in the main paper feed hoppers 148 and 150 of the paper unit 140.
[0122]
The control unit 170 determines that the recording paper P can be replenished from the first main paper feeding hopper 148 into the paper feeding hopper 20 when the first paper passage path 134 is not blocked by the recording paper P, and the second When the sheet passing path 136 is not blocked by the recording sheet P, it is determined that the recording sheet P can be replenished from the second main sheet feeding hopper 150 into the sheet feeding hopper 20.
[0123]
When the controller 170 determines that the recording paper P needs to be supplied from the first main paper feed hopper 148 to the printing unit 10 and determines that the first paper path 134 is not blocked by the recording paper P, first, The stacking plates 22 and 23 in the printing unit 10 that needs to be replenished with the recording paper P are swung to the lower limit position by the actuator, and the first guide lever 72 of the printing unit 10 (the third in the case of the printing unit 10T) is used. The guide lever 96) is rotated from the transport position to the paper feed position by the rotary actuator.
[0124]
Next, the control unit 170 starts rotation of each of the conveyance roller pairs 60 and 92 arranged in the first sheet passing path 134 in a predetermined conveyance direction, and outputs a sheet feeding signal to the control unit 172 of the sheet feeding unit 140. To do. Upon receiving this paper feed signal, the control unit 172 of the paper feed unit 140 rotates the first separation paper feed roller 156 by a predetermined amount. As a result, one sheet of recording paper P is separated from the sheet bundle B stacked on the first stacking tray 152 in the first main paper feed hopper 148 and fed into the first connection guide path 160. The leading end side of the recording paper P is fed into the first paper passing path 134 through the first connection guide path 160, and is transported to the printing unit 10 that receives the replenishment of the recording paper P by the transport roller pair 60. When the leading end of the recording paper P is conveyed to the branching point with the branching guide paths 62 and 94, the recording paper P is guided from the first paper passing path 134 into the branching guide paths 62 and 94 by the guide levers 72 and 96. The The recording paper P is transported into the paper feed hopper 20 through the branch guide paths 62 and 94 by the transport force from the pair of transport rollers 60 and 92, and is stored on the stacking plates 22 and 23.
[0125]
When the control unit 170 of the printing unit 10 requests replenishment of a plurality of recording papers P, the control unit 172 of the paper feeding unit 140 stores the recording paper P that has been fed in advance in the paper feeding hopper 20. In synchronism with the timing of storage, the first separation paper feeding roller 156 is rotated to feed the subsequent recording paper P to the first connection guide path 160 by the number of recording papers P that is requested. repeat.
[0126]
On the other hand, when the number of recording papers P requested by the paper feed signal is stored in the paper feed hopper 20, the control unit 170 of the printing unit 10 releases the stacking plates 22 and 23 from the lower limit position by the actuator, and guides them. The levers 72 and 96 are returned from the paper feed position to the transport position by the rotary actuator. Thus, in the printing unit 10, the recording paper P replenished from the first main paper feeding hopper 148 of the paper feeding unit 140 can be fed preferentially from the paper feeding hopper 20 to the printing unit 34.
[0127]
When the controller 170 determines that the recording paper P needs to be replenished from the second main paper feed hopper 150 to the printing unit 10 and determines that the second paper passage path 136 is not blocked by the recording paper P, The recording paper separated from the paper bundle B on the second stacking tray 154 of the second main paper feed hopper 150 is performed by performing the same control as when the recording paper P is supplied from the first main paper feed hopper 148 to the printing unit 10. P is supplied into the sheet feeding hopper 20 through the second connection guide path 162, the second sheet passing path 136, and the branch guide paths 62 and 94.
[0128]
Further, the printer device 100 according to the present embodiment stores the recording paper P that has been fed from the first main paper feed hopper 148 in the paper feed unit 140 into the first paper passage path 134 in the paper feed hopper 20. It is also possible to supply directly to the printing unit 34 in the printing unit 10 without any problem. In this case, the second guide lever 76 in the printing unit 10 that receives the supply of the recording paper P is rotated from the transport position to the paper feed position, whereby the recording paper that has been transported through the paper passage paths 134 and 136. P is fed into the printing guide path 52 through the second branch guide path 74 and reaches the printing unit 34. Accordingly, it is possible to record an image on the front surface or the back surface of the recording paper P by the ink jet head 38 while the recording paper P is conveyed by the pair of nip rollers 40 and 42 of the printing unit 34.
[0129]
Here, the main paper feeding hoppers 148 and 150 in the paper feeding unit 140 may contain recording paper P of a different type from the recording paper P stored in the paper feeding hopper 20 of the printing unit 10. The recording paper P of the same type as the recording paper P in the paper feeding hopper 20 is stored in only one main paper feeding hopper 148, 150, and the remaining amount of the recording paper P in the paper feeding hopper 20 is reduced. In this case, the recording paper P may be replenished to the paper feed hopper 20 from one of the main paper feed hoppers 148 and 150.
[0130]
Next, the operation of the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment described above will be described.
[0131]
In the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, printing in which the first paper feed guide path 58 and the first paper discharge guide path 90 are stacked on another printing unit 10 in the same direction along the width direction. By increasing / decreasing the number of units 10, images can be recorded in parallel on a plurality of recording papers P by the plurality of printing units 10, so the printing speed of the entire apparatus (recording images per unit time) The number of sheets of recording paper that can be produced) can be increased or decreased. Here, the printer apparatus 100 is configured by stacking the number of printing units 10 constituting the apparatus, and the number of printing units 10 can be easily increased or decreased, so that the printing capability including the printing speed can be obtained according to the user's request. Can be easily adjusted over a wide range.
[0132]
In the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, at least one printing unit 10T among the plurality of printing units 10 constituting the apparatus has a first paper feed guide along the width direction with respect to the other printing units 10. Since the path 58 and the first paper discharge guide path 90 are stacked in an inverted state, an image is recorded on the surface of the recording paper P by the printing unit 34 in the other printing unit 10, and then the front and back sides are reversed. The recording paper can be fed from the paper discharge guide path 90 into the paper feed guide path 58 in the printing unit 10T, and an image can be recorded on the back surface of the recording paper P by the printing unit 34 of the printing unit 10T. Images can be recorded.
[0133]
Therefore, according to the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the recording paper can be obtained simply by turning at least one printing unit 10T out of the plurality of printing units 10 constituting the apparatus in the inverted state along the width direction. A printer device can be configured that can record images on both sides. Here, the number of printing units 10T to be reversed along the width direction with respect to the other printing units 10 is not limited to one, and is adjusted according to the frequency of performing double-sided printing on the recording paper P, etc. For example, when double-sided printing is always performed on most recording paper P, the number of other printing units 10 is equal to the number of inverted printing units 10T, so that the recording paper P Therefore, it becomes possible to execute double-sided printing efficiently.
[0134]
In the printing unit 10 according to the present embodiment, each printing unit 10 is provided with a paper discharge buffer 26 that receives and temporarily stores the recording paper P on which an image is recorded by the printing unit. By providing the separation paper discharge roller 78 for taking out the stored recording paper P and feeding it into the first paper discharge guide path 90 along the connection guide path 84, the recording paper on which an image is recorded by the printing unit 34 is provided. If P is temporarily stored in the paper discharge buffer 26, the recording paper P can be immediately carried out into the first paper discharge guide path 90 and continued to be transported to the paper discharge unit 104 or the printing unit 10T. Since the image recording operation on the next recording paper P can be started by the printing unit 34 and the image recording can be continued, for example, from within the paper discharge buffer 26 in the other printing unit 10 If the timing of sending the recording paper P into the first paper discharge guide path 90 is adjusted according to the timing of sending the recording paper into the first paper discharge guide path 90, the image recording on the recording paper P is completed by the printing unit 34. Without being affected by the timing, the recording sheet P is printed at an appropriate timing when the second sheet passing path 136 configured by connecting the plurality of first sheet discharge guide paths 90 and the first sheet feed guide paths 58 is free. Can be fed into the first paper discharge guide path 90.
[0135]
In the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the recording paper P on which an image is recorded by the ink jet head 38 of the printing unit 34 is stored in the paper discharge buffer 26, and the recording paper P is constant in the paper discharge buffer 26. If the recording paper P is held for a period of time or longer, the recording paper P can be carried out to the first paper discharge guide path 90 after the ink is sufficiently dried. Therefore, when the image is recorded on the back surface of the recording paper P by the inverted printing unit 10T. Ink bleeding occurs due to contact with the pair of nip rollers 40 and 42 and the guide plate 44, or ink transfer to other recording paper P can be prevented when the recording is performed on the other recording paper P after completion of image recording. It becomes like this.
[0136]
Further, in the printer apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the sheet feeding hopper 20 that can store the sheet bundle B, and one sheet of recording paper P are separated from the sheet bundle B stored in the sheet feeding hopper 20, The recording paper P is supplied to the printing unit 34 along the printing guide path 52 by printing, and the recording paper P conveyed in the first paper feeding guide path 58 is selectively supplied to the first paper feeding. By providing a first guide lever 72 which is separated from the guide path 58 and is fed into the sheet feeding hopper 20 along the first branch guide path 62 and the receiving guide path 66, the printing unit 34 of the printing unit 10 is provided. When the image recording is started, the separation paper feeding roller 46 separates one sheet of recording paper P from the paper bundle B stored in the paper feeding hopper 20 and feeds it to the printing unit 34. Pre-stored in paper hopper 20 Since the recording paper P can be supplied to the printing unit 34 in synchronization with the start of image recording by the printing unit 34, the recording paper P can be printed as compared with the case where the recording paper P is supplied from the paper supply unit 140 to the printing unit 34. The conveyance distance to the unit 34 can be shortened. Accordingly, the time (feed time) from the start of conveyance of the recording paper P to the printing unit 34 is shortened, and as a result, an image is recorded on the recording paper P from the input of a print command from the information processing apparatus. Can be shortened.
[0137]
Note that, in the printing unit 34 of the printing unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inkjet head 38 is driven in the main scanning direction during image recording, and ink is ejected from the nozzles of the inkjet head 38 to form an image on the recording paper P. The printing unit 34 records the recording paper P by a full-size fixed ink-jet head having a width wider than the recording paper P in the main scanning direction, in addition to the drive-type ink-jet head 38. However, it is also possible to form a toner image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and transfer the toner onto the recording paper P, so that an image is formed on the recording paper P by a so-called electrophotographic method. An image may be formed on the paper P.
[0138]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a printer apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows a printing unit applied to the printer apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that, in the printer device 180 and the printing unit 178 according to the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to common portions with the printer device 100 and the printing unit 10 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0139]
The printer apparatus 180 according to the present embodiment is different from the printer apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that the first sheet passing path 134 is located on the inner side in the width direction as shown in FIG. Is provided so as to extend in the height direction, and the fourth paper passage path 184 is provided on the inner side in the width direction of the second paper passage path 136 so as to extend in the height direction. The paper discharge unit 104 is additionally provided with a third receiving guide path 186 connected to the third sheet passing path 182 and a fourth receiving guide path 188 connected to the fourth sheet passing path 184, respectively. . The third receiving guide path 186 and the fourth receiving guide path 188 are provided with a third discharge port 190 and a fourth discharge port 192 that open to face the discharge tray portion 112, respectively. , 192 is provided with a pair of carry-out rollers 194, 196.
[0140]
As shown in FIG. 7, the printing unit 178 is provided with a second paper feed guide path 198 extending in the height direction on the inner side in the width direction of the first paper feed guide path 58 and the second paper discharge guide. A second paper discharge guide path 200 extending in the height direction is provided on the inner side in the width direction of the path 90. The second paper feed guide path 198 is provided with an overlapping portion 202 that overlaps with the intermediate portion of the printing guide path 52 at an intermediate portion along the height direction. A fourth guide lever 204 is provided at the boundary with the upper portion of the fourth guide lever 204. The fourth guide lever 204 includes a paper feed position for guiding the recording paper P to the downstream side of the print guide path 52 by a driving force from a rotary actuator (not shown), and the recording paper P on the second paper feed guide path 198. It rotates between the transfer position guided upward and is held at any position. The second paper feed guide path 198 is provided with a fifth guide lever 206 at the intersection with the first branch guide path 62. The fifth guide lever 206 also feeds the recording paper P into the paper feeding hopper 20 by a driving force from a rotary actuator (not shown) and the recording paper P to the upper side of the second paper feeding guide path 198. It rotates between the guided transport position and is held at any position.
[0141]
As shown in FIG. 7, the second paper discharge guide path 200 is provided with a sixth guide lever 208 at the intersection with the first branch guide path 62. The sixth guide lever 208 intersects the sheet feeding position where the recording sheet P is guided into the sheet feeding hopper 20 by a driving force from a rotary actuator (not shown), and the first branch guide path 62. From the transport position for guiding to the upper side of the second paper discharge guide path 200 and held at any position. The second paper discharge guide path 200 is provided with a seventh guide lever 210 at the intersection with the connection guide path 84. The seventh guide lever 210 has a first transport position for guiding the recording paper P into the first paper discharge guide path 90 along the connection guide path 84 by a driving force from a rotary actuator (not shown), and the recording paper P. Is rotated from the intersection with the connection guide path 84 to the second transport position for guiding the second discharge guide path 200 to the upper side, and is held at any position.
[0142]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the uppermost printing unit 178T has a reversal axis R (see FIG. 4) that is a geometric center point along the width direction and the depth direction with respect to the other printing units 178. It is in a state inverted 180 ° as the center. Further, the second paper feed guide path 198 and the second paper discharge guide path 200 of each printing unit 178 are symmetrically arranged and shaped with respect to the reversal axis R.
[0143]
Therefore, if the printing unit 178 is turned 180 ° around the reversing axis R with respect to the other printing units 178 and stacked on the other printing units 178, the second paper feed guide path 198 of this arbitrary printing unit 10T is obtained. The second paper discharge guide path 200 is connected to the second paper discharge guide path 200 and the second paper feed guide path 198 of the other printing unit 178, respectively. Further, if the paper discharge unit 104 is stacked on the printing unit 178T, the third receiving guide path 186 and the fourth receiving guide path 188 of the paper discharging unit 104 become the second paper discharge guide path 200 and the second paper supply path of the printing unit 178T. Each is connected to a paper guide path 198.
[0144]
In the lower printing unit 178 of the printing unit 178T, the second paper feed guide paths 198 are connected to each other, and the second paper discharge guide paths 200 are connected to each other. As a result, the front end portion of the printer device 180 passes through the plurality of printing units 178 along the height direction on the inner side in the width direction of the first paper feed guide path 58, and the upper end portion is the first portion of the paper discharge unit 104. A third sheet passing path 182 connected to the three receiving guide path 186 is configured. Further, the rear end portions of the plurality of printing units 178 pass through the rear end portion of the printer device 180 in the width direction of the first paper discharge guide path 90, and the upper end portion is the fourth receiving guide of the paper discharge unit 104. A fourth sheet passing path 184 connected to the path 188 is configured.
[0145]
Next, the operation of the printer apparatus 180 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0146]
According to the printer device 180 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain basically the same operations and effects as the printer device 100 according to the first embodiment, and in addition to the common operations and effects, for example, When an image is recorded on the recording paper P by the printing unit 178T and the overlapping portion 202 in the second paper discharge guide path 200 is blocked by the recording paper P, that is, the fourth paper passing path 184 is recording an image on the back surface. Even when the recording paper P is blocked, the recording paper P on which an image is recorded by another printing unit 178 is sent out to the first paper discharge guide path 90 (second paper passage path 136) through the connection guide path 84, The paper can be carried out to the paper discharge unit 104 through the two paper path 136.
[0147]
Even when an image is recorded on the recording paper P by another printing unit 178 other than the printing unit 178T, and the second paper feed guide path 198 of the other printing unit 178 is blocked by this recording paper P, the paper is fed. The recording paper P separated and fed from the main paper feeding hoppers 148 and 150 of the unit 140 is conveyed along the first paper passing path 134 to the printing unit 178 that needs to be replenished with the recording paper P. The sheet can be fed into the sheet feeding hopper 20 through the one branch guide path 62 or the third branch guide path 94.
[0148]
(Third embodiment)
8 and 9 show a printer apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows a printing unit applied to the printer apparatus according to this embodiment. Note that, in the printer device 230 and the printing unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the printer device 100 and the printing unit 10 according to the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.
[0149]
The difference between the printing unit 10 according to the present embodiment and the printing unit 10 according to the first embodiment is that, in the vicinity of the branch portion between the paper feed guide path 58 and the first branch guide path 62, as shown in FIG. The provided first guide lever 232 is formed in a substantially rhombus shape projecting to both sides along the radial direction with the support shaft portion 234 as the center, and a rotary actuator (not shown) with the support shaft portion 234 as the center. This is a point that is selectively rotated and held at any one of the paper feed position shown in (B), the transport position shown in FIG. 10 (C), and the reverse position shown in FIG. 10 (D). .
[0150]
Next, the operation at the time of duplex recording on the recording paper P by the printer apparatus 230 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0151]
In the printer device 230, when a print command to be printed on both sides of the recording paper P and image information corresponding thereto are input from the information processing device, first, as in the case of the printer device 100 according to the first embodiment, An image is recorded on one surface (front surface) of the recording paper P by a printing unit 10 other than the printing unit 10T, and the recording paper P is fed into the paper discharge buffer 26. At this time, the recording paper P having an image recorded on the surface is held in the paper discharge buffer 26 at least until the ink is sufficiently dried.
[0152]
When the recording paper P is fed into the second paper passage path 136 from the discharge buffer 26 of the lower printing unit 10, the printer device 230 conveys the paper disposed in the second paper passage path 136 of each printing unit 10. The roller pairs 60 and 92 are respectively rotated, and the first guide lever 232 and the second guide lever 76 in the printing unit 10T are respectively rotated to the transport position. Thus, the recording paper P fed into the second paper passage path 136 is guided by the first guide lever 232 and the second guide lever 76 so as to be conveyed to the paper discharge unit 104 side.
[0153]
When the trailing edge of the recording paper P passes through the branching portion with the second branch guide path 74 of the printing unit 10T, the printer device 230 temporarily stops the conveyance of the recording paper P toward the paper discharge unit 104 and the first The guide lever 232 is rotated to the reverse position. Thereafter, the printer device 230 swings the stacking plates 22 and 23 of the printing unit 10T to the lower limit position and starts conveying the recording paper P to the paper feeding unit 140 side. As a result, the recording paper P is fed into the paper feed hopper 20 from the rear end side and stored in the paper feed hopper 20 as shown in FIG. At this time, the recording paper P stored in the paper feed hopper 20 of the printing unit 10T is reversed from the front and back of the paper feeding hopper 20 in the other printing unit 10, and one side (front surface) on which the image has been recorded is upward. And the other surface (back surface) on which no image is recorded faces downward.
[0154]
In the printing unit 10T, when the recording paper P having an image recorded on the front surface is stored in the paper feed hopper 20, the paper feed rollers 44 are rotated by a predetermined amount after the stacking plates 22 and 23 are released from the lower limit positions. As a result, the recording paper P on which the image is recorded on the surface is separated from the other recording paper P in the paper feed hopper 20 and sent to the printing unit 34 through the printing guide path 52 as shown in FIG. It is. When the leading edge of the recording paper P reaches the printing unit 34, the printer device 230 feeds the recording paper P between the inkjet head 38 and the guide plate 44 by the nip roller pair 40 and conveys the recording paper P along the guide plate 44. The leading end of the recording paper P is inserted between the roller pair 42. As a result, in the printing unit 10T, the recording paper P is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction in the sub-scanning direction by the nip roller pair 40 and the roller pair 42, and is the same as the case where the lower printing unit 10 records an image on the surface. In addition, an image is formed with ink on the back surface of the recording paper P by the inkjet head 38. The recording paper P is temporarily stored in the paper discharge buffer 26 and is held in the paper discharge buffer 26 until at least the ink on which the image is formed is sufficiently dried, and then the separation paper discharge roller 78 passes through the connection guide path 84. The sheet is fed into the first sheet discharge guide path 90 (first sheet passing path 134).
[0155]
The recording paper P fed into the first paper passage path 134 is fed into the first receiving guide path 126 of the paper discharge unit 104 by the conveying roller pair of the printing unit 10T, and the first paper discharge port by the carry-out roller pair 130. The sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 112 through 122. At this time, the recording paper P that has fallen on the stacking surface 114 of the paper discharge tray unit 112 comes into contact with the positioning surface 120 on the side opposite to the first paper discharge port 122, and the recording paper P falls on the second stacking surface 114. It is positioned at a predetermined first loading position different from the loading position.
[0156]
In the present embodiment, immediately after a sheet of recording paper P having an image recorded thereon is fed from the lower printing unit 10 into the paper feed hopper 20 of the printing unit 10T, recording is immediately performed by the printing unit 10T. The case where an image is recorded on the back surface of the paper P has been described. After a plurality of recording papers P having images recorded on the front surface are fed from the lower printing unit 10 into the paper feeding hopper 20 in the printing unit 10T, Images may be continuously recorded on the back surface of the plurality of recording sheets P by the printing unit 10T.
[0157]
Therefore, according to the printer device 230 according to the present embodiment, even when images are recorded on both sides of the recording paper P, the lower printing unit 10 completes image recording on the back surface of the recording paper P by the printing unit 10T. The image can be recorded on the surface of the other recording paper P stored in the paper feed hopper 20 without waiting for this.
[0158]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the printing unit according to the present invention, by stacking a plurality of printers, it is possible to configure a printer device capable of recording images on both sides of the recording medium, and according to the number of stacked printer devices. You can easily increase or decrease the printing capability.
[0159]
Also, according to the printer device of the present invention, images can be recorded on both sides of the recording medium, and the number of printing units can be easily increased or decreased to adjust the printing capability over a wide range.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a printer apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the printer apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is disassembled in units.
FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a printing unit in the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a side view showing a first guide lever in the printing unit.
4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a printing unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
5A and 5B are side views showing a configuration of a sheet feeding hopper in the printing unit shown in FIG. 3, in which FIG. 5A shows a state where the stacking plate is constrained to the lower limit position, and FIG. The state released from the position is shown.
FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a printer apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a printing unit in the printer apparatus shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a printer apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a side view showing a state in which recording paper is supplied to a printing unit for back side printing in the printer apparatus shown in FIG.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are side cross-sectional views showing a configuration of a printing unit in a printer apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 10B and 10C are first guide levers in the printing unit. FIGS. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Printing unit
10T printing unit
16 Feeding inlet (first inlet)
18 Discharge carry-in entrance (second carry-in entrance)
20 Feeding hopper (individual supply means, storage tray)
26 Paper discharge buffer (buffer means, storage means)
34 Printing section (printing section)
38 Inkjet head
40 Nip roller pair (main transport means)
42 Roller pair (main transport means)
46 Separation paper feed roller (individual supply means, separation supply means)
58 paper feed guide path (first transport means, first transport guide path)
60 conveying roller pair (first conveying means, first conveying roll)
72 1st guide lever (main conveyance means, selection means)
76 Second guide lever
78 Separation discharge roller (buffer means, separation discharge means)
90 paper discharge guide path (second transport means, second transport guide path)
92 Conveying roller pair (second conveying means, second conveying roll)
100 Printer device
104 Paper discharge unit (discharge unit)
112 Output tray
134 First paper path
136 Second paper path
140 Paper feed unit (common individual supply means)
148 First main paper feed hopper
150 Second main paper feed hopper
170 Control unit
172 Control unit
178 printing unit
178T printing unit
180 Printer device
182 Third paper path
184 Fourth paper path
198 Second paper feed guide path (first transport means)
200 Second paper discharge guide path (second transport means)
230 Printer device
P Recording paper (recording medium)
R Reverse axis

Claims (26)

A printing unit that records an image on at least one side of a sheet-like recording medium, and in a state in which at least two units are reversed so as to face opposite directions with respect to the width direction, along a predetermined overlapping direction. A printing unit that constitutes a printer device that can perform image recording on both sides of the recording medium,
A first conveying means disposed on one of both ends sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, extending along the overlapping direction, and conveying a recording medium;
A second conveying means disposed along the width direction on the other end of the print unit and extending along the overlapping direction and conveying the recording medium;
Main conveying means for sending a recording medium from the first conveying means to the printing unit and sending the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit to the second conveying means;
In the overlapping surface of the first transport unit and the second transport unit with another unit extending along the width direction, the unit is reversed when the units are reversed along the width direction. A printing unit arranged so as to be point-symmetric with respect to each other. The first transport means includes a slit-shaped first transport guide path extending along the overlapping direction,
The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein the second transport unit includes a slit-shaped second transport guide path extending along the overlapping direction. The first transport guide path is provided along one of both end faces sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction,
The printing unit according to claim 2, wherein the second conveyance guide path is provided along the other of both end faces sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction. The first transport means includes a first transport roll that transports a recording medium along the first transport guide path,
4. The printing unit according to claim 2, wherein the second transport unit includes a second transport roll that transports the recording medium along the second transport guide path. 5. Each of the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path is provided on one of the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path in another printing unit adjacent along the overlapping direction. Connected to receive the recording medium from the outside of the unit and constitute a part of the first sheet passing path and a part of the second sheet passing path for discharging the recording medium to the outside of the unit. The printing unit according to claim 2. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein the superimposing direction substantially coincides with the vertical direction. 2. The main conveying unit includes a buffer unit that is provided between the second conveying unit and the printing unit, and temporarily holds a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit. The printing unit according to any one of 1 to 6. The buffer means separates the storage medium capable of storing one or more recording media on which an image has been recorded by the printing unit, and the recording medium stored in the storage means one by one into the second transport. The printing unit according to claim 7, further comprising separation and discharge means for sending to the means. The printing unit according to claim 1, further comprising individual supply means for supplying a recording medium to the printing unit. The individual supply means includes storage means for storing one or more recording media, and separation supply means for separating the recording media stored in the storage means one by one and supplying them to the printing unit. The printing unit according to claim 9. The printing unit according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit is a tray provided so as to be freely inserted into and removed from the unit main body. 12. The printing unit according to claim 11, wherein the tray is detachable in both forward and backward directions along the depth direction from the mounting position in the unit main body. 2. The main conveyance unit includes a selection unit that selectively separates the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyance unit from the first conveyance unit and sends the recording medium to the printing unit. The printing unit according to any one of 1 to 12. A printing unit including a printing unit that records an image on at least one side of a sheet-like recording medium, wherein at least two of the printing units are inverted so as to face opposite directions with respect to the width direction. A printer device capable of recording an image on both sides of a recording medium by being superposed along a predetermined superposition direction,
The printing unit is disposed at one of both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and extends along the overlapping direction, and includes a first conveying unit for conveying a recording medium. A second conveying means disposed along the width direction at the other end of the print unit and extending along the overlapping direction and conveying a recording medium; and A main conveying unit that sends a recording medium from the conveying unit to the printing unit and sends the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit to the second conveying unit,
In the overlapping surface of the first transport unit and the second transport unit with another unit extending along the width direction, the unit is reversed when the units are reversed along the width direction. A printer apparatus, wherein the printer apparatus is arranged so as to be point-symmetric with respect to each other. 15. The printer apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a discharge unit that holds at least one recording medium discharged from the printing unit by the first transport unit and the second transport unit. A first inlet for supplying a recording medium to one of the both ends sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and supplying the recording medium to the first conveying means;
A second carry-in port for supplying a recording medium to the second carrying means, which is disposed on the other of both end portions sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction;
16. The printer apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: A first discharge port disposed at one of both ends sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, for discharging the recording medium from the first conveying means to the outside of the apparatus;
A second discharge port that is disposed on the other end of both ends sandwiching the printing unit along the width direction, and discharges the recording medium from the second conveying means to the outside of the apparatus;
The printer apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: 18. The printer apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the printing unit includes an individual supply unit that supplies a recording medium to the printing unit. The individual supply means includes storage means for storing one or more recording media, and separation supply means for separating the recording media stored in the storage means one by one and feeding them to the printing unit. The printer device according to claim 18. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a common supply unit that stores one or more recording media and supplies the stored recording medium to either the first transport unit or the second transport unit in the printing unit. 20. The printer device according to any one of items 19 to 19. The first transport means includes a slit-shaped first transport guide path extending along the overlapping direction,
21. The printer device according to claim 14, wherein the second transport unit includes a slit-shaped second transport guide path extending along the overlapping direction. The first transport means includes two first transport guide paths adjacent along the width direction,
22. The printer apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the second transport unit includes two first transport guide paths adjacent along the width direction. The first transport unit and the second transport unit feed the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit to the second transport guide path outside along the width direction. Item 22. The printer device according to Item 22. Each of the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path is provided on one of the first conveyance guide path and the second conveyance guide path in another printing unit adjacent along the overlapping direction. Connected to receive the recording medium from the outside of the unit and constitute a part of the first sheet passing path and a part of the second sheet passing path for discharging the recording medium to the outside of the unit. The printer device according to any one of claims 21 to 23. 25. The printer apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the common supply unit supplies the recording medium into the storage unit through one of the first sheet passing path and the second sheet passing path. The main transport unit in one printing unit is provided between the second transport unit and the printing unit, and temporarily stores a recording medium on which an image is recorded by the printing unit, and the buffer Reversal supply means for feeding the recording medium temporarily held by the means into the storage means in the other printing unit reversed in the width direction in a state where the front and back are reversed. The printer device according to any one of claims 19 to 25.

Images