JP3913136B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus such as a printer, and more particularly to a recording apparatus in which a cardboard feeding unit can be mounted on a main body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various recording materials have been proposed for recording by a recording device such as a printer. Among them, there are small and thick recording materials such as CD-Rs, DVDs and cards.
[0003]
When printing the above-mentioned recording material in the current general-purpose printer, if the cut sheet transport path is used, the transportability due to rigidity is not good, the occurrence of scratches, the transport roller cannot be transported, etc. A problem occurs. In view of this, a thick paper transport unit and a transport tray that can be mounted on the main body are used to enable transport by a route different from the transport route of the cut sheet.
[0004]
In the conventional recording apparatus, a lever is provided in the printer, and in association with the movement of the lever, the carrier on which the recording head is placed is separated from the platen, and the spur is also separated from the paper discharge roller. In this way, a thick paper and a space through which the tray holding the thick paper passes are created, and then the tray is inserted and recorded.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above conventional example has the following problems.
(1) When the carriage is in a position other than the home position, such as the ink replacement position or the recovery position, if the user performs the lifting operation of only the spur base that holds the spur, the carriage and the spur base interfere with each other and the main body is damaged. Could occur. Further, if the carriage is separated from the platen more than necessary in order to avoid the interference between the carriage and the spur base, there is a problem that the recording quality is deteriorated.
[0006]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus with high recording quality and high reliability when performing printing using a tray such as cardboard or CD-R. It is to be.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a recording head for recording on a recording medium by discharging ink supplied from the ink tank of the present invention is held, and in a width direction that is a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium A holding means that is reciprocally scanned and a plurality of spurs that cooperate with a plurality of paper discharge rollers that discharge the recording medium recorded by the recording means are held and moved relative to the holding means. And a spur holding means whose interval with the holding means changes,
The spur holding means comprises a first surface for holding a sensor for detecting a state of the ink tank mounted on the holding means, and a lower surface of the holding means, and a second surface other than the first surface; The second surface is wider than the distance between the lower surface of the holding means and the first surface and relative to the holding means. It is characterized in that it is arranged with an interval that does not interfere with the holding means even when it is moved to.
[0008]
As described above, the recording apparatus of the present invention has the spur holding means provided so that the distance between the holding means and the spur holding means is changed. It consists of a first surface that holds a sensor that detects the state of the tank, and a second surface that is formed such that the distance to the lower surface of the holding means is farther than the first surface. That is, the first surface to which the sensor for detecting the state of the ink tank, for example, the amount of ink in the ink tank, etc. is attached can make the clearance with the holding means as small as possible. Can be secured. In addition, since the second surface is disposed at a distance that does not interfere with the holding unit, the holding unit is located at a position facing the second surface in order to replace the ink tank, for example. Even in the state, the spur holding means can be moved in the direction approaching the holding means without worrying about interference between the spur holding means and the holding means.
[0009]
In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the second surface may include a surface facing a recovery position that is a position for recovering the ejection characteristics of the recording head in the scanning region of the holding unit. Alternatively, it may include a surface facing an ink tank replacement position that is a position for replacing the ink tank.
[0010]
In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the sensor may detect the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank.
[0011]
Furthermore, in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the first surface and the second surface may be continuous with a tapered surface. In this case, for example, even when the holding means runs away due to a malfunction, the holding means smoothly runs on the tapered surface due to the backlash of the holding means or the spur holding means being bent, so that the main body is not damaged.
[0012]
In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the holding means and the spur holding means are respectively provided so as to be movable up and down, and when a tray for supplying a relatively thick recording medium such as cardboard or CD-R is set, Both the holding means and the spur holding means may be raised.
[0013]
In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the movement of the holding unit to any one of the recovery position and the ink tank replacement position may be executed by a user operation.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a mechanism portion of the recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the present invention. Cross-sectional views and FIGS. 6 to 19 are diagrams related to CD printing.
[0016]
The recording apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a paper feeding device 2, a paper feeding unit 3, a paper discharging unit 4, a carriage unit 5, a cleaning unit 6, a recording head 7, a CD-R transport unit 8, and an electrical unit 5. . Then, these are divided into items and the outline is described sequentially.
(A) Paper feed unit
The sheet feeding unit 2 includes a pressure plate 21 for stacking the sheet material P, a sheet feeding roller 28 for feeding the sheet material P, a separation roller 241 for separating the sheet material P, a return lever 22 for returning the sheet material P to the stacking position, and the like. Is configured to be attached to the ASF base 20.
[0017]
A paper feed tray 26 for holding the stacked sheet material P is attached to the ASF base 20 or the exterior. The paper feed tray 26 is a multi-stage type and is pulled out for use.
[0018]
The feed roller 28 has a bar shape with a circular arc in cross section. One separation roller rubber is provided based on the sheet reference, and the sheet material P is fed by this. Drive to the paper feed roller 28 is transmitted from a dedicated paper feed motor 273 provided in the paper feed unit 2 by a drive transmission gear and a planetary gear (not shown).
[0019]
A movable side guide 23 is movably provided on the pressure plate 21 and regulates the stacking position of the sheet material P. The pressure plate 21 is rotatable around a rotation shaft coupled to the ASF base 20 and is urged by the pressure plate spring 212 to the paper feed roller 28. A separation sheet (not shown) made of a material having a large coefficient of friction such as an artificial leather for preventing the sheet material P near the final stacking from being double-fed is provided at a portion of the pressure plate 21 facing the sheet feeding roller 28. The pressure plate 21 is configured to be able to abut against and separate from the paper feed roller 28 by a pressure plate cam (not shown).
[0020]
Further, the ASF base 20 is provided with a separation roller holder 24 attached with a separation roller 241 for separating the sheet material P one by one so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft provided on the ASF base 20, The sheet feeding roller 28 is urged by a separation roller spring (not shown). The separation roller 241 is provided with a clutch spring (not shown), and when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied, a portion to which the separation roller 241 is attached rotates. The separation roller 241 can be brought into contact with and separated from the paper feed roller 28 by a separation roller release shaft 244 and a control cam (not shown). The positions of the pressure plate 21, the return lever 22, and the separation roller 241 are detected by an ASF sensor (not shown).
[0021]
A return lever 22 for returning the sheet material P to the stacking position is rotatably attached to the ASF base 20 and is urged by a return lever spring (not shown) in the release direction. When the sheet material P is returned, it is configured to rotate by a control cam (not shown).
[0022]
A state of feeding paper using the above configuration will be described below.
[0023]
In a normal standby state, the pressure plate 21 is released by a pressure plate cam (not shown), the separation roller 241 is released by a control cam (not shown), the return lever 22 returns the sheet material P, and the sheet material P enters the back during loading. It is provided at a loading position that closes the loading port. When paper feeding starts from this state, first, the separation roller 241 contacts the paper feeding roller 28 by driving the motor. Then, the return lever 22 is released, and the pressure plate 21 comes into contact with the paper feed roller 28. In this state, feeding of the sheet material P is started. The sheet material P is limited by a not-shown upstream separation unit provided on the ASF base 20, and only a predetermined number of the sheet material P is sent to a nip portion composed of a sheet feeding roller 28 and a separation roller 241. The fed sheet material P is separated at the nip portion, and only the uppermost sheet material P is conveyed.
[0024]
When the sheet material P reaches a later-described conveying roller 36 and pinch roller 37, the pressure plate 21 is released by a pressure plate cam (not shown) and the separation roller 241 is released by a control cam (not shown). The return lever 22 is returned to the loading position by a control cam (not shown). At this time, the sheet material P that has reached the nip portion constituted by the paper feed roller 28 and the separation roller 241 can be returned to the stacking position.
(B) Paper feed section
A paper feeding section 3 is attached to a chassis 11 made of a bent metal sheet. The paper feeding unit 3 includes a conveyance roller 36 that conveys the sheet material P and a PE sensor 32. The transport roller 36 has a configuration in which ceramic fine particles are coated on the surface of a metal shaft, and the metal portions of both shafts are received by bearings 38 and attached to the chassis 11. A conveyance roller tension spring (not shown) is provided between the bearing 38 and the conveyance roller 36 in order to apply a load during rotation to the conveyance roller 36 so that stable conveyance can be performed. Is giving the load.
[0025]
A plurality of driven pinch rollers 37 are provided in contact with the conveying roller 36. The pinch roller 37 is held by the pinch roller holder 30 and is urged by a pinch roller spring (not shown), so that the pinch roller 37 is pressed against the transport roller 36 and generates a transport force of the sheet material P. At this time, the rotating shaft of the pinch roller holder 30 is attached to the bearing of the chassis 11 and rotates around the shaft. Further, a paper guide flapper 33 and a platen 34 for guiding the sheet material P are disposed at the entrance of the sheet feeding unit 3 to which the sheet material P is conveyed. Further, the pinch roller holder 30 is provided with a PE sensor lever 321 that transmits detection of the leading and trailing edges of the sheet P to the PE sensor 32. The platen 34 is attached to the chassis 11 and positioned. The paper guide flapper 33 fits with the transport roller 36 and can rotate around a bearing portion 331 that slides, and is positioned by contacting the chassis 11.
[0026]
A paper presser (not shown) that covers the end of the sheet material P is provided on the paper reference side of the platen 34. Thus, the end portion of the sheet material P that has been deformed or curled is also lifted so that it does not interfere with the carriage 50 or the recording head 7. The recording head 7 that forms an image based on the image information is provided on the downstream side of the conveying roller 36 in the sheet material conveying direction.
[0027]
In the above configuration, the sheet material P sent to the paper feeding unit 3 is guided by the pinch roller holder 30 and the paper guide flapper 33 and sent to the roller pair of the transport roller 36 and the pinch roller 37. At this time, the PE sensor lever 321 detects the leading edge of the conveyed sheet material P, and thereby obtains the recording position of the sheet material P. Further, the sheet material P is transported on the platen 34 by the transport motor 35 and the pinch roller 37 being rotated by the transport motor 35. On the platen 34, a rib serving as a conveyance reference surface is formed. The gap with the recording head 7 is managed, and the corrugation of the sheet material P is controlled together with a paper discharge unit described later. And it is configured so that the undulation does not become large.
[0028]
The driving of the transport roller 36 is transmitted by a timing belt 351 to a pulley 361 provided on the shaft of the transport roller 36 by a timing belt 351. A code wheel 362 on which markings are formed at a pitch of 150 to 300 lpi for detecting the amount of conveyance by the conveyance roller 36 is provided on the axis of the conveyance roller 36, and an encoder sensor 363 that reads the code wheel 362 is a code wheel. It is attached to the chassis 11 at a position adjacent to 362.
[0029]
The recording head 7 is an ink jet recording head equipped with a replaceable ink tank for each color ink tank. The recording head 7 can apply heat to the ink by a heater or the like. Then, the film of the ink is boiled by this heat, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle 70 of the recording head 7 by the pressure change caused by the growth or contraction of the bubbles due to the film boiling, and an image is formed on the sheet material P.
[0030]
(C) Carriage part
The carriage unit 5 has a carriage 50 to which the recording head 7 is attached. The carriage 50 holds a guide shaft 52 for reciprocating scanning in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the sheet material P and a guide for maintaining the gap between the recording head 7 and the sheet material P by holding the rear end of the carriage 50. It is supported by rails 111. The guide shaft 52 is attached to the chassis 11. The guide rail 111 is formed integrally with the chassis 11. A thin sliding sheet 53 of SUS or the like is stretched on the sliding side of the guide rail 111 with respect to the carriage 50 to reduce sliding noise.
[0031]
The carriage 50 is driven via a timing belt 541 by a carriage motor 54 attached to the chassis 11. The timing belt 541 is stretched and supported by an idle pulley 542. The timing belt 542 is coupled to the carriage 50 via a damper (not shown) made of rubber or the like, and reduces image unevenness by attenuating vibration of the carriage motor 54 or the like. A code strip 561 in which markings are formed at a pitch of 150 to 300 lpi for detecting the position of the carriage 50 is provided in parallel with the timing belt 541. In addition, an encoder sensor 56 for reading it is provided on a carriage substrate 92 mounted on the carriage 50. The carriage substrate 92 is also provided with a contact 921 for electrical connection with the recording head 7. In addition, the carriage 50 includes a flexible substrate 57 for transmitting signals from the electric substrate 9 to the recording head 7.
[0032]
The carriage 50 is provided with pressing means 511 for pressing the recording head 7 against the positioning abutting portion 501 and fixing the recording head 7 to the carriage 50. The pressing means 511 is mounted on the head set lever 51 and is configured to act on the recording head 7 when the head set lever 51 is turned around the rotation fulcrum and set.
[0033]
Also, eccentric cams 521 are provided at both ends of the guide shaft 52, and the guide shaft 52 is moved up and down by transmitting the drive to the eccentric cam 521 via the drive gear train 581 by driving the carriage lifting motor 58. Can be made. As a result, the carriage 50 can be moved up and down to form an optimum gap even for the sheet material P having a different thickness.
[0034]
Further, a tray position detection sensor 59 including a reflection type optical sensor for detecting a position detection mark 826 of a later-described CD printing tray 83 is attached to the carriage 50. The position of the tray 83 can be detected by emitting light from the light emitting element and receiving the reflected light.
[0035]
In the above configuration, when an image is formed on the sheet material P, a pair of rollers including the conveyance roller 36 and the pinch roller 27 conveys the sheet material P to the row position (position in the conveyance direction of the sheet material P) where the image is formed, and the carriage. The carriage 50 is moved to a row position (a position perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet material P) by the motor 80 to make the recording head 7 face the image forming position. Thereafter, the recording head 7 ejects ink toward the sheet material P by a signal from the electric substrate 9 to form an image.
[0036]
(D) Paper discharge unit
The paper discharge unit 4 is in contact with the first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41, which are two paper discharge rollers, and the first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41 with a predetermined pressure. The spur 42 is configured to be rotatable, and includes a gear train that transmits the driving force of the transport roller 36 to the first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41.
[0037]
The first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41 are attached to the platen 34. The first discharge roller 40 on the upstream side is provided with a plurality of transfer units 401 on a metal shaft, and the driving force from the transfer roller 36 is transmitted to the first discharge roller 40 via an idler gear. Driven by. The second paper discharge roller 41 has a structure in which a plurality of conveying portions 411 made of an elastomer elastic body are attached to a resin shaft. The driving force from the transport roller 36 to the second paper discharge roller 41 is transmitted from the first paper discharge roller 40 via an idler gear.
[0038]
The spur 42 is a SUS thin plate provided with a plurality of convex shapes around it, is integrally molded with the resin portion, and is attached to the spur base 43. A spur spring 44 having a coil spring provided in a bar shape causes the spur 42 to be attached to the spur base 43 and pressed against the first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41 and the like. The spur 42 is provided at a position corresponding to the rubber portion and the elastic body portion of the first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41, and mainly serves to generate the conveying force of the sheet material P, and the first between them. The sheet discharge roller 40 and the second sheet discharge roller 41 are provided at positions where the conveyance portions 401 and 411 are not provided, and have a role of mainly suppressing lifting when the sheet material P is recorded.
[0039]
Between the first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41, both ends of the sheet material P are lifted, and the sheet material P is held at the tip of the first paper discharge roller 40 and the second paper discharge roller 41. A paper edge support (not shown) for preventing damage by rubbing the record on the sheet material P is provided. A resin member having a roller (not shown) at the tip is urged by a paper end support spring (not shown), and presses the roller 451 against the sheet material P with a predetermined pressure, thereby lifting both ends of the sheet material P, It is configured so that it can be held by making it.
[0040]
With the above configuration, the sheet material P on which an image is formed by the carriage unit 5 is sandwiched by the nip between the paper discharge roller 41 and the spur 42, conveyed, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 46. The paper discharge tray 46 is divided into a plurality of parts and can be stored in a lower part of a base 99 described later. When used, pull out. The discharge tray 46 increases in height toward the leading end, and the both ends thereof are configured to be high in height, so that the stackability of the discharged sheet material P can be improved and the recording surface can be prevented from rubbing.
[0041]
(E) Cleaning section
The cleaning unit 6 includes a pump 60 that cleans the recording head 7, a cap 61 that suppresses drying of the recording head 7, a blade 62 that cleans the face surface around the nozzles of the recording head 7, and the like.
[0042]
This cleaning unit 6 has a dedicated cleaning motor 69, and a one-way clutch is provided so that the pump 60 operates by rotating in one direction and the blade 62 operation and the cap 61 elevating operation operate by reverse rotation. .
[0043]
The pump 60 is connected to the cap 61 by two tubes provided with valves, and these tubes are configured to generate negative pressure by being squeezed by a pump roller. When the pump 60 is operated with the cap 61 in close contact with the recording head 7, unnecessary ink or the like is sucked from the recording head 7. A cap absorber is provided in the cap 61 portion in order to reduce ink remaining on the face surface of the recording head 7 after suction. For this reason, the ink remaining in the cap 61 is sucked in a state where the cap 61 is opened so that the ink remains stuck and does not cause any harmful effects. The waste ink sucked by the pump 60 is absorbed and held by a waste ink absorber provided on the base 99.
[0044]
A series of operations such as blade 62 operation, cap 61 up-and-down operation, and valve opening and closing are controlled by a main cam provided with a plurality of cams on the shaft. The cam and arm of each part are acted on the main cam to perform a predetermined operation. The position of the main cam 63 can be detected by a position detection sensor 64 such as a photo interrupter. When the cap 61 descends, the blade 62 moves perpendicular to the scanning direction of the carriage 50 to clean the face surface of the recording head 7. Plural blades 62 are provided for cleaning the vicinity of the nozzles of the recording head 7 and for cleaning the entire face surface. Then, when it moves to the innermost position, it can come into contact with the blade cleaner 66 to remove ink attached to the blade 62 itself. (F) Exterior part
Each unit up to the above is incorporated in the chassis 11 and forms a mechanism part of the printer. The exterior is attached so that the circumference may be covered. The exterior mainly includes a base 99, an upper case 98, an access cover 97, a connector cover 96, and a front cover 95.
[0045]
A discharge tray rail is provided below the base 99 so that the divided discharge tray 46 can be stored. Further, the front cover 95 is configured to block the paper discharge port when not in use.
[0046]
An access cover 97 is rotatably attached to the upper case 98. A part of the upper surface of the upper case 98 has an opening, and the ink tank 71 and the recording head 7 can be replaced at this position. Further, the upper case 98 is provided with a door switch lever 981 for detecting opening / closing of the access cover 97, an LED guide 982 for transmitting / displaying LED light, a key switch 983 for acting on the SW of the board, and the like. Further, a multistage paper feed tray 26 is rotatably attached to the upper case 98. When the paper feed unit 2 is not used, the paper feed tray 26 is configured to be a cover of the paper feed unit 2 if it is stored.
[0047]
Further, the upper case 98 and the base 99 are attached with elastic fitting claws. A connector cover 96 covers a portion in which the connector portion is provided.
[0048]
Next, the CD transport unit 8 according to the present invention and CD printing when using it will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0049]
6 is a perspective view of the printer main body with the CD transport section 8 attached thereto, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the CD transport section 8, FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the CD transport section mounting section and mounting detection section of the base 99, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the CD transport unit 8 when the slider 81 is moved, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the release of the hooks 104 of the base 99 and the CD transport unit 8. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the arm 85 when the slider 81 is moved, FIG. 13 is a plan view of the tray 83, FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the recess in the position detection portion of the tray, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view in which the tray is set in the CD transport unit, FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the tray being transported, FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the carriage guide shaft lifting mechanism, and FIG. Lateral pressure roller, It is an operation diagram for the pressure roller tray.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the CD transport unit 8 is slid straight in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in the drawing, it is mounted on the base 99. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, positioning is performed by inserting fitting portions 822 at both ends of the tray guide 82 along guide rails 993 provided on both sides of the base 99. On both sides of the tray guide 82, hooks 104 are configured to be rotatable and are urged in one direction. When the CD transport unit 8 is slid to a predetermined position, it abuts so that it cannot slide any more. Then, the hook 104 acts on the stopper of the guide rail 993 and is locked so as not to return to the sliding direction. A mechanical tray guide detection sensor 344 for detecting a state in which the tray guide 82 is mounted is provided on the platen. When the tray guide 82 is mounted on the printer body, a part of the tray guide 82 is a tray. By pressing the guide detection sensor 344, the mounting can be detected.
[0051]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, when the slider 81 is moved toward the printer main body, the arm 85 projects in the printer main body direction in conjunction with the slider 81. A spur base 43 on which the spur 42 is mounted is configured to be slidable up and down on the platen 34 and is urged against the platen by a spring having a predetermined pressure. Therefore, when the arm 85 enters between the spur base 43 and the platen 34, the spur base 43 is lifted upward by a predetermined amount. As a result, the spur 42 is separated from the paper discharge rollers 40 and 41. At this time, the arm 105 can smoothly enter between the platen 34 and the spur base 43 by the inclined portion 851 formed at the tip of the arm 85.
[0052]
An inclined portion is also provided in the insertion portion of the spur base 43 and the platen 34.
[0053]
As a result, a space through which the tray 83 can pass can be formed between the platen 34 and the spur base 43. The arm 85 is positioned between the platen 34 and the spur base 43, and when the arm 85 is stored in the tray guide 82, the arm 85 has a backlash with respect to the tray guide 82. Yes.
[0054]
Therefore, even if there is an attachment error between the tray guide 82 and the base 99, the arm 85 follows the platen and the spur base 43. Therefore, the rising amount of the spur base 43 can be accurately set only by the thickness of the arm 85. Therefore, the amount of increase of the spur base 43 is too small to ensure a sufficient CD-R paper path, and the amount of increase is too large to interfere with other parts such as the carriage.
[0055]
In the above configuration, when the slider 81 is not moved toward the printer main body, the opening 821 is closed, so that the tray 83 cannot be inserted. When the slider 81 is moved in the direction of the printer main body, the slider 81 is configured to move obliquely upward, so that an opening 821 appears between the slider 81 and the tray guide 82. In this state, the tray 83 loaded with the CD can be inserted from the opening 821 and set at a predetermined position. This prevents the tray 83 and the spur 42 from interfering with each other and the tray sheet 831 at the tip of the tray 83 and the spur 42 being damaged when the tray 83 is inserted while the spur base 43 is not raised. Because.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 11, when the tray 82 pulls out the slider 81 from the main body, the arm 85 is detached from the spur base 43 in conjunction with the slider 81, and the spur base 43 and the spur 44 are lowered to predetermined positions. At this time, if the tray 83 remains attached, the tray 83 is sandwiched in the opening 821 between the slider 81 and the tray guide 82, and the slider 81 cannot be pulled any further. This prevents the spur 44 from falling and damaging the CD while the CD remains in the printer body. When the slider 81 is further pulled, the slider 81 acts on the hook 104, and the hook 104 is detached from the guide rail 993 of the base 99, so that the mounting of the CD transport unit 8 on the printer main body is released.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 13, the tray 83 is formed on a resin plate having a thickness of about 2 to 3 mm, a CD mounting portion 832, an operation portion 833 grasped by an operator to insert and remove the tray, a position detection mark 834, a CD ejection hole 835, an insertion An alignment mark 836, a lateral pressure roller escape portion 387, and a media presence / absence detection mark 838 are provided. Further, a tray sheet 831 is attached to the front end of the tray 83 to ensure the biting of the tray 83 into the transport roller 36 and the pinch roller 37.
[0058]
Two position detection marks 834 are provided on the front end side of the CD mounting portion of the tray 83, and one is provided on the opposite side. The position detection mark 834 is provided with a member having high reflection performance in a square of about 3 to 10 mm. Here, a hot stamp is used. A concave portion 839 is provided around the position detection mark 834, and the reflective material can be formed along the shape of the position detection mark portion of the resin component. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the bottom of the recess 839 has a high surface property and is formed at a predetermined angle, so that the light emitted from the tray position detection sensor 59 provided on the carriage 50 is other than the position detection mark 834. Even if it is reflected by the light, it does not return to the light receiving portion, thus preventing erroneous detection. As described above, since the reflectance of the position detection mark 834 on the tray 83 is high, it is not necessary to mount a high-performance sensor, and processing such as correction can be reduced, thereby avoiding an increase in cost and an increase in printing time. Can do. Further, as compared with the method of directly reading the edge of the print area of the CD, detection can be performed accurately even when reprinting a colored CD, once recorded.
[0059]
The CD attachment portion 832 is provided with a plurality of mold claws, and performs positioning and backlash removal when the CD is attached. The operator attaches the hole in the center of the CD to the CD attachment portion 832. At the time of removal, the CD removal hole 835 is used in two places so that the operator can remove the CD with the outer peripheral edge of the CD. Further, the CD mounting portion is one step lower than the other surfaces of the tray 83. On the lower surface, a medium presence / absence detection mark 838 is provided. This is configured such that a hole having a predetermined width is provided in a hot stamp having a predetermined width, and it is determined that there is no medium when the hole width is detected.
[0060]
A tray sheet 831 is attached to the front end of the tray 83 to ensure the biting of the tray 83 into the transport roller 36 and the pinch roller 37. The tray sheet 831 is made of a sheet material made of PET or the like having a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm, and has a predetermined friction coefficient and hardness. The tray 83 itself also has a tapered portion 830 at the tip. First, the tray sheet 83 is bitten by the transport roller 36 and the pinch roller 37 to generate transport force, and the pinch roller 37 lifts the tapered portion 830 at the tip of the tray 83, so that the thick tray 83 is transported. 36, can be held between the pinch rollers 37, and the tray 83 can be conveyed. The position detection mark 834 is provided between the pinch rollers 37. Therefore, the position detection mark 834 is prevented from coming into contact with the pinch roller 37 and scratching the surface.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 19, the tray guide 82 is provided with a lateral pressure roller 824 for pressing the tray 83 against the reference 82 of the tray guide 82, and is pressed against the tray 83 reference 82 by a roller spring 825 with a predetermined pressure. Positioning is performed. The side pressure roller 824 acts until the operator sets the tray 83 at a predetermined position. When the tray 83 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 36 and the pinch roller 37, the side pressure roller 824 escapes to a position where the side pressure roller 824 acts. Since the portion 387 comes, the lateral pressure roller 824 does not act on the tray 83, so that excessive back tension or the like does not act on the tray 83, thereby preventing the conveyance accuracy of the tray 83 from being lowered.
[0062]
The slider 81 is provided with pressing rollers 811 on the left and right, and the conveying force of the tray 83 is generated by pressing the tray 83 against the paper discharge roller 241 with a predetermined pressure by the roller spring 812. With this conveying force, the tray 83 can be conveyed from the set position to the nip portion of the conveying roller 36 and the pinch roller 37 at the start of printing. Further, when printing is finished, the tray 83 can be transported to a predetermined position where the operator takes it out. Also in this case, the position of the position detection mark 834 and the pressing roller 811 are configured differently. Therefore, the position detection mark 834 is prevented from coming into contact with the pressing roller 811 and scratching the surface.
[0063]
The tray 83 can be taken out from the tray guide 82 by pulling out the tray 83 conveyed to a predetermined position. In addition, the operator can remove the CD by holding the outer peripheral edge of the CD by using the two CD ejection holes 835.
[0064]
Next, a printing operation on a CD when the above configuration is used will be described.
[0065]
When the CD transport unit 8 is slid straight toward the main body, it is mounted on the base 99. At this time, the tray guide detection sensor 344 can detect that the tray guide 82 is attached to the printer body.
[0066]
Further, when the slider 81 is moved in the direction of the printer body, the arm 85 projects in the direction of the printer body in conjunction with the slider 81. Then, when the arm 85 enters between the spur base 43 and the platen 34, the spur base 43 is lifted upward by a predetermined amount.
[0067]
As described above, when the slider 81 is moved in the direction of the printer main body, the slider 81 is configured to move obliquely upward, so that an opening 821 appears between the tray guide 82 and the slider 81. In this state, as shown in FIG. 16, a tray 83 loaded with a CD can be inserted from the opening 821 and set at a predetermined position.
[0068]
Then, the CD is mounted on the CD mounting portion 832 of the tray 83. The operator holds the operation unit 833 and inserts the tray 83 until the position detection mark 834 coincides with the tray set mark 826 of the tray guide 82.
[0069]
In this state, when a recording signal is sent from the host, the recording operation is started. First, as shown in FIG. 17, the transport roller 36, the paper discharge roller 140, and the paper discharge roller 241 are reversed. The conveying force of the tray 83 is generated by pressing the tray 83 against the discharge roller 140 and the discharge roller 241 with a predetermined pressure by the pressing roller 811 and the roller spring 812. Therefore, the discharge roller 140 and the discharge roller 241 are reversed. Accordingly, the tray 83 is conveyed into the printer. The tray sheet 83 is bitten by the transport roller 36 and the pinch roller 37 to generate a predetermined transport force. The pinch roller 37 lifts the tapered portion 830 at the tip of the tray 83, and the tray 83 is transported by the transport roller 36 and the pinch roller 37. Sandwiched between.
[0070]
Next, the carriage 50 moves from the home position to the recording area in order to detect the tray 83. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18, the carriage lifting / lowering motor 59 is driven, the guide shaft 52 is raised, and an optimum gap can be formed with respect to the tray 83.
[0071]
As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the carriage 50 stops the tray position detection sensor 59 according to the position of the position detection mark 834a of the tray 83. Then, the tray 83 is conveyed, and the edge position of the upper end of the position detection mark 834a is detected. The conveyance is continued as it is, and the lower end edge of the mark 834a is detected. Next, as shown in FIG. 15C, the tray 83 is returned so that the tray position detection sensor 59 comes to substantially the center of the position detection mark 834a. Then, the carriage 50 is moved to the left and right to detect the right edge position and the left edge position of the position detection mark 834a. From the above, the center position 834ac of the position detection mark 834a can be calculated, and the print position of the CD mounted on the tray 83 is obtained from the center position 834ac. As described above, since the position of the tray itself is detected, printing does not shift due to variations in component accuracy, the state of the tray, and the like, compared to a case where printing is performed only with mechanical accuracy without detection.
[0072]
After detecting the position of the position detection mark 834a, the carriage 50 moves to detect the position detection mark 834b as shown in FIG. By detecting the edges at both ends, it is confirmed that the position detection mark 834a detected earlier is correct. This is because when the tray 83 is inserted deeper than the normal set position, the position detection mark 834b is moved to detection even if the position of the position detection mark 834c is detected as shown in FIG. The position detection mark 834a can be detected.
[0073]
After the tray 83 position is detected, as shown in FIG. 15 (f), the tray 83 is positioned so that the tray position detection sensor 59 position of the carriage 50 and the medium presence / absence detection mark 838 position of the tray 83 coincide with each other in the tray 83 conveyance direction. Transport. At this time, when the detection hole edge of the medium presence / absence detection mark 838 is detected and matches the predetermined hole width, it is determined that the CD is not loaded, the printing operation is interrupted, the tray 83 is ejected to a predetermined position, and an error is detected. Is displayed. If the media presence / absence detection mark 838 cannot be detected, it is determined that a CD is loaded, and the printing operation is continued.
[0074]
When the above series of initial operations is completed, the tray 83 is conveyed to a predetermined position where the entire CD at the back of the printer can be recorded. Thereafter, recording is started in accordance with image data sent from the host. By using so-called multi-pass printing in which an image is formed by a plurality of scans, band unevenness due to conveyance accuracy and head 7 landing accuracy can be reduced.
[0075]
After the printing is completed, the tray 83 conveys the tray 83 to a position where the operator sets the tray 83 on the tray guide 82 before the above-described printing. In this state, the operator can take out the tray 83 on which the printed CD is mounted. Further, by pulling the slider 81, the arm 85 is released from the spur base 43, and the hook 104 is released from the base 99, whereby the CD transport unit 8 is released from the main body printer and can be removed.
[0076]
Here, the shape of the spur base 43 and the relationship with the carriage 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0077]
20 is a front view of the relationship between the spur base and the carriage at the normal position, FIG. 21 is a front view of the relationship between the spur base at the raised position and the carriage at the normal position, and FIG. 22 is the raised position of both the spur base and the carriage. FIG. 23 is a top view around the spur base and the platen. In this specification, the spur base 43 is in the normal position when the ink tank replacement-recovery region 43A (described later) of the spur base 43 is Ref. The carriage 50 is in the normal position when the lower surface of the carriage 50 facing the spur base 43 is ref. The state at the height (see FIG. 20). Also, if the spur base 43 is in the raised position, it means that the ink tank replacement-recovery region 43A of the spur base 43 is Ref. From height h ₁ The carriage 50 is in the raised position when the lower surface of the carriage 50 facing the spur base 43 is ref. From height h ₂ This indicates a state in which the position is raised only (see FIG. 22).
[0078]
An ink sensor 103 for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 71 mounted on the carriage 50 is attached to the spur base 43. The ink sensor 103 needs to be disposed at a position relatively close to the ink tank 103 in order to detect the amount of reflection from the ink in the ink tank 103. The spur base 43 includes an ink sensor holding portion 43C that holds the ink sensor 103, and an ink tank replacement-recovery region 43A that is 3 mm lower than the ink sensor holding portion 43C. The ink sensor holding portion 43C and the ink tank replacement / recovery region 43A are smoothly connected by the tapered portions 43B and 43D.
[0079]
20 to 22 schematically show positions of the carriage 50 in the main scanning direction. The home position (cap position) 50 </ b> A is a position where the recording head 7 is capped with the cap 61 of the cleaning unit 6 and sucked. The recovery position 50 </ b> B is a position where the carriage 50 is temporarily retracted when the atmosphere is released after suction by the cleaning unit 6 or after wiping by the blade 62. The ink tank replacement position 50C is a position where the ink tank 71 is replaced, and the ink sensor detection position 50D is a position where the ink sensor 103 detects the remaining amount of ink.
[0080]
The clearance between the lower surface of the carriage 50 and the surface of the ink tank replacement-recovery region 43A and the ink sensor holding portion 43C of the spur base 43 is the same as the ink tank replacement when the spur base 43 and the carriage 50 shown in FIG. -C in recovery area 43A ₂ = 6.5 mm, C at ink sensor holding portion 43C ₁ = 3.5 mm.
[0081]
As shown in FIG. 21, when the position height of the carriage 50 remains at the normal position and does not rise, and only the spur base 43 rises from the normal position shown by the broken line to the raised position, the amount of rise of the spur base 43 is h. ₁ = 4.5 mm, the clearance between the carriage 50 and the spur base 43 in the ink tank replacement-recovery region 43A is C. ₂ = 2 mm, but C for the ink sensor holder 43C ₁ = -1 mm, i.e., 1 mm interference.
[0082]
Further, as shown in FIG. 22, when both the spur base and the carriage 50 are lifted from the normal position shown by the broken line to the lifted position, both are h. ₁ = H ₂ = 4.5 mm, the relative height relationship between them is the same as in FIG. ₂ = 6.5 mm, C at ink sensor holding portion 43C ₁ = 3.5 mm.
[0083]
Here, when the user replaces the ink, the carriage 50 moves to the ink tank replacement position 50C, which is a position where the ink tank can be replaced. In this embodiment, the spur base 43 is shown in FIG. Or from the normal position shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. ₁ = Even if the raised position is raised by 4.5 mm, the clearance is maintained between the carriage 50 and the spur base 43, so the spur base 43 is positioned at either the normal position or the raised position. Since the carriage 50 can be moved to the ink tank replacement position 50C without worrying about whether or not it is done, it is easy to use. For example, when the carriage 50 and the spur base 43 are in the normal positions, even if the arm 85 raises only the spur base 43 by setting the tray guide 82 during ink replacement, the 43A portion of the spur base 43 is There is no problem such as interference because the carriage 50 escapes (the carriage 50 moves up when the tray guide detection sensor 344 detects the tray guide 82, but there is a time difference until the lifting is completed).
[0084]
Similarly, in the recovery position 50B, the carriage 50 can be moved regardless of the position of the spur base 43, and the same effect is obtained.
[0085]
On the other hand, if the ink sensor holding portion 43C is lowered to avoid interference, the reflection of the ink in the ink tank 71 cannot be sufficiently detected, and therefore cannot be changed from the current position. Since the carriage 50 and the spur base 43 are both in the normal position when printing a cut sheet, and the carriage 50 and the spur base 43 are both in the raised position when printing thick paper such as a CD-R, the clearance between the ink sensor holding portion 43C and the carriage 50 Is C ₁ Only 2 mm is secured. However, even if the carriage 50 runs away due to a failure or the like, the present embodiment is such that the tapers 43B and 43C are formed between the ink tank replacement-recovery region 43A and the surface of the ink sensor holding portion 43C. The main body is prevented from being damaged. That is, even when the carriage 50 runs away due to the positional relationship of FIG. 21 where the carriage 50 and the ink sensor holding portion 43C interfere with each other, the backlash of the carriage 50 and the spur base 43 are bent, so that the tapers 43B and 43C are smoothly formed. Since the carriage 50 rides on, the impact force is not applied to the carriage 50 and the main body, so that the main body is not damaged.
[0086]
If the carriage 50 always moves up and moves as shown in FIG. 22, the chance of interference with the carriage 50 is reduced even if the ink tank replacement-recovery area 43A of the spur base 43 is not low, but the carriage 50 is raised every time. In order to do so, the guide shaft 52 is raised, which takes time and is disadvantageous in terms of durability of the raising mechanism. Further, since the cleaning unit 6 is not configured to move up, the carriage 50 needs to be moved to the normal position in order for the cleaning unit 6 to recover the suction of the recording head 7 on the carriage 50. It is also disadvantageous in terms of time and durability of the lifting mechanism.
[0087]
In addition, the carriage 50 may be separated from the spur base 43 in the normal position so that the ink sensor holding portion 43C and the carriage 50 do not interfere with each other even if the spur base 43 is raised. Since the mounted recording head 7 is greatly separated from the recording surface of the sheet material P, there is a disadvantage that the image quality is deteriorated.
[0088]
Since the shape of the spur base 43 as described above does not require the carriage 50 to be separated from the platen 34 more than necessary, a recording apparatus capable of CD-R printing, high recording quality, and high reliability and ease of use is provided. be able to.
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the distance between the surface of the spur holding means facing the lower surface of the holding means is the distance between the first surface holding the sensor for detecting the state of the ink tank and the lower surface of the holding means. It consists of the 2nd surface formed so that it may become far from the 1st surface. Thereby, since the clearance with the holding | maintenance means can be made as small as possible, the 1st surface can ensure the measurement precision by a sensor.
[0090]
In addition, the second surface including the recovery position or the ink tank replacement position and the holding unit are spaced apart from each other so as not to interfere with each other. That is, when setting a transport tray for supplying a relatively thick recording medium such as cardboard or CD-R, the spur holding means moves toward the holding means. During this setting, the holding means Even if there is a position facing the second surface, there is no need to worry about interference between the spur holding means and the holding means. Further, since the holding means is not separated from the platen more than necessary in order to avoid interference between the holding means and the spur holding means, the recording quality is not deteriorated due to this.
[0091]
Further, in the recording apparatus of the present invention, since the first surface and the second surface are connected by a tapered surface, even if the holding unit runs away due to malfunction, the play of the holding unit and the spur holding unit bend. As a result, the holding means smoothly runs on the tapered surface, so that the main body is not damaged.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mechanism unit of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mechanism unit of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a CD transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a CD transport unit mounting unit and a mounting detection unit of a base according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a configuration explanatory view of mounting of a base and a CD transport unit hook in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a CD transport unit when a slide cover is moved according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a configuration explanatory diagram of releasing the base and the CD transport unit hook in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the arm when the slide cover is moved according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of a tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the concave shape of the position detection portion of the tray in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of relative positions of a tray and a position detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view in which a tray is set on a CD transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for conveying a tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an operation explanatory diagram of a carriage guide shaft lifting mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a view showing the action of the lateral pressure roller and the pressing roller on the tray according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a front view of the relationship between the spur base and the carriage in the normal position according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a front view of the relationship between the spur base and the carriage in the normal position according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a front view of the relationship between the spur base and the carriage in the raised position according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a top view around the spur base and the platen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Recording device
2 Paper feeder
3 Paper feed section
4 Output section
5 Carriage part
6 Cleaning section
7 Recording head
8 CD transport section
9 Electrical Department
11 Chassis
103 Ink sensor
104 hook
105 Lead wire
111 Guide rail
20 base
201 Pre-stage separation part
21 pressure plate
211 Knurling
212 Pressure plate spring
213 Separation sheet
214 Pressure plate cam
22 Return lever
221 Return lever spring
23 Movable side guide
231 Seat guide
232 Knurling part
233 operation unit
24 Separation roller holder
241 Separation roller
242 Separation roller spring
243 Separating roller clutch
244 Separating roller release shaft
245 Separating roller shaft
25 Control cam
26 Paper tray
27 Drive unit
271 Drive transmission gear
272 Planetary Gear
273 Paper feed motor
28 Paper feed roller
281 Feeding roller rubber
29 ASF sensor
30 Pinch roller holder
31 Pinch roller spring
32 PE sensor
321 PE sensor lever
33 Paper Guide Flapper
331 Bearing
34 Platen
341 Paper presser
342 Conveying roller mounting part
343 Chassis mounting shaft
344 Tray guide detection sensor
35 Transport motor
36 Transport roller
361 pulley
362 code wheel
37 Pinch roller
38 bearings
381 Roller tension spring
39 Encoder sensor
40 Paper discharge roller 1
41 Paper discharge roller 2
42 Spur
43 spur base
43A Ink tank replacement, recovery area
43B Taper
43C Ink sensor mounting area
43D Taper
44 Spur Spring
45 Paper edge support
451 Paper edge support roller
452 Paper edge support spring
46 Output tray
50 Carriage
50A cap position
50B recovery position
50C ink tank replacement position
50D Ink sensor detection position
50E Cap position (carriage raised)
50F recovery position (carriage up)
50G ink tank replacement position (carriage raised)
50H Ink sensor detection position (carriage raised)
501 Butting part
51 Headset lever
511 Head pressing means
52 Guide shaft
521 Eccentric cam
53 Sliding sheet
54 Carriage motor
541 Timing belt
542 Idle pulley
55 Carriage damper
56 Encoder sensor
561 cord strip
57 Flexible substrate
58 Carriage lift motor
581 Drive gear train
59 Tray position detection sensor
60 pumps
61 cap
611 Cap Absorber
62 blades
63 Main cam
64 Position detection sensor
65 valves
66 Blade Cleaner
67 tubes
68 Pump roller
69 Cleaning motor
691 One-way clutch
7 Recording head
71 Ink tank
8 CD-R transport section
81 Slide cover
811 Roller
812 Roller spring
82 Tray Guide
821 opening
822 Fitting part
823 standards
824 side pressure roller
825 roller spring
826 Tray set mark
83 trays
830 Tapered part
831 Tray sheet
832 CD mounting part
833 operation unit
834 Position detection mark
835 Hole for CD removal
836 Tray insertion alignment mark
837 Side pressure roller relief
838 Media presence / absence detection mark
839 Position detection mark recess
85 arms
851 Inclined part
86 Arm spring
91 Main board
92 Carriage board
921 Contact
95 Front cover
96 Connector cover
97 Access cover
98 Upper case
981 Door switch lever
982 LED guide
983 Key switch
99 base
991 Waste ink absorber
992 Output tray rail
993 CD conveying section guide rail

Claims (7)

A holding unit that holds a recording head that discharges ink supplied from an ink tank and performs recording on a recording medium, and that is reciprocally scanned in a width direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the recording medium; A plurality of spurs cooperating with a plurality of paper discharge rollers for discharging the recording medium recorded by the recording means are held, and the distance from the holding means is increased by moving relative to the holding means. A recording device having a changing spur holding means,
The spur holding means comprises a first surface for holding a sensor for detecting a state of the ink tank mounted on the holding means, and a lower surface of the holding means, and a second surface other than the first surface; The second surface is wider than the distance between the lower surface of the holding means and the first surface and relative to the holding means. A recording apparatus, wherein the recording apparatus is arranged with an interval that does not interfere with the holding means even when moved to the position. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second surface includes a surface facing a recovery position, which is a position for recovering the ejection characteristics of the recording head, in the scanning region of the holding unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second surface includes a surface facing an ink tank replacement position, which is a position for replacing the ink tank, in the scanning region of the holding unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor detects a remaining amount of ink in the ink tank. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are continuous with a tapered surface. The holding means and the spur holding means are respectively provided so as to be movable up and down, and when the tray for supplying a recording medium is set, both the holding means and the spur holding means rise. The recording apparatus according to any one of the above. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the holding unit to any one of the recovery position and the ink tank replacement position can be performed by a user operation.

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