JP2011098525A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer configured to reduce an arrangement limit of a conveying path to convey a recording medium supplied from a paper feed section, then, to enhance a degree of freedom in design, and also, to achieve a new recording medium embodiment. <P>SOLUTION: The printer includes: the conveying path to convey the recording medium to a head section which performs printing; the paper feed section to hold the recording medium so that the recording medium can be supplied to the conveying path; a supporting section 41 to rotatably support the paper feed section; an electric section 42 to rotate the paper feed section 1 with respect to the supporting section 41; and a positioning means 44 to position and stop the paper feed section being rotated by the electric section 42 in a predetermined rotating position; wherein a plurality of predetermined rotating positions are set, and the paper feed section is stopped at the desired rotating position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer including a paper feeding unit that supplies a recording medium to a head unit that performs printing, and more particularly to a printer that realizes a new aspect of the recording medium.

  As an example of the above-described printer, a thermal printer includes a paper feeding unit that holds a recording medium in a state where it can be supplied to a head unit that performs printing, and a conveyance path that conveys the recording medium held by the paper feeding unit to the head unit. The recording medium is supplied to the head section through this conveyance path, and the dye or pigment is transferred to the recording medium through heating of the head section, or the recording of thermal paper or the like whose color changes when heat is sensed. A printing apparatus that prints on a recording medium by heating the medium with a head unit.

  As a conventional thermal printer, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer including a roller that holds a wound recording medium as a paper feeding unit. Patent Document 2 discloses a printer including a paper cassette that holds a base paper of a ticket, which is a recording medium cut in advance to a predetermined size, as a paper feeding unit.

JP 2007-314295 A JP 2009-125944 A

  However, in the above-described conventional printer, the positional relationship between the paper feeding unit and the conveyance path is fixed, and when the position for forming the conveyance path is determined after the position where the paper feeding unit is provided is determined from the paper feeding unit. The position at which the recording medium is fed out is inevitably determined, and there is no room for selection at the position where the conveyance path is formed, which restricts the arrangement of the conveyance path.

  In addition, when determining the position where the paper feed unit is provided after arranging the transport path at a position suitable for transport of the recording medium, the position where the paper feed unit can feed the recording medium to the transport path is limited. Although there is little room for selection at the position where the paper feed unit is provided, it may be difficult to perform the work of attaching and detaching the recording medium to the paper feed unit depending on the position of the paper feed unit. It may be difficult to improve the maintainability of the sheet feeding unit while forming the conveyance path at the position.

  In addition to the above, in order to realize a new aspect of the recording medium such as, for example, reversing the front and back of the recording medium or supplying the recording medium to one or a plurality of head parts via a plurality of transport paths Although a certain degree of freedom in arrangement of the conveyance path is required, it is difficult to realize it when there is no room for selection at the position where the conveyance path is formed as described above.

  The above problem is not limited to thermal printers, but is the same for printers other than thermal printers such as inkjet printers.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and its object is to reduce the layout restriction of the transport path for transporting the recording medium supplied from the paper feeding unit and increase the degree of freedom in design. And a printer that realizes a new aspect of the recording medium.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention takes the following measures.

  That is, the printer of the present invention includes a conveyance path that conveys a recording medium to a head unit that performs printing, a sheet feeding unit that holds the recording medium in a state where it can be supplied to the conveyance path, and the sheet feeding unit A support unit that rotatably supports the sheet feeding unit, an electric unit that rotates the sheet feeding unit with respect to the support unit, and a positioning unit that stops the sheet feeding unit rotated by the electric unit at a predetermined rotational position in a positioning state. And a plurality of the predetermined rotational positions are set, and the paper feeding unit is stopped at a desired rotational position.

  In this way, a plurality of predetermined rotational positions for stopping the paper feeding unit are set, and the paper feeding unit rotated by the electric unit is configured to be stopped at a desired rotational position by the positioning unit in a positioning state. The positional relationship between the paper feed unit and the conveyance path is variable, the feed unit is rotated and displaced to a desired rotation position, the position where the recording medium is fed out is moved to the desired position, and the width of the position selection for forming the conveyance path Can be widened, the arrangement restrictions on the conveyance path can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in design can be increased. Furthermore, even when the workability for the paper feed unit located at the position for feeding the recording medium to the transport path is poor, the paper feed unit is rotationally displaced to move the paper feed unit to a position suitable for workability, It is also possible to improve maintainability while forming a transport path at a position suitable for transport. In addition, since there is no restriction on the arrangement of the conveyance path such as there is no room for selection at the position where the conveyance path is formed, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the conveyance path is improved. It is possible to realize a new aspect of the recording medium such as supplying the recording medium to one or a plurality of head portions via the conveyance path.

  In order to improve the positioning accuracy of the paper feeding unit while accurately preventing skew of the recording medium, the positioning means includes an engaged portion provided on either the paper feeding unit or the support unit, An engagement position or an engagement position that is provided on either the paper feed unit or the support unit and engages with the engaged portion by moving along a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the paper feed unit. An engagement portion movable to any one of the retraction positions for retreating from the position so that the engagement portion engages with the engaged portion when the paper feeding portion is at the predetermined rotation position. The positional relationship between the engaged portion and the engaging portion is defined, and the engaging portion is configured to prohibit rotation of the paper feeding portion by engaging the engaged portion. Preferably it is.

  In order to realize an accurate posture determination of the paper feeding unit while reducing manufacturing costs, the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion at least one of the engaged portion or the engaging portion. It is desirable that a calling portion for guiding to a position to be provided is provided.

  In order to realize double-sided printing with a single head unit, the transport path is from the paper feeding unit at two rotational positions arranged in a symmetrical relationship with respect to the rotational axis of the paper feeding unit. It is preferable that the recording medium can be supplied.

  In order to realize various types of printing using a plurality of conveyance paths while saving the space of the printer, the plurality of conveyance paths are provided, and the plurality of conveyance paths are in the rotational positions different from each other. It is desirable that the recording medium can be supplied from the recording unit.

  In order to improve the design flexibility of the paper feeding unit, the paper feeding unit has a plate-like turntable unit that is rotatably supported by the support unit, and the electric unit includes the turntable unit or An output unit that is provided on one of the support units and outputs a rotational force; and a transmission unit that transmits the rotational force output by the output unit to the other of the turntable unit or the support unit. The positioning means is preferably disposed on the support portion side of the turntable portion.

  As described above, the present invention is configured such that a plurality of predetermined rotational positions for stopping the paper feeding unit are set, and the paper feeding unit rotated by the driving mechanism is stopped at a desired rotational position in a positioning state. Therefore, the position of feeding the recording medium can be moved to the desired position by rotating the paper feed section to the desired rotation position, and the selection of the position to form the conveyance path can be expanded, reducing the arrangement restrictions of the conveyance path Thus, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

  Furthermore, even when the workability for the paper feed unit located at the position for feeding the recording medium to the transport path is poor, the paper feed unit is rotationally displaced to move the paper feed unit to a position suitable for workability, It is also possible to improve maintainability while forming a transport path at a position suitable for transport.

  In addition, since the degree of freedom of arrangement of the conveyance path is improved, a new recording medium for, for example, reversing the front and back of the recording medium or supplying the recording medium to one or a plurality of head units via a plurality of conveyance paths is provided. It is possible to realize various aspects.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a thermal printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing reversing means for rotating a paper feed unit that holds a recording medium. The perspective view which shows typically the periphery structure of a turntable part and a base. The bottom view which shows typically the periphery structure of a turntable part and a base. FIG. 5 is a bottom view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a state in which there is a turntable section that constitutes a sheet feeding section at second and third rotation positions. The perspective view which shows typically the engaging part and engaged part of a positioning means. FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration in which a recording medium is communicated between a paper feeding unit and a branching unit. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a configuration in which a recording medium is communicated between a paper feeding unit and a branching unit. The block diagram which shows typically the structure of the head part periphery provided in both the branch paths. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an operation around a head unit when a recording medium is conveyed along one branch path. The block diagram which shows typically operation | movement of the head part periphery at the time of conveying a recording medium along the other branch path. Schematic explanatory drawing regarding the operation of performing duplex printing. Schematic explanatory drawing regarding the operation of performing duplex printing. Schematic explanatory drawing regarding the operation of performing duplex printing. Schematic explanatory drawing regarding the operation of performing duplex printing. Schematic explanatory drawing regarding the operation of performing duplex printing. Schematic explanatory drawing regarding the operation of performing duplex printing. Schematic explanatory drawing regarding the operation of performing duplex printing. The top view which shows typically the thermal printer which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal printer according to the present embodiment uses a sheet feeding unit 1 that holds a recording medium Pa such as a wound roll sheet, and consumables Pb1 and Pb2 of different types. A plurality of head units 2 and 3 that perform printing on Pa, a main path Li0 that transports a recording medium Pa supplied from the paper supply unit 1, and a recording medium Pa that is held in the paper supply unit 1 with respect to the main path Li0. A feed roller unit 8 that feeds out a roller, branch channels Li1 and Li2 that are connected to a main channel Li0 through a branch unit 63, and have head units 2 and 3 respectively, and a roller while sandwiching a recording medium Pa between a pair of rollers 61 and 62 A transport roller unit 6 that transports the recording medium Pa in the branch paths Li1 and Li2 by rotating at least one of the control unit 5; and a control unit 5 that performs transport control of the recording medium Pa and print control of the head units 2 and 3. The recording medium Pa held by the sheet feeding section 1 through the feed roller section 8 and the transport roller section 6 is transported to the head sections 2 and 3 and printing is performed on the recording medium Pa by the head sections 2 and 3. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding unit 1 rotatably holds a recording medium Pa wound in a roll shape, and the recording medium Pa is centered on a roll axis C <b> 1 by a power unit such as a motor (not shown). The recording medium Pa is fed out and rewound by rotating forward and backward.

  The delivery roller unit 8 includes a pair of rollers 81 and 81, and supplies the recording medium Pa held by the sheet feeding unit 1 toward the head units 2 and 3 while being sandwiched between the pair of rollers 81 and 81.

  The head unit 2 performs normal printing on the recording medium Pa supplied from the paper feeding unit 1 via the trunk path Li0 and the branch path Li1, and specifically, ink such as pigments and dyes is applied. The ink ribbon roller 22 that feeds the consumable Pb1 that is the applied ink ribbon, and the thermal head 21 that is disposed downstream of the transport roller unit 6 and has a heating resistor disposed thereon, are heated by the thermal head 21 and the ink of the consumable Pb1 Is transferred to the recording medium Pa to perform normal printing.

  The head unit 3 performs spot color printing on the recording medium Pa supplied from the sheet feeding unit 1 via the trunk path Li0 and the branch path Li2, and specifically includes a protective layer, a glossy layer, and a white layer. A special color ribbon roller 32 for feeding out a consumable Pb2 serving as a special color ribbon for printing a special color such as a gold color, and a thermal head 31 on which a heating resistor is disposed. Special color printing is performed by transferring to Pa. The consumable Pb2 is a different type of consumable from the consumable Pb1 used in the head unit 2.

  The control unit 5 is configured by a normal microcomputer unit having a CPU, a memory, and an interface like a known thermal printer, and necessary programs such as a conveyance control routine and a print control routine are written in the memory. The CPU calls and executes necessary programs as appropriate, thereby realizing the intended transport operation and printing operation in cooperation with peripheral hardware resources.

  In the present embodiment, the following configuration is further added to the above configuration.

  That is, in order to realize double-sided printing by each of the head units 2 and 3, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed unit 1 can be rotated around the rotation axis Cn, and the paper feed unit 1 is rotated by the first rotation. The recording medium Pa can be supplied in the state stopped at the position ro1, and the paper feeding unit 1 is stopped at the second rotational position ro2 rotated 180 degrees from the first rotational position ro1 (FIG. 9, FIG. 9). In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5B), a reversing unit 4 is provided for reversing the front and back of the recording medium Pa facing the heads 2 and 3 by enabling the recording medium Pa to be supplied. The rotation of the paper feeding unit 1 by the reversing unit 4 is controlled by the control unit 5. The reversing unit 4 is configured to be able to stop the sheet feeding unit 1 at a third rotation position Ro3 suitable for maintenance on the sheet feeding unit 1 such as attaching and detaching the recording medium Pa to the sheet feeding unit 1 (FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 7).

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reversing unit 4 supports the sheet feeding unit 1 that holds the recording medium Pa so as to be able to be supplied, and the sheet feeding unit 1 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis Cn. Supporting section 41, electric section 42 for rotating sheet feeding section 1 with respect to supporting section 41, detection section 43 for detecting that sheet feeding section 1 is at a predetermined rotational position, and sheet feeding section 1 are predetermined. Positioning means 44 for stopping at the rotational position in the positioning state.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed unit 1 is detachably supported on both sides in the width direction of the recording medium Pa so that the recording medium Pa wound in a roll shape can be rotated about the roll axis C1. Holding part 11, a plate-like turntable part 13 provided with the holding part 11 on the upper surface 13a, and a part of the holding part 11 provided on the upper surface 13a of the turntable part 13 and the recording held by the holding part 11. A fixed cover portion 12 that surrounds a part of the medium Pa and opens the other portion to the outside, and an interior and a fixed cover that are surrounded by the fixed cover portion 12 via a loading / unloading space SP1 including an opening space of the fixed cover portion 12 The recording medium Pa is detachably held between the recording medium Pa and the outside separated from the unit 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the support unit 41 that supports the paper feed unit 1 includes a base 41 b that supports the turntable unit 13 of the paper feed unit 1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Cn via a bearing 41 a. ing.

  The electric unit 42 that rotates the paper feeding unit 1 with respect to the support unit 41 includes an output unit 42a that is provided in the turntable unit 13 and outputs a rotational force such as a DC motor with poor stopping accuracy, and an output of the output unit 42a. A transmission portion 42r that transmits to the peripheral circuit 41r formed on the base 41b that is the support portion 41, and transmits the rotational force output by the output portion 42a to the support portion 41 via the transmission portion 42r and the peripheral circuit 41r. As a result, the sheet feeding unit 1 is rotated with respect to the support unit 41. The transmission portion 42r is disposed between the turntable portion 13 and the base 41b constituting the support portion 41. Of course, the output part 42a of the electric part 42 may be provided in the support part 41, and the transmission part 42r may be configured to transmit the rotational force to the turntable part 13 on the rotation axis Cn.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the detection unit 43 that detects the rotational position of the paper feeding unit 1 includes a light shielding unit 43 a provided in the turntable unit 13 that constitutes the paper feeding unit 1 and a base 41 b that constitutes the support unit 41. And three light shielding sensors 43b to 43d that detect light shielding by the light shielding portion 43a, and the light shielding portion 43a moves to a position where the light shielding sensors 43b to 43d are shielded as the turntable portion 13 rotates. Detecting whether the rotation position of the sheet feeding unit 1 is the first rotation position ro1, the second rotation position ro2, or the third rotation position ro3 depending on which light-blocking sensor detects the light-blocking. (See FIGS. 3 to 5)

  Specifically, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 3 showing a state in which the turntable unit 13 constituting the sheet feeding unit 1 is in the first rotation position ro1. One of the three light shielding sensors 43b to 43d is a light shielding sensor. 43b is disposed at a position where the light shielding unit 43a detects light shielding when the paper feeding unit 1 is at the first rotation position ro1. Among the three light shielding sensors 43b to 43d, the other light shielding sensor 43c is configured such that the turntable 13 rotates 90 degrees as shown by an arrow B shown in FIG. 3, and the paper feeding unit 1 moves from the first rotation position ro1. When moving to the third rotation position, it is arranged at a position to detect light shielding by the light shielding portion 43a. Among the three light shielding sensors 43b to 43d, the remaining light shielding sensor 43d is configured such that the turntable 13 rotates 180 degrees as shown by an arrow C shown in FIG. When the light is moved to the rotational position, the light is shielded by the light shielding portion 43a. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 43 that detects the posture of the paper feeding unit 1 is configured by using a plurality of light shielding sensors 43b to 43d. However, if the rotation position of the paper feeding unit 1 can be detected, an encoder, A rotation angle detection sensor such as a resolver may be used. In the present embodiment, three light shielding sensors are provided corresponding to the three rotational positions, but a plurality of rotational positions may be specified by a combination of a plurality of light shielding sensors.

  The positioning means 44 for stopping the paper feeding unit 1 in the first to third rotational positions in a positioning state is a support part of the turntable unit 13 constituting the paper feeding unit 1 as shown in FIGS. Three engaged portions 45 provided on the lower surface 13b that is the side, and an engagement provided on the base 41b that constitutes the support portion 41 and that engages with the engaged portion 45 based on a command signal from the control portion 5 The engaging portion 46a (see FIGS. 3 and 6) that can move to either the position or the retracted position retracted from the engaging position, and three engaged portions 45 as the turntable portion 13 rotates. Is moved to a position facing the engaging portion 46a, and by engaging the engaging portion 46a with the engaged portion 45, the rotation of the paper feeding portion 1 is prohibited and the paper feeding portion 1 is brought to a desired rotational position. It is to stop.

  Specifically, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 4 showing a state in which the turntable unit 13 serving as the paper feeding unit 1 is in the first rotation position ro1, and one of the three engaged portions 45 is engaged. The portion 45 (sa) is disposed at a position where the paper feeding portion 1 can be engaged with the engaging portion 46 a when the paper feeding portion 1 is at the first rotation position ro1, and the other one engaged portion 45 (sm) is Engaged when the turntable 13 rotates 90 degrees as indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 4 and the paper feed unit 1 moves from the first rotational position ro1 to the third rotational position ro3 shown in FIG. 5A. The remaining engaged portion 45 (sb) is disposed at a position that can be engaged with the portion 46a, and the turntable portion 13 rotates 180 degrees as shown by the arrow in FIG. When it moves from the rotational position ro1 to the second rotational position shown in FIG. It is. Thus, the positional relationship between the engaging portion 46a and each engaged portion 45 (sa, sm, sb) is defined.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the engaging portion 46 a is a shaft-like protruding portion that is provided on the rotating shaft 46 b that rotates and extends in a direction perpendicular to the tangent line in the rotational direction of the paper feeding portion 1. The engagement mechanism 46 is configured by the joint portion 46a, the rotation shaft 46b, and a transmission member 46c that is provided at one end of the rotation shaft 46b and transmits the power from the motor as a power portion to the rotation shaft 46b. The engagement mechanism 46 rotates the rotation shaft 46b about an axis C4 parallel to the tangent line in the rotation direction of the sheet feeding unit 1 so that the engagement unit 46a is along a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the sheet feeding unit 1. To move the engaging portion 46a to either the engaging position or the retracted position.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the engaged portion 45 is formed along a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction and engages with the engaging portion 46 a to prohibit the rotation of the paper feeding portion 1 and the turntable portion 13. A forbidden surface 45c and a calling portion 45d for calling the engaging portion 46a between the forbidden surfaces 45c are formed. Even if the rotation stop position of the sheet feeding portion 1 by the electric portion 42 is slightly shifted, the engaging portion 46a is guided between the forbidden surfaces 45c by the calling portion 45d to accurately determine the posture of the paper feeding portion 1. It is desirable that the engaging portion 46a is rotatably mounted so as to perform a smooth engaging operation.

  In this embodiment, the engaged portion 45 is provided in the turntable portion 13 constituting the paper feeding portion 1, and the engaging mechanism 46 including the engaging portion 46 a is provided in the base 41 b constituting the support portion 41. However, this positional relationship may be reversed. Moreover, although the calling part 45d is provided in the engaged part 45, it may be provided only in the engaging part 46a, and may be provided in both the engaged part 45 and the engaging part 46a.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the sheet feeding unit 1 is stopped at the third rotation position for maintenance and the recording medium Pa is attached to and detached from the sheet feeding unit 1, FIGS. As shown in a), the pair of rollers 81 and 81 constituting the feed roller unit 8 is in the feeding position ku shown in FIG. 7A, and is provided at one end of one of the pair of rollers 81. The passive gear 81a and the gear 81b, which is a part of the mechanical part As that applies a driving force to the delivery roller unit 8, are engaged with each other so that the delivery roller unit 8 and the mechanical part As are associated with each other. This space is occupied by the mechanical component As, and it is difficult to perform the operation of attaching / detaching the recording medium Pa to / from the rollers 81. Further, in this case, the feeding roller unit 8 is in the loading / unloading space SP1, and the operation of attaching and detaching the recording medium Pa to / from the paper feeding unit 1 is hindered by the feeding roller unit 8.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the delivery roller unit 8 is configured as described below in order to solve such a problem.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the feeding roller unit 8 is provided with a pair of rollers 81 and 81 for feeding out the recording medium while sandwiching the recording medium, and an opening / closing axis C2 provided on both ends of the pair of rollers 81 and 81. A feed roller support portion 83 that performs an opening / closing operation by turning around the center, and a contact / separation mechanism 82 that enables the pair of rollers 81 and 81 to be relatively contacted / separated. The contact / separation mechanism 82 includes a balance portion 82a provided on the feed roller support portion 83 so as to be rotatable about an axis C3 parallel to the axis of the roller 81, and an urging means 82b using a tension spring. Yes. One of the pair of rollers 81, 81 is rotatably supported by the feed roller support portion 83, and the other roller is located at a portion of the balance portion 82a displaced from the axis C3. Is provided. The urging means 82 b urges the roller 81 provided on the balance portion 82 a toward the other roller 81. Of course, the biasing means 82b is not limited to the tension spring as long as it biases in the direction in which the pair of rollers 81 and 81 approach each other. Further, the contact / separation mechanism 82 includes an eccentric cam 82c that contacts the balance 82a, a contact / separation mechanism gear 82e (see FIG. 2) that obtains power from a power unit such as a motor (not shown), and the eccentric cam 82c and contact / separation mechanism gear. It has a connecting shaft 82d for connecting to 82e, and is configured to be able to switch between a pair of rollers 81 between a pressure contact state and a separated state by rotating an eccentric cam 82c.

  In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the delivery roller support portion 83 is rotated about the opening / closing axis C2, and the pair of rollers 81 and 81 constituting the delivery roller portion 8 is moved to a predetermined maintenance position mt. , The meshing between the passive gear 81a provided on the roller 81 and the gear 81b which is a part of the mechanism part As is lost, and the association between the delivery roller part 8 and the mechanism part As is broken, and the delivery roller part 8 The surrounding space is opened, and the opened space can be used when the recording medium Pa is attached to and detached from the rollers 81 and 81. Further, in this case, the sending roller unit 8 is retracted from the loading / unloading space SP1 and is outside the loading / unloading space SP1, and the loading / unloading space SP1 necessary for attaching / detaching the recording medium Pa to / from the sheet feeding unit 1 is secured without being occupied. The

  By the way, since the sheet feeding unit 1 is configured to rotate by the reversing means 4 as described above, the connection between the main path Li0 for transporting the recording medium Pa supplied from the sheet feeding unit 1 and the sheet feeding unit 1 is performed. The part needs to correspond to the rotation of the sheet feeding unit 1.

  For this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the entrance of the trunk path Li <b> 0 is received by a guide mechanism 7 that receives the recording medium Pa that is sandwiched by the delivery roller unit 8 and has a free tip and guides it to the branching unit 63. It is configured. The guide mechanism 7 includes a first guide unit 71 that receives the recording medium Pa fed from the feed roller unit 8 and guides it to the branching unit 63 when the sheet feeding unit 1 is at the first rotation position ro1, and a sheet feeding unit. And a second guide portion 72 for receiving the recording medium Pa fed from the feed roller portion 8 and guiding it to the branch portion 63 when 1 is at the second rotational position ro2. The end portions of the first guide portion 71 and the second guide portion 72 on the sheet feeding portion side are formed so that the space between the guide surfaces is widened in a trumpet shape and smoothly receives the recording medium Pa with curled wrinkles. ing. Of course, if the position where the recording medium Pa and the two guide portions 71 and 72 are in contact with each other is clear, it is not necessary to incline both of the opposing guide surfaces and form a trumpet, and one of the opposing guide surfaces. Only the guide surface may be inclined to be a receiving surface.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the branching unit 63 connected to the downstream side of the trunk path Li0 switches the transport destination of the recording medium Pa on the trunk path Li0 to either the branch path Li1 or the branch path Li2. A switching guide part 63b that guides the recording medium Pa and a switching guide support part 63a that is connected to a power unit such as a motor (not shown) and rotatably supports the switching guide part 63b. The switching guide 63b is rotated in response to a switching command from the control unit 5 so that the switching guide 63b has a position po1 where the path of the recording medium Pa is the branch path Li1 or the path of the recording medium Pa. The recording medium Pa is selectively conveyed between the trunk path Li0 and each of the branch paths Li1 and Li2 by being displaced to one of the positions po2 to be the branch path Li2. In the illustrated branching portion 63, two plate members are opposed in parallel to form the switching guide portion 63b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire switching guide portion 63b may be formed of a single plate material.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the conveyance roller unit 6 that conveys the recording medium Pa in each of the branch paths Li1 and Li2 conveys the recording medium by rotating at least one of the rollers while holding the recording medium between a pair of rollers. A branch path Li1 and a branch path between the main feed roller 61 and a main feed roller 61 called a feed roller disposed inside the both branch paths Li1 and Li2 and in the vicinity of the branch portion 63 It has two main feed pinch rollers 62 and 62 called pinch rollers that sandwich the recording medium in Li2. The main feed roller 61 is disposed and shared at a position facing both the branch paths Li1 and Li2 at the upstream of the head portions 2 and 3, and obtains a driving force for conveying the recording medium Pa from a power portion Dr such as a motor. Thus, the recording medium in both branch paths Li1 and Li2 is transported. Therefore, the main feed roller 61 can rotate forward and backward, and the two main feed pinch rollers 62 and 62 are supported so as to be able to contact and separate from the main feed roller 61, respectively.

  Further, sandwiching sensors 67 and 67 for detecting whether or not the recording medium guided along both the branch paths Li1 and Li2 is between the main feed roller 61 and the main feed pinch roller 62 are arranged. A pressure contact control mechanism 67 is provided that switches the main feed roller 61 and the main feed pinch rollers 62 and 62 independently to the pressure contact state or the separated state based on the detection results of the sandwiching sensors 67 and 67 and the switching state of the branching portion 63. It has been.

  In each of the branch paths Li1 and Li2, auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 called platen rollers for conveying the recording medium are disposed inside the branch paths Li1 and Li2. The auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 are connected so as to be driven to rotate in the same rotational direction as the main feed roller 61 via driven connection mechanisms Co1 and Co2, respectively. Since the auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 are arranged symmetrically with each other, the driven connecting mechanisms Co1 and Co2 are both symmetrically configured in the same manner, and the conveyance capabilities of both the auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 are the same. Yes. In the present embodiment, both the auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 are arranged inside the two branch paths Li1 and Li2 and arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship, but the auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 are symmetrical to each other. If they are in a positional relationship, both may be arranged outside both the branch paths Li1 and Li2. In this case as well, the driven connection mechanisms Co1 and Co2 can both have the same configuration symmetrical to each other.

  Both branch paths Li1 and Li2 are joined downstream of the head parts 2 and 3, and in the vicinity of the joined parts, driven to rotate in the same rotational direction as the main feed roller 61 via the driven connection mechanism Co3. A discharge roller 65 that can be connected, and discharge pinch rollers 66 and 66 that sandwich the recording medium Pa between the discharge roller 65 are provided, and the recording medium is conveyed in the discharge direction by these rollers 65 and 66. Is done.

  When the recording medium is transported along the branch path Li1, as shown in FIG. 11, the branching unit 63 is switched so that the transport destination of the recording medium on the basic path Li0 is the branch path Li1, and the recording medium is switched to the branch path Li1. Along with this, the recording medium enters between the main feed roller 61 and the main feed pinch roller 62. Then, the clamping sensor 67 detects this, and the press contact control mechanism 67 presses the main feed pinch roller 62 on the branch path Li1 side, which is the transport destination of the recording medium, by switching the branch portion 63 to the main feed roller 61. . At the same time, the pressure control mechanism 67 separates the main feed pinch roller 62 on the side of the branch path Li2 that is not the transport destination of the recording medium Pa from the main feed roller 61 by a distance Ds. Then, when the rotation direction of the main feed roller 61 is switched clockwise by the power unit Dr, the auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 and the discharge roller 65 are rotated clockwise by the rotation of the main feed roller 61 and branched. In the path Li1, the recording medium is rotated in the same direction.

  On the other hand, when the recording medium is transported along the branch path Li2, as shown in FIG. 12, the branch unit 63 is switched so that the transport destination of the recording medium on the trunk path Li0 is the branch path Li2, and the branch path The recording medium enters between the main feed roller 61 and the main feed pinch roller 62 along Li2. Then, the clamping sensor 67 detects this, and the press contact control mechanism 67 presses the main feed pinch roller 62 on the branch path Li2 side, which is the transport destination of the recording medium, by switching the branch portion 63 to the main feed roller 61. . At the same time, the press contact control mechanism 67 separates the main feed pinch roller 62 on the side of the branch path Li <b> 1, which is not a conveyance destination of the recording medium, from the main feed roller 61 by a distance Ds. When the rotation direction of the main feed roller 61 is switched counterclockwise by the power unit Dr, the auxiliary feed rollers 64 and 64 and the discharge roller 65 are rotated counterclockwise following the rotation of the main feed roller 61. The recording medium is rotated in the same direction in the branch path Li2.

  In the above description, the configuration of each unit and the operation thereof have been individually described. The operation of each unit performing double-sided printing on the recording medium Pa will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 5 issues a drive command to the power unit Dr and the head unit 2 which are motors of the sheet feeding unit 1 and the transport roller unit 6, and the sheet feeding unit at the first rotational position ro1. The normal printing is performed on the surface f, which is one surface of the recording medium Pa, while the recording medium Pa held by 1 is conveyed to the head unit 2.

  When the normal printing on the surface f of the recording medium Pa is completed, the control unit 5 issues a drive command to rewind the power unit, which is a motor of the paper feeding unit 1, as shown in FIG. 2. The sheet is retracted from the conveyance roller unit 6 and the guide mechanism 7 to the sheet feeding unit 1 side.

  When the evacuation of the recording medium Pa is completed, the control unit 5 moves the engaging unit 46a from the regulation position that regulates the rotation of the paper feed unit 1 to the non-regulation position that does not regulate the rotation of the paper feed unit 1 as described above. The turntable unit 13 is rotated by the electric unit 42, and the energization of the electric unit 42 that rotates the turntable unit 13 when the detecting unit 43 detects that the paper feeding unit 1 is in the second rotation position. The engaging portion 46a is moved from the non-restricted position to the restricting position at the same time as the energization stop or at a predetermined timing after the energization stop, and the engaging portion 46a is engaged with the engaged portion 45 to feed paper. The part 1 is stopped in the positioning state at the second rotational position ro2, and the front and back of the recording medium Pa with respect to the head parts 2 and 3 are reversed as shown in FIG.

  When the front and back sides of the recording medium Pa are reversed, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 5 issues a drive command to the power unit and the head unit 2 which are motors of the paper feeding unit 1 and the conveying roller unit 6 to perform the second rotation. Normal printing is performed on both sides of the recording medium Pa by performing normal printing on the back surface b, which is the other side of the recording medium Pa, while transporting the recording medium Pa held by the paper feeding unit 1 at the position ro2 to the head unit 2. To complete.

  When the normal printing on both sides of the recording medium Pa is completed, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 5 temporarily retracts the recording medium Pa from the head unit 2 and the conveyance roller unit 6 to the sheet feeding unit 1 side, and after the completion of the retraction. The branching unit 63 is switched (see FIGS. 8 and 9), and thereafter, a driving command is given to the power unit Dr and the head unit 3 which are motors of the paper feeding unit 1 and the conveying roller unit 6 to the second rotational position ro2. Spot color printing is performed on the surface f, which is one surface of the recording medium Pa, while the recording medium Pa held in a certain paper feeding unit 1 is conveyed to the head unit 3.

  When the special color printing on the surface f of the recording medium Pa is completed, the control unit 5 temporarily retracts the recording medium Pa from the head unit 3 and the transport roller unit 6 to the sheet feeding unit side as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet feeding unit 1 is rotated to the first rotation position ro <b> 1 in the same manner as described above, and the front and back of the recording medium Pa with respect to the head unit 3 are reversed.

  When the front and back sides of the recording medium Pa are reversed, as shown in FIG. 19, the control unit 5 issues a drive command to the power unit Dr and the head unit 3 which are motors of the paper feeding unit 1 and the conveyance roller unit 6, and Normal color printing is performed on both sides of the recording medium Pa by performing printing on the back surface b, which is the other side of the recording medium Pa, while conveying the recording medium Pa held by the paper feeding unit 1 at the rotation position ro1 to the head unit 3. Complete printing and spot color printing.

  When maintenance such as replenishment or replacement of the recording medium Pa to the paper feeding unit 1 is required in addition to duplex printing, the control unit 5 supplies the recording medium Pa from the head units 2 and 3 and the transport roller unit 6. The paper feeding unit 1 is retracted to the paper unit side, and the reversing unit 4 rotates the paper feeding unit 1 in the same manner as described above to stop at the third rotation position suitable for maintenance.

  As described above, the printer according to the present embodiment configures the transport path with the main path Li0 and the branch paths Li1 and Li2 that configure the transport path for transporting the recording medium Pa to the head units 2 and 3 that perform printing. The paper feed unit 1 that holds the recording medium Pa in a state where it can be supplied to the trunk path Li0, the support unit 41 that rotatably supports the paper feed unit 1, and the paper feed unit 1 that rotates relative to the support unit 41 And a positioning means 44 for stopping the paper feeding unit 1 rotated by the electric unit 42 at a predetermined rotational position in a positioning state, and a plurality of predetermined rotational positions are set and supplied to a desired rotational position. The paper portion 1 is configured to be stopped.

  In this way, a plurality of predetermined rotation positions for stopping the sheet feeding unit 1 are set, and the sheet feeding unit 1 rotated by the electric unit 42 is stopped at a desired rotation position in a positioning state by the positioning unit 44. Therefore, the positional relationship between the paper feed unit 1 and the main path Li0 that constitutes the transport path is made variable, the paper feed unit 1 is rotationally displaced to a desired rotation position, and the position for feeding out the recording medium Pa is moved to the desired position. Therefore, the selection of the position for forming the trunk path Li0 that constitutes the conveyance path can be expanded, the arrangement restrictions on the conveyance path can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in design can be increased. Further, it is a case where workability with respect to the sheet feeding unit 1 located at a position (for example, the first rotation position ro1 or the second rotation position ro2) for feeding the recording medium Pa to the main path Li0 constituting the conveyance path is poor. In addition, the sheet feeding unit 1 is rotationally displaced to move the sheet feeding unit 1 to a position suitable for workability (for example, the third rotation position ro3), and maintainability while forming a conveyance path at a position suitable for conveyance. It can also be improved. In addition, since there is no restriction on the arrangement of the conveyance path such as there is no room for selection at the position where the conveyance path is formed, the degree of freedom in arrangement of the conveyance path is improved. It is possible to realize a new aspect of the recording medium, such as supplying the recording medium to one or a plurality of head portions via the conveyance path.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the positioning means 44 is a rotation of the paper feed unit 1 provided in the engaged portion 45 provided in the turntable unit 13 constituting the paper feed unit 1 and the base 41 b constituting the support unit 41. An engagement portion 46a that can move to either an engagement position that engages with the engaged portion 45 or a retreat position that retreats from the engagement position by moving along a direction orthogonal to the direction. The positional relationship between the engaged portion 45 and the engaging portion 46a is defined so that the engaging portion 46a engages with the engaged portion 45 when the paper feeding portion 1 is in the rotational position of Since the portion 46a is configured to inhibit the rotation of the paper feeding unit 1 by engaging the engaged portion 45, if the engaging portion 46a is engaged with the engaged portion 45, the paper is fed. Since the unit 1 is always in a predetermined rotation position, the rotation of the sheet feeding unit 1 is prohibited. It is possible to accurately position at a predetermined rotation position, and to accurately prevent the skew of the recording medium Pa caused by the sheet feeding unit 1 being displaced from the predetermined rotation position and the sheet feeding unit 1 being inclined with respect to the feeding direction. Is possible. Moreover, since the engaging portion 46a moves along a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the paper feeding portion 1, the engaging portion 46a is displaced in the rotational direction when the engaging portion 46a is engaged with the engaged portion 45. Thus, the positioning accuracy of the paper feeding unit 1 can be further improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the engaged portion 45 is provided with a calling portion 45d that guides the engaging portion 46a between the prohibiting surfaces 45c that are positions where the engaged portion 46a is engaged with the engaged portion 45. Although it is difficult to engage the engaged portion 45 and the engaging portion 46a, which are relatively rotating, at a position where the engaging portion 46a is engaged with the engaged portion 45 by the calling portion 45d. Since it is guided between certain forbidden surfaces 45c, it is possible to accurately position the sheet feeding unit 1 even if the position where the sheet feeding unit 1 stops is slightly shifted from the predetermined rotational position. In addition, if an electric unit such as a motor with poor stopping accuracy or a rotational position sensor that detects the rotational position of the paper feeding unit 1 is used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced without impairing the positioning accuracy. Become.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the main path Li0 constituting the conveyance path is recorded from the sheet feeding unit 1 at two rotational positions arranged in a symmetrical relationship with respect to the rotation axis Cn of the sheet feeding unit 1. Since the medium Pa is configured to be supplied, the recording medium Pa supplied from the paper feeding unit 1 is the reverse of each other. Therefore, both sides of the recording medium Pa are supplied to the head unit, It is possible to realize double-sided printing with one head unit.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the sheet feeding unit 1 includes a plate-like turntable unit 13 that is rotatably supported by the support unit 41, and the electric unit 42 is provided in the turntable unit 13 and outputs a rotational force. Output portion 42a and a transmission portion 42r for transmitting the rotational force output by the output portion 42a to the support portion 41. The transmission portion 42r and the positioning means 44 are disposed on the support portion 41 side of the turntable portion 13. Therefore, the space on the side opposite to the support portion of the turntable unit 13 can be opened from the drive mechanism (the electric unit 42 and the positioning unit 44) that rotates and stops the paper feeding unit 1, and the recording medium Pa is opened to the open space. It is possible to improve the design flexibility of the paper feeding unit 1 by using the holding unit 11 and the like to be held.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, it should be thought that a specific structure is not limited to these embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not only by the above description of the embodiments but also by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the first to third rotation positions (ro1, ro2, ro3) are set as the rotation positions at which the rotation of the sheet feeding unit 1 is stopped. However, as illustrated in FIG. The unit 101 is configured by attaching a recording medium Pa to a turntable unit 113 that can rotate around a rotation axis Cn so that the recording medium Pa can be supplied, for example, a plurality of different rotation positions (ro102, ro103, ro104, ro105) every 90 degrees. And a plurality of head portions (102, 103, 104, 105) corresponding to each rotational position (ro102, ro103, ro104, ro105) and a conveyance path (Li102) for conveying the recording medium Pa to the head portions. , Li103, Li104, and Li105) may be provided above the sheet feeding unit 1 so that the recording medium Pa can be supplied from the sheet feeding unit 101 to the transport path and the head unit corresponding to the rotation position. Conventionally, in order to arrange a plurality of conveyance paths, a large number of branch portions must be provided, and the size of the printer is increased. Since a plurality of conveyance paths can be arranged and a recording medium can be supplied to each conveyance path, a plurality of conveyance paths can be arranged in a space-saving manner without the need for a branching section, and a plurality of conveyance paths can be saved while saving space in the printer. Various types of printing using the conveyance path can be realized.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the paper feeding unit 1 is rotated around the rotation axis Cn. However, the paper feeding unit 1 may be rotated around the y axis, the x axis, and the z axis that define an orthogonal coordinate system.

  Finally, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Paper feed part 13 ... Turntable part 2, 3 ... Head part 41 ... Support part 42 ... Electric part 42a ... Output part 42r ... Transmission part 44 ... Positioning means 45 ... Engaged part 46a ... Engagement part 45d ... Calling in Part Pa ... Recording medium Li0 ... Basic route (conveyance route)

Claims (6)

A conveyance path for conveying a recording medium to a head unit for printing;
A paper feed unit that holds the recording medium in a state where it can be supplied to the conveyance path;
A support unit for rotatably supporting the sheet feeding unit;
An electric unit that rotates the sheet feeding unit with respect to the support unit;
Positioning means for stopping the paper feeding unit rotated by the electric unit at a predetermined rotational position in a positioning state;
A printer configured to set a plurality of the predetermined rotation positions and stop the paper feeding unit at a desired rotation position. The positioning means includes an engaged portion provided in one of the paper feed unit and the support unit, and a rotation direction of the paper feed unit provided in the other of the paper feed unit and the support unit. An engagement portion that can move to either the engagement position that engages with the engaged portion or the retreat position that retreats from the engagement position by moving along the direction of
The positional relationship between the engaged portion and the engaging portion is defined so that the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion when the paper feeding portion is in the predetermined rotation position, The printer according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is configured to inhibit rotation of the paper feeding portion by engaging with the engaged portion.   The printer according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the engaged portion or the engaging portion is provided with a calling portion that guides the engaging portion to a position where the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion.   The said conveyance path is comprised so that supply of the said recording medium is possible from the said paper feed part in two rotation positions arrange | positioned in the mutually symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the rotating shaft of the said paper feed part. The printer according to any one of 3). A plurality of the transport paths;
4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transport paths are configured to be able to supply the recording medium from the sheet feeding units at different rotational positions. The paper feed unit has a plate-like turntable unit that is rotatably supported by the support unit,
The electric part is provided in one of the turntable part or the support part and outputs a rotational force, and the rotational force output by the output part is transmitted to the other of the turntable part or the support part. Having a transmission part,
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit and the positioning unit are arranged on the support unit side of the turntable unit.

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