JP6618312B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus .

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the position of a flexible sheet for receiving paper discharged from a printer is appropriately changed according to the type and size of the paper. Specifically, the shaft attached to the tip or middle abdomen of the flexible large sheet can be arranged at various positions, or the large sheet is wound around the shaft to The width and depth are adjusted.

JP 2009-242111 A

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the flexible receiving sheet is bent following the shape and load of the discharged paper, the contact area of the receiving sheet with respect to the paper is large. Therefore, the friction and sliding resistance between the paper and the receiving sheet are large, and it is difficult to guide the discharged paper in a desired direction. As a result, when a large number of sheets are discharged continuously, there is a possibility that the print surface may be damaged by contact between the sheets, or the paper may be broken.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can easily guide the paper discharged on the receiving sheet in a desired direction.

Therefore, the present invention provides a print head that prints an image on a sheet, a discharge port that discharges a sheet on which an image is printed by the print head, and a receiving port that is flexible and receives the sheet discharged from the discharge port. A sheet, a first rod extending in the width direction of the sheet and supporting one end of the receiving sheet, and a second rod extending in the width direction and supporting the other end of the receiving sheet A plurality of protrusions attached to the first rod, and a portion supported by the second rod from a portion supported by the first rod of the receiving sheet. with a changing member for changing a length of up to, and a fixing member for fixing the receiving sheet to said second rod while changing the length of the receiving sheet, the receiving Over DOO is characterized in that the convex shape connecting the said fixing member and said plurality of protrusions are formed.

  According to the present invention, the article discharged onto the receiving sheet can be easily guided in a desired direction.

External view of a printing apparatus usable as an article receiving apparatus of the present invention Schematic of sheet holding arrangement for receiving print media Detailed view of the second engaging means and the first engaging means Top view showing connected state of top rod and side rod Detailed view of side rod and side rod angle holding member Enlarged view of rear rod holder, upper hole and lower hole The figure which shows the 1st front discharge position The figure which shows the 2nd front discharge position The figure which shows the 3rd front discharge position The figure which shows the attachment structure of the receiving sheet in a top rod Configuration diagram of winding means The figure which shows another example of the mechanism which changes acceptance length The figure which shows another example of the mechanism which changes acceptance length The figure which shows the position which shortened acceptance length in the 3rd front discharge position FIG. 14 is a view showing a state in which a long print medium is discharged in the state shown in FIG. Installation state diagram of sensors that detect the presence or absence of discharged print media Block diagram and flowchart showing a method of changing the posture of the receiving sheet The figure which shows the connection state of a 1st engagement means and a joint part. The figure which shows the example of a position when the posture of a side rod can be set up independently The figure which shows the projection part attached to the rear rod The figure which shows a receiving field at the time of attaching a projection part to a rear rod The figure which shows the receiving area at the time of attaching a protrusion and a fixing member correspondingly Illustration of rear rod with multiple protrusions formed integrally The figure which shows the example which forms a ridge shape by providing a loop-shaped string

  1A to 1C are external views of a printing apparatus 1000 that can be used as an article receiving apparatus of the present invention. 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a side view, and FIG. 1C is a front view. The printing apparatus 1000 mainly includes a printer unit 1, a leg unit 2 that supports the printer unit 1, and a receiving unit 3 that receives a print medium discharged from the discharge port 1 a of the printer unit 1.

  The printer unit 1 includes a print medium W held in a roll shape, a print head capable of printing an image on the print medium W, a cutter that cuts the print medium W for each printed page, and the like. The print medium W in a region where a predetermined image is printed by the print head is gradually discharged from the discharge port 1a as the printing operation proceeds, and hangs down from the discharge port 1a in the Z direction by its own weight. When the cutter cuts the rear end of the image, the cut print medium W is received by the receiving unit 3.

  Hereinafter, the receiving portion 3 which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a sheet holding structure 100 that receives the print medium W in the receiving unit 3. The receiving sheet 40 having flexibility is supported at both ends in the Y direction by the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 extending in the X direction. First engagement means 21 are attached to both ends of the top rod 20 in the X direction, and second engagement means 31 are attached to both ends of the rear rod 30 in the X direction. The position and orientation of the entire sheet holding structure 100 can be changed depending on which position of the printing apparatus 1000 each of the first engagement means 21 and the second engagement means 31 is engaged with. The material of the receiving sheet 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is a thin and flexible sheet, and various forms such as a plastic sheet and a metal sheet can be adopted in addition to cloth.

  3A to 3D are detailed views of the two second engagement means 31 disposed at both ends of the rear rod 30 and the two first engagement means 21 disposed at both ends of the top rod 20. is there. FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged views of a region surrounded by a broken line circle A and a broken line circle B in FIG. 2, and the second engagement means 31 on the left side when viewed from the front (−Y direction). The right second engagement means 31 is shown. The rear rod 30 is passed through the bag shape 40a of the receiving sheet 40, and rear rod holding members 51 are disposed at both ends thereof. The hooks 51a attached to the rear rod holding member 51 can be attached to a plurality of attachment locations provided in the apparatus. The mounting location will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 3C and 3D are enlarged views of a region surrounded by a broken line circle C and a broken line circle D in FIG. 2, and the first engagement on the left side when viewed from the front (−Y direction). The means 21 and the first engaging means 21 on the right side are shown. The top rod 20 is fixed so that the end or middle of the receiving sheet 40 is wound around, and the first engagement means 21 disposed at both ends of the top rod 20 is a side rod 10 that is rotatable with respect to the printing apparatus 1000. Can be connected to.

  Reference is again made to FIGS. The side rods 10 are arranged on both sides in the X direction in the printing apparatus 1000, and one end thereof is rotatable in the YZ plane while being supported by the side rod angle holding means 60 fixed to the leg portion 2. It has become. In addition, a joint portion 12 that can engage with the first engaging means of the top rod 20 is disposed at the other end of the side rod 10.

  FIG. 4 is a top view showing a connected state of the top rod 20 and the side rod 10. One side of the side rod 10 is connected to the side rod angle holding member 60 via the side rod support member 61, and the other side is connected to the first engagement means 21 provided at both ends of the top rod 20.

  5A to 5D are detailed views of the side rod 10 and the side rod angle holding member 60. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the side rod 10 and the side rod angle holding member 60, and FIGS. 5B to 5C are enlarged views of a region surrounded by broken-line circles E to G in FIG. .

  Referring to FIG. 5 (a), the side rod 10 is the same as the hollow first side rod 10a, and can be taken in and out in the extending direction of the first side rod 10a from the inside of the first side rod 10a. A second side rod 10b. The first side rod 10 a is connected to the side rod support member 61, and the second side rod 10 b is connectable to the first engagement means 21 of the top rod 20. A U-shaped joint portion 12 to which the top rod 20 can be attached is attached to the tip of the second side rod 10b.

  Reference is made to FIG. The side rod angle holding means 60 includes a base member 130 attached to the leg 2, a side rod support member 61 for rotationally supporting the side rod 10, and a rotation stop lever 70 for restricting rotation of the side rod support member 61. have. The side rod support member 61 is attached to the base member 130 and is rotatable on the YZ plane around the rotation shaft 61b. The rotation stop lever 70 can rotate on the YZ plane about the rotation shaft 70b. However, the tension spring 72 biases the right end portion of the rotation stop lever 70 in the Z direction, and the left end portion of the rotation stop lever 70. The convex portion 70 a provided on the side rod is urged toward the side rod support member 61. For this reason, the convex part 70a of the rotation stop lever 70 engages with the concave part 61a formed in the side rod support member 61, and the side rod 10 is held at that position, that is, its angle. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 5A, the angle of the side rod 10 obtained by engaging the convex portion 70 a of the rotation stop lever 70 with the concave portion 61 a of the side rod support member 61 is defined as a first angle. The holding of the first angle can be released by rotating the side rod support member 61 against the urging force of the tension spring 72. On the other hand, an angle obtained by arranging the side rod 10 at a substantially horizontal position by its own weight is defined as a second angle.

  In addition, if the some recessed part 61a is provided in the side rod support member 61 side, the angle of the side rod 10 can be adjusted not only in the said 2 angle but in many positions. The biasing force of the tension spring 72 may be appropriately adjusted according to the weight of the side rod 10 and a desired holding angle.

  Next, the telescopic structure of the side rod 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, the second side rod 10b can be in a contracted state housed in the first side rod 10a and in an extended state in which the first side rod 10a has advanced. A position holding lever 81 for determining an engagement position with respect to the first side rod 10a is attached to an end portion of the second side rod 10b closest to the side rod support member 61. In the contracted state, the position holding lever 81 is adapted to engage with a first position holding lever follower 84 provided in the vicinity of the side rod holding member 61 of the first side rod 10a. On the other hand, in the extended state, the position holding lever 81 engages with a second position holding lever follower 85 provided at a position away from the side rod holding member 61 of the first side rod 10a.

  FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an engaged state between the position holding lever 81 and the first position holding lever follower 84 in the contracted state. The figure is an enlarged view of a region surrounded by a broken-line circle F in FIG. A position holding lever 81 is attached to the lever holder 82 fixed to the end of the second side rod 10b. The position holding lever 81 is rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the side rod 10 with the shaft 81b as a rotation axis, but the first lever provided on the side surface of the first side rod 10a by the compression spring 83. It is biased toward the position holding lever follower 84. Then, the position holding portion 81a provided on the rotation position holding lever 81 side of the second side rod 10b is engaged with the position holding portion 84a provided on the first side rod 10a side, so that the contracted state is maintained. It has come to be. When shifting from the contracted state to the extended state, the user rotates the position holding lever 81, that is, the second side rod 10 b against the urging force of the compression spring 83 to release the engagement, The side rod 10b is extended from the first side rod 10a.

  FIG. 5D is a diagram showing the second position holding lever follower 85 with which the position holding lever 81 is engaged in the extended state. This figure is an enlarged view of a region surrounded by a broken-line circle G in FIG. The second position holding lever follower 85 and the position holding portion 85a have the same shape as the second position holding lever follower 84 and the position holding portion 84a. That is, after extending the second side rod 10b, the position holding portion 81a of the second side rod 10b and the position holding portion 84a of the first side rod 10a are connected to the compression spring 83 by rotating the second side rod 10b around the rotation shaft 81b. The extended state can be realized by engaging with each other.

  As described above, the user can switch between the contracted state and the extended state by rotating around the rotation shaft 81b and withdrawing / inserting the second side rod 10b with respect to the first side rod 10a. If a plurality of position holding lever followers are provided on the first side rod 10a side, the length of the entire side rod 10 can be adjusted in more stages. The urging force of the compression spring 83 may be adjusted appropriately according to the weight and length of the side rod 10.

  As explained above, the length and angle of the side rod 10 of this embodiment can be switched at least in two stages. As a result, the position of the top rod 20 and the posture of the receiving sheet 40 can be variously adjusted according to the length of the side rod 10 and the installation angle.

  Next, the installation position of the rear rod 30 will be described in detail. Referring to FIG. 1A again, the rear rod 30 of this embodiment includes a rear rod holder 33 fixed to each of the leg portions 2 on both sides, an upper hole 91 and a lower hole 92 provided on the front surface of the printer unit 1. It can be installed in three places.

  6A to 6C are enlarged views of the rear rod holder 33, the upper hole 91, and the lower hole 92. FIG. FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a region surrounded by a broken-line circle H in FIG. The rear rod holder 33 is formed with a bottom hole 51a to which the rear rod holding member 51 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B can be joined. By joining the rear rod holding member 51 to the bottom hole 51a, a posture in which the rear rod 30 is held behind the bottom of the printing apparatus 1000 as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 6B and 6C are enlarged views of respective regions surrounded by broken-line circles I and J in FIG. An upper hole 91 and a lower hole 92 for hooking the hook 51a are formed on the front surface of the printer unit 1 at positions corresponding to the rear rod holding members 51 attached to both ends of the rear rod 30 and at intervals in the X direction. By hooking the left and right hooks 51 a into the upper hole 91, the rear rod 30 can be disposed almost directly below the discharge port 1 a of the printer unit 1. Further, by hooking the two left and right hooks 51 a into the lower hole 92, the rear rod 30 can be disposed at a position lower than the discharge port 1 a of the printer unit 1 to some extent in the Z direction. Note that a plurality of rear rod holders 33 may be provided in the Y direction of the leg portion 2, or more holes for hooking the hooks 51 a may be provided in front of the printer portion 1.

  Hereinafter, the position of the seat holding structure 100 realized when the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 are installed at the various positions described above will be described.

  FIGS. 1A to 1C described above show positions when the side rod 10 is in the contracted state at the first angle and the rear rod 30 is attached to the rear rod holder 33. Hereinafter, such a position is referred to as a rear discharge position. At the rear discharge position, the receiving sheet 40 forms a gentle concave shape at a position below the discharge port 1a of the printer unit 1 in the gravity direction (Z direction).

  Such a rear discharge position is effective when a large number of print media are continuously discharged because a sufficiently wide space is secured between the receiving sheet 40 and the discharge port 1a. The discharged print medium W is guided along the gentle concave shape of the receiving sheet 40 and is collected at a position upstream of the discharge port, that is, at the back of the printing apparatus 1000.

  7A to 7C show positions when the side rod 10 is in the extended state at the second angle and the hook 51 of the rear rod 30 is attached to the upper hole 91. FIG. Hereinafter, such a position is referred to as a first front discharge position. In the first front discharge position, the receiving sheet 40 forms a plane extending substantially straight from the position directly below the discharge port 1a of the printer unit 1 to the front lower side (in the + Y + Z direction).

  In such a first front discharge position, the print medium W is supported by the receiving sheet 40 immediately after being discharged from the discharge port 1a, and is guided in a straight line downward and forward. For this reason, even if the print medium W immediately after printing has some curl, the receiving sheet 40 does not contact the print surface (upper surface) but contacts the back surface and guides it forward and downward while supporting it. I can do it. However, in such a first front discharge position, since the receiving sheet 40 does not have a concave shape, it is difficult to collectively receive a large number of continuously discharged print media. The first front discharge position is effective when discharging a relatively large photographic glossy paper whose print surface is easily damaged one by one.

  8A to 8C show positions when the side rod 10 is in the extended state at the first angle and the hook 51 of the rear rod 30 is attached to the upper hole 91. FIG. Hereinafter, such a position is referred to as a second front discharge position. In the second front discharge position, the receiving sheet 40 forms a bag-like concave shape immediately below the discharge port 1a of the printer unit 1 and in front of it (Y direction).

  In such a second front discharge position, as in the rear discharge position described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, a large number of continuously discharged print media are collectively received in the concave shape of the receiving sheet 40. can do. However, unlike the rear discharge position, the receiving sheet 40 can support the print medium W immediately below the discharge port 1a, that is, immediately after discharge. For this reason, even if the print medium is easily curled or has a small size, there is an advantage that scratches caused by scratching or dropping are less likely to occur compared to the rear discharge position. Furthermore, since the receiving location is a relatively high position on the front surface of the printing apparatus 1000, the user can easily take out the discharged material compared to the rear discharging position.

  9A to 9C show positions when the side rod 10 is in the extended state at the first angle and the hook 51 of the rear rod 30 is attached to the lower hole 92. FIG. Hereinafter, such a position is referred to as a third front discharge position. At the third front discharge position, the receiving sheet 40 forms a bag-like concave shape in the front (Y direction) of the discharge port 1a of the printer unit 1 as in the second front discharge position. However, unlike the second forward discharge position, the print surface (front surface) of the print medium W is supported from a position slightly below the discharge port 1a, not immediately below the discharge port 1a, that is, immediately after discharge. Such a third front discharge position is an effective position when discharging the print medium W having strong curl.

  In the case of the second front discharge position, when the print medium W to be discharged is strong and discharged with a certain degree of curvature, the print medium W supported by the receiving sheet 40 immediately below the discharge port 1a is positioned at that position. May curl and block the discharge port 1a. On the other hand, in the third front discharge position as shown in FIG. 9B, the print medium W is not supported by the receiving sheet 40 immediately after discharge. For this reason, after descending in the Z direction to some extent according to gravity (W2), the print surface (front surface) is contacted and supported by the receiving sheet 40 at a position sufficiently away from the discharge port 1a. As a result, the discharge port 1a is gradually discharged while the print surface (upper surface) is in contact with the receiving sheet 40 without blocking the discharge port 1a. In other words, the distance between the discharge port 1a and the lower hole 92 is set according to the size of the print medium W assumed to be used and the strength of curl so that the above discharge can be realized. . If a plurality of mounting holes with different distances in the Z direction are provided in advance with respect to the discharge port 1a as in this embodiment, a suitable receiving position can be easily adjusted according to the degree of curl and the size of the print medium. can do.

  In addition, although the four typical positions were demonstrated above, if each of the angle of the side rod 10, the expansion-contraction state of a side rod, and the attachment position of a rear rod is changed independently, many more positions will be implement | achieved. be able to. That is, according to the present embodiment, by preparing a plurality of positions where the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 can be attached, it is possible to appropriately set the position of the sheet holding configuration 100 according to the application. .

  Next, the structure which adjusts the length (receiving area | region) of the receiving sheet 40 hold | maintained between the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 in the sheet | seat holding structure 100 is demonstrated. If the length of the receiving area can be changed, the depth and width of the recessed area that receives the print medium, the inclination angle of the receiving sheet 40 at the front discharge position, and the like can be suitably adjusted.

  FIGS. 10A to 10C are views showing the attachment configuration of the receiving sheet 40 in the top rod 20. Referring to FIG. 10 (a), the top rod 20 has three holes 20a extending in the extending direction (X direction), and the receiving sheet 40 is similar to the position corresponding to the hole 20a. A hole is formed. A fixing member 101 (see FIG. 10B) having a shaft 101b that can be penetrated in common with these holes and a C-shaped shape 101a that can be coupled around the top rod 20 entrains the receiving sheet 40. It is the structure joined to the top rod 20 (refer FIG.10 (c)). In Fig.10 (a), the top rod 20 of the state before fixing the receiving sheet 40 and the top rod 20 of the state after fixing are shown in parallel. The extra length portion 102 of the receiving sheet 40 at a position opposite to the rear rod 30 with respect to the fixing portion is used to cover the fixing member 101. The area of the receiving sheet 40 from the rear rod 30 to the position fixed by the fixing member 101 is the receiving area. Hereinafter, several examples of mechanisms for changing the length of the receiving region (receiving length) will be described.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the configuration of the winding means 110 that can wind the receiving sheet 40 by a desired amount on the top rod 20. Referring to FIG. 11 (a), the winding means 110 mainly includes a rod engaging member 111, a rotation clutch 112, a fixed clutch 113, a compression spring 116, a release button 115, and a housing 114. It is configured. The rod engaging member 111 is fixed around the top rod 20, and a convex portion 111a is formed on a part thereof. The rotary clutch 112 that engages with the convex portion 111 a of the rod engaging member 111 has a serrated portion 112 a on the opposite side to the engagement, and is rotatable coaxially with the top rod 20. A fixed clutch 113 having a serrated portion 113a that meshes with the serrated portion 112a is disposed at a position facing the serrated portion 112a. The serrated portion 112 a of the rotary clutch 112 is urged in the direction of the fixed clutch 113 by the compression spring 116 and meshes with the serrated portion 113 a of the fixed clutch 113. However, when the user presses the release button 115 in the −X direction against the urging force of the compression spring 116, the rotary clutch 112 is separated from the fixed clutch 113. The housing 114 covers and protects these mechanisms while not being fixed to the rod engaging member 111 but fixed to the fixed clutch 113. That is, in this configuration, the top rod 20, the rod engaging member 111, and the rotary clutch 112 rotate integrally, and the housing 114 and the fixed clutch 113 rotate integrally independently of the above rotation. In the figure, a state where each mechanism is removed from the housing 114 and a state where each mechanism is covered by the housing 114 are shown in parallel. Note that the outer periphery of the housing 114 is joined to the U-shaped joint portion 12 provided at the tip of the second side rod 10b as the first connecting means of the top rod 20.

  FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of an engaging portion between the rotary clutch 112 and the fixed clutch 113. When the user rotates the top rod 20 in the R direction in the drawing, that is, the winding direction of the receiving sheet, with the top rod 20 engaged by the joint portion 12 of the side rod 10, the rod engaging member 111 coupled to the top rod 20. The rotation clutch 112 is interlocked with this rotation. However, the housing 114 engaged with the joint portion 12 and the fixed clutch 113 integrated therewith are not interlocked. For this reason, the serrated portion 112a of the rotary clutch 112 advances along the tapered surface 140 against the compression spring 116, and rotates in the Y direction while repeating separation and coupling with the serrated portion 113a of the fixed clutch 113. . That is, the user can wind the receiving sheet 40 around the top rod 20 while sensing a certain amount of load.

  On the other hand, even if a force in the −R direction acts on the top rod 20 due to some external force, the serrated portion 112a of the rotary clutch 112 abuts against the stopper surface 150 and the rotation in the −R direction is prevented. That is, after the user rotates the top rod 20 in the R direction and adjusts the receiving length of the receiving sheet 40 to a desired length, even if a large number of print media are received in the recesses of the receiving sheet 40, The winding amount of the rod 20 does not change greatly. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to maintain the adjusted receiving length during use while appropriately setting the receiving length of the receiving sheet for receiving the discharged article according to the application. . If it is desired to adjust the acceptance length anew, if the release button 115 is pressed, the rotary clutch 112 is completely disengaged from the fixed clutch 113 and can be rotated in the -R direction. In addition, although the winding means as described above may be provided in the two first engaging means on the left and right, it may be arranged in one of the first engaging means. .

  In FIG. 11 (b), the configuration that allows only rotation in the R direction has been described. However, the relationship between the inclination of the tapered surface 140 and the stopper surface 150 at the engaging portion of the serrated portion 112a and the serrated portion 113a is reversed. For example, only rotation in the -R direction can be permitted. In this case, if the winding direction with respect to the top rod 20 is reversed, the same effect as described above can be obtained. For example, if the winding direction is the R direction (clockwise as viewed from the + X direction), the surface of the receiving sheet 40 is wound around the top rod 20 inward. In this case, the leading edge of the print medium that has traveled along the surface of the receiving sheet 40 comes into contact with the periphery of the top rod 20 and is prevented from traveling there. That is, such a form is effective when discharging a large number of short print media. On the other hand, when the winding direction is the −R direction (counterclockwise when viewed from the + X direction), the surface of the receiving sheet 40 is wound around the top rod 20 outward. In this case, the leading edge of the print medium that has traveled along the surface of the receiving sheet 40 travels smoothly along the periphery of the top rod 20. That is, such a form is effective when discharging a long print medium.

  In addition, when it is not particularly necessary to use a one-way clutch, the engaging portions of the serrated portions 112a and the serrated portions 113a may be configured by alternately arranging reverse inclined taper surfaces. In this way, the user can easily fine-tune the acceptance length by forward and reverse rotation of the top rod. Of course, it is possible to adjust the load during operation by changing the compression force of the compression spring 116.

  FIGS. 12A to 12C are diagrams for explaining another example of the mechanism for changing the reception length. 12A is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1000, and FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of a region surrounded by a broken-line circle K in FIG. Referring to both figures, in this example, a plurality of closed string portions 200a are formed at a predetermined pitch at both ends of the receiving sheet 40 in the X direction. On the other hand, the joint portion 12 attached to the tip of the second side rod 10b is formed with a collar 12b capable of hooking the string portion 200a. With such a configuration, the user can easily adjust the length of the receiving region by hooking the string portion 200a at a position where the desired receiving length can be achieved on the heel 12b.

  When it is desired to shorten the receiving length sufficiently, the string portion 200a on the middle of the receiving sheet 40 is hooked on the collar 12b, so that it is assumed that the leading end of the receiving sheet 40 protrudes from the top rod 20 and hangs down. . Even in such a case, if the receiving sheet is folded as shown in FIG. 12 (c) and the string portions 200a at a plurality of places are simultaneously hooked on the ridge 12b, the leading end of the receiving sheet 40 hangs down and dirt associated therewith. It can be avoided.

  FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing still another example of a mechanism for changing the length of the receiving region. 13A is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1000, and FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a region surrounded by a broken line circle L in FIG. Referring to both drawings, in this example, hook and loop fasteners 200b are attached to both ends of the receiving sheet 40 in the X direction along the end side portions of the receiving sheet. On the other hand, a fixed surface fastener 200c that can be attached to and detached from the surface fastener 200b is disposed at a position corresponding to the surface fastener 200b in the X direction on the top rod 20. With such a configuration, the user can easily adjust the length of the receiving region by attaching the surface fastener 200b to the fixed surface fastener 200c at a position where a desired receiving length can be realized. Also in this example, if the hook and loop fasteners 200b and 200c are attached in a state where the receiving sheet is folded as shown in FIG. 13 (c), the leading edge of the receiving sheet 40 and the associated dirt are avoided. I can do it.

  As described above, if the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 13C is employed, the receiving length held between the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 can be easily adjusted in multiple stages. As a result, the depth and width of the recessed area for receiving the print medium and the inclination angle of the receiving sheet 40 at the front discharge position can be appropriately adjusted according to the size and discharge amount of the print medium and user convenience. it can. In the above, the receiving length is adjusted by winding the receiving sheet 40 around the top rod 20, but the structure described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 13C is provided on the rear rod 30 side, It may be provided on both sides of the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30.

  14 (a) to 14 (c) show the receiving length using the clutch mechanism described in FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c) at the third front discharge position shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c). It shows a shortened state. Since the receiving length is shortened, the receiving area between the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 is a substantially smooth surface having an ascending gradient. Here, a state in which the print medium W having the curl cut in A4 horizontal size is continuously discharged is shown.

  On the other hand, FIG. 15 shows a receiving state when a print medium sufficiently longer than the standard size is discharged in a curled state in such a state. The print medium W discharged from the discharge port 1a is supported along a relatively flat receiving sheet 40, and the region after the top rod 20 hangs down in the Z direction by its own weight. When the print medium is cut at the rear end of the image, the print medium is supported by the top rod 20, the front of the print medium hangs down in the Z direction, and the rear is received while being in contact with the receiving sheet 40.

  Although the first front discharge position shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C has been described as being effective when discharging relatively large photographic glossy paper one image at a time, the rear end of the print medium W is cut. At this point, the print medium W may slide down along the smooth receiving sheet 40. On the other hand, as in this example, the print medium slides both in the Y direction and in the −Y direction as long as the print medium is suspended from the top rod 20 and supported by a sloped slope before and after the top rod 20. Without being received by the receiving portion 3 without fail.

  On the other hand, when the print medium is relatively small as shown in FIG. 14B and the length in the discharge direction is shorter than the distance between the discharge port 1a and the lower hole 92, the leading edge of the print medium discharged while curling. Is discharged toward the front surface of the printer unit 1 (W3). If the print medium is cut before the front end of the print unit 1 comes into contact with the front surface of the printer unit 1 or the receiving sheet 40, the print medium falls while being reversed and is received in a state where the print surface is in contact with the receiving sheet 40. (W4). At this time, a discharge guide 1b for guiding the print medium curled immediately below the discharge port 1a and a recess 302 for hooking the front end of the print medium guided along the guide are provided in advance. If this is the case, the above reversal and fall are performed more smoothly.

  Here, for example, if the receiving sheet 40 is a substantially horizontal plane, the print medium ejected earlier is more likely to move in the downstream direction (+ Y direction), and the stacking position with the print medium ejected subsequently Deviation may occur. On the other hand, if the receiving sheet 40 is a plane having a rising gradient in the + Y direction as in this example, the movement of the first print medium in the + Y direction can be suppressed.

  In this example, the receiving sheet 40 wound around the top rod 20 is slightly pulled out by the weight of the discharged print medium. At this time, the receiving surface is deformed so as to have a curved shape that is bent downward in the direction of gravity from the planar shape (a concave shape, or a convex shape that is downward if the view is changed). For this reason, when the print medium is newly discharged, the receiving sheet 40 having looseness is easily brought into contact with the curled surface, and can be stacked in order at a predetermined position.

  At this time, a method for making the receiving sheet 40 substantially smooth until the first print medium is discharged and for allowing the receiving sheet 40 to have a certain degree of looseness after the first print medium is discharged. The following can also be adopted.

  For example, there is a method in which the material of the receiving sheet 40 is a flexible and stretchable fiber such as polyester. With such a receiving sheet, it is possible to load the print medium at a predetermined position by contacting the receiving sheet 40 in a stretched state as the discharged print medium falls.

  In addition, a sensor for detecting whether or not the discharged print medium exists on the receiving sheet 40 can be prepared, and the holding state of the receiving sheet 40 can be changed more positively according to the detection result of the sensor. . FIGS. 16A and 16B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an installation state of a sensor that detects whether or not a discharged print medium is present on the receiving sheet 40. The sensor 301 is a transmissive optical sensor disposed below the discharge port 1 a on the front surface of the printer unit 1, and a print medium exists on the receiving sheet 40 through a notch hole 300 formed in the receiving sheet 40. Whether or not is detected.

  17A and 17B are a block diagram and a flowchart for explaining a method in which the CPU 303 provided in the printing apparatus 1000 changes the posture of the receiving sheet 40 based on the detection result of the sensor 301. . In this example, the side rod angle holding means 60 is provided with a drive motor 302 that can change the angle of the side rod 10, and the CPU 303 drives and controls the drive motor 302 according to the detection result of the sensor 301. It is assumed that the angle of the rod 10 is adjusted.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given along the flowchart of FIG. When the printing apparatus 1000 is powered on and this process is started, the CPU 303 first resets the posture of the receiving sheet 40 to a smooth state without loosening in step S1.

  In the subsequent step S2, the CPU 303 confirms whether or not the power is turned off. If the power is not OFF, the CPU 303 proceeds to step S3 and determines whether or not there is a print medium on the receiving sheet 40 based on the detection result of the detection sensor. If it is determined that there is no print medium, the process returns to step S2, and steps S2 and S3 are repeated until it is determined that a print medium exists.

  If it is determined in step S3 that a print medium is present, the CPU 303 proceeds to step S4 and rotates the drive motor 302 by a predetermined amount in the forward direction. Along with this, the side rod 10 rotates, and the smooth surface formed between the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 is loosened in a curved concave shape (convex downward). As a result, the curled surface of the discharged print medium is supported by the receiving sheet 40 having a slack and is held in place.

  Further, the CPU 303 proceeds to step S5 and confirms whether or not the power is turned off. If the power is not OFF, the CPU 303 proceeds to step S6 and determines whether or not there is a print medium on the receiving sheet 40 based on the detection result of the detection sensor. If it is determined that the print medium still exists, the process returns to step S5, and steps S5 and S6 are repeated until it is determined that the print medium does not exist.

  If the sensor 301 detects that there is no print medium on the receiving sheet 40, for example, when the user collects the print medium, the CPU 303 proceeds to step S7 and rotates the drive motor 302 in the reverse direction. Accordingly, the side rod 10 rotates in the opposite direction, and the receiving sheet 40 between the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 forms a smooth upward gradient surface again. Thereafter, the CPU 303 returns to step S2.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in step S2 or step S5 that the power is turned off, this process ends. If the power supply OFF is confirmed in step S2, the receiving sheet 40 maintains a position having a smooth surface until the next power ON. If the power OFF is confirmed in step S5, the receiving sheet 40 is set to the next power supply. It will maintain a loose position until ON. However, when the power is turned on next time, the position is reset to a position having a smooth surface in step S1, so that the above processing can be performed without any delay regardless of which state the power is turned off.

  In step S1, for example, a method of driving the drive motor in the reverse direction after arranging a torque limiter in the middle of the drive transmission path between the drive motor 302 and the side rod 10 may be employed. In this way, position reset can be performed without applying a load to the drive motor. 16 and 17, the position of the receiving sheet 40 is switched according to the presence or absence of the print medium. However, for example, the number and weight of the print medium loaded are measured, and the side rod 10 is moved according to the measurement result. It is good also as a structure rotated gradually. In this way, more stable stacking is possible by maintaining the top of the stacked print media at a substantially constant height.

  As described above, the receiving sheet 40 is substantially smoothed until the first print medium is discharged, and the receiving sheet 40 is somewhat loosened after the first print medium is discharged. Thus, a plurality of print media can be stacked in an orderly manner.

  Next, the coupling configuration of the top rod 20 and the side rod 10 will be described in detail. 18 (a) to 18 (f) are diagrams showing a coupling state of the first engagement means 21 of the top rod 20 and the joint portion 12 of the side rod 10. FIG. 18 (a) and 18 (b) are enlarged views of a region surrounded by broken-line circles M and N in FIG. 4, and the left and right joints when viewed from the front (-Y direction) are shown. Each is shown. Both the left and right sides are coupled to the U-shaped joint portion 12 so that the outer periphery of the housing 114 is fitted. In the joint portion 12, the same type of elongated hole portion 12 a is formed on both side surfaces of the U-shape so as to extend in the X direction. And when connecting the 1st engaging means 21 to the joint part 12, the two protrusion parts 21a attached to the housing 114 are inserted and inserted in the long hole part 12a.

  FIGS. 18C and 18D are views in which FIGS. 18A and 18B are respectively viewed toward the U-shaped bottom surface of the joint portion 12. Explaining in detail the shape of the projection 21a in the X direction, the projection 21a has a straight shape 21b on the outer surface in the width direction (X direction) of the top rod 20, and an arc shape 21c on the inner surface. Yes. For this reason, the first engagement means 21 can move in the X direction within a range corresponding to the length of the hole 12a, and can also rotate in the P direction around the protrusion 21a. In such a configuration, in a state where the top rod 20 is mounted on the side rod 10, the straight shape 21 b formed on the outer surface of the protruding portion 21 a and the inner wall of the elongated hole portion 12 a are in the axial direction of the top rod 20. Opposite. For this reason, even if a load in the X direction is applied to the side rod 10 on one side, the load can be dispersed between the other side rod 10 via the top rod 20.

  Moreover, if the said structure is employ | adopted, attachment or detachment of the top rod 20 with respect to the joint part 12 can be performed independently on either side, without applying an excessive load to a connection part. For example, from the viewpoint of the user operation, when the long top rod 20 is attached to the side rod 10, it is natural to attach the two first engaging means 21 to the joint portion 12 in order one by one. At this time, the posture of the top rod 20 is inclined with respect to the X axis at the timing when the first engaging means 21 on one side is attached and the first engaging means 21 on the other side is attached. Even in this case, with the above configuration, the protruding portion 21a of the first engaging means 21 can correspond to any portion in the long hole portion 12a of the joint portion 12, and then the long hole portion 12a. The posture of the top rod 20 can be adjusted while sliding the protrusion 21a. Further, when the top rod 20 is tilted so that the long hole portion 12a of the joint portion 12 cannot face the protruding portion 21a, the arc shape 21c rolls on the inner wall of the long hole portion 12a, and the first engaging means 21 It can be easily removed from the part 12. That is, according to this configuration, the top dot 20 can be attached to and detached from the side rod 10 without any risk of damage. At this time, if the joint portion 12 is rotatably attached to the second side rod 10b, the operability can be further improved.

  18E is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 18A viewed from the + X direction, and FIG. 18F is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 18B viewed from the −X direction. Here, the shape of the protrusion 21a in the YZ plane will be described in detail. Referring to FIG. 18 (e), the protrusion 21a of the first engaging means 21 located at the right end portion toward the front of the apparatus has a circular arc shape 21d on the surface that contacts the elongated hole 12a of the side rod 10. ing. For this reason, when a rotational load of a predetermined amount or more is applied to the first engagement means 21, the arc shape 21d of the protrusion 21a rolls on the surface of the elongated hole 12a of the side rod 10, and the first engagement means 21 is a joint. It will come off from the part 12 easily. That is, for example, in the winding means 110 described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, even when the user tries to rotate the top rod 20 in the −R direction by mistaken in the winding direction, There is no risk of overloading or breakage.

  On the other hand, referring to FIG. 18 (f), in the protrusion 21a of the first engagement means 21 located at the left end portion when facing the front of the apparatus, the surface that contacts the long hole portion 12a of the side rod 10 is a straight surface shape. 21e. For this reason, even if a force that rotates in the YZ plane acts on the top rod 20, the first engagement means 21 located at the left end portion is not easily detached from the joint portion 12 due to the drag generated between the surfaces.

  Hereinafter, a modified example of the position of the receiving portion 3 utilizing the fact that the protruding portion 21a can be joined to the elongated hole portion 12a even when the top rod 20 has a certain degree of inclination will be described.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are views showing the position of the receiving portion 3 when the postures of the two side rods 10 are independently set. FIG. 19A shows a state in which both side rods 1 are extended at the first angle, similarly to the third forward discharge position shown in FIG. 9A. On the other hand, FIG. 19B shows a case where, in the third forward discharge position, one side rod 1 is in the extended state at the first angle, and the other side rod 1 is in the extended state at the second angle. Show. For example, in the third front discharge position shown in FIG. 19A, when several print media W are discharged to the receiving sheet 40 and then taken out, it may be difficult to remove the print media by the front top rod 20. . In such a case, if only one side rod 10 is changed from the first angle to the second angle, as shown in FIG. 19B, the inside of the receiving sheet 40 is greatly opened, and the user can easily print. Things can be taken out.

  When the side rod 10 is shifted from the first angle to the second angle, the top rod 20 is gradually inclined with respect to the X axis, and the distance between the two joint portions 12 located at the tip of the side rod 10 is also gradually increased. . However, during this time, the protruding portion 21a of the first engaging means can gradually rotate and move in the elongated hole portion 12a of the joint portion 12, so that the position shown in FIG. Can be transferred to.

  Further, in the above description, the discharge medium is shifted to the posture shown in FIG. 19B when the print medium is taken out from the receiving sheet. However, when a relatively small print medium is continuously discharged, the print operation is performed. The position shown in FIG. 19B may be adopted from the stage. In this case, the discharged print medium can be appropriately discharged from the receiving sheet 40 even during continuous printing.

  Next, an example of forming a ridge shape on the receiving sheet 40 will be described. In this specification, the ridge shape is a convex partial bulge such as a ridge (ridge line of a mountain) linearly extending in the print medium discharge direction (Y direction). Asperities are intentionally provided on the flexible receiving sheet 40 so as to form this ridge shape. When such a ridge shape is formed on the receiving sheet 40, even if the print medium is weak and easily follows the shape of the receiving sheet 40, the contact area with the receiving sheet 40 is made as small as possible. The sliding resistance can be suppressed, and the print medium can be guided in the target direction. In order to form such a ridge shape, that is, peaks and valleys, it is preferable that the material of the receiving sheet 40 is a flexible and stretchable fiber such as polyester.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a protrusion 120 attached to the rear rod 30 in order to form a ridge shape. 21 (a) and 21 (b) are a perspective view and a top view showing a receiving area when four protrusions 120 are attached to the rear rod 30 at equal intervals.

  In the receiving sheet 40, convex shapes are formed at four positions where the protrusions 120 are attached on the rear rod 30 side, and are fixed at three positions where the fixing member 101 is attached on the top rod 20 side. As a result, the receiving sheet is fixedly supported by a line connecting the protruding portion 120 and the fixing member 101, and in other regions, the receiving sheet 40 hangs down in the Z direction due to its own weight. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21B, a ridge shape 120a extending in a direction intersecting with the print medium discharge direction is formed. For this reason, whether the sheet is discharged from the rear rod 30 side or the top rod 20 side, the surface of the discharged print medium is supported on the line of the ridge shape 120a. The progress in the Y direction is promoted in a state where the sliding resistance is suppressed.

  22A and 22B, four protrusions 120 are attached to the rear rod 30 at equal intervals, and on the top rod 20 side, the fixing member 101 is attached at four locations facing the protrusion 120 of the rear rod 30. It is the perspective view and top view in the case of. Also in the case of this configuration, as in the case of FIG. 21, the region other than the ridge shape 120 a is in a state of hanging in the Z direction due to the weight of the receiving sheet 40. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22 (b), the receiving sheet 40 is formed with four ridge shapes 120 a that are substantially parallel from the protruding portion 120 toward the fixing member 101. That is, also in this configuration, the surface of the discharged print medium is supported on the line of the ridge shape 120a extending in the Y direction, and the progress in the Y direction is promoted with the sliding resistance suppressed.

  The size and number of the protrusions 120 are not particularly limited, and may be adjusted according to the material of the receiving sheet and the ridge shape to be formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a rear rod 30 in which a plurality of protrusion shapes are integrally formed may be employed.

  FIGS. 24A and 24B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a ridge shape is formed by providing a loop-like string. In this example, loop cords 121 are sewn at predetermined intervals in the X direction at both ends of the receiving sheet 40 in the Y direction, and the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30 are respectively passed through the loops of the loop cords 121. It is in the state. The figure shows a case where the attachment position of the loop string 121 on the top rod 20 side and the attachment position of the loop string 121 on the rear rod 30 side coincide with each other in the X direction. As a result, the receiving sheet 40 is formed with a ridge shape 120a extending substantially parallel to the Y direction, and the same effects as in FIGS. 22A and 22B can be obtained.

  Such a ridge shape shortens the receiving length by winding the receiving sheet 40, and for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) to (c), a smooth receiving region is formed between the top rod 20 and the rear rod 30. Even when formed, it functions effectively. In this case, a tension is generated between the protrusion 120 and the fixing member 101, and the ridge shape 120a is formed in a straight line along the direction of the tension. The contact area and sliding resistance of the print medium with respect to the receiving sheet 40 are further reduced, and the print medium is guided linearly along the ridge shape 120a. As a result, the print medium can be guided in a desired direction in the case where the smooth receiving area having an ascending gradient is formed as shown in FIGS.

  In the above description, an example in which a medium printed by a printing apparatus is received has been described as an example. However, in the present invention, the use and material of the discharge are not particularly limited. If it is a form which receives the flat plate, a sheet | seat, etc. discharged | emitted from a discharge port, the article | item receiving apparatus of this invention functions effectively.

1 Printer section (discharge device)
1a outlet
3 Receiving part (article receiving device)
40 Receiving sheet
W Print media (article)
120a Ridge shape

Claims (6)

A print head for printing an image on a sheet, a discharge port for discharging a sheet on which an image has been printed by the print head, a receiving sheet having flexibility and receiving a sheet discharged from the discharge port, and a width of the sheet A first rod that extends in a direction and supports one end of the receiving sheet; and a second rod that extends in the width direction and supports the other end of the receiving sheet. In
A plurality of protrusions attached to the first rod, and a length of the receiving sheet from a portion supported by the first rod to a portion supported by the second rod; And a fixing member for fixing the receiving sheet to the second rod in a state where the length of the receiving sheet is changed ,
The printing apparatus, wherein the receiving sheet has a convex shape connecting the plurality of protrusions and the fixing member . A first support portion for supporting the second rod at a first height;
A first hole that is provided below the discharge port and at a position higher than the first height in the direction of gravity, and engages with a hook attached to the first rod; and 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second hole provided at a position lower than the first height in the direction of gravity and engaged with the hook. .   The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second support portion that supports the first rod at a position lower than the second hole in the direction of gravity.   The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first support portion can support the second rod at a position lower than the first height in the direction of gravity. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a cutter that cuts a sheet on which an image is printed by the print head. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet is a roll sheet held in a roll shape.