JP2019203913A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

To facilitate access to the inside of a recording device while preventing an increase in size of the recording device.SOLUTION: A recording device 1 comprises: a recording unit 2 that performs recording in a medium Ph; a reading unit 3 that reads an image of a document; and a connecting part 104 that connects the recording unit 2 with the reading unit 3. The connecting part 104 has a plurality of supporting columns 4 provided extended in a connection direction of the recording unit 2 and reading unit 3, and the amount of overlapping of the supporting columns 4 when viewed from an intersection direction intersecting the connection direction is changed to vary the interval S between the recording unit 2 and reading unit 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus.

  Conventionally, recording apparatuses having various configurations have been used. Among these, a recording apparatus including a reading unit that reads an image of a document is used in addition to a recording unit that records on a medium. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus (recording apparatus) including a scanner unit as a reading unit and a scanner support unit that connects the scanner unit to the recording unit side. Patent Document 2 discloses a printer (recording apparatus) that includes a reading scanner as a reading unit and a column that connects the reading scanner to a printer main body (recording unit). Both the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and the printer disclosed in Patent Literature 2 are configured so that the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit can be adjusted.

JP 2008-268463 A JP 2006-240848 A

When the recording apparatus is used, a medium may be clogged inside the recording apparatus, and an operator may access the recording apparatus such as when the medium is taken out. In a recording apparatus including a recording unit and a reading unit, an operator may have to access the inside of the recording apparatus from an area between the recording unit and the reading unit. However, if the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is increased, the apparatus becomes larger.
Like the image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 and the printer of Patent Document 2, if the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit can be adjusted, the inside of the recording apparatus can be easily accessed. However, since neither the scanner column part disclosed in Patent Document 1 nor the column disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a configuration in which the shape and volume do not change, the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes the scanner in the apparatus. An insertion portion of a support column is provided, and the printer of Patent Document 2 is provided with the fixed support column outside the printer body. That is, it cannot be said that the image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 and the printer of Patent Document 2 can sufficiently suppress the increase in size of the apparatus.
In addition, there exists a possibility that the movement of an apparatus, accommodation (packing), installation in the limited installation place etc. may become difficult when the apparatus is enlarged.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it easy to access the inside of a recording apparatus while suppressing an increase in size of the recording apparatus.

  A recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a recording unit for recording on a medium, a reading unit for reading an image of a document, and a connecting portion connecting the recording unit and the reading unit. The connecting portion has a plurality of support portions extending in the connecting direction between the recording unit and the reading unit, and the support portions when viewed from the crossing direction intersecting the connecting direction. The distance between the recording unit and the reading unit is configured to be variable by changing the amount of overlap.

  According to this aspect, the connecting portion that can change the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is provided by changing the overlapping amount of the support columns when viewed from the crossing direction. In other words, a connecting portion is provided that can be extended when the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is increased, and can be reduced (the shape and volume can be changed) when the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is reduced. For this reason, when accessing the inside of the recording apparatus while suppressing an increase in the size of the recording apparatus, the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit can be widened to facilitate access to the inside of the recording apparatus.

  The recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the connecting portion includes, as the supporting column, an outer supporting column attached to one of the recording unit and the reading unit, the recording unit, And an inner strut portion that is attached to the other of the reading units and is disposed inside the outer strut portion as viewed from the connecting direction.

  According to this aspect, when the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is changed by changing the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit by changing the interval while changing the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit, the interval is changed. be able to. Therefore, for example, by providing the outer column portion and the inner column portion close to each other, when the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is changed, it is possible to prevent the recording unit and the reading unit from shaking in the crossing direction.

  The recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the connecting portion has a spring that presses the recording unit and the reading unit in a direction of approaching or separating. And

  According to this aspect, since the spring that presses the recording unit and the reading unit toward or away from each other is provided, the recording unit and the reading unit can be easily approached or separated using the force of the spring. it can.

  In the recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the connecting portion includes a rack portion and a pinion portion.

  According to this aspect, since the rack unit and the pinion unit are provided, when the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is changed by the rack unit and the pinion unit, the recording unit and the reading unit are prevented from shaking in the vertical direction. it can.

  In the recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the connecting portion has a damper mechanism.

  According to this aspect, since the damper mechanism is provided, when the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is changed, the movement of the reading unit with respect to the recording unit can be made smooth.

  The recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the connecting portion includes a lock mechanism that fixes a position of the reading unit with respect to the recording unit in the connecting direction. It is characterized by having.

  According to this aspect, since the locking mechanism that fixes the position of the reading unit with respect to the recording unit in the connecting direction is provided, the recording unit and the reading unit can be fixed at a desired interval.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the lock mechanism can be fixed at a plurality of positions.

  According to this aspect, since the lock mechanism can be fixed at a plurality of positions, the recording unit and the reading unit can be fixed at a plurality of intervals.

  The recording apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the connecting portion has a motor as a drive source for moving the support portion along the connecting direction. It is characterized by that.

  According to this aspect, since the motor for moving the column portions along the connecting direction is provided, the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit can be easily changed by driving the motor.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the recording apparatus includes a control unit that inputs instruction data and controls driving of the motor in accordance with the instruction data, and the control unit includes the instruction data. The interval is determined according to selection of a supply path of the medium as data.

  According to this aspect, the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit can be easily set to a desired interval according to the selected medium supply path.

  A recording apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect, further comprising a control unit that inputs instruction data and controls driving of the motor in accordance with the instruction data. The interval is determined according to the selection of the discharge route of the medium as data.

  According to this aspect, the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit can be easily set to a desired interval according to the selected medium discharge path.

1 is a schematic perspective view in which a distance between a reading apparatus and a recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is widened. 1 is a schematic perspective view in which a distance between a reading apparatus and a recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is reduced. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view seen from different directions in which the distance between the reading apparatus and the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention is widened. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view seen from different directions in which the interval between the reading apparatus and the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention is narrowed. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state where an ink bottle is attached to the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a state where an ink bottle is attached to the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged perspective view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged plan view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged perspective cross-sectional view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention, in a state in which a distance between the reading apparatus and the recording apparatus is widened. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention, in a state in which a distance between the reading apparatus and the recording apparatus is narrowed. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view for explaining a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view for explaining an extended state of a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view for explaining a state where a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention is contracted. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view for explaining an extended state of a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective sectional view for explaining a contracted state of the joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view for explaining an extended state of a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view for explaining a state where a joint portion of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention is contracted. FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view for explaining an extended state of a joint portion of a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view for explaining a contracted state of a joint portion of a recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective sectional view for explaining a joint portion of a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Hereinafter, a recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, as an example of the recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention, an ink jet printer is taken as an example, but the method of recording on a medium is not limited to the ink jet method, and various types such as an electrophotographic method and a dot impact method are adopted. Is possible.
The ink jet system has various forms such as a type in which an ink cartridge is mounted on a carriage, a type in which an ink containing portion is provided outside the carriage, and the ink containing portion and the carriage are connected by an ink tube. Applicable to form. The recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is of a type in which an ink container is provided outside the carriage and the ink container and the carriage are connected by an ink tube.

  In the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X-axis direction is the apparatus width direction and the medium width direction, the Y-axis direction is the medium transport direction and the apparatus depth direction when recording on the medium, and the Z-axis direction Indicates the device height direction and the gravity direction. The direction in which the medium is conveyed is referred to as “downstream”, and the opposite is referred to as “upstream”. Moreover, in each figure, in order to make an internal structure etc. easy to understand, some structural members may be omitted and simplified.

[Example 1] (FIGS. 1 to 23)
First, an outline of the recording apparatus 1 (recording apparatus 1A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The recording apparatus 1A includes a recording unit 2 (recording apparatus), a reading unit 3 (reading apparatus), and a connecting unit that connects the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 and has a variable interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3. 104 is an inkjet printer.
1 to 4 are schematic perspective views of the recording apparatus 1A. Among these, FIGS. 1 and 3 show a state in which the connecting portion 104 is extended and the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is widened. 2 and 4 show a state in which the connecting portion 104 is shortened and the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is narrowed. 1 and 2 are perspective views seen from the same direction, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views seen from the same direction (direction different from FIGS. 1 and 2).
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the recording apparatus 1A with the ink bottle 51 attached, and is a perspective view seen from the same direction as FIG.
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a state where the ink bottle 51 is attached to the recording apparatus 1A.
FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A for explaining an internal configuration of the apparatus, a medium conveyance path, and the like.

  The recording apparatus 1A includes a recording unit 2 that includes a recording head 15 and a reading unit 3 that includes a reading unit 3a (see FIG. 7) that reads an image of a document. That is, the recording apparatus 1A is a so-called multifunction machine.

  An operation unit 6 is provided in front of the reading unit 3. The operation unit 6 includes a plurality of operation buttons and a display panel. The operation unit 6 of the present embodiment is configured as a user interface for operating a recording operation and an image reading operation in the recording apparatus 1A. Here, the reading unit 3 is connected to the recording unit 2 by two connecting portions 104 (the connecting portion 104A and the connecting portion 104B). Although the details will be described later, the connecting portion 104A and the connecting portion 104B can change the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 as can be seen by comparing FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 and FIG. It is configured. The “interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3” does not have to be constant in any part between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3. In other words, “a configuration in which the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is variable” means that the reading unit 3 can be moved toward and away from the recording unit 2.

  A first cover 27 and a second cover 26 are provided in front of the recording unit 2. By opening the second cover 26, it is possible to perform jam processing when a jam occurs in the face-down discharge path described later. By opening the first cover 27 and opening the path switching flap 25 (see FIG. 7), face-up discharge described later can be executed. As shown in FIG. 7, the components relating to the discharge of the medium Ph (see FIG. 7) of the recording unit 2 include the discharge roller pair 21, the tray base portion 33, the first discharge tray 34, and the second discharge. A tray 35, a restricting portion 37, and the like are included.

  Next, the conveyance path of the medium Ph in the recording apparatus 1A will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A includes a medium Ph supply path R <b> 1 and a medium Ph supply path R <b> 5 as a medium Ph transport path (supply path). Here, the supply path R <b> 1 represents a path from the accommodating portion 8 to the feed roller pair 12 as an example. The supply path R5 represents a path where the medium Ph inserted from the supply port 60 on the back of the apparatus reaches the pair of feed rollers 12 via the feed roller 61.

The recording unit 2 is provided with a storage unit 8 that can store a plurality of media Ph. The medium Ph stored in the storage unit 8 is sent downstream by a pickup roller 9 driven by a motor (not shown).
A reversing roller 10 driven by a motor (not shown) is provided on the downstream side of the pickup roller 9, and the medium Ph sent out from the storage unit 8 is curved and reversed by the reversing roller 10, and is driven by a motor (not shown). It is sent toward the driven feed roller pair 12 on the downstream side.

Downstream of the feed roller pair 12, a support unit 16 that supports the medium Ph and a recording head 15 that performs recording by discharging ink, which is an example of a liquid, to the medium Ph are opposed to each other. The recording head 15 is provided on the carriage 14, and the carriage 14 is reciprocated in the medium width direction by a motor (not shown).
As shown in FIG. 5, an ink tank 50 is provided on the front right side of the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A, and ink is sent from the ink tank 50 through the ink tube 49 to the recording head 15.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an ink bottle 51 is attached to the ink tank 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the reading unit 3 is located at a position where the ink bottle 51 does not come into contact when the ink bottle 51 is attached. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a gap G is provided in plan view so that the ink bottle 51 and the reading unit 3 do not contact in the Y-axis direction.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front surface of the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A is considered to improve the mountability of the ink bottle 51 and prevent the ink bottle 51 from contacting the reading unit 3. The recording unit 2 projects forward from the reading unit 3 on the side where the ink bottle 51 is mounted in the axial direction. As apparent from the position P1 in FIG. 6, the ink bottle 51 is mounted at a position where the ink bottle 51 does not come out of the exterior surface of the recording unit 2 in the Y-axis direction. ing.
Further, as apparent from the position P2 in FIG. 6, the ink bottle 51 is mounted at a position where the ink bottle 51 does not come out of the exterior surface of the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 also in the X-axis direction. It is configured to be.
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the ink bottle 51 and the reading unit 3 are configured not to contact each other even in the Z-axis direction.

  On the downstream side of the recording head 15, an upstream roller pair 17 including a driving roller and a driven roller is provided. A downstream roller pair 18 composed of a driving roller and a driven roller is provided downstream of the upstream roller pair 17. The recording medium Ph is sent downstream by the upstream roller pair 17 and the downstream roller pair 18.

A path switching flap 25 is directed to the downstream side of the downstream roller pair 18. The path switching flap 25 is provided so as to be swingable about a swing shaft (not shown).
Here, the recording apparatus 1A can select two paths as the discharge path of the medium Ph, and one is a face-down discharge path (discharge which discharges with the recording surface nearest to the medium Ph on which recording has been performed facing down. The other is a face-up discharge path (discharge path R4) that discharges (face-up discharge) with the recording surface closest to the medium Ph on which recording is performed facing upward.

  When the face-down discharge path (discharge path R3) is used, the path switching flap 25 is held in the posture (obliquely inclined posture) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the face-up discharge path (discharge path R4) is used, the path switching flap 25 is held in a horizontal posture.

  Note that the recording apparatus 1A includes a regulation roller 19 that regulates the traveling direction of the medium Ph. That is, the upstream roller pair 17 and the downstream roller pair 18 are configured such that the axial center of each driven roller is positioned upstream from the axial center of the driving roller in order to suppress the floating of the medium Ph at the support portion 16. Thus, the feeding direction of the medium Ph by the upstream roller pair 17 and the downstream roller pair 18 is slightly upward with respect to the horizontal direction. When using the discharge path R4, if the delivery direction of the medium Ph by the downstream roller pair 18 is upward, the leading edge of the medium Ph may be caught in the transport path and may not be discharged properly. The regulation roller 19 corrects the traveling direction of the medium Ph downward in order to avoid such a problem.

Subsequently, a discharge roller pair 21 that constitutes a “discharge portion” is provided at the end position of the discharge path R <b> 3 in which the medium Ph is curved and reversed. The discharge roller pair 21 includes a discharge drive roller 21a driven by a motor (not shown) and a discharge driven roller 21b that is driven to rotate.
The medium Ph discharged from the discharge path R3 by the discharge roller pair 21 is supported by the receiving portion 32. The upper surface of the receiving part 32 becomes a “medium receiving surface” for receiving the discharged medium Ph.

The receiving portion 32 of the present embodiment includes a tray base portion 33, a first discharge tray 34, and a second discharge tray 35 from upstream to downstream. The upper surfaces of the tray base portion 33, the first discharge tray 34, and the second discharge tray 35 constitute a medium receiving surface.
Here, an arrow F in FIG. 7 indicates a direction in which the medium Ph discharged to the receiving portion 32 travels.
On the downstream side of the receiving portion 32, a restricting portion 37 is provided that forms a leading end regulating surface 41 that regulates the leading end of the medium Ph discharged to the receiving portion 32. The restricting portion 37 restricts the ejected medium Ph from the receiving portion 32.

Next, the connecting portion 104, which is a main part of the recording apparatus 1A, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 8 to 23. FIG.
Here, FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A, and shows a state in which the reading unit 3 is removed from the recording apparatus 1A. FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of a region α1 in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A and represents a part of the recording unit 2. FIG. 11 is a schematic enlarged plan view of a region α2 in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A, and is a perspective view of the reading unit 3 as viewed from the bottom side.
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective sectional view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A, and shows a state in which the reading unit 3 is removed from the recording apparatus 1A. FIG. 14 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of a region α3 in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a schematic side perspective view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A (a cross-sectional view at the position of β1-β1 in FIG. 8), and the intervals are the same as in the states of FIGS. The state where S is expanded is shown. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1A cut at the same position as FIG. 15, and shows a state in which the interval S is narrowed similarly to the states of FIGS.
FIG. 17 is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A (cross-sectional view at a position of β3-β3 in FIG. 13).
FIG. 18 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A (a cross-sectional view at the position of β4-β4 in FIG. 13), and the interval is the same as in the states of FIGS. A state where S is expanded (a state where the connecting portion 104 is extended) is shown. FIG. 19 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1A cut at the same position as in FIG. 18, and shows a state in which the interval S is narrowed (a state in which the connecting portion 104 is contracted) as in the states of FIGS. ing.
20 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A (cross-sectional view at the position of β5-β5 in FIG. 14), and the intervals are the same as in the states of FIGS. The state where S is expanded is shown. FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective sectional view of the recording apparatus 1A cut at the same position as in FIG. 20, and shows a state in which the interval S is narrowed similarly to the states in FIGS.
22 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1A (a cross-sectional view at the position of β6-β6 in FIG. 14), and the intervals are the same as in the states of FIGS. This is a state in which S is widened and is cut at a position different from that in FIGS. FIG. 23 is a schematic rear cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 1A cut at the same position as FIG. 22, and shows a state in which the interval S is narrowed similarly to the states of FIGS.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 and the like, the recording apparatus 1A includes a connecting unit 104A and a connecting unit 104B as the connecting unit 104. And all the connection parts 104 have the some support | pillar part 4 extended along the Z-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the connecting portion 104B has a supporting portion 4a and a supporting portion 4b as the supporting portion 4, and as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the connecting portion 104A is a supporting portion. 4 has a column part 4c and a column part 4d. More specifically, the column part 4a is arranged inside the column part 4b, and the column part 4c is arranged inside the column part 4d. With such a configuration, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A can have the column part 4 a and the column part 4 b, the column part 4 c, The amount of overlap of the support 4d can be changed so that the distance S can be increased and the distance S can be reduced. By increasing the interval S, it becomes easy to access the inside of the apparatus in order to remove the jammed medium Ph, for example, when a jam occurs inside the apparatus. Further, by reducing the interval S, the apparatus can be miniaturized, and for example, the recording apparatus 1A can be easily moved, accommodated (packed), installed in a limited installation location, and the like.

  As described above, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A includes the recording unit 2 that performs recording on the medium Ph, the reading unit 3 that reads an image of a document, and the connecting unit 104 that connects the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3. . The connecting portion 104 has a plurality of support columns 4 extending in the connecting direction (the direction along the Z-axis direction) between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3, and is viewed from the intersecting direction intersecting the Z-axis direction. The interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is configured to be variable by changing the amount of overlap between the support columns 4 at the time.

  As described above, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A includes the connecting portion 104 that can change the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 by changing the overlapping amount of the support columns when viewed from the crossing direction. That is, the recording apparatus 1A can be extended when the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is increased, and can be reduced when the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is reduced (variable shape and volume). The connecting part 104 is provided. For this reason, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A is configured to increase the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 and to facilitate access to the inside when accessing the inside while suppressing an increase in size.

The recording apparatus 1A includes any one of a support column 4a and a support column 4b (connection portion 104B), a support column 4c and a support column portion 4d (connection portion 104A), a connection portion 104A, and a connection portion 104B. Is also configured to include two support columns 4, but may be configured to include three or more support columns 4 as the plurality of support columns 4. In addition, the recording apparatus 1A is configured to include two connecting portions 104A and 104B and two connecting portions 104, but the number of connecting portions 104 is not limited, and may be one, or three or more. It may be.
In addition, the configuration of “changing the amount of overlap between the support columns” includes a configuration in which the support columns overlap when the interval S is narrowed and does not overlap when the interval S is widened.

Further, as described above, the connecting portion 104 includes the connecting portion 104B having the supporting column portion 4a and the supporting column portion 4b, and the connecting portion 104A having the supporting column portion 4c and the supporting column portion 4d. Here, the support column 4a is arranged inside the support column 4b, and the support column 4c is arranged inside the support column 4d. The column 4b and the column 4d are attached to the recording unit 2 as shown in FIG. 8 and the column 4a and the column 4c are attached to the reading unit 3 as shown in FIG. Yes.
That is, the connecting portion 104 is attached to the recording column 2 and the reading unit 3 as one of the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3, and to the other of the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3. And an inner supporting column (the supporting column 4a and the supporting column 4c) arranged inside the outer supporting column as viewed from the Z-axis direction.

  As described above, the recording apparatus 1A includes the outer column portion and the inner column portion, and is configured so that the inner column portion is in contact with the outer column portion along substantially the entire circumferential direction. When the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is changed, the interval S can be changed while the inner supporting column is supported by the outer supporting column in the crossing direction intersecting the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A is configured to prevent the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 from rattling in the crossing direction when the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is changed.

As shown in FIG. 9 and the like, the support column portion 4b and the support column portion 4d are formed with a rack portion 102 extending along the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. A pinion part 103 is formed in the part 4a and the column part 4c. Then, as shown in FIG. 15 and the like, the rack portion 102 and the pinion portion 103 are engaged, and the column portion 4a moves along the Z-axis direction with respect to the column portion 4b, and the column portion 4c. Moves along the Z-axis direction with respect to the support column 4d. Thus, since the recording apparatus 1A includes the rack portion 102 and the pinion portion 103, when the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is changed by the rack portion 102 and the pinion portion 103, the recording unit 2 It is possible to prevent the reading unit 3 from rattling in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction).
As described above, the rack portion 102 and the pinion portion 103 are formed in the connecting portion 104B, but the rack portion 102 (see FIG. 8) and the pinion portion 103 (see FIG. 12) are also formed in the connecting portion 104A. . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inclination of the reading unit 3 due to the difference in height between the column portion 4a and the column portion 4c.
In addition, the removable cover 101 is provided in the support | pillar part 4b. 8 and 9 show a state in which the removable cover 101 is removed. Since the cover 101 has a structure that can be removed from the connecting portion, a wide work area can be secured when the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 are connected by an FFC 114 described later.
Further, the height of the reading unit 3 can be grasped by detecting the relative position of the pinion unit 103 with respect to the rack unit 102 by a sensor (not shown). Thereby, in order to improve operability, the user can be prompted to move the reading unit 3 through the operation unit 6 or the like.

In the recording apparatus 1A, the interval S is changed by the operator manually moving the reading unit 3 with respect to the recording unit 2. Here, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A includes a spring 105 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 14. And the spring 105 is pressing the support | pillar part 4 so that the connection part 104 may be extended (the space | interval S may spread). For this reason, when expanding the interval S, the force of the spring 105 can be used.
Thus, it is preferable that the connecting portion 104 has a spring that presses the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 in a direction in which the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 are approached or separated. This is because the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 can be easily approached or separated by utilizing the force of the spring. Further, by using the spring 105 that applies a force in the direction opposite to that of gravity, the height of the reading unit 3 can be increased without the user pulling it up.
As described above, the spring 105 is formed in the connecting portion 104B, but the spring 105 is also formed in the connecting portion 104A (see FIG. 8).
As described above, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A includes the spring 105 that presses the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 in the direction of separating the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3, but the spring that presses the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 in the approaching direction. The structure which has may be sufficient.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A has a damper mechanism 106 for weakening an impact associated with changing the interval S and suppressing vibration from being transmitted to the connecting portion 104. have. As described above, since the connecting portion 104 includes the damper mechanism 106, the recording apparatus 1 </ b> A can smoothly move the reading unit 3 with respect to the recording unit 2 when changing the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3. Further, even if the user moves the reading unit 3 with a strong force, the shock and vibration are weakened, so that the connecting portion is hardly damaged.
As described above, the damper mechanism 106 is formed in the connecting portion 104B, but the damper mechanism 106 is also formed in the connecting portion 104A (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, a single cylinder type oil damper is used.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17 and the like, the connecting portion 104B includes a hole portion 110 and a push button portion 107 in the column portion 4b, and when the interval S is narrowed in the end portion 109 of the column portion 4a. Are provided with protrusions 111 that fit along the Y-axis direction with respect to the hole 110. With such a configuration, the recording apparatus 1A can be fixed with the interval S narrowed. The fitting between the hole 110 and the protrusion 111 can be released by pushing the push button 107 along the Y-axis direction. The hole 110, the protrusion 111, and the push button 107 constitute a lock mechanism 112.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the connecting portion 104 </ b> B can move in the crossing direction intersecting the Z-axis direction and is urged by the compression spring 108 toward the outside. The pin 108b is provided. As shown in FIG. 20, the formation position of the pin 108b is a position that comes below the end portion 109 of the support column 4a when the interval S is widened. With such a configuration, the recording apparatus 1A can be fixed even when the interval S is widened. Note that the contact portion 108a of the pin 108b with the end portion 109 has an inclined surface (tapered shape), and the operator fixes the reading unit to the recording unit 2 in a state where the space S is widened. When a force is applied to bring 3 close, fixing is released. The compression spring 108, the pin 108b, and the end 109 constitute a lock mechanism 113.

  As described above, the connecting portion 104 has a lock mechanism (the lock mechanism 112 and the lock mechanism 113) that fixes the position of the reading unit 3 with respect to the recording unit 2 in the Z-axis direction. For this reason, since the recording apparatus 1A can fix the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 at a desired interval, the reading unit 3 can be used in a stable state.

  Further, since the recording apparatus 1A can be fixed at a plurality of positions (a position where the interval S is narrowed and a position where the interval S is widened), the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 can be fixed at a plurality of intervals. Therefore, the reading unit 3 can be fixed at a height desired by the user.

  Moreover, the inside of the connection part 104 is a wiring path | route of a flexible flat cable (FFC114) as represented by FIG.22 and FIG.23. Here, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the inside of the connecting portion 104 becomes narrower when the interval S is narrower than the state where the interval S is increased, but the FFC 114 is connected to the inner space of the connecting portion 104. By bending, the FFC 114 can be effectively accommodated in the connecting portion 104 without disconnecting the FFC 114.

[Example 2] (FIGS. 24-27)
Next, the recording apparatus 1 (recording apparatus 1B) of Example 2 will be described.
24 and 25 are schematic side cross-sectional views showing the recording apparatus 1B of the present embodiment, and are cross-sectional views of the recording apparatus 1A of the first embodiment cut at the same position as FIG. Among these, FIG. 24 shows a state where the interval S is widened, and FIG. 25 shows a state where the interval S is narrowed.
FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of the recording apparatus 1 </ b> B, showing a state where the interval S is widened and the first cover 27 is removed. 2 and 4 show a state in which the connecting portion 104 is shortened and the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 is narrowed.
27 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view for explaining the connecting portion 104 of the recording apparatus 1B (corresponding to a cross-sectional view at a position of β2-β2 in FIG. 11).
In addition, the structural member which is common in the said Example 1 is shown with the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits detailed description.
Here, the recording apparatus 1B of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the recording apparatus 1A of the first embodiment, except that the pinion unit 103 can be driven by the driving force of the motor 116. The motor 116 is a DC motor, and can be used in combination with the encoder scale 122 to grasp the relative height position of the reading unit 3 with respect to the recording unit 2.
Incidentally, a stepping motor may be used instead of the DC motor.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the recording apparatus 1B includes a control unit 115, a board 118 serving as a motor drive unit electrically connected to the control unit 115, a motor 116, and the motor 116. A train wheel 117 that transmits the rotation to the pinion unit 103.
In other words, the connecting portion 104 in the recording apparatus 1B includes a motor 116 as a drive source that moves the support column 4 along the connecting direction (Z-axis direction).
For this reason, the recording apparatus 1B can easily change the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 by driving the motor 116 (automatically without being manually performed by the operator). If there is an obstacle or a user's hand above the interval S or the reading unit 3 and the automatic movement of the reading unit 3 is obstructed, an increase in the load on the motor 116 is detected and the automatic movement is stopped. Thus, breakage of the reading unit 3 and user damage can be avoided.

  Here, the control unit 115 according to the present embodiment controls the entire recording apparatus 1B. In the relationship with the motor 116, the instruction data from the operator is input via the operation unit 6 or the PC. The drive of the motor 116 is controlled according to the instruction data.

Further, the recording apparatus 1B of the present embodiment also has a supply path R1 and a supply path R5 as the transport path (supply path) of the medium Ph as in the recording apparatus 1A of the first embodiment (see FIG. 7). .
Then, the control unit 115 can determine the interval S according to the selection of the supply path of the medium Ph as instruction data. Specifically, for example, when the supply path R1 is selected (when the medium Ph is supplied from the storage unit 8: see FIG. 7), the interval S is narrowed, and when the supply path R5 is selected (supply port) When the medium Ph is supplied from 60 (see FIG. 7), the interval S can be widened. As described above, the recording apparatus 1B can easily determine the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 easily (automatically without performing an instruction operation again by the operator) according to the supply path of the selected medium Ph. The interval can be
In addition, selection of a supply path | route can be performed using the operation part 6 or PC, for example.

Further, the recording apparatus 1B of the present embodiment also has a discharge path R3 and a discharge path R4 as the transport path (discharge path) of the medium Ph as in the recording apparatus 1A of the first embodiment (see FIG. 7). .
Then, the control unit 115 can determine the interval S according to the selection of the discharge path of the medium Ph as instruction data. Specifically, for example, when the discharge path R3 is selected (when the medium Ph is supplied to the receiving unit 32: see FIGS. 7 and 26), the interval S is widened, and the discharge path R4 is selected. When the medium Ph is discharged to the discharge tray 40 (see FIG. 26), the interval S can be narrowed. As described above, the recording apparatus 1B can easily set the interval S between the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 easily (automatically without performing an instruction operation again by the operator) according to the selected discharge path of the medium Ph. The interval can be
The selection of the discharge route can be performed using the operation unit 6 or the PC, for example.

Further, as shown in FIG. 27, a plurality of recesses 120 are formed along the Z-axis direction in the support column 4b of the recording apparatus 1B. And the pin 108b is comprised so that it may be hooked in the recessed part 120 (the contact part 108a fits into the recessed part 120) with adjusting the space | interval S. In other words, the recess 120 also constitutes a lock mechanism (lock mechanism 121), and the lock mechanism 121 can be fixed at a plurality of positions. For this reason, the recording apparatus 1B has a configuration in which the recording unit 2 and the reading unit 3 can be fixed at a plurality of suitable intervals.
In this embodiment, the interval S is determined by selecting the discharge route. However, the interval S may be determined by selecting the type and size of the medium Ph.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the range of the invention described in the claim, and it cannot be overemphasized that they are also contained in the scope of the present invention.
For example, the reading unit 3 may be provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Recording device, 1A ... Recording device, 1B ... Recording device, 2 ... Recording unit,
3 ... reading unit, 3a ... reading unit, 4 ... supporting part, 4a ... supporting part (inside supporting part),
4b ... strut part (outer strut part), 4c ... strut part (inner strut part),
4d: Supporting part (outer supporting part), 6 ... Operation part, 8 ... Storage part, 9 ... Pickup roller,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Reverse roller, 12 ... Feed roller pair, 14 ... Carriage, 15 ... Recording head,
16 ... support part, 17 ... upstream roller pair, 18 ... downstream roller pair,
19 ... Restriction roller, 21 ... Discharge roller pair, 21a ... Discharge drive roller,
21b ... discharge driven roller, 25 ... path switching flap, 26 ... second cover,
27: first cover, 32: receiving portion, 33 ... tray base portion, 34 ... first discharge tray,
35 ... second discharge tray, 37 ... regulator, 41 ... tip regulating surface, 49 ... ink tube,
50 ... Ink tank, 51 ... Ink bottle, 60 ... Supply port, 61 ... Feed roller,
101 ... Cover, 102 ... Rack part, 103 ... Pinion part, 104 ... Connecting part,
104A ... Connection part, 104B ... Connection part, 105 ... Spring, 106 ... Damper mechanism,
107 ... push button part, 108 ... compression spring, 108a ... contact part, 108b ... pin,
109 ... end part, 110 ... hole part, 111 ... projection part, 112 ... lock mechanism,
113: Lock mechanism, 114: FFC, 115: Control unit, 116: Motor,
117 ... train wheel, 118 ... substrate, 120 ... recess, 121 ... lock mechanism,
122 ... Encoder scale, G ... Gap, Ph ... Medium, R1 ... Supply path,
R3 ... discharge route, R4 ... discharge route, R5 ... supply route, S ... interval

Claims (10)

A recording unit for recording on a medium;
A reading unit that reads the image of the document;
A connecting portion connecting the recording unit and the reading unit;
With
The connecting portion has a plurality of support portions extending in the connecting direction between the recording unit and the reading unit, and the overlapping amount of the support portions when viewed from the crossing direction intersecting the connecting direction. The recording apparatus is characterized in that the interval between the recording unit and the reading unit is variable by changing. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The connecting portion is, as the supporting portion, an outer supporting portion attached to one of the recording unit and the reading unit, and the outer supporting post attached to the other of the recording unit and the reading unit and viewed from the connecting direction. A recording apparatus comprising: an inner supporting column disposed inside the recording unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a spring that presses the recording unit and the reading unit in a direction to approach or separate the recording unit and the reading unit. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The recording apparatus, wherein the connecting portion includes a rack portion and a pinion portion. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The recording apparatus, wherein the connecting portion has a damper mechanism. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a lock mechanism that fixes a position of the reading unit with respect to the recording unit in the connection direction. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The recording apparatus, wherein the lock mechanism can be fixed at a plurality of positions. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a motor as a drive source that moves the support column along the connection direction. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
A controller that inputs instruction data and controls driving of the motor according to the instruction data;
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines the interval in accordance with selection of a supply path of the medium as the instruction data. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
A controller that inputs instruction data and controls driving of the motor according to the instruction data;
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the interval in accordance with selection of a discharge path of the medium as the instruction data.

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