US20130182058A1 - Tractor, tractor unit, and recording device - Google Patents
Tractor, tractor unit, and recording device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130182058A1 US20130182058A1 US13/726,743 US201213726743A US2013182058A1 US 20130182058 A1 US20130182058 A1 US 20130182058A1 US 201213726743 A US201213726743 A US 201213726743A US 2013182058 A1 US2013182058 A1 US 2013182058A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tractor
- unit
- continuous paper
- tractors
- recording medium
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H20/00—Advancing webs
- B65H20/20—Advancing webs by web-penetrating means, e.g. pins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/26—Pin feeds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/30—Orientation, displacement, position of the handled material
- B65H2301/34—Modifying, selecting, changing direction of displacement
- B65H2301/341—Modifying, selecting, changing direction of displacement without change of plane of displacement
- B65H2301/3412—Modifying, selecting, changing direction of displacement without change of plane of displacement involving transport means arranged obliquely to the in-feed or/and out-feed conveyor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/70—Clutches; Couplings
- B65H2403/72—Clutches, brakes, e.g. one-way clutch +F204
- B65H2403/722—Gear clutches
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/90—Machine drive
- B65H2403/94—Other features of machine drive
- B65H2403/942—Bidirectional powered handling device
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/10—Rollers
- B65H2404/14—Roller pairs
- B65H2404/143—Roller pairs driving roller and idler roller arrangement
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2801/00—Application field
- B65H2801/03—Image reproduction devices
- B65H2801/12—Single-function printing machines, typically table-top machines
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a tractor that conveys a recording medium, a tractor unit having the tractor, and a recording device having the tractor unit.
- JP-A-S64-8071 enables changing which of the plural tractors is used. For example, this recording device can change the recording medium that is used by selecting which tractor is used. As a result, the desired recording medium can be selected for use from among plural recording media without removing the recording medium from the tractor.
- recording devices having plural tractors generally have the tractors disposed to convey the recording media to the recording head from different directions.
- the tractors therefore use separate conveyance paths in this configuration.
- the tractors are also disposed to separate locations. Contact between the recording media conveyed by the different tractors can therefore be avoided.
- the recording media cannot be fed to the recording head from different directions. Due to the design limitations of the recording device, disposing the plural tractors to greatly different positions may also not be possible. Recording devices therefore typically do not have plural tractors because of the possibility of collisions between the recording media.
- a recording device enables disposing plural recording media conveyance tractors in close proximity to each other.
- One aspect of the invention is a tractor that conveys a recording medium, and has: a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side; a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear; and a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit.
- This aspect of the invention guides the recording medium conveyed by the tractor with the frame. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by plural tractors can be avoided. A configuration having plural tractors disposed in close proximity to each other can therefore be achieved.
- the frame of the tractor has a supply-side guide that passes the recording medium.
- This aspect of the invention can restrict movement of the recording medium by passing the recording medium through a slot in the frame. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by different tractors can be avoided when plural tractors are disposed close together. A configuration having plural tractors disposed in close proximity to each other can therefore be achieved.
- the frame has a discharge-side guide that passes the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit.
- This aspect of the invention guides the recording medium conveyed by each tractor with the frame of the tractor. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by different tractors can be avoided when plural tractors are disposed close together.
- a configuration that provides the recording device with plural tractors, and enables each of the plural tractors to convey recording media in the same direction, can therefore be achieved.
- the discharge-side guide has an opening on the discharge side from which the recording medium is discharged, and an opening on the conveyance unit side, and the width of the opening on the conveyance unit side is narrower than the width of the opening on the discharge side.
- This configuration can firmly restrict movement of the recording medium conveyed by the tractor to avoid inference with recording media conveyance. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can be more reliably avoided.
- a configuration that provides the recording device with plural tractors, and enables each of the plural tractors to convey recording media in the same direction, can therefore be achieved.
- tractor unit that has a plurality of tractors, each of which conveys a recording medium, and has a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear, and a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit; and a base that removably holds the plural tractors, and has at least one transfer gear that receives and transfers drive power from a power transfer unit disposed on the recording device side to the gears of the plural tractors.
- This aspect of the invention provides plural tractors in the tractor unit, and guides the recording medium conveyed by each tractor with the frame of the tractor. As a result, contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can be avoided. A recording device having plural tractors disposed close together can therefore be achieved.
- the plural tractors are disposed in plural stages vertically, and configured so that the recording medium conveyed by the tractor located above another tractor does not contact the recording medium conveyed by the lower tractor; and the tractor unit has a selection mechanism that changes the tractor that receives drive power from the transfer gear.
- This configuration disposes plural tractors vertically, and enables changing the tractor that conveys the recording medium to a part of the recording device that receives the recording medium in the group of plural tractors. Contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can also be avoided. Recording media can therefore be conveyed consistently even when plural tractors are disposed close together.
- the selection mechanism has a moving mechanism that moves the tractors held in plural stages vertically; and the transfer gear transfers drive power to the tractor at a specific height in the group of plural tractors.
- This aspect of the invention enables easily changing the tractor that conveys the recording medium to the part of the recording device that receives the recording medium in the group of plural tractors.
- the tractor set to a specific height always conveys the recording medium to the part of the recording device that receives the recording medium.
- a special configuration is therefore not needed in the part of the recording device that receives the recording medium, and the recording media can be conveyed stably.
- each tractor lifts and conveys the recording medium from below; and the lifting position at which a tractor located above another tractor lifts the recording medium is on the side separated more from the recording device than the lifting position of the tractor located therebelow.
- This aspect of the invention more reliably avoids contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other.
- the recording media can therefore be conveyed stably.
- the frame is disposed to the tractor extending to the side away from the recording device, and guides the recording medium lifted from below so that the recording medium does not contact the recording medium conveyed by another tractor.
- This aspect of the invention can keep the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other separated. A configuration that avoids contact between the recording media can therefore be easily achieved.
- the frame of the tractor located higher in the group of plural tractors extends to a position separated farther from the recording device than the frame of the tractors located therebelow.
- This aspect of the invention can keep the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other separated. A configuration that avoids contact between the recording media can therefore be more easily achieved.
- the plural tractors are positioned along a slope to the vertical so that the distance from the recording device increases as the height of the position increases.
- This configuration can keep the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other separated even when the plural tractors disposed one above the other have the same shape.
- a configuration that avoids contact between the recording media can therefore be more easily achieved. Limitations on the shape and size of the tractors can therefore be alleviated.
- Another aspect of the invention is a recording device that has a tractor unit having a plurality of tractors that convey recording media, and a base that removably holds the plural tractors, each tractor of the tractor unit having a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear, and a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit, and the base of the tractor unit having at least one transfer gear that receives and transfers drive power from a power transfer unit disposed on the recording device side to the gears of the plural tractors.
- This aspect of the invention provides plural tractors in the tractor unit, and guides the recording medium conveyed by each tractor with the frame of the tractor. As a result, contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can be avoided. A recording device having plural tractors disposed close together can therefore be achieved.
- the plural tractors of the recording device are disposed in plural stages vertically, and configured so that the recording medium conveyed by the tractor located above another tractor does not contact the recording medium conveyed by the lower tractor; and the tractor unit has a selection mechanism that changes the tractor that receives drive power from the transfer gear.
- This configuration disposes plural tractors vertically to the recording device, and enables changing the tractor that conveys the recording medium to the recording device in the group of plural tractors. Contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can also be avoided. Recording media can therefore be conveyed consistently even when plural tractors are disposed close together.
- the invention enables avoiding contact between the recording media conveyed by plural tractors. As a result, a recording device having plural tractors disposed close to each other can be achieved.
- FIG. 1 is an oblique view showing the general configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the printer when the tractor unit is not installed.
- FIG. 3 is a section view showing main parts of the printer when the tractor unit is not installed.
- FIG. 4 is a function block diagram showing the control configuration of the printer.
- FIG. 5 is an oblique view from the back of the printer when the tractor unit is installed.
- FIG. 6 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the tractor module.
- FIG. 7 is an oblique view showing the internal configuration of the tractor unit in detail.
- FIG. 8 is a section view showing main parts of the printer when the tractor unit is installed.
- FIGS. 9A , 9 B, and 9 C describes the mechanism that moves the tractor drive gear in detail.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 11 is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 13 is a section view of the tractor module according to a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 14 is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 15 is a section view of the tractor module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 16 is an oblique view of a printer according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is an oblique view from the back of the printer when the tractor unit is installed.
- FIG. 18 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the tractor unit in detail.
- FIG. 19 is an enlarged oblique view showing the configuration of the tractor unit in detail.
- FIG. 20 is an oblique view of the tractor module.
- FIG. 21 is a section view showing the configuration of the tractor unit.
- FIG. 22 is a section view of a tractor unit according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 23 is a section view of a tractor unit according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 is an oblique view from the front of a printer 1 according to a first embodiment of a recording device according to the invention.
- This printer 1 is an inkjet printer that forms text and images by ejecting four colors of ink, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), onto the recording surface of a recording medium.
- This printer 1 uses continuous paper 2 having sprocket holes 2 a formed along both edges of the paper width as the recording medium.
- the printer 1 takes the continuous paper 2 in from the back (rear) side of the printer 1 , records (prints) on the continuous paper 2 , and discharges the continuous paper 2 after recording from a paper exit 11 formed in the front of the printer 1 .
- the printer 1 includes a printer unit 10 (recording unit) that records on the recording medium, and a tractor unit 5 that is removably installed to the back of the printer unit 10 .
- the printer unit 10 has a box-like case 12 housing the recording mechanism that records text and images.
- the paper exit 11 is open in the front of the case 12 .
- a paper guide 13 is disposed to the paper exit 11 projecting from the front of the case 12 .
- the paper guide 13 communicates with the conveyance path through which the continuous paper 2 is conveyed inside the case 12 .
- the continuous paper 2 rides over the paper guide 13 and is discharged through the paper exit 11 from the printer unit 10 .
- Two doors 14 are disposed to the front of the printer unit 10 .
- Space for holding four ink cartridges that is, an ink cartridge storing cyan (C) ink, an ink cartridge storing magenta (M) ink, an ink cartridge storing yellow (Y) ink, and an ink cartridge storing black (K) ink, is provided inside the doors 14 .
- Ink is supplied to the recording head 31 described below from the four ink cartridges held in this space.
- a power switch 15 for turning the printer 1 power on and off is also provided in the front of the printer unit 10 .
- An operating panel 16 with switches for controlling settings related to printer 1 operation, and indicators for displaying printer 1 operating states, is also provided in the front of the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 5 has a plurality of tractor modules (tractors), each of which conveys continuous paper 2 .
- the number of tractors in the tractor unit 5 is not specifically limited.
- This embodiment describes an exemplary configuration having three tractor modules (tractors) 101 , 102 , 103 (see FIG. 5 ) in the tractor unit 5 .
- the tractor unit 5 has the three tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 fixed to a box-shaped base 90 .
- the tractor unit 5 also has a lever 92 that is used to select any one of the three tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 .
- the tractor unit 5 feeds the continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 using the tractor module selected by operating the lever 92 .
- the lever 92 can be moved in the direction of arrow A inside a slot 91 formed in the base 90 .
- the tractor unit 5 is attached to the top of the rear tractor unit 17 disposed at the back of the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 5 is removably attached to the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 5 is affixed to the rear tractor unit 17 or to the case 12 of the printer unit 10 .
- the rear tractor unit 17 is disposed to the back end part of the printer unit 10 , and feeds the continuous paper 2 into the printer unit 10 .
- the printer 1 can record on continuous paper 2 even when the tractor unit 5 is not installed.
- FIG. 2 is an oblique view from the back of the printer unit 10 when the tractor unit 5 is not installed.
- FIG. 3 is a section view showing main parts of the internal configuration of the printer unit 10 .
- the conveyance path through which the continuous paper 2 is conveyed is indicated by reference numeral W in the section view in FIG. 3 .
- the rear tractor unit 17 disposed to the back end of the printer unit 10 pulls the continuous paper 2 located behind or below the printer unit 10 up in the direction of arrow B.
- the rear tractor unit 17 feeds the continuous paper 2 as it is pulled up into the paper feed entrance 18 formed in the back of the printer unit 10 , and feeds the continuous paper 2 into the printer unit 10 .
- the rear tractor unit 17 has a pair of left and right tractors 20 that engage the sprocket holes 2 a in the sides of the continuous paper 2 .
- the rear tractor unit 17 also has a tractor drive shaft 21 and a follower shaft 22 .
- the tractor drive shaft 21 and follower shaft 22 pass through the pair of tractors 20 . Note that the pair of left and right tractors 20 are symmetric left and right.
- each tractor 20 has a drive sprocket 23 that is turned by the tractor drive shaft 21 , a follower sprocket 24 disposed with the follower shaft 22 passing therethrough, an endless tractor belt 25 that is mounted on the drive sprocket 23 and follower sprocket 24 , and a case 27 that houses the drive sprocket 23 , follower sprocket 24 , and tractor belt 25 .
- a plurality of tractor pins 26 protrude at an equal interval from the tractor belt 25 . The distance between adjacent tractor pins 26 is substantially equal to the distance between the sprocket holes 2 a in the continuous paper 2 .
- a long channel (not shown in the figure) through which the tractor pins 26 protrude vertically is formed in the case 27 .
- the tractor pins 26 move inside this channel.
- a cover 28 that can open and close is also attached to the case 27 .
- the cover 28 is urged to the case 27 by a spring or other urging member (not shown in the figure).
- the cover 28 can be opened by operating a lever 29 .
- the tractor drive shaft 21 is connected through a drive gear train to a paper feed motor 59 ( FIG. 4 ) located inside the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor drive shaft 21 is rotationally driven forward by the forward rotation (rotation in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 3 ) of the paper feed motor 59 shaft.
- the tractor drive shaft 21 is rotationally driven in reverse by the reverse rotation (rotation in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 3 ) of the paper feed motor 59 shaft.
- the printer unit 10 also has a main frame including a top frame member 41 , bottom frame member 42 , rear frame member 43 , and left and right side frame members not shown. Parts of the printer unit 10 are supported by this main frame.
- a conveyance path W that communicates with the paper feed entrance 18 is formed in the printer unit 10 by top paper guides 45 , 46 , and bottom paper guide 47 .
- a paper detector 48 that detects the continuous paper 2 in the conveyance path W is disposed on the front side of the bottom paper guide 47 .
- the paper detector 48 is a sensor switch. More specifically, the paper detector 48 includes a lever-like member that can pivot on a pin 49 affixed to the main frame described above, and a detection circuit that detects when this member contacts and is pivoted by the continuous paper 2 fed from the paper feed entrance 18 . When the continuous paper 2 is not on the conveyance path W, the paper detector 48 is at the down position shown in FIG. 3 .
- the paper detector 48 pivots up in FIG. 3 on the pin 49 .
- the detection state of the paper detector 48 (whether or not continuous paper 2 is on the conveyance path W) is output to a control unit 70 ( FIG. 4 ) described below.
- the position in which the continuous paper 2 is on the conveyance path W and in contact with the paper detector 48 is detection position P 1 .
- the first conveyance unit 50 includes a drive roller 51 that is driven by the paper feed motor 59 described below ( FIG. 4 ), and a follower roller 52 that turns in contact with the drive roller 51 .
- the first conveyance unit 50 holds the continuous paper 2 between the drive roller 51 and follower roller 52 , and conveys the continuous paper 2 to the front by driving the drive roller 51 and the rotation of the follower roller 52 therewith.
- the carriage 30 is mounted on a carriage guide shaft 34 mounted between the side frame members of the printer unit 10 , and travels widthwise to the continuous paper 2 on the carriage guide shaft 34 .
- the recording head 31 has an ejection mechanism that ejects the CMYK inks from nozzles disposed facing the platen 33 .
- Ink supply lines that supply ink from the four ink cartridges stored inside the doors 14 ( FIG. 1 ) are connected to this ejection mechanism. Ink is deposited and text and images are formed on the recording surface of the continuous paper 2 by ejecting ink from the recording head 31 while moving the carriage 30 .
- a carriage drive motor 55 is disposed above the top paper guide 46 .
- a drive pulley 56 is mounted on the output shaft of the carriage drive motor 55 .
- the drive pulley 56 is located at one end of the scanning range of the carriage 30 .
- a follower pulley (not shown in the figure) is disposed at the other end of the carriage 30 scanning range.
- An endless carriage drive belt 35 is mounted on the follower pulley and the drive pulley 56 .
- the carriage 30 is fastened to the carriage drive belt 35 , and is moved bidirectionally over the platen 33 by operating the carriage drive motor 55 .
- the platen 33 is fastened to a support stand 38 that is supported pivotably to the printer unit 10 .
- the support stand 38 can pivot on a support shaft 37 , which is affixed to the left and right side frame members.
- the platen 33 moves vertically as the support stand 38 pivots. As a result, the gap between the nozzles of the recording head 31 and the continuous paper 2 can be optimally adjusted.
- a second conveyance unit 57 and a third conveyance unit 58 that convey the continuous paper 2 are disposed on the front side of the recording head 31 .
- the second conveyance unit 57 and third conveyance unit 58 each have a drive roller and a follower roller disposed in opposition above and below the conveyance path W.
- the second conveyance unit 57 and third conveyance unit 58 convey the continuous paper 2 in the direction of arrow C toward the paper exit 11 .
- FIG. 4 is a function block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 1 control system.
- the printer 1 has a control unit 70 that centrally controls other parts of the printer 1 .
- Hardware components of the control unit 70 include a CPU that runs programs, ROM that nonvolatilely stores software such as the control program run by the CPU, and RAM that temporarily stores process data and programs run by the CPU.
- the control unit 70 controls and maintains parts of the printer 1 in an operable state, and controls printing according to control data sent from a host computer 8 externally connected to the printer 1 .
- the control unit 70 includes a recording control unit 71 that controls the operation whereby the printer 1 records text and images on the continuous paper 2 .
- the control unit 70 also has a tractor drive control unit 72 that controls operation of the rear tractor unit 17 and/or the tractor unit 5 when the tractor unit 5 is installed to the printer unit 10 .
- the paper detector 48 , a rotary encoder 74 , head driver 75 , motor driver 76 , motor driver 77 , and the switches and indicators of the operating panel 16 are connected to the control unit 70 .
- the head driver 75 drives the recording head 31 and ejects ink as controlled by the control unit 70 .
- the motor driver 76 drives the paper feed motor 59 forward or reverse as controlled by the control unit 70 .
- the motor driver 77 drives the carriage drive motor 55 forward or reverse as controlled by the control unit 70 .
- An interface 78 connected to the host computer 8 is also connected to the control unit 70 .
- the control unit 70 receives control data and recording data sent by the host computer 8 through the interface 78 .
- the rotary encoder 74 detects the amount of rotation of at least one gear in the drive gear train that conveys drive power from the paper feed motor 59 .
- the rotary encoder 74 detects the amount of rotation of the tractor drive gear 96 that transfers drive power to the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 of the tractor unit 5 , or detects the amount of rotation of the transfer gear 97 ( FIG. 8 ) that transfer drive power from the paper feed motor 59 to the tractor drive gear 96 .
- a rotary encoder 74 ( FIG. 4 ) that detects the rotation of the drive sprocket 23 is attached to the drive sprocket 23 .
- the rotation of the drive sprocket 23 detected by the rotary encoder 74 is output to the control unit 70 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the control unit 70 controls ink ejection from the recording head 31 by controlling the head driver 75 .
- the control unit 70 operates the paper feed motor 59 by controlling the motor driver 76 .
- the drive roller 51 of the first conveyance unit 50 , and the drive rollers of the second conveyance unit 57 and third conveyance unit 58 are connected through a drive gear train (not shown in the figure) to the output shaft of the paper feed motor 59 . These drive rollers are driven as controlled by the control unit 70 to convey the continuous paper 2 .
- the tractor drive shaft 21 is also connected directly or through the transfer gear 97 or other gear to the drive gear train of the paper feed motor 59 .
- the rear tractor unit 17 operates in conjunction with the first conveyance unit 50 , second conveyance unit 57 , and third conveyance unit 58 to convey the continuous paper 2 by the drive power from the paper feed motor 59 .
- the control unit 70 also controls the motor driver 77 to drive the carriage drive motor 55 and move the carriage 30 bidirectionally over the platen 33 .
- the control unit 70 also detects operation of switches on the operating panel 16 .
- the control unit 70 also controls operation of the indicators on the operating panel 16 according to the operating state of the printer 1 .
- the control unit 70 controls the printer 1 by functions of the recording control unit 71 .
- the recording control unit 71 acquires the output value of the paper detector 48 , and determines if continuous paper 2 is in the conveyance path W. If the continuous paper 2 is in the conveyance path W, the recording control unit 71 drives the paper feed motor 59 and conveys the continuous paper 2 to the recording position of the recording head 31 . The recording control unit 71 then drives the carriage drive motor 55 to move the carriage 30 bidirectionally while operating the recording head 31 to record on the continuous paper 2 .
- the recording control unit 71 also operates the paper feed motor 59 to appropriately advance and discharge the paper.
- the tractor drive control unit 72 controls the operation that selects the tractor module to use from among the plural tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 in the tractor unit 5 , and the operation that switches to a different tractor after a tractor is selected.
- the tractor drive control unit 72 drives the tractor module and conveys the continuous paper 2 by controlling operation of the paper feed motor 59 .
- FIG. 5 is an oblique view from the back of the printer 1 when the tractor unit 5 is installed.
- FIG. 6 is an oblique view of main parts in the configuration of the tractor module 101 . While described in further detail below, the size of the frame 111 , 112 , 113 of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 may differ. Other than the size of the frame 111 , 112 , 113 , the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 are otherwise identical, and FIG. 6 shows the configuration of tractor module 101 as an example.
- the tractor unit 5 has three tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 that are stacked one above the other when used.
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 are disposed to a generally box-like base 90 with the part facing the paper feed entrance 18 of the printer unit 10 U-shaped.
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 may be fastened to the base 90 , but in this embodiment are removably installed to the base 90 .
- Three slots sized to accommodate the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 are formed inside the U-shaped part of the base 90 .
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 are installed to the base 90 by sliding them into these slots in the direction of arrows L, M, N in FIG. 5 .
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 are simply slid and pulled out in the opposite direction as arrows L, M, N.
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 respectively have a frame 111 , 112 , 113 .
- Each tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 has a pair of left and right tractors 120 , 130 (conveyance units) that convey the continuous paper 2 on the inside of the frame 111 , 112 , 113 .
- the frame 111 is an angular frame enclosing the sides and back of the tractor module 101 .
- the frame 111 is open on the front side of the tractor module 101 .
- Frames 112 and 113 likewise enclose the sides and back of the respective tractor module 102 , 103 .
- the pair of tractors 120 , 130 are disposed at the front of the frame 111 .
- Tractor 120 and tractor 130 are symmetrical left and right.
- the tractor module 101 has a tractor drive shaft 115 and follower shaft 116 that pass through the tractors 120 , 130 .
- Frames 112 and 113 likewise have a pair of tractors 120 , 130 at the front, and a tractor drive shaft 115 and follower shaft 116 that pass through the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the tractor 120 has a case 121 .
- a drive sprocket (not shown in the figure) that is driven by rotation of the tractor drive shaft 115 , a follower sprocket (not shown in the figure) disposed with the follower shaft 116 passing therethrough, and an endless tractor belt 123 mounted on the drive sprocket and follower sprocket are housed inside the case 121 .
- a plurality of tractor pins (not shown in the figure) that engage the sprocket holes 2 a protrude at an equal interval from the tractor belt 123 .
- a cover 125 that can open and close on a hinge is attached to the top of the case 121 .
- the continuous paper 2 is held between the cover 125 and case 121 , and conveyed by the pins.
- the cover 125 is urged to the case 121 by a spring or other urging member (not shown in the figure).
- the cover 125 can be opened by operating a lever 126 disposed to the case 121 .
- the tractor 130 is left and right symmetrical to the tractor 120 .
- the tractor 130 has a case 131 .
- a drive sprocket (not shown in the figure) that is driven by rotation of the tractor drive shaft 115 , a follower sprocket (not shown in the figure) disposed with the follower shaft 116 passing therethrough, and an endless tractor belt 133 mounted on the drive sprocket and follower sprocket are housed inside the case 131 .
- a plurality of tractor pins (not shown in the figure) that engage the sprocket holes 2 a protrude at an equal interval from the tractor belt 133 .
- a cover 135 that can open and close on a hinge is attached to the top of the case 131 .
- the continuous paper 2 is held between the cover 135 and case 131 , and conveyed by the pins.
- the cover 135 is urged to the case 131 by a spring or other urging member (not shown in the figure).
- the cover 135 can be opened by operating a lever 136 disposed to the case 131 .
- a gear 117 is attached to the tractor drive shaft 115 .
- torque is applied to the gear 117 and the tractor drive shaft 115 turns when the drive power of the paper feed motor 59 is transferred from the printer unit 10 side to the gear 117 .
- the drive sprocket fixed to the tractor drive shaft 115 turns, and the tractors 120 , 130 convey the continuous paper 2 .
- the tractors 120 , 130 can convey the continuous paper 2 toward the printer unit 10 , or in the opposite direction as the conveyance direction toward the printer unit 10 , by changing the direction that the paper feed motor 59 turns.
- the plural tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 of the tractor unit 5 operate exclusively of each other. When one of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 is selected by the user, only the one tractor module that was selected conveys continuous paper 2 . The other tractor modules do not operate while the one selected tractor module is conveying the continuous paper 2 .
- FIG. 7 is an oblique view showing the internal configuration of the tractor unit 5 in detail.
- FIG. 8 is a section view showing the configuration of the printer 1 when the tractor unit 5 is installed.
- the position from which the continuous paper 2 is discharged from the tractors 120 , 130 of tractor module 101 is discharge position P 11 .
- the position to which the continuous paper 2 is fed from the tractors 120 , 130 of tractor module 102 is discharge position P 12 .
- the position to which the continuous paper 2 is fed from the tractors 120 , 130 of tractor module 103 is discharge position P 13 .
- a divider 94 that separates the tractor unit 5 and the rear tractor unit 17 is located below the tractor unit 5 .
- the divider 94 is a substantially L-shaped sheet member having a horizontal portion that covers the top of the tractor 20 of the rear tractor unit 17 connected to a vertical portion that covers the back of the rear tractor unit 17 .
- the divider 94 extends substantially horizontally above the tractor 20 along the conveyance path of the continuous paper 2 .
- the distal end (one end) of the divider 94 extends almost to the paper feed entrance 18 or to the inside of the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the other end side of the divider 94 extends substantially vertically along the back of the rear tractor unit 17 , and the bottom end (other end) of the divider 94 extends below the bottom end of the rear tractor unit 17 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the bottom end of the divider 94 could also bend toward the printer unit 10 with the bottom end extending to the bottom of the printer unit 10 .
- the divider 94 prevents the continuous paper 2 from contacting the tractor 20 of the rear tractor unit 17 when the tractor unit 5 conveys the continuous paper 2 .
- the divider 94 is also part of the continuous paper 2 conveyance path as described below.
- the tractor unit 5 has two guide plates 201 , 202 that extend from the discharge position P 11 toward the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the guide plates 201 , 202 are parallel to each other.
- the distal ends of the guide plates 201 , 202 extend proximally to the paper feed entrance 18 or to the inside of the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the guide plates 201 , 202 slope down from the discharge position P 11 toward the paper feed entrance 18 .
- Continuous paper 2 fed from tractors 120 , 130 enters the space 203 between guide plate 201 and guide plate 202 , and is guided through this space 203 to the paper feed entrance 18 .
- this space 203 is part of the continuous paper 2 conveyance path. Because the distal ends of the guide plates 201 , 202 extend at a downward angle toward the paper feed entrance 18 , the continuous paper 2 fed through the space 203 enters the printer unit 10 at a downward angle. The distal end of guide plate 202 is positioned above the divider 94 . More specifically, the continuous paper 2 rides onto the divider 94 before the paper feed entrance 18 , and then travels from the distal end of the divider 94 into the paper feed entrance 18 . As a result, the tractor module 101 positioned above the tractor 20 enables the conveyed continuous paper 2 to be fed smoothly into the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 5 has also two guide plates 204 , 205 that extend from the discharge position P 12 toward the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the guide plates 204 , 205 are parallel to each other.
- the distal ends of the guide plates 204 , 205 are opposite the divider 94 at a position upstream from the paper feed entrance 18 .
- a space 206 that becomes the path through which the continuous paper 2 is conveyed is formed between guide plate 204 and guide plate 205 .
- Another guide plate 207 connects the distal end of the one guide plate 204 and the distal end of the guide plate 202 located thereabove.
- This guide plate 207 is disposed above and substantially parallel to the divider 94 .
- the space between the guide plate 207 and the divider 94 communicates with space 206 , and forms part of the continuous paper 2 conveyance path.
- the continuous paper 2 fed from the discharge position P 12 is conveyed between the guide plates 204 , 205 and down, and then contacts and is conveyed substantially parallel to the divider 94 .
- the conveyance path below the guide plate 207 merges with space 203 .
- This merging position is referred to as position P 3 .
- the continuous paper 2 conveyed between the guide plate 207 and divider 94 enters the paper feed entrance 18 through the same path as the continuous paper 2 conveyed by tractor module 101 .
- the tractor unit 5 has another guide plate 208 extending from discharge position P 13 toward the paper feed entrance 18 .
- This guide plate 208 is parallel to the divider 94 .
- the space between the guide plate 208 and divider 94 forms a path for conveying the continuous paper 2 fed from the discharge position P 13 .
- the continuous paper 2 conveyed through the path between the guide plate 208 and divider 94 is guided over the top of the divider 94 to the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the distal end of guide plate 208 connects to the distal end of guide plate 205 .
- the space between the guide plate 208 and divider 94 communicates with the space between guide plate 204 and guide plate 205 .
- the conveyance path of the continuous paper 2 connected to the discharge position P 13 merges into the conveyance path communicating with the discharge position P 12 .
- This merging position is position P 2 .
- the tractor unit 5 has conveyance paths that guide continuous paper 2 conveyed from each of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 to the paper feed entrance 18 , and these paths merge at positions P 2 and P 3 .
- the continuous paper 2 ultimately passes through the same path from the paper feed entrance 18 into the printer unit 10 .
- the continuous paper 2 therefore enters the nipping part of the first conveyance unit 50 at substantially the same angle regardless of which tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 conveys the continuous paper 2 .
- the load on the first conveyance unit 50 is therefore kept substantially constant.
- the tractor unit 5 is also configured so that the conveyance distance from each of the discharge positions P 11 , P 12 , P 13 to the position P 3 where all of the conveyance paths converge is the same. This can be achieved by adjusting the size and angle of the guide plates 201 , 202 , 204 , 205 , 207 , 208 , and the positions of the tractors 120 , 130 in each of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 .
- the conveyance distance is the same from position P 3 to each of the discharge positions P 11 , P 12 , P 13 . More specifically, the distance is also the same from each of the discharge positions P 11 , P 12 , P 13 to the detection position P 1 .
- the conveyance distance until the continuous paper 2 is detected by the paper detector 48 after the continuous paper 2 is fed from the tractors 120 , 130 is therefore constant regardless of which tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 is used.
- the distance that the continuous paper 2 inside the printer unit 10 is conveyed by each of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 to the outside of the printer unit 10 is also the same regardless of which tractor module is used.
- the tractor drive control unit 72 ( FIG. 4 ) that controls the printer 1 can start conveying the continuous paper 2 toward the printer unit 10 , and can recover the continuous paper 2 from the printer unit 10 , without knowing which of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 is used.
- the continuous paper 2 ultimately passes through the same conveyance path to reach the first conveyance unit 50 . More specifically, the contact angle of the continuous paper 2 to the drive roller 51 is constant. As a result, regardless of which tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 is used, the load on the drive roller 51 during media conveyance is constant. The continuous paper 2 can therefore be conveyed consistently.
- the continuous paper 2 conveyance path when the tractor unit 5 is used, and the conveyance path when the tractor 20 of the rear tractor unit 17 is used merge into a common path at the paper feed entrance 18 or before. As a result, the load on the drive roller 51 is constant regardless of whether the tractor unit 5 or the tractor 20 of the rear tractor unit 17 is used. The continuous paper 2 can therefore be conveyed consistently regardless of which tractor is used.
- the printer unit 10 has a transfer gear 97 that connects directly or through a drive gear train (not shown in the figure) to the output shaft of the paper feed motor 59 ( FIG. 4 ).
- a tractor drive gear 96 meshes with the transfer gear 97 .
- the tractor drive gear 96 can move along an arc while meshed with the transfer gear 97 .
- Driven gear 151 , driven gear 152 , and driven gear 153 are also disposed to the base 90 of the tractor unit 5 .
- Driven gear 151 meshes with gear 117 of tractor module 101 .
- Driven gear 152 meshes with gear 117 of tractor module 102 .
- Driven gear 153 meshes with gear 117 of tractor module 103 .
- the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 are attached freely rotationally to the base 90 at positions where they do not contact each other.
- the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 mesh directly with the gear 117 of the corresponding tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 . While not shown in the figures, the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 could also be configured to transfer drive power to the gear 117 through one or a plurality of gears.
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 can be removably installed to the base 90 .
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 are installed to the base 90 by inserting them in the direction of arrows L, M, N in FIG. 5 .
- the gear 117 of each tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 protrudes from the distal end of the corresponding frame 111 , 112 , 113 .
- the gear 117 protruding in front of the tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 contacts and meshes with the corresponding driven gear 151 , 152 , 153 on the base 90 side.
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 can be driven by holding the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 in this position so that they do not slip out of the base 90 .
- the tractor drive gear 96 can then be selectively meshed with one of the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 by moving the tractor drive gear 96 .
- FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C describe in detail the configuration for moving the tractor drive gear 96 .
- FIG. 9A is an oblique view of essential parts showing movement of the tractor drive gear 96 .
- FIG. 9B is a side section view showing movement of the tractor drive gear 96 .
- FIG. 9C is an oblique view showing movement of the tractor drive gear 96 from the opposite side shown in FIG. 9A .
- a selection wheel 93 is disposed rotatably to the base 90 .
- the selection wheel 93 moves in unison with the lever 92 that protrudes from the top of the base 90 .
- the axis of rotation 93 a of the selection wheel 93 is shown in FIG. 9C .
- the position of the axis of rotation 93 a matches the center of the round selection wheel 93 .
- Any suitable configuration can be used to support the selection wheel 93 rotatably on the base 90 .
- the selection wheel 93 is disposed to the end of one side of the base 90 so that the selection wheel 93 is at the side of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 .
- the selection wheel 93 is connected by a connecting rod 95 to the tractor drive gear 96 disposed on the other side of the base 90 .
- the tractor drive gear 96 is disposed so that it can move along an arc-shaped path relative to the base 90 as described above.
- the connecting rod 95 is affixed at the center of the round tractor drive gear 96 .
- the other end of the connecting rod 95 is affixed to the selection wheel 93 at an eccentric position offset from the axis of rotation 93 a of the selection wheel 93 .
- the selection wheel 93 turns when the lever 92 is operated and moves to positions 92 A and 92 B.
- the connecting rod 95 moves in a twisting action to positions 95 A and 95 B in conjunction with rotation of the selection wheel 93 .
- This movement of the connecting rod 95 is transferred to the tractor drive gear 96 , and the tractor drive gear 96 moves in an arc to positions 96 A and 96 B as indicated by the dotted lines in the figures.
- the tractor drive gear 96 meshes with driven gear 151 when in the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9A . In this position, drive power from the paper feed motor 59 ( FIG. 4 ) is transferred to the tractor drive shaft 115 of tractor module 101 .
- the tractor drive gear 96 meshes with driven gear 152 .
- drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is transferred to the tractor drive shaft 115 of tractor module 102 .
- the tractor drive gear 96 meshes with driven gear 153 .
- drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is transferred to the tractor drive shaft 115 of tractor module 103 .
- the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 are also positioned so that plural driven gears do not mesh with the tractor drive gear 96 at the same time. As a result, only one of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 is selected and driven at any time.
- Drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is thus transferred by this configuration through a common drive gear train including the tractor drive gear 96 to one of the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 .
- a constant amount of drive power is transferred to whichever driven gear 151 , 152 , 153 is selected.
- the tractor unit 5 can therefore convey the continuous paper 2 stably using a simple configuration.
- the driven gear 151 , 152 , 153 that is driven can be easily changed by the simple operation of moving the lever 92 to rotate the selection wheel 93 .
- the driven gear can be changed even more easily by providing a mechanism that holds the selection wheel 93 at the position to which it is rotated at each position where the transfer gear 97 meshes with one of the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 .
- the tractor drive control unit 72 executes an operation that changes the continuous paper 2 to be conveyed.
- This operation of changing the continuous paper 2 may be performed automatically by detecting the pressure applied to the lever 92 .
- the operation of changing the continuous paper 2 may also be initiated by operating a switch on the operating panel 16 or in response to a command sent from the host computer 8 to the printer 1 .
- the tractor drive control unit 72 first drives the paper feed motor 59 in reverse to recover the continuous paper 2 inside the printer unit 10 with the tractors 120 , 130 .
- Drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is transferred through the tractor drive gear 96 to the tractor module being used at this time even without the tractor drive control unit 72 knowing which tractor module is being used.
- the tractor drive control unit 72 can thus recover the continuous paper 2 from inside the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor drive control unit 72 starts monitoring the output value of the paper detector 48 .
- the tractor drive control unit 72 starts counting the amount of continuous paper 2 that is recovered from that time.
- the tractor drive control unit 72 counts while continuing the continuous paper 2 recovery operation.
- the tractor drive control unit 72 stops the paper feed motor 59 .
- This specific amount (count) is equal to the distance the continuous paper 2 is conveyed from the detection position P 1 of the paper detector 48 to the discharge positions P 11 , P 12 , P 13 . Because this amount is equal to the distance from the detection position P 1 to the discharge positions P 11 , P 12 , P 13 , the continuous paper 2 is recovered a constant amount regardless of which tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 is used.
- the back end of the frame 111 located at the highest position above the tractor unit 5 protrudes further to the back than frame 112 .
- the back end of frame 112 also protrudes further to the back than frame 113 .
- a guide hole (paper feed guide) 111 a, 112 a, 113 a through which the continuous paper 2 passes is formed in each of the frames 111 , 112 , 113 .
- These guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a are slots that are longer than the width of the widest paper that can be loaded in the tractors 120 , 130 , and extend widthwise to the continuous paper 2 .
- Different widths of continuous paper 2 can be used in the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 .
- the guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a are preferably longer than the width of continuous paper 2 that can be used in that particular tractor module.
- the guide hole 111 a formed in tractor module 101 is longer than the width of the continuous paper 2 that can be used in tractor module 101 . This also applies to guide holes 112 a and 113 a.
- the continuous paper 2 (indicated by dotted lines) that can be supplied from below the bottom of the back of the printer 1 passes through the guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a.
- the continuous paper 2 passing through the guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a is set from above into the corresponding tractors 120 , 130 , and supplied to the paper feed entrance 18 .
- Each of the guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a is at a different horizontal distance from the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the continuous paper 2 b passing through guide hole 111 a, the continuous paper 2 c passing through guide hole 112 a, and the continuous paper 2 d passing through guide hole 113 a do not touch each other. There is, therefore, no chance of conveyance problems caused by friction between the different continuous paper 2 in the tractor unit 5 even when continuous paper 2 is loaded in each of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 .
- the tractor unit 5 can therefore convey the continuous paper 2 reliably and consistently.
- guide hole 112 a is positioned further to the back than the back end of frame 113 .
- Guide hole 111 a is also positioned further to the back than the back ends of frame 112 and frame 113 .
- the likelihood of the continuous paper 2 b passing through guide hole 111 a contacting frame 112 is low, and the likelihood of the continuous paper 2 c passing through guide hole 112 a contacting frame 113 is low.
- the tractor unit 5 can therefore convey the continuous paper 2 more consistently.
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 that feed continuous paper 2 in a printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention each have a gear 117 that is driven by drive power from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side, tractors 120 , 130 that convey the continuous paper 2 in a specific direction according to rotation of the gear 117 , and a frame 111 , 112 , 113 that guides the continuous paper 2 supplied from an external source to the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 guide the conveyed continuous paper 2 with the respective frame 111 , 112 , 113 .
- Plural tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 can also be disposed in close proximity to each other in a single printer 1 .
- a guide hole 111 a, 112 a, 113 a through which the continuous paper 2 passes is also formed in the frame 111 , 112 , 113 . Movement of the continuous paper 2 is limited by passing through the guide hole 111 a, 112 a, 113 a. Contact between the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each tractor module 101 , 102 , 103 can therefore be avoided even when the plural tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 are disposed close to each other.
- a printer 1 having plural tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 disposed close to each other can therefore be provided.
- FIG. 10A is an oblique view from the front
- FIG. 10B is an oblique view from the back, of a tractor module 301 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Note that like parts in this second embodiment and the first embodiment described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified.
- this tractor module 301 (tractor) has tractors 120 , 130 .
- the tractor module 301 conveys continuous paper 2 toward the paper feed entrance 18 by means of the tractors 120 , 130 .
- This tractor module 301 has a rectangular frame 311 .
- This rectangular frame 311 has a front crosspiece 311 d located in front of the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the frame 311 is fit into a channel (not shown in the figure) in the base 90 and thereby removably supported on the base 90 similarly to the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 described above.
- the continuous paper 2 fed by the tractors 120 , 130 passes over the front crosspiece 311 d and is fed into the paper feed entrance 18 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10 .
- the tractor module 301 has a gear 118 .
- Drive power is transferred to the gear 118 from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side.
- the gear 118 is exposed below the bottom of the frame 311 .
- the tractor drive shaft 115 passes through the center of the gear 118 .
- the gear 118 is turned by drive power transferred from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side, the tractor drive shaft 115 turns and the tractors 120 , 130 are driven.
- a gear (not shown in the figure) meshes with the gear 118 from below the tractor module 301 .
- drive power from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side can be transferred to the gear 118 .
- one of the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 on the base 90 is therefore positioned to the gear 118 .
- Any one of the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 can be meshed with the gear 118 to transfer drive power from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side.
- one of the driven gears 151 , 152 , 153 is positioned to each of the three tractor modules 301 .
- the tractors 120 , 130 of this tractor module 301 are enclosed on the front and back, left and right sides by the frame 311 . This makes handling easier by simply holding the frame 311 . This tractor module 301 can therefore be easily removed from the base 90 or installed to the base 90 while the continuous paper 2 remains loaded in the tractor module 301 .
- a guide hole 311 a (feed-side guide) is also formed in the cross member forming the back end of the frame 311 .
- the continuous paper 2 that is pulled up by the tractors 120 , 130 from below is inserted to this guide hole 311 a.
- the guide hole 311 a is longer than the width of the continuous paper 2 that can be loaded in the tractors 120 , 130 , and extends widthwise to the continuous paper 2 .
- the continuous paper 2 is supplied through this guide hole 311 a to the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the orientation of the continuous paper 2 is thereby restricted at the back side of the tractor module 301 .
- the continuous paper 2 is thus prevented from skewing or bulging up greatly above or to the back.
- tractor modules 301 When plural tractor modules 301 are stacked one above the other instead of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 shown in FIG. 8 , contact between the continuous paper 2 pulled up by each of the tractor modules 301 is prevented. A printer 1 using this tractor module 301 can therefore convey the continuous paper 2 consistently.
- the corner 311 b at the top rear part of the frame 311 is also rounded or beveled.
- the continuous paper 2 can be prevented from snagging the back end of the frame 311 in the event continuous paper 2 conveyed by a separate higher tractor module 301 contacts the back edge of the frame 311 of a lower tractor module 301 .
- the tractor unit 5 can therefore convey the continuous paper 2 more consistently when a plurality of tractor modules 301 are stacked in layers.
- FIG. 11 is an oblique view from the front of a tractor module 303 according to a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is an oblique view of the tractor module 303 from the back.
- FIG. 13 shows the tractor module 303 in section. Note that like parts in this embodiment and the first and second embodiments described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified.
- this tractor module 303 (tractor) has a rectangular frame 313 that encloses the front and back, and left and right sides of the tractors 120 , 130 .
- a guide hole 313 a (feed-side guide) identical to the above guide hole 311 a is formed in the back part of the frame 313 .
- the continuous paper 2 is supplied through this guide hole 313 a to the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the corner 313 b of the back top part of the frame 313 is also rounded or bevelled.
- the frame 313 also has a front crossbar 313 e in front of the tractors 120 , 130 .
- a slot 313 f discharge guide is formed in this front crossbar 313 e.
- This slot 313 f is a hole that extends along the length of the front crossbar 313 e, that is, across the width of the continuous paper 2 .
- the continuous paper 2 fed by the tractors 120 , 130 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in the figure through the slot 313 f.
- the frame 313 is fit into a channel (not shown in the figure) in the base 90 (FIG. 5 ), and is thus removably supported by the base 90 .
- the tractor module 303 also has a gear 118 to which drive power from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side is transferred.
- the gear 118 is rotated by the drive power from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side.
- the gear 118 turns, the tractor drive shaft 115 turns and the tractors 120 , 130 are driven.
- the slot 313 f is formed through the front crossbar 313 e.
- the width (height) of the opening 313 g on the tractor 120 , 130 side of the slot 313 f is greater than the width (height) of the opening 313 h on the side from which the continuous paper 2 is discharged.
- the leading end of the continuous paper 2 fed from the tractors 120 , 130 is fed smoothly through the slot 313 f without any particular adjustment needed.
- the width of the opening 313 h is narrow, the continuous paper 2 is also fed to the paper feed entrance 18 without bouncing up and down inside the slot 313 f.
- the slot 313 f can thus limit movement of the continuous paper 2 to prevent interference with continuous paper 2 conveyance.
- the tractors 120 , 130 can therefore convey the continuous paper 2 consistently to the paper feed entrance 18 .
- plural tractor modules 303 are installed to the base 90 , collision between continuous paper 2 conveyed by different tractor modules 303 can be avoided, and the continuous paper 2 can be stably supplied to the printer unit 10 .
- FIG. 14 is an oblique view of a tractor module 305 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 15 is a section view of the tractor module 305 . Note that like parts in this embodiment and the first to third embodiments described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified.
- the tractor module 305 (tractor) shown in FIG. 14 has a rectangular frame 315 that encloses the front and back, and left and right sides of the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the frame 315 has a front crossbar 315 e in front of the tractors 120 , 130 .
- a slot 315 f (discharge guide) is formed in this front crossbar 315 e.
- This slot 315 f is a hole that extends along the length of the front crossbar 315 e, that is, across the width of the continuous paper 2 .
- the continuous paper 2 fed by the tractors 120 , 130 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in the figure through the slot 315 f.
- the frame 315 is fit into a channel (not shown in the figure) in the base 90 ( FIG. 5 ), and is thus removably supported by the base 90 .
- the tractor module 305 also has a gear 118 . Drive power from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side is transferred to the gear 118 . When the gear 118 is rotated and turned by drive power from the paper feed motor 59 on the printer unit 10 side, the tractor drive shaft 115 turns and the tractors 120 , 130 are driven.
- the slot 315 f is formed through the front crossbar 315 e.
- the width (height) of the opening 315 g on the tractor 120 , 130 side of the slot 315 f is greater than the width (height) of the opening 315 h on the side from which the continuous paper 2 is discharged.
- the leading end of the continuous paper 2 fed from the tractors 120 , 130 is fed smoothly through the slot 315 f without any particular adjustment needed. Because the width of the opening 315 h on the discharge side of the slot 315 f is narrow, the continuous paper 2 is fed to the paper feed entrance 18 without bouncing up and down inside the slot 315 f.
- a guide hole 315 a (paper feed guide) identical to guide hole 311 a, and a guide hole 315 d that is a wider slot than guide hole 315 a, are also formed in the back part of the cover frame 315 .
- These guide holes 315 a and 315 d are parallel to each other with guide hole 315 a on the tractor 120 , 130 side.
- the continuous paper 2 that is pulled up by the tractors 120 , 130 is inserted to guide hole 315 a.
- the other guide hole 315 d is located behind guide hole 315 a.
- This guide hole 315 d is a slot for passing continuous paper 2 that is conveyed by a tractor module located above the tractor module 305 that has guide hole 315 d.
- the corner 315 b of the back top part of the frame 315 is also rounded or bevelled. Resistance can therefore be reduced when continuous paper 2 is supplied to the tractor module located above this tractor module 305 and contacts the frame 315 , and the continuous paper 2 can therefore be supplied consistently. Because the tractor module 305 thus has a guide hole 315 a through which the continuous paper 2 conveyed by that tractor module 305 passes, a guide hole 315 d through which the continuous paper 2 conveyed by the tractor module located above that tractor module 305 passes, and a rounded or beveled corner 315 b at the top back end of the frame 315 , the tractor unit 5 can consistently supply continuous paper 2 when plural tractor modules are installed thereto one above the other.
- FIG. 16 is an oblique view from the front of a printer 100 described as an example of a recording device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is an oblique view of the printer 100 from the back (rear).
- the outside case 701 is indicated by an imaginary line in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 18 is an oblique view of the printer 100 with the outside case 701 removed. Note that like parts in this embodiment and the first embodiment described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified.
- a paper feed entrance 18 is open in the back of the printer unit 10 .
- the printer 100 records with a recording head 31 described below on the continuous paper 2 conveyed from the paper feed entrance 18 .
- a rear tractor unit 17 is disposed to the printer unit 10 .
- the rear tractor unit 17 conveys continuous paper 2 supplied from below the printer unit 10 at the back to the paper feed entrance 18 .
- This rear tractor unit 17 and a separate tractor unit 7 are used exclusively of each other. More specifically, the rear tractor unit 17 is used when the tractor unit 7 is not installed to the printer unit 10 . The rear tractor unit 17 is not used when the tractor unit 7 is installed to the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 7 has an outside case 701 that covers the back of the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 7 has a elevator unit 710 , and a lift mechanism 700 that raises and lowers the lift unit 710 , disposed inside the outside case 701 .
- the lift unit 710 has a pair of left and right frames 715 , 717 that support tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 .
- the lift unit 710 has a left-right symmetrical configuration with frame 715 , 717 panels on the left and right sides, a rack 721 affixed to the one frame 715 , and another rack 723 affixed to the other frame 717 .
- the three tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 (tractors) are disposed to the lift unit 710 in a vertical stack between the frames 715 , 717 .
- the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 are removably installed to the frames 715 , 717 .
- the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 are held stationary by being fit into channels formed in the frames 715 , 717 , for example.
- the lift unit 710 also has a divider 712 that covers the top and back of the rear tractor unit 17 .
- the lift mechanism 700 has a pair of left and right stationary panels 711 , 713 that are affixed to the outside case 701 and printer unit 10 , a connecting rod 705 spanning between the stationary panels 711 , 713 , and pinion gears 704 , 706 attached to the ends of the connecting rod 705 .
- a lever 703 is attached to pinion gear 704 .
- the stationary panels 711 , 713 are flat members disposed to opposite sides of the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the connecting rod 705 passes through the stationary panels 711 , 713 , and is supported freely rotatably on the stationary panels 711 , 713 .
- the lever 703 is moved in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 16
- the pinion gear 704 moves and rotates in conjunction with the lever 703 .
- Rotation of the pinion gear 704 is transferred through the connecting rod 705 to the other pinion gear 706 .
- the pinion gears 704 , 706 rotate together.
- FIG. 19 is an enlarged oblique view showing the configuration of the tractor unit 7 , and more particularly an enlarged view of the pinion gear 704 and adjacent area.
- Teeth 704 a are formed on the outside surface of the pinion gear 704 .
- the teeth 704 a mesh with the teeth 721 a formed on the surface of the rack 721 .
- the frames 715 , 717 of the lift unit 710 are attached to the stationary panels 711 , 713 of the lift mechanism 700 so that they can move up and down.
- the lever 703 is operated in the direction of arrow A in the figure and the pinion gear 704 turns, drive power is therefore transferred from the pinion gear 704 to the rack 721 .
- the lift unit 710 moves vertically in the direction of arrow B together with the rack 721 .
- teeth 706 a are formed on the outside surface of the pinion gear 706 linked to pinion gear 704 .
- Teeth 723 a ( FIG. 21 ) are formed on the surface of the rack 723 opposite the pinion gear 706 similarly to rack 721 .
- the teeth 706 a of the pinion gear 706 mesh with the teeth 723 a of the rack 723 .
- the lift mechanism 700 and racks 721 , 723 thus together render a moving mechanism.
- FIG. 20 is an oblique view of the tractor module 401 .
- the tractor module 401 has a rectangular frame 141 (protruding part), and a pair of left and right tractors 120 , 130 that convey the continuous paper 2 inside the frame 141 .
- the frame 141 is a rectangular member that encloses the sides and back of the tractor module 401 , and is open at the front of the tractor module 401 .
- tractor modules 402 and 403 also have a pair of tractors 120 , 130 inside a rectangular frame 142 , 143 (protruding part), respectively.
- the frames 142 , 143 enclose the sides and back of the tractor module 402 , 403 .
- the pair of tractors 120 , 130 are disposed at the front end of the frame 141 .
- frames 142 , 143 also have the pair of tractors 120 , 130 disposed to the front end.
- Tractor 120 and tractor 130 are symmetrical left and right.
- Tractor module 401 has a tractor drive shaft 115 and follower shaft 116 that pass through the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the tractor module 401 lifts and conveys the continuous paper 2 from a stack stored below the tractor module 401 toward the paper feed entrance 18 of the printer unit 10 as indicated by arrow G in the figure.
- the continuous paper 2 then rides onto the back of the frame 141 and is held by the tractors 120 , 130 .
- the corner 141 a of the top back end of the frame 141 contacts the continuous paper 2 and functions as a guide that guides the continuous paper 2 .
- tractor modules 402 , 403 also lift the continuous paper 2 from below the tractor modules 402 , 403 .
- the continuous paper 2 then passes from the back end of the frame 142 , 143 over the top of the frame 142 , 143 .
- the corner 142 a, 143 a of the top back end of the frame 142 , 143 functions as a guide for the continuous paper 2 .
- a gear 119 protrudes from the front of the frame 141 .
- Tractor modules 402 , 403 are constructed identically to tractor module 401 .
- Drive power transferred to the gear 119 causes the drive sprocket and tractor drive shaft 115 to turn, and the tractors 120 , 130 convey the continuous paper 2 .
- the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 of the tractor unit 7 operate exclusively of each other. By operating the lever 703 to raise or lower the lift unit 710 , drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is transferred to the gear 119 of only one tractor module of the tractor unit 7 at a time, and the selected tractor module conveys the continuous paper 2 .
- FIG. 21 is an oblique view showing the main parts in the configuration of the tractor unit 7 . Because the internal configuration of the tractor unit 7 is shown in FIG. 21 , the outside case 701 is not shown.
- the tractor unit 7 has three tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 .
- the tractor unit 7 also has a lift unit 710 that moves up and down as indicated by arrow B, and a lift mechanism 700 that causes the lift unit 710 to move vertically.
- the lift unit 710 supports the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 in a stack by means of the two frames 715 , 717 .
- the lift mechanism 700 also has a divider 712 that covers the top and back of the tractor 20 installed to the printer unit 10 .
- This divider 712 is a panel that prevents the continuous paper 2 conveyed by the tractor unit 7 from contacting the rear tractor unit 17 .
- the divider 712 is a substantially L-shaped panel member having a horizontal panel that covers the top of the rear tractor unit 17 joined to a vertical panel that covers the back of the rear tractor unit 17 .
- the distal end of the divider 712 extends to inside the paper feed entrance 18 or just before the paper feed entrance 18 .
- a flat paper guide 727 is disposed at the top of the rear tractor unit 17 above the divider 712 and parallel to the divider 712 .
- the continuous paper 2 is conveyed through the conveyance path formed between the paper guide 727 and divider 712 .
- the distal end of the paper guide 727 also extends to inside or just before the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the lift mechanism 700 includes a transfer gear 731 and a tractor drive gear (transmission mechanism) 733 .
- the transfer gear 731 is part of a gear train that transfers drive power from the paper feed motor 59 ( FIG. 4 ) of the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor drive gear 733 connects to the transfer gear 731 through another gear. Both gears 731 , 733 are attached freely rotatably to stationary panel 713 .
- the tractor drive gear 733 is disposed near the frame 717 .
- the tractor drive gear 733 is positioned so that it can mesh with the gear 119 of each tractor module 401 , 402 , 403 .
- the lift mechanism 700 moves the lift unit 710 vertically, one of the tractor modules is set to the height of the tractor drive gear 733 .
- the lift mechanism 700 is configured so that the gear 119 of the tractor module set to the height of the tractor drive gear 733 meshes with the tractor drive gear 733 .
- the drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is then transferred by the tractor drive gear 733 to the gear 119 meshed with the tractor drive gear 733 .
- only the tractor module containing the gear 119 meshed with the tractor drive gear 733 conveys the continuous paper 2 , and the other tractor modules are stopped.
- the lift unit 710 ascends or descends so that one of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 is set to the specific height where it can convey the continuous paper 2 , the gear 119 of that tractor module meshes with the tractor drive gear 733 and is driven.
- One end of the paper guide 727 near the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 extends diagonally upward.
- the gap between the divider 712 and the end of the paper guide 727 tapers open as shown in FIG. 21 .
- This end of the paper guide 727 tapers open, forming a continuous paper 2 entrance 729 for inserting the continuous paper 2 between the paper guide 727 and divider 712 .
- the tractor unit 7 therefore enables smoothly inserting the continuous paper 2 between the paper guide 727 and divider 712 .
- the place where the tractors 120 , 130 of tractor module 401 discharge the continuous paper 2 is discharge position 401 a.
- the place where the tractors 120 , 130 of tractor module 402 discharge the continuous paper 2 is discharge position 402 a.
- the place where the tractors 120 , 130 of tractor module 403 discharge the continuous paper 2 is discharge position 403 a.
- the paper discharge position of that tractor module is opposite the entrance 729 .
- the continuous paper 2 is discharged from the corresponding discharge position 401 a, 402 a, 403 a, and conveyed into the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the tractor unit 7 can thus selectively drive one of the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 by raising or lowering the lift unit 710 .
- the tractor unit 7 can also smoothly convey the continuous paper 2 from the driven tractor module into the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is also not transferred to the tractor modules at positions separated from the specific height. For example, when tractor module 403 is at the specific height and conveys the continuous paper 2 , the other tractor modules 401 , 402 cannot contact the tractor drive gear 733 . As a result, the drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is not transferred to tractor modules 401 , 402 .
- the continuous paper 2 will therefore not be conveyed from an unintended tractor module, and the tractor unit 7 can be assured of high reliability.
- the paper feed motor 59 is reversed to recover the continuous paper 2 to the discharge position of the tractor module being driven.
- the lift unit 710 is then raised or lowered to set the other tractor module to the specific height meshed with the tractor drive gear 733 .
- the continuous paper 2 can be quickly supplied to the printer unit 10 without the continuous paper 2 colliding with the entrance 729 or missing the entrance 729 .
- the back ends of the frames 141 , 142 , 143 are at mutually different positions in the tractor unit 7 .
- the corner 143 a of the frame 143 of the tractor module 403 at the lowest position in the stack is at the shortest horizontal distance from the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the corner 141 a of the frame 141 of the tractor module 401 at the highest position in the stack is at the greatest horizontal distance from the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the horizontal distance from the corner 141 a, 142 a, 143 a of the frame 141 , 142 , 143 to the paper feed entrance 18 is thus shortest in the frame at the bottom and increases with proximity to the top.
- the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 401 passes on the outside of the continuous paper 2 lifted by the tractor module 402 therebelow. There is, therefore, no contact between the continuous paper 2 conveyed by the top tractor module 401 and the continuous paper 2 raised by the tractor module 402 therebelow.
- the continuous paper 2 raised by tractor module 402 also travels through a position where there is no contact with the continuous paper 2 conveyed by the tractor module 403 , and there is no contact between the paper 2 conveyed by different tractor modules.
- the printer 100 has a plurality of tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 that convey continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 , and a lift mechanism 700 for switching between the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 .
- the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 are disposed in a stack of plural vertical stages, and are configured so that there is no contact between continuous paper 2 conveyed by a tractor module located above another tractor module and the continuous paper 2 conveyed by any other tractor module located therebelow.
- plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 can be disposed in a vertical stack, and the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 can selectively convey continuous paper 2 .
- a tractor unit 7 having a plurality of tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 disposed in mutual proximity can therefore stably convey continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 7 selects the tractor module to be used from among the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 by using the lift mechanism 700 to raise or lower the lift unit 710 that carries the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 .
- a configuration that enables selectively operating any one of the tractor modules and reliably stopping operation of the other tractor modules can be achieved.
- Each of the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 lifts and conveys the continuous paper 2 from below, and the lift position from which a tractor module located above any other tractor module lifts the continuous paper 2 is on the side farther from the printer unit 10 than the lift position of the tractor modules located therebelow.
- Contact between the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each of the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 stacked one above the other can therefore be reliably avoided.
- the tractor unit 7 can therefore consistently convey continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 .
- the frames 141 , 142 , 143 disposed to the corresponding tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 extend to the side away from the printer unit 10 and guide the continuous paper 2 lifted from below so that it does not contact the continuous paper 2 conveyed by another tractor module.
- the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 disposed one above the other can keep the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each separated.
- a configuration that avoids contact between the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each tractor module 401 , 402 , 403 can therefore be easily achieved.
- the back end of the frame of the tractor module located higher in the stack of plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 extends to a position separated further from the printer unit 10 than the back end of the frame of any tractor module located therebelow.
- the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each of the plural, vertically stacked tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 can be separated from each other.
- a configuration that avoids contact between the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each of the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 can be easily achieved.
- the lift mechanism 700 has pinion gears 704 , 706 , a connecting rod 705 , and racks 721 , 723 as a moving mechanism that moves the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 vertically, and a tractor drive gear 733 as a transmission mechanism that transfers drive power to the one tractor module 401 , 402 , 403 in the group of plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 that is set to a specific height.
- the tractor module used to convey continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 can be easily selected from among the plural tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 .
- tractor module that is selectively set from among the plural tractor module 401 , 402 , 403 to the specific height conveys continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 .
- a special construction is therefore not required for the part of the printer unit 10 that receives the continuous paper 2 .
- the tractor unit 7 can therefore consistently supply the continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 .
- FIG. 22 is a section view showing main parts of the tractor unit 7 a according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. Because FIG. 22 shows the internal configuration of the tractor unit 7 a, the outside case 701 is not shown. Note that like parts in this sixth embodiment and the first or fifth embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified.
- This tractor unit 7 a has a lift unit 710 a that holds a plurality of tractor modules 171 , 172 , 173 (tractors) on multiple vertical levels. Similarly to the lift unit 710 of the tractor unit 7 ( FIG. 21 ) described above, the tractor unit 7 a can move the lift unit 710 a vertically by means of the lift mechanism 700 .
- Tractor module 171 is disposed to the top level, tractor module 172 is located therebelow, and tractor module 173 is installed to the lowest level in the lift unit 710 a.
- the tractor modules 171 , 172 , 173 are supported by a pair of left and right frames 715 , 717 similarly to the tractor modules 401 , 402 , 403 described above ( FIG. 21 ).
- Tractor module 171 has a rectangular frame 181 (protruding part). The back end of the frame 181 , that is, the end at the rear, extends down, forming an extension 181 b. Other than the shape of the frame 181 , this tractor module 171 is configured identically to tractor module 101 described above. Like tractor module 171 , tractor module 172 has a rectangular frame 182 (protruding part). The back end of the frame 182 , that is, the end at the rear, extends down, forming an extension 182 b. Tractor module 173 has a rectangular frame 183 (protruding part). The back end of the frame 183 , that is, the end at the rear, extends down, forming an extension 183 b. Other than the shape of the frame 182 , 183 , tractor modules tractor module 172 , 173 are configured identically to tractor modules 102 , 103 described above.
- the horizontal distance of the extensions 181 b, 182 b, 183 b from the printer unit 10 increases from bottom to top. More specifically, the extension 181 b at the highest position is separated the most from the printer unit 10 . Extensions 182 b, 183 b are sequentially closer to the printer unit 10 . As a result, the corner 181 a that is contacted by the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 171 is at the greatest horizontal distance from the printer unit 10 .
- the corner 181 a that is contacted by the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 171 , the corner 182 a that is contacted by the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 172 , and corner 183 a that is contacted by the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 173 , are sequentially closer to the printer unit 10 .
- the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 171 passes on the outside of the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 172 .
- the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 172 passes a position where the paper does not contact the continuous paper 2 lifted by tractor module 173 . There is, therefore, no concern about contact between the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each of the tractor modules 171 , 172 , 173 .
- the frame 181 has an extension 181 b.
- the continuous paper 2 conveyed by the tractor module 171 cannot approach the frame 182 below.
- Frame 182 likewise has an extension 182 b.
- an external force or other force causing the continuous paper 2 to swing towards the printer unit 10 is applied to the continuous paper 2 , the continuous paper 2 will not approach the frame 183 below.
- FIG. 23 is a section view of main parts in the tractor unit 7 b according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. Because FIG. 23 shows the internal configuration of the tractor unit 7 b, the outside case 701 is not shown. Note that like parts in this sixth embodiment and the first or fifth embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified.
- This tractor unit 7 b has a lift unit 710 b that holds a plurality of identically configured tractor modules 401 on multiple vertical levels offset at an angle to the perpendicular.
- the tractor unit 7 b can move the lift unit 710 b up and down along this slope by means of a lift mechanism 700 b.
- the lift mechanism 700 b has pinion gears 704 , 706 and two racks 765 .
- the pinion gears 704 , 706 are turned by operating a lever 703 .
- the two racks 765 have teeth 765 a that mesh with the teeth 704 a, 706 a formed on the outside of the pinion gears 704 , 706 .
- the lift mechanism 700 b and racks 765 together form a moving mechanism. Note that the rack 765 having teeth 765 a that mesh with the teeth 704 a of pinion gear 704 is not shown in FIG. 23 .
- the lift unit 710 b supports three tractor modules 401 with a pair of left and right stationary panels 719 disposed similarly to the stationary panels 711 , 713 described above.
- the tractor modules 401 are disposed in steps that move further away (to the rear) from the printer unit 10 horizontally as the height increases.
- the racks 765 are attached to the stationary panels 719 at an angle matching the arrangement of the plural tractor modules 401 .
- operation of the lift mechanism 700 b causes the lift unit 710 b to ascend and descend at an angle as indicated by arrow H in the figure.
- the direction in which the lift unit 710 a ascends and descends matches the direction in which the three tractor modules 401 are disposed.
- the gear 119 of the tractor module 401 at a specific height meshes the tractor drive gear 733 .
- drive power from the paper feed motor 59 is transferred to the gear 119 .
- the continuous paper 2 conveyed by the tractor module 401 at this specific height passes through the conveyance path formed by the paper guide 727 and a flat divider 735 that covers the top of the rear tractor unit 17 , and is fed into the paper feed entrance 18 .
- the lift unit 710 b ascends and descends on a slope.
- each tractor module 401 from the paper feed entrance 18 differs, the three tractor modules 401 will sequentially mesh the tractor drive gear 733 as the lift unit 710 b ascends and descends, and be able to convey the continuous paper 2 . Therefore, the tractor module 401 used to convey continuous paper 2 to the paper feed entrance 18 can be selected from among the plural tractor modules 401 by operating the lever 703 .
- the three tractor modules 401 in this configuration are disposed so that the horizontal distance of the corner 141 a of each tractor module 401 from the printer unit 10 increases from bottom to top.
- the continuous paper 2 that is lifted by the top tractor module 401 passes on the outside of the continuous paper 2 that is conveyed by the tractor module 401 therebelow.
- the tractor unit 7 b therefore prevents conveyance problems caused by contact between the continuous paper 2 , and can reliably feed continuous paper 2 to the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 7 b is configured so that there is no contact between the continuous paper 2 conveyed by each tractor module on a different level even without changing the size of the frame of each tractor module 401 , for example. Limitations on the shape and size of the tractor module used in each stage can therefore be alleviated.
- this seventh embodiment describes a configuration that uses three tractor modules 401 with the same configuration and size, but tractor modules with different frame sizes can also be used.
- a lower tractor module can have greater horizontal length than the tractor module thereabove.
- the paper feed entrance 18 opens to the back of the printer unit 10 in printers 1 , 100 described above, and exemplary configurations that supply the continuous paper 2 from the back (rear) of the printer unit 10 to the paper feed entrance 18 are described.
- the printer 1 , 100 could be configured to supply the continuous paper 2 from the front of the printer unit 10 or from the bottom of the printer unit 10 .
- the tractor unit 5 , 7 , 7 a, 7 b is disposed at the front of the printer unit 10 or at the bottom at the back of the printer unit 10 .
- printer 1 100 records on cut sheet paper in addition to continuous paper 2
- the printer 1 may have separate conveyance paths for the cut sheet paper and continuous paper 2 .
- the number of tractor modules disposed in the configuration holding a plurality of tractor modules one above the other in the foregoing embodiments is not limited, and there could be two or four or more.
- the printer 1 , 100 could also have a conveyance mechanism for conveying roll paper or cut sheet paper instead of the rear tractor unit 17 described above.
- the printer 1 could be configured without the lever 92 disposed to the selection wheel 93 as described above. In this configuration the selection wheel 93 is exposed outside the base 90 , and the tractor module is changed by rotating the selection wheel 93 directly.
- Other aspects of the printers 1 , 100 described above can also obviously be changed without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.
- the foregoing embodiments describe configurations that can accommodate a plurality of tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 , 171 , 172 , 173 , 301 , 303 , 305 , 401 , 402 , 403 in close proximity to each other.
- close proximity as used herein is not limited to configurations in which no parts of the tractor modules 101 , 102 , 103 , 171 , 172 , 173 , 301 , 303 , 305 , 401 , 402 , 403 touch, and includes configurations in which the frames of adjacent tractor modules, for example, may touch each other.
Abstract
Plural tractors that convey recording media in a recording device can be disposed in close proximity to each other. A tractor module 101 that conveys continuous paper 2 has a gear 117 that receives drive power from the printer unit 10 side of the printer 1, tractors 120, 130 that convey the continuous paper 2 in a specific direction by rotation of the gear 117, and a frame 111 that guides the continuous paper 2 supplied from an external source to the tractors 120, 130.
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention relates to a tractor that conveys a recording medium, a tractor unit having the tractor, and a recording device having the tractor unit.
- 2. Related Art
- Recording devices that have a tractor to convey recording media, and record while conveying recording media with the tractor, are known from the literature. Some such recording devices have plural tractors. See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-S64-8071. The recording device described in JP-A-S64-8071 enables changing which of the plural tractors is used. For example, this recording device can change the recording medium that is used by selecting which tractor is used. As a result, the desired recording medium can be selected for use from among plural recording media without removing the recording medium from the tractor.
- As described in JP-A-S64-8071, however, recording devices having plural tractors generally have the tractors disposed to convey the recording media to the recording head from different directions. The tractors therefore use separate conveyance paths in this configuration. The tractors are also disposed to separate locations. Contact between the recording media conveyed by the different tractors can therefore be avoided. Depending upon the specifications of the recording head, however, the recording media cannot be fed to the recording head from different directions. Due to the design limitations of the recording device, disposing the plural tractors to greatly different positions may also not be possible. Recording devices therefore typically do not have plural tractors because of the possibility of collisions between the recording media.
- A recording device according to the present invention enables disposing plural recording media conveyance tractors in close proximity to each other.
- One aspect of the invention is a tractor that conveys a recording medium, and has: a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side; a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear; and a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit.
- This aspect of the invention guides the recording medium conveyed by the tractor with the frame. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by plural tractors can be avoided. A configuration having plural tractors disposed in close proximity to each other can therefore be achieved.
- Preferably, the frame of the tractor has a supply-side guide that passes the recording medium.
- This aspect of the invention can restrict movement of the recording medium by passing the recording medium through a slot in the frame. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by different tractors can be avoided when plural tractors are disposed close together. A configuration having plural tractors disposed in close proximity to each other can therefore be achieved.
- In a tractor according to another aspect of the invention, the frame has a discharge-side guide that passes the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit.
- This aspect of the invention guides the recording medium conveyed by each tractor with the frame of the tractor. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by different tractors can be avoided when plural tractors are disposed close together. A configuration that provides the recording device with plural tractors, and enables each of the plural tractors to convey recording media in the same direction, can therefore be achieved.
- In a tractor according to another aspect of the invention, the discharge-side guide has an opening on the discharge side from which the recording medium is discharged, and an opening on the conveyance unit side, and the width of the opening on the conveyance unit side is narrower than the width of the opening on the discharge side.
- This configuration can firmly restrict movement of the recording medium conveyed by the tractor to avoid inference with recording media conveyance. As a result, contact between recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can be more reliably avoided. A configuration that provides the recording device with plural tractors, and enables each of the plural tractors to convey recording media in the same direction, can therefore be achieved.
- Another aspect of the invention is a tractor unit that has a plurality of tractors, each of which conveys a recording medium, and has a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear, and a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit; and a base that removably holds the plural tractors, and has at least one transfer gear that receives and transfers drive power from a power transfer unit disposed on the recording device side to the gears of the plural tractors.
- This aspect of the invention provides plural tractors in the tractor unit, and guides the recording medium conveyed by each tractor with the frame of the tractor. As a result, contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can be avoided. A recording device having plural tractors disposed close together can therefore be achieved.
- In a tractor unit according to another aspect of the invention, the plural tractors are disposed in plural stages vertically, and configured so that the recording medium conveyed by the tractor located above another tractor does not contact the recording medium conveyed by the lower tractor; and the tractor unit has a selection mechanism that changes the tractor that receives drive power from the transfer gear.
- This configuration disposes plural tractors vertically, and enables changing the tractor that conveys the recording medium to a part of the recording device that receives the recording medium in the group of plural tractors. Contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can also be avoided. Recording media can therefore be conveyed consistently even when plural tractors are disposed close together.
- In a tractor unit according to another aspect of the invention, the selection mechanism has a moving mechanism that moves the tractors held in plural stages vertically; and the transfer gear transfers drive power to the tractor at a specific height in the group of plural tractors.
- This aspect of the invention enables easily changing the tractor that conveys the recording medium to the part of the recording device that receives the recording medium in the group of plural tractors. In addition, the tractor set to a specific height always conveys the recording medium to the part of the recording device that receives the recording medium. A special configuration is therefore not needed in the part of the recording device that receives the recording medium, and the recording media can be conveyed stably.
- In a tractor unit according to another aspect of the invention, each tractor lifts and conveys the recording medium from below; and the lifting position at which a tractor located above another tractor lifts the recording medium is on the side separated more from the recording device than the lifting position of the tractor located therebelow.
- This aspect of the invention more reliably avoids contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other. The recording media can therefore be conveyed stably.
- In a tractor unit according to another aspect of the invention, the frame is disposed to the tractor extending to the side away from the recording device, and guides the recording medium lifted from below so that the recording medium does not contact the recording medium conveyed by another tractor.
- This aspect of the invention can keep the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other separated. A configuration that avoids contact between the recording media can therefore be easily achieved.
- In a tractor unit according to another aspect of the invention, the frame of the tractor located higher in the group of plural tractors extends to a position separated farther from the recording device than the frame of the tractors located therebelow.
- This aspect of the invention can keep the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other separated. A configuration that avoids contact between the recording media can therefore be more easily achieved.
- In a tractor unit according to another aspect of the invention, the plural tractors are positioned along a slope to the vertical so that the distance from the recording device increases as the height of the position increases.
- This configuration can keep the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors disposed one above the other separated even when the plural tractors disposed one above the other have the same shape. A configuration that avoids contact between the recording media can therefore be more easily achieved. Limitations on the shape and size of the tractors can therefore be alleviated.
- Another aspect of the invention is a recording device that has a tractor unit having a plurality of tractors that convey recording media, and a base that removably holds the plural tractors, each tractor of the tractor unit having a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear, and a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit, and the base of the tractor unit having at least one transfer gear that receives and transfers drive power from a power transfer unit disposed on the recording device side to the gears of the plural tractors.
- This aspect of the invention provides plural tractors in the tractor unit, and guides the recording medium conveyed by each tractor with the frame of the tractor. As a result, contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can be avoided. A recording device having plural tractors disposed close together can therefore be achieved.
- Preferably, the plural tractors of the recording device are disposed in plural stages vertically, and configured so that the recording medium conveyed by the tractor located above another tractor does not contact the recording medium conveyed by the lower tractor; and the tractor unit has a selection mechanism that changes the tractor that receives drive power from the transfer gear.
- This configuration disposes plural tractors vertically to the recording device, and enables changing the tractor that conveys the recording medium to the recording device in the group of plural tractors. Contact between the recording media conveyed by the plural tractors can also be avoided. Recording media can therefore be conveyed consistently even when plural tractors are disposed close together.
- The invention enables avoiding contact between the recording media conveyed by plural tractors. As a result, a recording device having plural tractors disposed close to each other can be achieved.
- Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an oblique view showing the general configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the printer when the tractor unit is not installed. -
FIG. 3 is a section view showing main parts of the printer when the tractor unit is not installed. -
FIG. 4 is a function block diagram showing the control configuration of the printer. -
FIG. 5 is an oblique view from the back of the printer when the tractor unit is installed. -
FIG. 6 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the tractor module. -
FIG. 7 is an oblique view showing the internal configuration of the tractor unit in detail. -
FIG. 8 is a section view showing main parts of the printer when the tractor unit is installed. -
FIGS. 9A , 9B, and 9C describes the mechanism that moves the tractor drive gear in detail. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a second embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 11 is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a third embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 12 is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a third embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 13 is a section view of the tractor module according to a third embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 14 is an oblique view of the tractor module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 15 is a section view of the tractor module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 16 is an oblique view of a printer according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 17 is an oblique view from the back of the printer when the tractor unit is installed. -
FIG. 18 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the tractor unit in detail. -
FIG. 19 is an enlarged oblique view showing the configuration of the tractor unit in detail. -
FIG. 20 is an oblique view of the tractor module. -
FIG. 21 is a section view showing the configuration of the tractor unit. -
FIG. 22 is a section view of a tractor unit according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 23 is a section view of a tractor unit according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. - A first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures.
-
FIG. 1 is an oblique view from the front of aprinter 1 according to a first embodiment of a recording device according to the invention. - This
printer 1 is an inkjet printer that forms text and images by ejecting four colors of ink, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), onto the recording surface of a recording medium. Thisprinter 1 usescontinuous paper 2 havingsprocket holes 2 a formed along both edges of the paper width as the recording medium. Theprinter 1 takes thecontinuous paper 2 in from the back (rear) side of theprinter 1, records (prints) on thecontinuous paper 2, and discharges thecontinuous paper 2 after recording from apaper exit 11 formed in the front of theprinter 1. - The
printer 1 includes a printer unit 10 (recording unit) that records on the recording medium, and atractor unit 5 that is removably installed to the back of theprinter unit 10. - The
printer unit 10 has a box-like case 12 housing the recording mechanism that records text and images. Thepaper exit 11 is open in the front of thecase 12. Apaper guide 13 is disposed to thepaper exit 11 projecting from the front of thecase 12. Thepaper guide 13 communicates with the conveyance path through which thecontinuous paper 2 is conveyed inside thecase 12. Thecontinuous paper 2 rides over thepaper guide 13 and is discharged through thepaper exit 11 from theprinter unit 10. - Two
doors 14 are disposed to the front of theprinter unit 10. Space for holding four ink cartridges, that is, an ink cartridge storing cyan (C) ink, an ink cartridge storing magenta (M) ink, an ink cartridge storing yellow (Y) ink, and an ink cartridge storing black (K) ink, is provided inside thedoors 14. Ink is supplied to therecording head 31 described below from the four ink cartridges held in this space. - A
power switch 15 for turning theprinter 1 power on and off is also provided in the front of theprinter unit 10. Anoperating panel 16 with switches for controlling settings related toprinter 1 operation, and indicators for displayingprinter 1 operating states, is also provided in the front of theprinter unit 10. - The
tractor unit 5 has a plurality of tractor modules (tractors), each of which conveyscontinuous paper 2. The number of tractors in thetractor unit 5 is not specifically limited. This embodiment describes an exemplary configuration having three tractor modules (tractors) 101, 102, 103 (seeFIG. 5 ) in thetractor unit 5. Thetractor unit 5 has the threetractor modules base 90. Thetractor unit 5 also has alever 92 that is used to select any one of the threetractor modules tractor unit 5 feeds thecontinuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10 using the tractor module selected by operating thelever 92. Thelever 92 can be moved in the direction of arrow A inside aslot 91 formed in thebase 90. - The
tractor unit 5 is attached to the top of therear tractor unit 17 disposed at the back of theprinter unit 10. Thetractor unit 5 is removably attached to theprinter unit 10. For example, thetractor unit 5 is affixed to therear tractor unit 17 or to thecase 12 of theprinter unit 10. - The
rear tractor unit 17 is disposed to the back end part of theprinter unit 10, and feeds thecontinuous paper 2 into theprinter unit 10. By using thisrear tractor unit 17, theprinter 1 can record oncontinuous paper 2 even when thetractor unit 5 is not installed. - The configuration of the
printer 1 when thetractor unit 5 is not installed is described next. -
FIG. 2 is an oblique view from the back of theprinter unit 10 when thetractor unit 5 is not installed.FIG. 3 is a section view showing main parts of the internal configuration of theprinter unit 10. The conveyance path through which thecontinuous paper 2 is conveyed is indicated by reference numeral W in the section view inFIG. 3 . - As shown in
FIG. 2 , therear tractor unit 17 disposed to the back end of theprinter unit 10 pulls thecontinuous paper 2 located behind or below theprinter unit 10 up in the direction of arrow B. Therear tractor unit 17 feeds thecontinuous paper 2 as it is pulled up into thepaper feed entrance 18 formed in the back of theprinter unit 10, and feeds thecontinuous paper 2 into theprinter unit 10. - The
rear tractor unit 17 has a pair of left andright tractors 20 that engage the sprocket holes 2 a in the sides of thecontinuous paper 2. Therear tractor unit 17 also has atractor drive shaft 21 and afollower shaft 22. Thetractor drive shaft 21 andfollower shaft 22 pass through the pair oftractors 20. Note that the pair of left andright tractors 20 are symmetric left and right. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , eachtractor 20 has adrive sprocket 23 that is turned by thetractor drive shaft 21, afollower sprocket 24 disposed with thefollower shaft 22 passing therethrough, anendless tractor belt 25 that is mounted on thedrive sprocket 23 andfollower sprocket 24, and acase 27 that houses thedrive sprocket 23,follower sprocket 24, andtractor belt 25. A plurality of tractor pins 26 protrude at an equal interval from thetractor belt 25. The distance between adjacent tractor pins 26 is substantially equal to the distance between the sprocket holes 2 a in thecontinuous paper 2. - When the
tractor drive shaft 21 turns, thedrive sprocket 23 turns therewith and thetractor belt 25 is conveyed. As a result, the tractor pins 26 move forward in the direction of arrow D or reverse in the direction of arrow E inFIG. 3 . - A long channel (not shown in the figure) through which the tractor pins 26 protrude vertically is formed in the
case 27. The tractor pins 26 move inside this channel. Acover 28 that can open and close is also attached to thecase 27. Thecover 28 is urged to thecase 27 by a spring or other urging member (not shown in the figure). Thecover 28 can be opened by operating alever 29. When thecontinuous paper 2 is placed on thecase 27 so that the tractor pins 26 pass through the sprocket holes 2 a and thecover 28 is then closed, thecontinuous paper 2 is held between thecase 27 andcover 28. When thetractor drive shaft 21 turns with thecontinuous paper 2 held between thecase 27 andcover 28, thetractor belt 25 is driven by thedrive sprocket 23, the tractor pins 26 move, and thecontinuous paper 2 is conveyed. - The
tractor drive shaft 21 is connected through a drive gear train to a paper feed motor 59 (FIG. 4 ) located inside theprinter unit 10. Thetractor drive shaft 21 is rotationally driven forward by the forward rotation (rotation in the direction of arrow D inFIG. 3 ) of thepaper feed motor 59 shaft. Thetractor drive shaft 21 is rotationally driven in reverse by the reverse rotation (rotation in the direction of arrow E inFIG. 3 ) of thepaper feed motor 59 shaft. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theprinter unit 10 also has a main frame including atop frame member 41,bottom frame member 42,rear frame member 43, and left and right side frame members not shown. Parts of theprinter unit 10 are supported by this main frame. - A conveyance path W that communicates with the
paper feed entrance 18 is formed in theprinter unit 10 by top paper guides 45, 46, andbottom paper guide 47. Apaper detector 48 that detects thecontinuous paper 2 in the conveyance path W is disposed on the front side of thebottom paper guide 47. Thepaper detector 48 is a sensor switch. More specifically, thepaper detector 48 includes a lever-like member that can pivot on apin 49 affixed to the main frame described above, and a detection circuit that detects when this member contacts and is pivoted by thecontinuous paper 2 fed from thepaper feed entrance 18. When thecontinuous paper 2 is not on the conveyance path W, thepaper detector 48 is at the down position shown inFIG. 3 . When thecontinuous paper 2 is on the conveyance path W, thepaper detector 48 pivots up inFIG. 3 on thepin 49. The detection state of the paper detector 48 (whether or notcontinuous paper 2 is on the conveyance path W) is output to a control unit 70 (FIG. 4 ) described below. - The position in which the
continuous paper 2 is on the conveyance path W and in contact with thepaper detector 48 is detection position P1. - A
first conveyance unit 50 that conveys thecontinuous paper 2, and paper guides 53, 54 that guide thecontinuous paper 2 to thefirst conveyance unit 50, are disposed on the front side of thepaper detector 48. Thefirst conveyance unit 50 includes adrive roller 51 that is driven by thepaper feed motor 59 described below (FIG. 4 ), and afollower roller 52 that turns in contact with thedrive roller 51. Thefirst conveyance unit 50 holds thecontinuous paper 2 between thedrive roller 51 andfollower roller 52, and conveys thecontinuous paper 2 to the front by driving thedrive roller 51 and the rotation of thefollower roller 52 therewith. - A
carriage 30 that carries therecording head 31, and aplaten 33 disposed opposite therecording head 31 with the conveyance path W therebetween, are disposed on the downstream side, that is, the front side, of thefirst conveyance unit 50. Thecarriage 30 is mounted on acarriage guide shaft 34 mounted between the side frame members of theprinter unit 10, and travels widthwise to thecontinuous paper 2 on thecarriage guide shaft 34. Therecording head 31 has an ejection mechanism that ejects the CMYK inks from nozzles disposed facing theplaten 33. Ink supply lines that supply ink from the four ink cartridges stored inside the doors 14 (FIG. 1 ) are connected to this ejection mechanism. Ink is deposited and text and images are formed on the recording surface of thecontinuous paper 2 by ejecting ink from therecording head 31 while moving thecarriage 30. - A
carriage drive motor 55 is disposed above thetop paper guide 46. Adrive pulley 56 is mounted on the output shaft of thecarriage drive motor 55. Thedrive pulley 56 is located at one end of the scanning range of thecarriage 30. A follower pulley (not shown in the figure) is disposed at the other end of thecarriage 30 scanning range. An endlesscarriage drive belt 35 is mounted on the follower pulley and thedrive pulley 56. Thecarriage 30 is fastened to thecarriage drive belt 35, and is moved bidirectionally over theplaten 33 by operating thecarriage drive motor 55. - The
platen 33 is fastened to asupport stand 38 that is supported pivotably to theprinter unit 10. The support stand 38 can pivot on asupport shaft 37, which is affixed to the left and right side frame members. Theplaten 33 moves vertically as the support stand 38 pivots. As a result, the gap between the nozzles of therecording head 31 and thecontinuous paper 2 can be optimally adjusted. - A
second conveyance unit 57 and athird conveyance unit 58 that convey thecontinuous paper 2 are disposed on the front side of therecording head 31. Thesecond conveyance unit 57 andthird conveyance unit 58 each have a drive roller and a follower roller disposed in opposition above and below the conveyance path W. Thesecond conveyance unit 57 andthird conveyance unit 58 convey thecontinuous paper 2 in the direction of arrow C toward thepaper exit 11. -
FIG. 4 is a function block diagram showing the configuration of theprinter 1 control system. - The
printer 1 has acontrol unit 70 that centrally controls other parts of theprinter 1. Hardware components of thecontrol unit 70 include a CPU that runs programs, ROM that nonvolatilely stores software such as the control program run by the CPU, and RAM that temporarily stores process data and programs run by the CPU. Thecontrol unit 70 controls and maintains parts of theprinter 1 in an operable state, and controls printing according to control data sent from ahost computer 8 externally connected to theprinter 1. - The
control unit 70 includes arecording control unit 71 that controls the operation whereby theprinter 1 records text and images on thecontinuous paper 2. Thecontrol unit 70 also has a tractordrive control unit 72 that controls operation of therear tractor unit 17 and/or thetractor unit 5 when thetractor unit 5 is installed to theprinter unit 10. - The
paper detector 48, arotary encoder 74,head driver 75,motor driver 76,motor driver 77, and the switches and indicators of the operatingpanel 16 are connected to thecontrol unit 70. - The
head driver 75 drives therecording head 31 and ejects ink as controlled by thecontrol unit 70. Themotor driver 76 drives thepaper feed motor 59 forward or reverse as controlled by thecontrol unit 70. Themotor driver 77 drives thecarriage drive motor 55 forward or reverse as controlled by thecontrol unit 70. - An
interface 78 connected to thehost computer 8 is also connected to thecontrol unit 70. Thecontrol unit 70 receives control data and recording data sent by thehost computer 8 through theinterface 78. - The
rotary encoder 74 detects the amount of rotation of at least one gear in the drive gear train that conveys drive power from thepaper feed motor 59. For example, therotary encoder 74 detects the amount of rotation of thetractor drive gear 96 that transfers drive power to thetractor modules tractor unit 5, or detects the amount of rotation of the transfer gear 97 (FIG. 8 ) that transfer drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 to thetractor drive gear 96. - A rotary encoder 74 (
FIG. 4 ) that detects the rotation of thedrive sprocket 23 is attached to thedrive sprocket 23. The rotation of thedrive sprocket 23 detected by therotary encoder 74 is output to the control unit 70 (FIG. 4 ). - The
control unit 70 controls ink ejection from therecording head 31 by controlling thehead driver 75. Thecontrol unit 70 operates thepaper feed motor 59 by controlling themotor driver 76. Thedrive roller 51 of thefirst conveyance unit 50, and the drive rollers of thesecond conveyance unit 57 andthird conveyance unit 58, are connected through a drive gear train (not shown in the figure) to the output shaft of thepaper feed motor 59. These drive rollers are driven as controlled by thecontrol unit 70 to convey thecontinuous paper 2. - The
tractor drive shaft 21 is also connected directly or through thetransfer gear 97 or other gear to the drive gear train of thepaper feed motor 59. As a result, therear tractor unit 17 operates in conjunction with thefirst conveyance unit 50,second conveyance unit 57, andthird conveyance unit 58 to convey thecontinuous paper 2 by the drive power from thepaper feed motor 59. Thecontrol unit 70 also controls themotor driver 77 to drive thecarriage drive motor 55 and move thecarriage 30 bidirectionally over theplaten 33. Thecontrol unit 70 also detects operation of switches on theoperating panel 16. Thecontrol unit 70 also controls operation of the indicators on theoperating panel 16 according to the operating state of theprinter 1. - When control data including a command to start recording (printing) and the data to be recorded is received from the
host computer 8, thecontrol unit 70 controls theprinter 1 by functions of therecording control unit 71. Therecording control unit 71 acquires the output value of thepaper detector 48, and determines ifcontinuous paper 2 is in the conveyance path W. If thecontinuous paper 2 is in the conveyance path W, therecording control unit 71 drives thepaper feed motor 59 and conveys thecontinuous paper 2 to the recording position of therecording head 31. Therecording control unit 71 then drives thecarriage drive motor 55 to move thecarriage 30 bidirectionally while operating therecording head 31 to record on thecontinuous paper 2. Therecording control unit 71 also operates thepaper feed motor 59 to appropriately advance and discharge the paper. - When the
tractor unit 5 is installed to theprinter 1, the tractordrive control unit 72 controls the operation that selects the tractor module to use from among theplural tractor modules tractor unit 5, and the operation that switches to a different tractor after a tractor is selected. When a tractor module has been selected from among theplural tractor modules drive control unit 72 drives the tractor module and conveys thecontinuous paper 2 by controlling operation of thepaper feed motor 59. -
FIG. 5 is an oblique view from the back of theprinter 1 when thetractor unit 5 is installed.FIG. 6 is an oblique view of main parts in the configuration of thetractor module 101. While described in further detail below, the size of theframe tractor modules frame tractor modules FIG. 6 shows the configuration oftractor module 101 as an example. - As described above, the
tractor unit 5 has threetractor modules tractor modules like base 90 with the part facing thepaper feed entrance 18 of theprinter unit 10 U-shaped. Thetractor modules base 90, but in this embodiment are removably installed to thebase 90. Three slots sized to accommodate thetractor modules base 90. Thetractor modules base 90 by sliding them into these slots in the direction of arrows L, M, N inFIG. 5 . To remove thetractor modules base 90, thetractor modules - The
tractor modules frame tractor module right tractors 120, 130 (conveyance units) that convey thecontinuous paper 2 on the inside of theframe frame 111 is an angular frame enclosing the sides and back of thetractor module 101. Theframe 111 is open on the front side of thetractor module 101.Frames respective tractor module - The pair of
tractors frame 111.Tractor 120 andtractor 130 are symmetrical left and right. Thetractor module 101 has atractor drive shaft 115 andfollower shaft 116 that pass through thetractors Frames tractors tractor drive shaft 115 andfollower shaft 116 that pass through thetractors - The
tractor 120 has acase 121. A drive sprocket (not shown in the figure) that is driven by rotation of thetractor drive shaft 115, a follower sprocket (not shown in the figure) disposed with thefollower shaft 116 passing therethrough, and anendless tractor belt 123 mounted on the drive sprocket and follower sprocket are housed inside thecase 121. A plurality of tractor pins (not shown in the figure) that engage the sprocket holes 2 a protrude at an equal interval from thetractor belt 123. Acover 125 that can open and close on a hinge is attached to the top of thecase 121. Thecontinuous paper 2 is held between thecover 125 andcase 121, and conveyed by the pins. Thecover 125 is urged to thecase 121 by a spring or other urging member (not shown in the figure). Thecover 125 can be opened by operating alever 126 disposed to thecase 121. - The
tractor 130 is left and right symmetrical to thetractor 120. Thetractor 130 has acase 131. A drive sprocket (not shown in the figure) that is driven by rotation of thetractor drive shaft 115, a follower sprocket (not shown in the figure) disposed with thefollower shaft 116 passing therethrough, and anendless tractor belt 133 mounted on the drive sprocket and follower sprocket are housed inside thecase 131. A plurality of tractor pins (not shown in the figure) that engage the sprocket holes 2 a protrude at an equal interval from thetractor belt 133. Acover 135 that can open and close on a hinge is attached to the top of thecase 131. Thecontinuous paper 2 is held between thecover 135 andcase 131, and conveyed by the pins. Thecover 135 is urged to thecase 131 by a spring or other urging member (not shown in the figure). Thecover 135 can be opened by operating alever 136 disposed to thecase 131. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , agear 117 is attached to thetractor drive shaft 115. As described below, torque is applied to thegear 117 and thetractor drive shaft 115 turns when the drive power of thepaper feed motor 59 is transferred from theprinter unit 10 side to thegear 117. As a result, the drive sprocket fixed to thetractor drive shaft 115 turns, and thetractors continuous paper 2. Thetractors continuous paper 2 toward theprinter unit 10, or in the opposite direction as the conveyance direction toward theprinter unit 10, by changing the direction that thepaper feed motor 59 turns. Theplural tractor modules tractor unit 5 operate exclusively of each other. When one of thetractor modules continuous paper 2. The other tractor modules do not operate while the one selected tractor module is conveying thecontinuous paper 2. -
FIG. 7 is an oblique view showing the internal configuration of thetractor unit 5 in detail.FIG. 8 is a section view showing the configuration of theprinter 1 when thetractor unit 5 is installed. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , the position from which thecontinuous paper 2 is discharged from thetractors tractor module 101 is discharge position P11. The position to which thecontinuous paper 2 is fed from thetractors tractor module 102 is discharge position P12. The position to which thecontinuous paper 2 is fed from thetractors tractor module 103 is discharge position P13. - As shown in
FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 , adivider 94 that separates thetractor unit 5 and therear tractor unit 17 is located below thetractor unit 5. Thedivider 94 is a substantially L-shaped sheet member having a horizontal portion that covers the top of thetractor 20 of therear tractor unit 17 connected to a vertical portion that covers the back of therear tractor unit 17. Thedivider 94 extends substantially horizontally above thetractor 20 along the conveyance path of thecontinuous paper 2. The distal end (one end) of thedivider 94 extends almost to thepaper feed entrance 18 or to the inside of thepaper feed entrance 18. The other end side of thedivider 94 extends substantially vertically along the back of therear tractor unit 17, and the bottom end (other end) of thedivider 94 extends below the bottom end of therear tractor unit 17. As shown inFIG. 5 , the bottom end of thedivider 94 could also bend toward theprinter unit 10 with the bottom end extending to the bottom of theprinter unit 10. Thedivider 94 prevents thecontinuous paper 2 from contacting thetractor 20 of therear tractor unit 17 when thetractor unit 5 conveys thecontinuous paper 2. Thedivider 94 is also part of thecontinuous paper 2 conveyance path as described below. - The
tractor unit 5 has twoguide plates paper feed entrance 18. Theguide plates guide plates paper feed entrance 18 or to the inside of thepaper feed entrance 18. Because thetractor module 101 is located at the top of thetractor unit 5 at a position above thepaper feed entrance 18, theguide plates paper feed entrance 18.Continuous paper 2 fed fromtractors space 203 betweenguide plate 201 and guideplate 202, and is guided through thisspace 203 to thepaper feed entrance 18. More specifically, thisspace 203 is part of thecontinuous paper 2 conveyance path. Because the distal ends of theguide plates paper feed entrance 18, thecontinuous paper 2 fed through thespace 203 enters theprinter unit 10 at a downward angle. The distal end ofguide plate 202 is positioned above thedivider 94. More specifically, thecontinuous paper 2 rides onto thedivider 94 before thepaper feed entrance 18, and then travels from the distal end of thedivider 94 into thepaper feed entrance 18. As a result, thetractor module 101 positioned above thetractor 20 enables the conveyedcontinuous paper 2 to be fed smoothly into theprinter unit 10. - The
tractor unit 5 has also twoguide plates paper feed entrance 18. Theguide plates guide plates divider 94 at a position upstream from thepaper feed entrance 18. Aspace 206 that becomes the path through which thecontinuous paper 2 is conveyed is formed betweenguide plate 204 and guideplate 205. - Another
guide plate 207 connects the distal end of the oneguide plate 204 and the distal end of theguide plate 202 located thereabove. Thisguide plate 207 is disposed above and substantially parallel to thedivider 94. The space between theguide plate 207 and thedivider 94 communicates withspace 206, and forms part of thecontinuous paper 2 conveyance path. As a result, thecontinuous paper 2 fed from the discharge position P12 is conveyed between theguide plates divider 94. - Because the
guide plate 207 is connected to the distal end of theguide plate 202, the conveyance path below theguide plate 207 merges withspace 203. This merging position is referred to as position P3. As a result, thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed between theguide plate 207 anddivider 94 enters thepaper feed entrance 18 through the same path as thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed bytractor module 101. - The
tractor unit 5 has anotherguide plate 208 extending from discharge position P13 toward thepaper feed entrance 18. Thisguide plate 208 is parallel to thedivider 94. The space between theguide plate 208 anddivider 94 forms a path for conveying thecontinuous paper 2 fed from the discharge position P13. Thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed through the path between theguide plate 208 anddivider 94 is guided over the top of thedivider 94 to thepaper feed entrance 18. The distal end ofguide plate 208 connects to the distal end ofguide plate 205. More specifically, the space between theguide plate 208 anddivider 94 communicates with the space betweenguide plate 204 and guideplate 205. As a result, the conveyance path of thecontinuous paper 2 connected to the discharge position P13 merges into the conveyance path communicating with the discharge position P12. This merging position is position P2. - As described above, the
tractor unit 5 has conveyance paths that guidecontinuous paper 2 conveyed from each of thetractor modules paper feed entrance 18, and these paths merge at positions P2 and P3. As a result, whichever one of thetractor modules continuous paper 2, thecontinuous paper 2 ultimately passes through the same path from thepaper feed entrance 18 into theprinter unit 10. Thecontinuous paper 2 therefore enters the nipping part of thefirst conveyance unit 50 at substantially the same angle regardless of whichtractor module continuous paper 2. The load on thefirst conveyance unit 50 is therefore kept substantially constant. - The
tractor unit 5 is also configured so that the conveyance distance from each of the discharge positions P11, P12, P13 to the position P3 where all of the conveyance paths converge is the same. This can be achieved by adjusting the size and angle of theguide plates tractors tractor modules - The conveyance distance is the same from position P3 to each of the discharge positions P11, P12, P13. More specifically, the distance is also the same from each of the discharge positions P11, P12, P13 to the detection position P1. As a result, the conveyance distance until the
continuous paper 2 is detected by thepaper detector 48 after thecontinuous paper 2 is fed from thetractors tractor module continuous paper 2 inside theprinter unit 10 is conveyed by each of thetractor modules printer unit 10 is also the same regardless of which tractor module is used. As a result, the tractor drive control unit 72 (FIG. 4 ) that controls theprinter 1 can start conveying thecontinuous paper 2 toward theprinter unit 10, and can recover thecontinuous paper 2 from theprinter unit 10, without knowing which of thetractor modules - Furthermore, regardless of which
tractor module continuous paper 2 ultimately passes through the same conveyance path to reach thefirst conveyance unit 50. More specifically, the contact angle of thecontinuous paper 2 to thedrive roller 51 is constant. As a result, regardless of whichtractor module drive roller 51 during media conveyance is constant. Thecontinuous paper 2 can therefore be conveyed consistently. In addition, thecontinuous paper 2 conveyance path when thetractor unit 5 is used, and the conveyance path when thetractor 20 of therear tractor unit 17 is used, merge into a common path at thepaper feed entrance 18 or before. As a result, the load on thedrive roller 51 is constant regardless of whether thetractor unit 5 or thetractor 20 of therear tractor unit 17 is used. Thecontinuous paper 2 can therefore be conveyed consistently regardless of which tractor is used. - A configuration enabling selectively and exclusively using the
tractor modules - The
printer unit 10 has atransfer gear 97 that connects directly or through a drive gear train (not shown in the figure) to the output shaft of the paper feed motor 59 (FIG. 4 ). Atractor drive gear 96 meshes with thetransfer gear 97. Thetractor drive gear 96 can move along an arc while meshed with thetransfer gear 97. -
Driven gear 151, drivengear 152, and drivengear 153 are also disposed to thebase 90 of thetractor unit 5.Driven gear 151 meshes withgear 117 oftractor module 101.Driven gear 152 meshes withgear 117 oftractor module 102.Driven gear 153 meshes withgear 117 oftractor module 103. The driven gears 151, 152, 153 are attached freely rotationally to the base 90 at positions where they do not contact each other. - In this embodiment, the driven gears 151, 152, 153 mesh directly with the
gear 117 of thecorresponding tractor module gear 117 through one or a plurality of gears. - As described above, the
tractor modules base 90. Thetractor modules base 90 by inserting them in the direction of arrows L, M, N inFIG. 5 . Thegear 117 of eachtractor module corresponding frame tractor module base 90, thegear 117 protruding in front of thetractor module gear tractor modules tractor modules base 90. - The
tractor drive gear 96 can then be selectively meshed with one of the driven gears 151, 152, 153 by moving thetractor drive gear 96. -
FIG. 9A toFIG. 9C describe in detail the configuration for moving thetractor drive gear 96.FIG. 9A is an oblique view of essential parts showing movement of thetractor drive gear 96.FIG. 9B is a side section view showing movement of thetractor drive gear 96.FIG. 9C is an oblique view showing movement of thetractor drive gear 96 from the opposite side shown inFIG. 9A . - A
selection wheel 93 is disposed rotatably to thebase 90. Theselection wheel 93 moves in unison with thelever 92 that protrudes from the top of thebase 90. The axis ofrotation 93 a of theselection wheel 93 is shown inFIG. 9C . The position of the axis ofrotation 93 a matches the center of theround selection wheel 93. Any suitable configuration can be used to support theselection wheel 93 rotatably on thebase 90. - The
selection wheel 93 is disposed to the end of one side of the base 90 so that theselection wheel 93 is at the side of thetractor modules selection wheel 93 is connected by a connectingrod 95 to thetractor drive gear 96 disposed on the other side of thebase 90. Thetractor drive gear 96 is disposed so that it can move along an arc-shaped path relative to the base 90 as described above. - As shown in
FIG. 9A , the connectingrod 95 is affixed at the center of the roundtractor drive gear 96. As shown inFIG. 9B andFIG. 9C , the other end of the connectingrod 95 is affixed to theselection wheel 93 at an eccentric position offset from the axis ofrotation 93 a of theselection wheel 93. As shown inFIG. 9A , theselection wheel 93 turns when thelever 92 is operated and moves topositions rod 95 moves in a twisting action topositions selection wheel 93. This movement of the connectingrod 95 is transferred to thetractor drive gear 96, and thetractor drive gear 96 moves in an arc topositions - The
tractor drive gear 96 meshes with drivengear 151 when in the position indicated by the solid line inFIG. 9A . In this position, drive power from the paper feed motor 59 (FIG. 4 ) is transferred to thetractor drive shaft 115 oftractor module 101. - At
position 96A, thetractor drive gear 96 meshes with drivengear 152. As a result, drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 is transferred to thetractor drive shaft 115 oftractor module 102. - At
position 96B, thetractor drive gear 96 meshes with drivengear 153. As a result, drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 is transferred to thetractor drive shaft 115 oftractor module 103. - The driven gears 151, 152, 153 are also positioned so that plural driven gears do not mesh with the
tractor drive gear 96 at the same time. As a result, only one of thetractor modules - Drive power from the
paper feed motor 59 is thus transferred by this configuration through a common drive gear train including thetractor drive gear 96 to one of the driven gears 151, 152, 153. As a result, a constant amount of drive power is transferred to whichever drivengear paper feed motor 59 to each of the driven gears 151, 152, 153. There is, therefore, also no need to compensate for variation in the drive power on thepaper feed motor 59 side that drives thetractor drive gear 96. Thetractor unit 5 can therefore convey thecontinuous paper 2 stably using a simple configuration. - In addition, the driven
gear lever 92 to rotate theselection wheel 93. The driven gear can be changed even more easily by providing a mechanism that holds theselection wheel 93 at the position to which it is rotated at each position where thetransfer gear 97 meshes with one of the driven gears 151, 152, 153. - When the tractor module to be used is selected from among the group of
tractor modules lever 92, the tractor drive control unit 72 (FIG. 4 ) executes an operation that changes thecontinuous paper 2 to be conveyed. This operation of changing thecontinuous paper 2 may be performed automatically by detecting the pressure applied to thelever 92. The operation of changing thecontinuous paper 2 may also be initiated by operating a switch on theoperating panel 16 or in response to a command sent from thehost computer 8 to theprinter 1. - In this operation, the tractor
drive control unit 72 first drives thepaper feed motor 59 in reverse to recover thecontinuous paper 2 inside theprinter unit 10 with thetractors paper feed motor 59 is transferred through thetractor drive gear 96 to the tractor module being used at this time even without the tractordrive control unit 72 knowing which tractor module is being used. The tractordrive control unit 72 can thus recover thecontinuous paper 2 from inside theprinter unit 10. - When the
continuous paper 2 recovery operation starts, the tractordrive control unit 72 starts monitoring the output value of thepaper detector 48. When the leading end of thecontinuous paper 2 is detected by thepaper detector 48 after recovering thecontinuous paper 2 starts, the tractordrive control unit 72 starts counting the amount ofcontinuous paper 2 that is recovered from that time. The tractordrive control unit 72 counts while continuing thecontinuous paper 2 recovery operation. When the amount ofcontinuous paper 2 recovered reaches a specific count, the tractordrive control unit 72 stops thepaper feed motor 59. This specific amount (count) is equal to the distance thecontinuous paper 2 is conveyed from the detection position P1 of thepaper detector 48 to the discharge positions P11, P12, P13. Because this amount is equal to the distance from the detection position P1 to the discharge positions P11, P12, P13, thecontinuous paper 2 is recovered a constant amount regardless of whichtractor module - When the
tractor module continuous paper 2 from the tractor modules because thecontinuous paper 2 inside theprinter unit 10 only needs to be reversed to the discharge position P11, P12, P13. - As shown in
FIG. 5 andFIG. 8 , the back end of theframe 111 located at the highest position above thetractor unit 5 protrudes further to the back thanframe 112. The back end offrame 112 also protrudes further to the back thanframe 113. A guide hole (paper feed guide) 111 a, 112 a, 113 a through which thecontinuous paper 2 passes is formed in each of theframes - These guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a are slots that are longer than the width of the widest paper that can be loaded in the
tractors continuous paper 2. Different widths ofcontinuous paper 2 can be used in thetractor modules continuous paper 2 that can be used in that particular tractor module. For example, theguide hole 111 a formed intractor module 101 is longer than the width of thecontinuous paper 2 that can be used intractor module 101. This also applies to guideholes - As shown in
FIG. 8 , the continuous paper 2 (indicated by dotted lines) that can be supplied from below the bottom of the back of theprinter 1 passes through the guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a. Thecontinuous paper 2 passing through the guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a is set from above into the correspondingtractors paper feed entrance 18. Each of the guide holes 111 a, 112 a, 113 a is at a different horizontal distance from thepaper feed entrance 18. As a result, as indicated by the dotted lines inFIG. 8 , thecontinuous paper 2 b passing throughguide hole 111 a, the continuous paper 2 c passing throughguide hole 112 a, and thecontinuous paper 2 d passing throughguide hole 113 a do not touch each other. There is, therefore, no chance of conveyance problems caused by friction between the differentcontinuous paper 2 in thetractor unit 5 even whencontinuous paper 2 is loaded in each of thetractor modules tractor unit 5 can therefore convey thecontinuous paper 2 reliably and consistently. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , guidehole 112 a is positioned further to the back than the back end offrame 113.Guide hole 111 a is also positioned further to the back than the back ends offrame 112 andframe 113. When thus configured, the likelihood of thecontinuous paper 2 b passing throughguide hole 111 a contactingframe 112 is low, and the likelihood of the continuous paper 2 c passing throughguide hole 112 a contactingframe 113 is low. There is, therefore, no chance of conveyance problems in thetractor unit 5 resulting from friction between thecontinuous paper 2 and frame 112 orframe 113. Thetractor unit 5 can therefore convey thecontinuous paper 2 more consistently. - As described above, the
tractor modules continuous paper 2 in aprinter 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention each have agear 117 that is driven by drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side,tractors continuous paper 2 in a specific direction according to rotation of thegear 117, and aframe continuous paper 2 supplied from an external source to thetractors tractor modules continuous paper 2 with therespective frame continuous paper 2 separately conveyed by theplural tractor modules Plural tractor modules single printer 1. - A
guide hole continuous paper 2 passes is also formed in theframe continuous paper 2 is limited by passing through theguide hole continuous paper 2 conveyed by eachtractor module plural tractor modules - A
tractor unit 5 having a base 90 that removably holds thetractor modules printer 1 having thistractor unit 5, guide thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by theplural tractor modules frames continuous paper 2 conveyed by eachtractor module printer 1 havingplural tractor modules -
FIG. 10A is an oblique view from the front, andFIG. 10B is an oblique view from the back, of atractor module 301 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Note that like parts in this second embodiment and the first embodiment described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified. - Like the
tractor modules tractors tractor module 301 conveyscontinuous paper 2 toward thepaper feed entrance 18 by means of thetractors - This
tractor module 301 has arectangular frame 311. Thisrectangular frame 311 has afront crosspiece 311 d located in front of thetractors frame 311 is fit into a channel (not shown in the figure) in thebase 90 and thereby removably supported on the base 90 similarly to thetractor modules continuous paper 2 fed by thetractors front crosspiece 311 d and is fed into thepaper feed entrance 18 as indicated by the arrow inFIG. 10 . - The
tractor module 301 has agear 118. Drive power is transferred to thegear 118 from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side. Thegear 118 is exposed below the bottom of theframe 311. Thetractor drive shaft 115 passes through the center of thegear 118. When thegear 118 is turned by drive power transferred from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side, thetractor drive shaft 115 turns and thetractors gear 118 from below thetractor module 301. As a result, drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side can be transferred to thegear 118. - To use the
tractor module 301, one of the driven gears 151, 152, 153 on thebase 90 is therefore positioned to thegear 118. Any one of the driven gears 151, 152, 153 can be meshed with thegear 118 to transfer drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side. When threetractor modules 301 are installed to thebase 90, one of the driven gears 151, 152, 153 is positioned to each of the threetractor modules 301. - The
tractors tractor module 301 are enclosed on the front and back, left and right sides by theframe 311. This makes handling easier by simply holding theframe 311. Thistractor module 301 can therefore be easily removed from the base 90 or installed to the base 90 while thecontinuous paper 2 remains loaded in thetractor module 301. - A
guide hole 311 a (feed-side guide) is also formed in the cross member forming the back end of theframe 311. Thecontinuous paper 2 that is pulled up by thetractors guide hole 311 a. Theguide hole 311 a is longer than the width of thecontinuous paper 2 that can be loaded in thetractors continuous paper 2. Thecontinuous paper 2 is supplied through thisguide hole 311 a to thetractors continuous paper 2 is thereby restricted at the back side of thetractor module 301. Thecontinuous paper 2 is thus prevented from skewing or bulging up greatly above or to the back. Whenplural tractor modules 301 are stacked one above the other instead of thetractor modules FIG. 8 , contact between thecontinuous paper 2 pulled up by each of thetractor modules 301 is prevented. Aprinter 1 using thistractor module 301 can therefore convey thecontinuous paper 2 consistently. - The
corner 311 b at the top rear part of theframe 311 is also rounded or beveled. As a result, thecontinuous paper 2 can be prevented from snagging the back end of theframe 311 in the eventcontinuous paper 2 conveyed by a separatehigher tractor module 301 contacts the back edge of theframe 311 of alower tractor module 301. Thetractor unit 5 can therefore convey thecontinuous paper 2 more consistently when a plurality oftractor modules 301 are stacked in layers. -
FIG. 11 is an oblique view from the front of atractor module 303 according to a third embodiment of the invention.FIG. 12 is an oblique view of thetractor module 303 from the back.FIG. 13 shows thetractor module 303 in section. Note that like parts in this embodiment and the first and second embodiments described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified. - Like the
tractor module 301 described above, this tractor module 303 (tractor) has arectangular frame 313 that encloses the front and back, and left and right sides of thetractors guide hole 313 a (feed-side guide) identical to theabove guide hole 311 a is formed in the back part of theframe 313. Thecontinuous paper 2 is supplied through thisguide hole 313 a to thetractors corner 313 b of the back top part of theframe 313 is also rounded or bevelled. - The
frame 313 also has afront crossbar 313 e in front of thetractors slot 313 f (discharge guide) is formed in thisfront crossbar 313 e. Thisslot 313 f is a hole that extends along the length of thefront crossbar 313 e, that is, across the width of thecontinuous paper 2. Thecontinuous paper 2 fed by thetractors slot 313 f. - As with the frame 311 (
FIG. 10 ) described above, theframe 313 is fit into a channel (not shown in the figure) in the base 90 (FIG. 5), and is thus removably supported by thebase 90. Thetractor module 303 also has agear 118 to which drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side is transferred. Thegear 118 is rotated by the drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side. When thegear 118 turns, thetractor drive shaft 115 turns and thetractors - As shown in
FIG. 13 , theslot 313 f is formed through thefront crossbar 313 e. The width (height) of the opening 313 g on thetractor slot 313 f is greater than the width (height) of theopening 313 h on the side from which thecontinuous paper 2 is discharged. As a result, the leading end of thecontinuous paper 2 fed from thetractors slot 313 f without any particular adjustment needed. Because the width of theopening 313 h is narrow, thecontinuous paper 2 is also fed to thepaper feed entrance 18 without bouncing up and down inside theslot 313 f. Theslot 313 f can thus limit movement of thecontinuous paper 2 to prevent interference withcontinuous paper 2 conveyance. Thetractors continuous paper 2 consistently to thepaper feed entrance 18. Whenplural tractor modules 303 are installed to thebase 90, collision betweencontinuous paper 2 conveyed bydifferent tractor modules 303 can be avoided, and thecontinuous paper 2 can be stably supplied to theprinter unit 10. -
FIG. 14 is an oblique view of atractor module 305 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.FIG. 15 is a section view of thetractor module 305. Note that like parts in this embodiment and the first to third embodiments described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified. - Like the
tractor module 303 described above, the tractor module 305 (tractor) shown inFIG. 14 has arectangular frame 315 that encloses the front and back, and left and right sides of thetractors frame 315 has afront crossbar 315 e in front of thetractors slot 315 f (discharge guide) is formed in thisfront crossbar 315 e. Thisslot 315 f is a hole that extends along the length of thefront crossbar 315 e, that is, across the width of thecontinuous paper 2. Thecontinuous paper 2 fed by thetractors slot 315 f. - As with the frame 311 (
FIG. 10 ) described above, theframe 315 is fit into a channel (not shown in the figure) in the base 90 (FIG. 5 ), and is thus removably supported by thebase 90. Thetractor module 305 also has agear 118. Drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side is transferred to thegear 118. When thegear 118 is rotated and turned by drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 on theprinter unit 10 side, thetractor drive shaft 115 turns and thetractors - As shown in
FIG. 15 , theslot 315 f is formed through thefront crossbar 315 e. The width (height) of the opening 315 g on thetractor slot 315 f is greater than the width (height) of theopening 315 h on the side from which thecontinuous paper 2 is discharged. As a result, the leading end of thecontinuous paper 2 fed from thetractors slot 315 f without any particular adjustment needed. Because the width of theopening 315 h on the discharge side of theslot 315 f is narrow, thecontinuous paper 2 is fed to thepaper feed entrance 18 without bouncing up and down inside theslot 315 f. - A
guide hole 315 a (paper feed guide) identical to guidehole 311 a, and aguide hole 315 d that is a wider slot thanguide hole 315 a, are also formed in the back part of thecover frame 315. These guide holes 315 a and 315 d are parallel to each other withguide hole 315 a on thetractor continuous paper 2 that is pulled up by thetractors hole 315 a. Theother guide hole 315 d is located behindguide hole 315 a. Thisguide hole 315 d is a slot for passingcontinuous paper 2 that is conveyed by a tractor module located above thetractor module 305 that hasguide hole 315 d. - When plural tractor modules are installed one above the other as shown in
FIG. 8 , andtractor module 305 is used as the tractor module second from the top, thecontinuous paper 2 that is lifted by thistractor module 305 is guided byguide hole 315 a, and thecontinuous paper 2 that is lifted by the tractor module located above thistractor module 305 is guided throughguide hole 315 d. As a result, there is no contact between thecontinuous paper 2 that is conveyed by separate tractor modules. Furthermore, becauseguide hole 315 a is narrow, thecontinuous paper 2 that is conveyed bytractors continuous paper 2 can be prevented from billowing up due to the stiffness of thecontinuous paper 2. As a result, plural different streams ofcontinuous paper 2 can be consistently supplied to aprinter 1 that is installed in a confined space. - The
corner 315 b of the back top part of theframe 315 is also rounded or bevelled. Resistance can therefore be reduced whencontinuous paper 2 is supplied to the tractor module located above thistractor module 305 and contacts theframe 315, and thecontinuous paper 2 can therefore be supplied consistently. Because thetractor module 305 thus has aguide hole 315 a through which thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by thattractor module 305 passes, aguide hole 315 d through which thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by the tractor module located above thattractor module 305 passes, and a rounded orbeveled corner 315 b at the top back end of theframe 315, thetractor unit 5 can consistently supplycontinuous paper 2 when plural tractor modules are installed thereto one above the other. -
FIG. 16 is an oblique view from the front of aprinter 100 described as an example of a recording device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.FIG. 17 is an oblique view of theprinter 100 from the back (rear). Theoutside case 701 is indicated by an imaginary line inFIG. 17 .FIG. 18 is an oblique view of theprinter 100 with theoutside case 701 removed. Note that like parts in this embodiment and the first embodiment described above are identified by like reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified. - As shown in
FIG. 16 , apaper feed entrance 18 is open in the back of theprinter unit 10. Theprinter 100 records with arecording head 31 described below on thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed from thepaper feed entrance 18. - A
rear tractor unit 17 is disposed to theprinter unit 10. Therear tractor unit 17 conveyscontinuous paper 2 supplied from below theprinter unit 10 at the back to thepaper feed entrance 18. Thisrear tractor unit 17 and aseparate tractor unit 7 are used exclusively of each other. More specifically, therear tractor unit 17 is used when thetractor unit 7 is not installed to theprinter unit 10. Therear tractor unit 17 is not used when thetractor unit 7 is installed to theprinter unit 10. - The
tractor unit 7 has anoutside case 701 that covers the back of theprinter unit 10. Thetractor unit 7 has aelevator unit 710, and alift mechanism 700 that raises and lowers thelift unit 710, disposed inside theoutside case 701. Thelift unit 710 has a pair of left andright frames support tractor modules - The
lift unit 710 has a left-right symmetrical configuration withframe rack 721 affixed to the oneframe 715, and anotherrack 723 affixed to theother frame 717. The threetractor modules lift unit 710 in a vertical stack between theframes tractor modules frames tractor modules frames lift unit 710 also has adivider 712 that covers the top and back of therear tractor unit 17. - The
lift mechanism 700 has a pair of left and rightstationary panels outside case 701 andprinter unit 10, a connectingrod 705 spanning between thestationary panels rod 705. Alever 703 is attached topinion gear 704. - The
stationary panels paper feed entrance 18. The connectingrod 705 passes through thestationary panels stationary panels lever 703 is moved in the direction of arrow A inFIG. 16 , thepinion gear 704 moves and rotates in conjunction with thelever 703. Rotation of thepinion gear 704 is transferred through the connectingrod 705 to theother pinion gear 706. As a result, the pinion gears 704, 706 rotate together. -
FIG. 19 is an enlarged oblique view showing the configuration of thetractor unit 7, and more particularly an enlarged view of thepinion gear 704 and adjacent area.Teeth 704 a are formed on the outside surface of thepinion gear 704. Theteeth 704 a mesh with theteeth 721 a formed on the surface of therack 721. Theframes lift unit 710 are attached to thestationary panels lift mechanism 700 so that they can move up and down. When thelever 703 is operated in the direction of arrow A in the figure and thepinion gear 704 turns, drive power is therefore transferred from thepinion gear 704 to therack 721. As a result, thelift unit 710 moves vertically in the direction of arrow B together with therack 721. - As shown in
FIG. 18 ,teeth 706 a are formed on the outside surface of thepinion gear 706 linked topinion gear 704.Teeth 723 a (FIG. 21 ) are formed on the surface of therack 723 opposite thepinion gear 706 similarly to rack 721. Theteeth 706 a of thepinion gear 706 mesh with theteeth 723 a of therack 723. As a result, when thelever 703 is operated, drive power is transferred from thepinion gear 706 to therack 723, causing thelift unit 710 to move vertically in the direction of arrow B. Drive power is thus transferred to thelift unit 710 through theracks lift unit 710 width. Thelift unit 710 thus moves smoothly without becoming unbalanced and tilting to the left or right side. - The
lift mechanism 700 andracks -
FIG. 20 is an oblique view of thetractor module 401. Thetractor module 401 has a rectangular frame 141 (protruding part), and a pair of left andright tractors continuous paper 2 inside theframe 141. Theframe 141 is a rectangular member that encloses the sides and back of thetractor module 401, and is open at the front of thetractor module 401. Liketractor module 401,tractor modules tractors rectangular frame 142, 143 (protruding part), respectively. Theframes tractor module tractors frame 141. Likeframe 141, frames 142, 143 also have the pair oftractors -
Tractor 120 andtractor 130 are symmetrical left and right.Tractor module 401 has atractor drive shaft 115 andfollower shaft 116 that pass through thetractors - As indicated by arrow F in
FIG. 20 , thetractor module 401 lifts and conveys thecontinuous paper 2 from a stack stored below thetractor module 401 toward thepaper feed entrance 18 of theprinter unit 10 as indicated by arrow G in the figure. Thecontinuous paper 2 then rides onto the back of theframe 141 and is held by thetractors corner 141 a of the top back end of theframe 141 contacts thecontinuous paper 2 and functions as a guide that guides thecontinuous paper 2. - Like
tractor module 401,tractor modules continuous paper 2 from below thetractor modules continuous paper 2 then passes from the back end of theframe frame corner frame continuous paper 2. - A
gear 119 protrudes from the front of theframe 141. As a result, another gear meshes with thegear 119 from the front of thetractor module 401, and power for driving thegear 119 can be transferred to thegear 119.Tractor modules tractor module 401. Drive power transferred to thegear 119 causes the drive sprocket andtractor drive shaft 115 to turn, and thetractors continuous paper 2. Theplural tractor modules tractor unit 7 operate exclusively of each other. By operating thelever 703 to raise or lower thelift unit 710, drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 is transferred to thegear 119 of only one tractor module of thetractor unit 7 at a time, and the selected tractor module conveys thecontinuous paper 2. -
FIG. 21 is an oblique view showing the main parts in the configuration of thetractor unit 7. Because the internal configuration of thetractor unit 7 is shown inFIG. 21 , theoutside case 701 is not shown. - As described above, the
tractor unit 7 has threetractor modules tractor unit 7 also has alift unit 710 that moves up and down as indicated by arrow B, and alift mechanism 700 that causes thelift unit 710 to move vertically. Thelift unit 710 supports thetractor modules frames - The
lift mechanism 700 also has adivider 712 that covers the top and back of thetractor 20 installed to theprinter unit 10. Thisdivider 712 is a panel that prevents thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by thetractor unit 7 from contacting therear tractor unit 17. Thedivider 712 is a substantially L-shaped panel member having a horizontal panel that covers the top of therear tractor unit 17 joined to a vertical panel that covers the back of therear tractor unit 17. The distal end of thedivider 712 extends to inside thepaper feed entrance 18 or just before thepaper feed entrance 18. - A
flat paper guide 727 is disposed at the top of therear tractor unit 17 above thedivider 712 and parallel to thedivider 712. Thecontinuous paper 2 is conveyed through the conveyance path formed between thepaper guide 727 anddivider 712. The distal end of thepaper guide 727 also extends to inside or just before thepaper feed entrance 18. - The
lift mechanism 700 includes atransfer gear 731 and a tractor drive gear (transmission mechanism) 733. Thetransfer gear 731 is part of a gear train that transfers drive power from the paper feed motor 59 (FIG. 4 ) of theprinter unit 10. Thetractor drive gear 733 connects to thetransfer gear 731 through another gear. Both gears 731, 733 are attached freely rotatably tostationary panel 713. Thetractor drive gear 733 is disposed near theframe 717. Thetractor drive gear 733 is positioned so that it can mesh with thegear 119 of eachtractor module - When the
lift mechanism 700 moves thelift unit 710 vertically, one of the tractor modules is set to the height of thetractor drive gear 733. Thelift mechanism 700 is configured so that thegear 119 of the tractor module set to the height of thetractor drive gear 733 meshes with thetractor drive gear 733. The drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 is then transferred by thetractor drive gear 733 to thegear 119 meshed with thetractor drive gear 733. As a result, only the tractor module containing thegear 119 meshed with thetractor drive gear 733 conveys thecontinuous paper 2, and the other tractor modules are stopped. More specifically, when thelift unit 710 ascends or descends so that one of thetractor modules continuous paper 2, thegear 119 of that tractor module meshes with thetractor drive gear 733 and is driven. - One end of the
paper guide 727 near thetractor modules divider 712 and the end of thepaper guide 727 tapers open as shown inFIG. 21 . This end of thepaper guide 727 tapers open, forming acontinuous paper 2entrance 729 for inserting thecontinuous paper 2 between thepaper guide 727 anddivider 712. Thetractor unit 7 therefore enables smoothly inserting thecontinuous paper 2 between thepaper guide 727 anddivider 712. - The place where the
tractors tractor module 401 discharge thecontinuous paper 2 isdischarge position 401 a. The place where thetractors tractor module 402 discharge thecontinuous paper 2 isdischarge position 402 a. The place where thetractors tractor module 403 discharge thecontinuous paper 2 isdischarge position 403 a. - When one of the
tractor modules entrance 729. As a result, thecontinuous paper 2 is discharged from thecorresponding discharge position paper feed entrance 18. - The
tractor unit 7 can thus selectively drive one of thetractor modules lift unit 710. Thetractor unit 7 can also smoothly convey thecontinuous paper 2 from the driven tractor module into thepaper feed entrance 18. The drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 is also not transferred to the tractor modules at positions separated from the specific height. For example, whentractor module 403 is at the specific height and conveys thecontinuous paper 2, theother tractor modules tractor drive gear 733. As a result, the drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 is not transferred totractor modules continuous paper 2 will therefore not be conveyed from an unintended tractor module, and thetractor unit 7 can be assured of high reliability. - When one of the
tractor modules paper feed motor 59 is reversed to recover thecontinuous paper 2 to the discharge position of the tractor module being driven. Thelift unit 710 is then raised or lowered to set the other tractor module to the specific height meshed with thetractor drive gear 733. When the newly selectedtractor module continuous paper 2, thecontinuous paper 2 can be quickly supplied to theprinter unit 10 without thecontinuous paper 2 colliding with theentrance 729 or missing theentrance 729. - The back ends of the
frames tractor unit 7. Thecorner 143 a of theframe 143 of thetractor module 403 at the lowest position in the stack is at the shortest horizontal distance from thepaper feed entrance 18. Thecorner 141 a of theframe 141 of thetractor module 401 at the highest position in the stack is at the greatest horizontal distance from thepaper feed entrance 18. The horizontal distance from thecorner frame paper feed entrance 18 is thus shortest in the frame at the bottom and increases with proximity to the top. - As a result, the
continuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 401 passes on the outside of thecontinuous paper 2 lifted by thetractor module 402 therebelow. There is, therefore, no contact between thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by thetop tractor module 401 and thecontinuous paper 2 raised by thetractor module 402 therebelow. Thecontinuous paper 2 raised bytractor module 402 also travels through a position where there is no contact with thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by thetractor module 403, and there is no contact between thepaper 2 conveyed by different tractor modules. - As described above, the
printer 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention has a plurality oftractor modules continuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10, and alift mechanism 700 for switching between theplural tractor modules plural tractor modules continuous paper 2 conveyed by a tractor module located above another tractor module and thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by any other tractor module located therebelow. As a result,plural tractor modules tractor modules continuous paper 2. Contact between thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by each of theplural tractor modules tractor unit 7 having a plurality oftractor modules continuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10. - The
tractor unit 7 selects the tractor module to be used from among theplural tractor modules lift mechanism 700 to raise or lower thelift unit 710 that carries thetractor modules - Each of the
tractor modules continuous paper 2 from below, and the lift position from which a tractor module located above any other tractor module lifts thecontinuous paper 2 is on the side farther from theprinter unit 10 than the lift position of the tractor modules located therebelow. Contact between thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by each of theplural tractor modules tractor unit 7 can therefore consistently conveycontinuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10. - The
frames corresponding tractor modules printer unit 10 and guide thecontinuous paper 2 lifted from below so that it does not contact thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by another tractor module. As a result, theplural tractor modules continuous paper 2 conveyed by each separated. A configuration that avoids contact between thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by eachtractor module - The back end of the frame of the tractor module located higher in the stack of
plural tractor modules printer unit 10 than the back end of the frame of any tractor module located therebelow. As a result, thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by each of the plural, vertically stackedtractor modules continuous paper 2 conveyed by each of thetractor modules - The
lift mechanism 700 has pinion gears 704, 706, a connectingrod 705, and racks 721, 723 as a moving mechanism that moves theplural tractor modules tractor drive gear 733 as a transmission mechanism that transfers drive power to the onetractor module plural tractor modules continuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10 can be easily selected from among theplural tractor modules plural tractor module continuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10. A special construction is therefore not required for the part of theprinter unit 10 that receives thecontinuous paper 2. Thetractor unit 7 can therefore consistently supply thecontinuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10. -
FIG. 22 is a section view showing main parts of thetractor unit 7 a according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. BecauseFIG. 22 shows the internal configuration of thetractor unit 7 a, theoutside case 701 is not shown. Note that like parts in this sixth embodiment and the first or fifth embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified. - This
tractor unit 7 a has alift unit 710 a that holds a plurality oftractor modules lift unit 710 of the tractor unit 7 (FIG. 21 ) described above, thetractor unit 7 a can move thelift unit 710 a vertically by means of thelift mechanism 700. -
Tractor module 171 is disposed to the top level,tractor module 172 is located therebelow, andtractor module 173 is installed to the lowest level in thelift unit 710 a. Thetractor modules right frames tractor modules FIG. 21 ). -
Tractor module 171 has a rectangular frame 181 (protruding part). The back end of theframe 181, that is, the end at the rear, extends down, forming anextension 181 b. Other than the shape of theframe 181, thistractor module 171 is configured identically totractor module 101 described above. Liketractor module 171,tractor module 172 has a rectangular frame 182 (protruding part). The back end of theframe 182, that is, the end at the rear, extends down, forming anextension 182 b.Tractor module 173 has a rectangular frame 183 (protruding part). The back end of theframe 183, that is, the end at the rear, extends down, forming anextension 183 b. Other than the shape of theframe modules tractor module tractor modules - The horizontal distance of the
extensions printer unit 10 increases from bottom to top. More specifically, theextension 181 b at the highest position is separated the most from theprinter unit 10.Extensions printer unit 10. As a result, thecorner 181 a that is contacted by thecontinuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 171 is at the greatest horizontal distance from theprinter unit 10. Thecorner 181 a that is contacted by thecontinuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 171, the corner 182 a that is contacted by thecontinuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 172, and corner 183 a that is contacted by thecontinuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 173, are sequentially closer to theprinter unit 10. - As a result, the
continuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 171 passes on the outside of thecontinuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 172. Likewise, thecontinuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 172 passes a position where the paper does not contact thecontinuous paper 2 lifted bytractor module 173. There is, therefore, no concern about contact between thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by each of thetractor modules - As also described above, the
frame 181 has anextension 181 b. As a result, thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by thetractor module 171 cannot approach theframe 182 below. For example, even if a force causing thecontinuous paper 2 to swing towards theprinter unit 10 is applied by some external force or how thecontinuous paper 2 is stacked, for example, thecontinuous paper 2 will be prevented from approaching theframe 182 below by theextension 181 b.Frame 182 likewise has anextension 182 b. As a result, even if an external force or other force causing thecontinuous paper 2 to swing towards theprinter unit 10 is applied to thecontinuous paper 2, thecontinuous paper 2 will not approach theframe 183 below. Contact between thecontinuous paper 2 lifted and conveyed by theplural tractor modules tractor unit 7 a caused by contact between thecontinuous paper 2 lifted by thedifferent tractor modules continuous paper 2 can be reliably conveyed. -
FIG. 23 is a section view of main parts in thetractor unit 7 b according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. BecauseFIG. 23 shows the internal configuration of thetractor unit 7 b, theoutside case 701 is not shown. Note that like parts in this sixth embodiment and the first or fifth embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted or simplified. - This
tractor unit 7 b has alift unit 710 b that holds a plurality of identically configuredtractor modules 401 on multiple vertical levels offset at an angle to the perpendicular. Thetractor unit 7 b can move thelift unit 710 b up and down along this slope by means of alift mechanism 700 b. - The
lift mechanism 700 b has pinion gears 704, 706 and two racks 765. The pinion gears 704, 706 are turned by operating alever 703. The two racks 765 haveteeth 765 a that mesh with theteeth lift mechanism 700 b and racks 765 together form a moving mechanism. Note that the rack 765 havingteeth 765 a that mesh with theteeth 704 a ofpinion gear 704 is not shown inFIG. 23 . - The
lift unit 710 b supports threetractor modules 401 with a pair of left and rightstationary panels 719 disposed similarly to thestationary panels tractor modules 401 are disposed in steps that move further away (to the rear) from theprinter unit 10 horizontally as the height increases. - As shown in
FIG. 23 , the racks 765 are attached to thestationary panels 719 at an angle matching the arrangement of theplural tractor modules 401. As a result, operation of thelift mechanism 700 b causes thelift unit 710 b to ascend and descend at an angle as indicated by arrow H in the figure. The direction in which thelift unit 710 a ascends and descends matches the direction in which the threetractor modules 401 are disposed. - Of the three
tractor modules 401, thegear 119 of thetractor module 401 at a specific height meshes thetractor drive gear 733. As a result, drive power from thepaper feed motor 59 is transferred to thegear 119. Thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by thetractor module 401 at this specific height passes through the conveyance path formed by thepaper guide 727 and aflat divider 735 that covers the top of therear tractor unit 17, and is fed into thepaper feed entrance 18. Thelift unit 710 b ascends and descends on a slope. As a result, even if the horizontal distance of eachtractor module 401 from thepaper feed entrance 18 differs, the threetractor modules 401 will sequentially mesh thetractor drive gear 733 as thelift unit 710 b ascends and descends, and be able to convey thecontinuous paper 2. Therefore, thetractor module 401 used to conveycontinuous paper 2 to thepaper feed entrance 18 can be selected from among theplural tractor modules 401 by operating thelever 703. - The three
tractor modules 401 in this configuration are disposed so that the horizontal distance of thecorner 141 a of eachtractor module 401 from theprinter unit 10 increases from bottom to top. As a result, thecontinuous paper 2 that is lifted by thetop tractor module 401 passes on the outside of thecontinuous paper 2 that is conveyed by thetractor module 401 therebelow. As a result, there is no concern about contact between thecontinuous paper 2 lifted by thetop tractor module 401 and thecontinuous paper 2 lifted by thetractor module 401 therebelow. Likewise, there is no contact between thecontinuous paper 2 lifted by thebottom tractor module 401 and thecontinuous paper 2 lifted by thetractor module 401 thereabove. Contact between thecontinuous paper 2 lifted by theplural tractor modules 401 can therefore be reliably avoided. Thetractor unit 7 b therefore prevents conveyance problems caused by contact between thecontinuous paper 2, and can reliably feedcontinuous paper 2 to theprinter unit 10. - As shown in
FIG. 23 , thetractor unit 7 b is configured so that there is no contact between thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by each tractor module on a different level even without changing the size of the frame of eachtractor module 401, for example. Limitations on the shape and size of the tractor module used in each stage can therefore be alleviated. - Note that this seventh embodiment describes a configuration that uses three
tractor modules 401 with the same configuration and size, but tractor modules with different frame sizes can also be used. In this case a lower tractor module can have greater horizontal length than the tractor module thereabove. By adjusting the angle at which the tractor module is disposed on each level, contact between thecontinuous paper 2 conveyed by tractor modules of different sizes can be avoided if the difference in the size of the frame of each tractor module is relatively small. - The above first to seventh embodiments each describe exemplary embodiments of the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the
paper feed entrance 18 opens to the back of theprinter unit 10 inprinters continuous paper 2 from the back (rear) of theprinter unit 10 to thepaper feed entrance 18 are described. However, the invention is not so limited. For example, theprinter continuous paper 2 from the front of theprinter unit 10 or from the bottom of theprinter unit 10. In these configurations thetractor unit printer unit 10 or at the bottom at the back of theprinter unit 10. - A configuration in which the
printer continuous paper 2 is supplied, and thetractor unit - Further alternatively, configurations in which the
printer continuous paper 2 are also conceivable. In this case theprinter 1 may have separate conveyance paths for the cut sheet paper andcontinuous paper 2. - Further alternatively, the number of tractor modules disposed in the configuration holding a plurality of tractor modules one above the other in the foregoing embodiments is not limited, and there could be two or four or more.
- Configurations in which the
printer tractor modules - Configurations in which the
rear tractor unit 17 disposed to the rear of theprinter unit 10 of theprinter tractor modules - The
printer rear tractor unit 17 described above. - Further alternatively, the
printer 1 could be configured without thelever 92 disposed to theselection wheel 93 as described above. In this configuration theselection wheel 93 is exposed outside thebase 90, and the tractor module is changed by rotating theselection wheel 93 directly. Other aspects of theprinters - The foregoing embodiments are described using an inkjet printer as an example of the recording device, but the invention is not so limited and can obviously be applied to other types of printers, including dot impact printers, thermal printers that record images on thermal paper using a thermal head, and dye sublimation printers, and other types of electronic devices that include a printer as a component thereof.
- The foregoing embodiments describe configurations that can accommodate a plurality of
tractor modules tractor modules - The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that it may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (13)
1. A tractor that conveys a recording medium, and comprises:
a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side;
a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear; and
a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit.
2. The tractor described in claim 1 , wherein:
the frame has a supply-side guide that passes the recording medium.
3. The tractor described in claim 1 or 2 , wherein:
the frame has a discharge-side guide that passes the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit.
4. The tractor described in claim 3 , wherein:
the discharge-side guide has an opening on the discharge side from which the recording medium is discharged, and an opening on the conveyance unit side, and the width of the opening on the conveyance unit side is narrower than the width of the opening on the discharge side.
5. A tractor unit comprising:
a plurality of tractors, each of which conveys a recording medium, and has a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side,
a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear, and
a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit; and
a base that removably holds the plural tractors, and has at least one transfer gear that receives and transfers drive power from a power transfer unit disposed on the recording device side to the gears of the plural tractors.
6. The tractor unit described in claim 5 , wherein:
the plural tractors are disposed in plural stages vertically, and configured so that the recording medium conveyed by the tractor located above another tractor does not contact the recording medium conveyed by the lower tractor; and
the tractor unit has a selection mechanism that changes the tractor that receives drive power from the transfer gear.
7. The tractor unit described in claim 6 , wherein:
the selection mechanism has a moving mechanism that moves the tractors held in plural stages vertically; and
the transfer gear transfers drive power to the tractor at a specific height in the group of plural tractors.
8. The tractor unit described in claim 6 , wherein:
each tractor lifts and conveys the recording medium from below; and
the lifting position at which a tractor located above another tractor lifts the recording medium is on the side separated more from the recording device than the lifting position of the tractor located therebelow.
9. The tractor unit described in claim 8 , wherein:
the frame is disposed to the tractor extending to the side away from the recording device, and guides the recording medium lifted from below so that the recording medium does not contact the recording medium conveyed by another tractor.
10. The tractor unit described in claim 9 , wherein:
the frame of the tractor located higher in the group of plural tractors extends to a position separated farther from the recording device than the frame of the tractors located therebelow.
11. The tractor unit described in claim 9 , wherein:
the plural tractors are positioned along a slope to the vertical so that the distance from the recording device increases as the height of the position increases.
12. A recording device comprising:
a tractor unit having a plurality of tractors that convey recording media, and a base that removably holds the plural tractors,
each tractor of the tractor unit having a gear that receives drive power from the recording device side,
a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in a specific direction by rotation of the gear, and
a frame that guides the recording medium supplied from an external source to the conveyance unit, and
the base of the tractor unit having at least one transfer gear that receives and transfers drive power from a power transfer unit disposed on the recording device side to the gears of the plural tractors.
13. The recording device described in claim 12 , wherein:
the plural tractors are disposed in plural stages vertically, and configured so that the recording medium conveyed by the tractor located above another tractor does not contact the recording medium conveyed by the lower tractor; and
the tractor unit has a selection mechanism that changes the tractor that receives drive power from the transfer gear.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2011292913 | 2011-12-26 | ||
JP2011282912A JP2013132772A (en) | 2011-12-26 | 2011-12-26 | Tractor unit and recording device |
JP2011-292913 | 2011-12-26 | ||
JP2011-282912 | 2011-12-26 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130182058A1 true US20130182058A1 (en) | 2013-07-18 |
Family
ID=48779676
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/726,743 Abandoned US20130182058A1 (en) | 2011-12-26 | 2012-12-26 | Tractor, tractor unit, and recording device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20130182058A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3536510A1 (en) * | 2018-01-29 | 2019-09-11 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Printing apparatus for web print medium |
US11373074B1 (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-06-28 | Xerox Corporation | Height adjustable transport module with integrated integrity for in-line printer systems |
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JPS62116436A (en) * | 1985-11-13 | 1987-05-28 | Nec Corp | Continuous document feeding device of printer |
US4915280A (en) * | 1988-06-22 | 1990-04-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Forms feed tractor |
EP0443444A2 (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1991-08-28 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Printer having multiple tractor mounting configurations |
JPH0497865A (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1992-03-30 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Printer |
JPH05221566A (en) * | 1992-02-12 | 1993-08-31 | Seiko Epson Corp | Paper feeding device |
US6000595A (en) * | 1997-12-17 | 1999-12-14 | Roll Systems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for pinless feeding of web to a utilization device |
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JPS62116436A (en) * | 1985-11-13 | 1987-05-28 | Nec Corp | Continuous document feeding device of printer |
US4915280A (en) * | 1988-06-22 | 1990-04-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Forms feed tractor |
EP0443444A2 (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1991-08-28 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Printer having multiple tractor mounting configurations |
JPH0497865A (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1992-03-30 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Printer |
JPH05221566A (en) * | 1992-02-12 | 1993-08-31 | Seiko Epson Corp | Paper feeding device |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP3536510A1 (en) * | 2018-01-29 | 2019-09-11 | Riso Kagaku Corporation | Printing apparatus for web print medium |
US11373074B1 (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-06-28 | Xerox Corporation | Height adjustable transport module with integrated integrity for in-line printer systems |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MORIYAMA, RYUJI;REEL/FRAME:029525/0913 Effective date: 20121116 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |