JPH0720798B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a transport system for a recording medium in the form of continuous paper such as roll paper and fanfold paper, and the entire width of the recording medium collectively. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a recording unit that forms an image.

[Prior Art] As a conventional image forming apparatus of this type, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 59-101508 to 59-101512 by the present applicant. These are provided with a recording means having a transport system and a liquid jet recording apparatus which are easily contacted and separated from each other, and a recovery means for performing a discharge recovery process of the liquid jet recording apparatus,
There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that facilitates replacement work of recording media and maintenance work of each part in a separated state, and properly positions each part in a connected state to enable high-quality image formation.

However, in such an image forming apparatus, sufficient consideration has not been given to an appropriate structure for stably conveying the recording medium.

[Objective] An object of the present invention is to ensure that the recording medium is positioned at an appropriate position on the conveying path in the recording medium storage portion of the conveying system, so that the recording medium does not slow down or meander during conveyance. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of stably transporting sheets.

[Examples] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1.1 Appearance FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. This example is an image forming apparatus connectable to a host system that generates image information and control signals related to recording.

1.2 Internal (1) Internal of Recording System Unit FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the paper feeding unit 300 in an open state in order to show an example of the internal configuration of the recording system unit 100. In this configuration, the control system including the recording head 110 and the cartridge tank 120 is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No.
The inkjet printers disclosed in 8-244131 to 58-244138 can be used.

(2) Inside of Paper Feeding Unit FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the paper feeding unit 300 in an open state in order to explain the internal structure of the paper feeding unit 300.

(3) Inside of Controller Unit FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory views for explaining an example of the internal configuration of the controller unit 200. In this example, the controller unit 200 is replaced by the recording system unit 100.
It is arranged below. Further, the controller unit 200 is made independent of the recording system unit 100 to facilitate maintenance work and the like,
0 Even if there is an ink leak inside, a controller plate for the controller unit 2 is provided which includes a blocking plate for blocking the leaked ink and a member for guiding the ink to the drain tank 800.
Make sure 00 is protected from ink leaks.

2.1 Details of Paper Feed Unit FIG. 6 shows an example of a detailed configuration of the paper feed unit 300.
In the figure, first, 302 is a mounting base, and each part of the inside 300 of the paper feeding unit can be assembled around this base 302. Reference numeral 306 denotes a panel that faces the recording unit 100 when it is connected to the recording unit 100, and includes a paper deck unit 310, lower and upper paper feeding mechanisms, and opening / closing mechanisms 340 and 37 for them.
0, the platen 392, etc. are exposed through the window 306A, and the facing surface 306B facing the unit 100 serves as a gap reference surface for the head unit 110 described later.

302A and 302B use the paper feeding unit 300 as the recording system unit 1
This is a portion having a rotation shaft for rotating with respect to 00. Reference numeral 1450 is a sensor for detecting joining with the recording system unit 100, and 1420 is a lock mechanism for surely joining.

Further, 3000 is a motor unit for driving the rollers 320 and 350, 325 is a lower feed roller transmission mechanism including a pulley G1, a bearing and a retainer for transmitting the rotation of the motor 3000, and 355 is a pulley G2, a bearing and a retainer. It is a transmission mechanism of an upper feed roller including a slip plate 352 in addition to the above.

(1) Paper deck unit 310 FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the paper deck unit 310. Where 3
Reference numeral 11 denotes a recording paper stacking unit, which is a first side plate 31 serving as a reference surface for regulating one side end of the recording paper upstream of the transport path.
1A, a bottom plate 311C provided with a convex portion 311B for obtaining a stable stacking state of paper even when the paper feeding unit 100 is opened / closed, and a second side plate 311G facing the side plate 311A. In this example, the bottom plate 311C is placed on the back side 311D (the side opposite to the paper side of the device).
The recording paper is inclined toward the back side surface 311D. As a result, it is possible to prevent the recording sheets from falling off the stacking unit 311 due to the occurrence of impact due to the opening / closing operation of the sheet feeding unit 300.

Further, in FIG. 7, 315 is a holding plate as a movable side plate that presses the other end of the recording paper. The spring hooking portion 315C provided in the lower portion of the holding plate 315 extends to the back surface side of the bottom plate 311C through the hole 311E provided in the bottom plate 311C, and the spring support portion 319A screwed to the bottom plate 311C. Spring hook 31
A lower spring 314A is stretched between it and 5C. Further, the arm portion 315A provided on the upper part of the holding plate 315 is provided with the loading portion 311A.
Through the key hole 311F provided at the top of the
It is screwed to 319B. Bush 3151 has arm 31
Located between 5A and upper spring rest 319B, this bush 31
The outer peripheral surface of 51 can slide in the L direction on the inner surface of the key hole 311F. Upper spring hook 319B and paper deck 31
An upper spring 314B is stretched between the fixed position of 0 and the upper position.

318 is a long hole 315D of the holding plate 315 and the second side plate.
A screw that is screwed into the nut member 319C through a circular hole 311H at a fixed position of 311G. The long hole 315D extends along the arrow L direction and allows the pressing plate 315 to slide along the same direction when the screw 318 is loosened.

In addition, a spring 314 is applied to the recording paper set on the stacking unit 311.
After pressing plate 315 is pressed by A and 314B, pressing plate 315 is fixed by strongly screwing screw 318 to nut member 319C.

With the above configuration, the pressing plate 315 is urged toward the side plate 311A by the springs 314A and 314B in the upper and lower parts, and the bottom part 3
When stacking the recording paper on the 11C, the position of the recording paper can be stably regulated with an appropriate pressing force. This allows
The recording paper is regulated at an appropriate position in the uppermost stream of the conveyance path, and thereafter, a stable conveyance state of the recording paper is obtained.

(2) Lower Paper Feeding Mechanism and Lower Roller Opening / Closing Mechanism FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the lower paper feeding mechanism and the lower roller opening / closing mechanism.

The pinch roller 330 for pressing the recording paper P against the lower paper feed roller 320 has an elastic member 332 near the central portion in the axial direction.
Is provided, and the nip amount with the roller 320 is obtained at that portion so that the recording paper P can be nipped. An opening / closing lever 341 is used to separate the pinch roller 330 from the feed roller 320.

Reference numeral 342 denotes a side plate for supporting the pinch roller 330 at both ends thereof, which allows the side plate 342 to rotate around a shaft 343. 34
4 is a pinch roller arm having arm portions 344A, 344B,
The pin 34 protruding from the side plate 342 between the arm portions 344A and 344B
It is supported by 5 and can be rotated around it. Thus, the pinch roller 330 is supported by the arm portion 344A of the arm 344,
A spring 346 is provided between the other arm 344B, the side plate 342, and the rising portion 342A.
By stretching the feed roller 3 of the pinch roller 330.
Get the pressing force for 20. The side plate 342 has a recording paper P.
A skew prevention roller 338 is provided at a position immediately before the sheet is nipped by the lower paper feed roller 320 and the pinch roller 330. By bringing the skew feeding prevention roller 338 into contact with the recording paper P, it is possible to support the weight of the recording paper P up to the paper deck portion 310 and increase the wrap angle of the recording paper P with respect to the roller 320. Further, when operating the opening / closing lever 341 to rotate the side plate 342 around the shaft 343,
Both the pinch roller 330 and the skew feeding prevention roller 338 can be separated from the feed roller 320.

The open / close lever 341 is a pin protruding from the pinch roller side plate 342.
A button 341A that is rotatable around 342A and that is pressed by the operator when releasing the pinch roller 330 or the like from the feed roller 320 is provided at one end thereof, and is engaged with a lock pin provided at the base 302 at the other end. The claw portion 341B is provided. Also, lever 34
A spring 349 is stretched between the button 341A of 1 and the side plate 342 to give the lever 341 a turning tendency in the counterclockwise direction in the figure so that a stable engagement state is maintained. .

In addition, the recording system unit side of the side plate 342 is a cam surface 342B that can be engaged with the cap 140, and the side plate 342 rotates clockwise in the drawing in response to the engagement and the feed roller 320 and the pinch roller 330.
To be engaged with. As a result, even if the operator forgets to close the lower paper feed mechanism after mounting the recording paper P, the lower paper feed mechanism closes with the movement of the cap 140, which will be described later. It becomes possible to prevent jams and the like.

(3) Recording Surface Forming Section FIG. 9 shows a structural example of a main part of the recording surface forming section 390 including the platen 392. Here, 393 is a hole provided in the platen 392, and the recording paper P is fed by the fan 390F through this hole 393.
Is adsorbed on the platen surface to form a recording surface. 395 is a spring for swinging the platen with respect to the base 302 and the panel 306, 394 is a spring attachment portion provided on the platen 392, 39
Reference numeral 6 is a pin projecting from the base 302, and a guide hole for 309. Reference numeral 397 is a sensor that detects the recording paper.

As described later, when the recording system unit 100 and the paper feeding unit 300 are connected, a pin provided on the front surface of the recording head unit 110 hits a panel 306 having a reference surface, and at this time, the assembly 130 swings to move the head unit. The nozzle of 110 and the reference plane are kept parallel. At the same time, the platen 392 follows the swing of the assembly 130 by the spring 395 via the protrusion provided on the assembly side, so that the recording surface of the recording paper P regulated by the platen 392 and the nozzle face each other with an appropriate gap. Become.

(4) Motor Unit FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the motor unit 3000. Here, 3002 is a motor, and the rotation of the rotary shaft 3004 is controlled by the pulley 30.
Lower feed roller transmission mechanism 32 via 06 and belt 3008
Transfer to pulley G20 associated with 5. G3 is a pulley that is concentric with the pulley G20 and has a diameter smaller than that of the pulley G20. The rotation of this pulley G3 is transmitted to the pulley G2 of the upper feed roller transmission mechanism 355 via the belt 3010.

Here, the tooth ratio of each pulley is appropriately selected so that a rotation speed faster than the lower feed roller 320 by about 2 to 3% is transmitted to the upper feed roller 350 side.

(5) Upper feed roller and its transmission mechanism FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of the upper feed roller 350 and its transmission mechanism 355. Here, 353 is a bearing provided on the extension shaft 351 of the roller 350 to rotatably hold the pulley G2, and 35
2A and 352B are slip plates provided on the pulley G2 and the shaft 351, respectively, and slide with the ring 354 and the pulley G2 fixed to the shaft 351, respectively. As a result, the rotational movement of the motor rotary shaft is reduced by the slip plate 352A and
It is transmitted to the roller 350 via 352B, and at this time, the recording paper P
Will be pulled up by the upper feed roller 350 with proper tension.

(6) Upper pinch roller and paper guide FIG. 12 shows an example of the configuration around the upper pinch roller 360. 3
Reference numerals 62 ₁ , 362 ₂ denote portions 362B for holding the pinch roller 360 at both ends thereof, and portions for restricting the widthwise displacement of the recording paper P when the recording paper P is attached and when the conveyance is started.
A member having 362A and the like. A spring 372 (see FIG. 6) of the upper roller opening / closing mechanism 370 constantly gives one of the members a movement habit in a direction in which the pinch roller 360 is pressed toward the feed roller 350. Open the upper paper feed mechanism. These movements are also transmitted to the other member 362 by the connecting bar 364. In this state, the operator can perform the mounting operation of the recording paper P.

At this time, the leading edge of the paper is guided and positioned by the guide 380 and the portion 362A at an appropriate position on the transport path.

(7) Paper Feed Unit Cover FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration around the paper feed unit cover 308. Here, 308A, 308B and 308C are respectively a delivery port for the recorded recording paper P (a mounting port for the flap 400), a mounting port for the display panel 500, and a handle lever 1400.
It is a mounting port.

410 is a delivery port 3 which is obtained by rotating the flap 400 around a shaft 415.
A flap lever for opening and closing 08A, and 420 is an opening and closing control mechanism that regulates opening and closing.

510 is a mounting member for mounting the display panel 500 to the mounting port 308B.

710 is a stacker rail provided on the lower surface of the cover 308,
When the stacker 700 is moved and positioned in the F and B directions, it is engaged with the abutting portion (described later). Further, 720 is a member for forming a groove for guiding the movement of the stacker 700, and the mounting portion (described later) of the stacker 700 is received in the formed guide groove.

(8) Flap opening / closing operation FIGS. 14 (A) and 14 (B) show the flap opening / closing control mechanism 420.
An example of the configuration will be shown. Here, 422 is a flap stay that is rotatable around a shaft 402 provided in the flap 400, and has a bent portion 422A and a cam hole 422B. Reference numeral 424 denotes a rotor that is rotatable around a shaft 432 provided on a base 430 fixed to the cover 308, and has a pin 424B that engages with the ear portion 424A that can engage with the bent portion 422A and the cam surface of the cam hole 422B. Have.

Figures 15 (A), (B) and (C) show the outlets, respectively.
308A is closed, flap 400 is rotated to a predetermined position, and flap 400 is locked and delivery port 308
Shows the state where A is opened.

When the flap 400 is rotated clockwise around the shaft 412 from the state shown in FIG. 7A to reach the position shown in FIG. 7B, the cam 422B and the pin 424B engage with each other, Rotor 424
Rotates about the shaft 423 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure to reach the state shown in FIG. 14 (A) (however, in FIG. 14 it is opposite to that in FIG. 15). In this state, the flap 400 is rotated in the closing direction to reach the position shown in FIG.
The ear portion of 424 and the bent portion 422A of the flap stay 422 engage with each other, and this engagement prevents further rotation of the flap 400 (counterclockwise direction in the drawing). That is, at this time, the flap 400 is locked, the delivery port 308A is opened,
In this state, the recorded recording paper P can be delivered.
Even if the operator mistakenly presses the flap 400 or vibration is generated during this delivery, the flap 400 is locked, so the delivery port 308A is not blocked.

When closing the delivery port 308A, the flap 400 is rotated clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 15C and positioned at the position shown in FIG. The locked state can be released, and the closed state as shown in FIG.

(9) Stacker Attaching Operation FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the sheet feeding unit 300 seen from below for explaining the attachment of the stacker 700. Here, 722 is a guide groove formed by the member 720, and 750 is a mounting portion of the stacker 700.

At the time of mounting the stacker 700, the mounting portion 750 is inserted into the groove 722 in the state shown in the figure, and thereafter, the mounting portion 750 is rotated by 90 degrees so that the mounting portion 750 does not drop from the groove 722 and the abutting portion of the stacker 700 is fixed. Engage with stacker rail 710.

In this state, the stack 700 can move in the F and B directions in the figure, and the stacker 700 can be positioned on the F side and the B side, respectively, when the apparatus is in use and when not in use. Therefore, the stacker 700 can be stored under the paper feeding unit 300 when not in use, and the volume of the apparatus can be reduced.

(10) Structure of Stacker FIG. 17 shows a vertical cross section of the stacker 700 mounted below the paper feeding unit 300 when in use (when projecting forward).

As shown in FIG. 17, the stacker 700 has a support arm 701 rotatably supported on the top of the stacker body, and a guide member 702 attached to the support arm 701. Support arm
The 701 contacts the front surface of the paper feeding unit 300 when the stacker is used, and sets the guide member 702 at a predetermined position. That is, in this set state, the guide member 702 is on the inner side of the downward extension line 703 of the inclined surface having the delivery port of the paper feeding unit. The guide member 702 is curved.
Further, the horizontal distance d between the vertical front surface of the paper feeding unit 300 and the guide member 702 is within the range of 10 to 25 mm. With such a configuration, the continuous recording paper such as the recorded fan-hold paper is sent out from the delivery port, first hits the curved portion of the guide member 702, and while being surely guided by the curved portion, it is guided. It drops into the stacker 700 from the gap between the member 702 and the front surface of the paper feeding unit 300, and accumulates there. The reason why the distance d is limited to the numerical values as described above is that the recording paper can be guided very stably within this range, that is, can be guided into the stacker without protruding outside the stacker. The guide member 702 can be turned downward as shown in FIG. 17 to make it unused.

2.2 Paper Feed Unit Lock Mechanism and Handle Lever (1) Lock Mechanism FIGS. 18 and 19 are lock mechanisms 1420 and 1430 provided on the upper and lower sides of the paper feed unit 300, respectively. Reference numerals 1422 and 1432 are lock levers having pawls 1422A and 1432A that are rotatable around shafts 1421 and 1431 and that engage with a locking member provided on the recording system unit 100 side.

1423 and 1433 are springs, and lock levers, respectively
Rotate 1422 and 1432 in the direction of engagement. 1424 and
1434 is provided between the shaft 1421 and the claw 1422A and the shaft 143, respectively.
It is a pin provided between 1 and the claw 1432A, these pins,
Connect to the handle lever 1400 via wires 1425 and 1435, respectively. That is, when the wires 1425 and 1435 are pulled downward and upward in response to the operation of the handle lever 1400, respectively, the lock lever 1422 and
1432 rotates to release the locked state between the paper feeding unit 300 and the recording system unit 100.

(2) Handle lever Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 show the handle lever 1400, respectively.
And an example of the structure of the transmission part thereof. Here, 1401 is an operation handle, and a pin 1402 connectable to the transmission shaft 1412.
Have. 1403 is a member having a mounting portion 1403A to the handle lever mounting hole 308C and a flange portion 1403B, 1404 is a seal member provided in the flange portion 1403B, 1405 is a member 1403 that has a habit of moving in the direction of the hole 308C, and the seal member 1404 is a hole. 30
A spring for tightly adhering to the peripheral edge of 8C, 1406 is a retaining ring for preventing each of these partial pins from falling off from 1402. That is, when the handle lever 1400 is attached, the seal member 1404 ensures the dustproof property in the vicinity of the attachment hole 308C.

The transmission shaft 1412 is supported by the bearing member 1414, and the handle lever
It can be rotated in response to the operation of the 1400. 1415 is the transmission shaft 14
Wire connection members fixed to 12, each wire
It has pins 1416 and 1417 which connect with 1425 and 1435.

2.3 Controller Unit FIG. 22 shows a configuration example of the controller unit 200.
In this example, the peripheral portion of the opening 262 for ventilation or wiring on the top plate 260 of the controller unit is raised to guide the guide portion 2
64 is controlled so that ink does not flow into the controller unit 200 even when ink leaks from the recording system unit 100. In addition, a hole 266 for removing the leaked and stored ink is provided, and a tube 826 is connected to the hole 266. The tube 826 is exposed to the outside from the side plate 270,
The ink flowing out to the top plate 260 is connected to the tube 820 so that the ink is guided to the drain tank 800. As a result, the inside of the controller unit 200 is protected against the ink leakage from the recording system unit 100.

Although the tube 826 is connected to the tube 820 in this example, all the ink collected by the cap 140 is guided to the top plate 260, and the ink is guided from the hole 266 to the drain tank 800 through the tube. If so, the configuration of the tube system can be made extremely simple.

2.4 Recovery system (1) Cap opening / closing mechanism FIGS. 23 and 24 show a closed state and an open state of the cap 140 with respect to the cap cover 15. Here, 141A and 141B are rails that guide the vertical movement of the cap 140, and 142A is a holding member that holds the cap 140 rotatably about a vertical axis and is slidable along the rail 141A. 143B is a member for connecting and disconnecting with a sliding member provided on the rail 141B. 825 is a waste ink reservoir provided below the cap 140, to which a tube 820 is connected.

With this configuration, a sufficient work area is secured during maintenance work of the cap 140, and the work is extremely easy. Also, according to this example, the cap
Since it is rotatable about the vertical axis of 140, it is possible to prevent the nozzles of the head from being contaminated due to the color mixture of ink in the cap portion.

Further, in the figure, 145 is a cap back surface, and this back surface 145 can be engaged with the cam surface 342B of the pinch roller side plate 342 described above, and the unit 1 is kept open with the pinch roller 330 open.
When the 00 and 300 are connected, the lower paper feed mechanism is closed by the downward movement of the cap 140.

(2) Cap cover Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 show the cap cover 150, respectively.
3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of FIG. 4 and an explanatory view showing an engagement relationship with the cap 140. FIG. Spring 1 on cap cover 150
The habit of always moving to the cap side is given by 51. Also,
152 is a roller engageable with a portion 149 on the front surface of the cap 140.

When the cap 140 is in a position facing the cap cover 150, the engagement between the rollers 152 and the portion 149 is released, and the cover 151 is moved to the cap 140 side by the spring 151 to cover the cap 140. Become. This allows
The cap 140 can be protected from dryness, dust and the like.

Further, when the cap 140 moves, the roller 152 rides on the portion 149 and the cover 150 retracts against the spring force, so that the cover 150 does not hinder the movement of the cap 140.

(3) Capping of Head Unit In order to obtain a proper and reliable engagement state of the cap at the cap position of the head unit 110, a recess 146 is provided on the front surface of the cap as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 27, the head unit 110 side is provided with a convex portion 136 which can be fitted into the concave portion 146. Also,
Since the head assembly 130 is given the habit of moving to the cap side as described later, the cap assembly 14 is processed by the process described later.
When 0 faces the head unit 110, the convex portion 136 is fitted into the concave portion 146, the movement of the cap 140 is blocked at this position, and the cap 140 is accurately and reliably positioned with respect to the head unit 110. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an appropriate recovery process.

2.5 Recording Head Assembly FIG. 27 shows an example of the structure of the recording head assembly 130. As shown in the drawing, the assembly 130 includes a protrusion 132 engageable with the reference surface 306B and a protrusion engageable with the front surface of the platen 392.
A protrusion 136 that can be fitted into the concave portion of the cap 140 and the cap 140 is provided. Reference numeral 138 is a fan for backing up the suction of the recording paper P to the platen 392 by the fan 390F.

The head assembly 130 is mounted on the movable table shown in FIG.

2.6 Support structure of recording head assembly 130 in recording system unit FIG. 28 shows recording head assembly 1 in recording system unit 100.
The disassembled state of 30 support structures is shown. Reference numeral 160 is a fixed base, and 170 is a movable base movably provided on the fixed base 160.
The recording head assembly 130 is fixed on the movable table 170.

A drive mechanism 180 including a motor (pulse motor) for driving the movable table 170 is fixed to the lower surface of the fixed table 160. A screw is fixed to the tip of the motor shaft of the drive mechanism 180 via a universal joint, and a guide mechanism 181 for converting the motor rotation into a linear motion is coupled to this screw. This guide mechanism 181
The fixed base 160 is projected upward from an opening 161 formed substantially at the center of the fixed base 160, and a part thereof is attached to the lower side of the movable base 170. Therefore, the movable table 170 is moved by the drive mechanism 180 via the guide mechanism 181.

The drive mechanism 180 is positioned and fixed to the fixed base 160 so that the movable base 170 moves back and forth in a direction orthogonal to the recording surface (when set) in the paper feeding unit 300, and a guide mechanism.
181 is attached to the movable base 170.

On the upper surface of the fixed base 160, the guide rails 162 and 163 are fixed before and after the opening 161. The direction of this rail coincides with the moving direction of the movable base 170. On the other hand, the movable stand 170
The guide rollers 171 and 172 whose axes are perpendicular to the front and rear sides are mounted on the lower surface of the. Front guide roller 17
1 is located inside the front guide rail 162, and the rear guide roller 172 is located inside the rear guide rail 163. Therefore, the movable table 170 is restricted by these guide rails and guide rollers and moves on a predetermined road. To do.

On the upper surface of the fixed base 160, the upper portion of the first receiving roller 164 fixed to the lower surface of the fixed base 160 projects through the opening 165.
The axis of the roller 164 coincides with the moving direction of the movable table 170.
On the other hand, when the movable table is advanced (advance to the recordable position), the movable table 1 faces the first receiving roller 164.
The second receiving roller 173 is fixed on the lower surface of the 70. The axis of the roller 173 is orthogonal to the axis of the first receiving roller 164. Further, the width of the front guide rail 162 is substantially equal to the diameter of the front roller 171 at the front portion thereof. The width of the rear guide rail 163 is substantially equal to the diameter of the rear roller 172 at its rear portion and larger than the diameter of the rear roller 172 at its front portion. Therefore, when the movable table is advanced, the front roller 171 is constrained and fixed by the front portion of the front guide rail 162, and the rear roller 172 is positioned at the front portion of the rear guide rail 163. It becomes possible to swing about the 171 in the horizontal plane. At this time, on the first receiving roller 164 on the fixed base side, the second receiving roller 164 on the movable base side is placed.
Since the receiving roller 173 is placed, the swinging is performed more smoothly by these. Further, by this swinging, the positioning work of the recording head assembly 130 fixed to the movable base 170 with respect to the reference surface of the paper feeding unit side of the assembly 130 can be performed very easily and smoothly.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29, a lock mechanism 183 for fixing the movable base 170 to the fixed base 160 when the movable base retreats is fixed to the lower surface side of the fixed base 160. The lock mechanism 183 has a solenoid 184 and a lock lever 185 that is driven by the solenoid and rotates in a vertical plane. The lock lever 185 has a groove 185A formed on the upper side of its rotation tip. The lock lever 185 projects to the upper surface side of the fixed base 160 through an opening 166 formed in the fixed base 160. An engagement pin 174 is fixed to the lower surface side of the movable base 170. The engaging pin 174 is provided on the movable table 17
0 The lock lever 185 is positioned so as to reach directly above the pivoting tip when retracting. Therefore, when the movable table 170 is retracted, by operating the solenoid 184,
The engaging pin on the movable base 170 side is engaged with the groove 185A at the turning tip of the lock lever 185. As a result, the movable base 170 (and thus the recording head assembly 130) is securely fixed and supported by the fixed base 160 (for example, the recording head assembly 130 is surely fixed to the recording head unit when the apparatus is transported).

When the recording head unit 100 and the paper feeding unit are connected, when the movable table is advanced, the recording head assembly as shown in FIG.
The positioning projection 132 on the front surface of the 130 surely contacts the reference surface 306B of the paper feeding unit 300. Further, in this state, the platen 392 is pressed by another spring for positioning on the front surface of the recording head assembly 130 by the spring force,
As a result, the recording surface of the recording paper P regulated by the platen 392 is reliably positioned with respect to the nozzle of the assembly 130.

[Effect] As described above, according to the present invention, the recording medium can be reliably positioned at an appropriate position on the conveying path in the recording medium storage portion of the conveying system. Thus, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can stably convey a recording medium.

In particular, the present invention is provided with a first side plate and a moving side plate that is biased in a direction approaching the side plate in order to regulate both side end positions of the recording medium, and further attaches the moving side plate. In order to urge, a biasing force is applied to each of the upper part and the lower part of the moving side plate, and the moving side plate can be locked to the second side plate at an arbitrary moving position. The upper side and the lower side of the recording medium, the moving side plate appropriately pressurizes the other end side of the recording medium, and the position of the moving side plate can be fixed. It is possible to properly position and store the recording medium with the moving side plate and to stably supply the recording medium onto the transport path.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 and 2 (A) and (B) are perspective views showing an example of the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a paper feed to show an example of the internal configuration of the recording system unit 100. FIG. 4A is an internal perspective view of the controller unit, and FIG. 4A is an internal perspective view of the controller unit showing the internal configuration of the paper feeding unit. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view for explaining an example of the configuration, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of the paper feeding unit, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the paper deck section, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mechanism and a lower roller opening / closing mechanism, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of a recording surface forming unit including a platen, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a motor unit, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the upper feed roller and its transmission mechanism, and FIG. 12 is the upper portion. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration around a pinch roller, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration around a sheet feeding unit cover, and FIGS. 14 (A) and 14 (B) are diagrams showing an example of configuration of a flap opening / closing control mechanism. FIGS. 15 (A), (B) and (C) are views showing a state where the delivery port is closed, a state where the flap is rotated to a predetermined position and a state where the flap is locked and the delivery port is opened, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the paper feeding unit seen from below for explaining the attachment of the stacker, and FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view of the stacker attached below the paper feeding unit when in use, FIG. And FIG. 19 are views showing lock mechanisms provided on the upper side and the lower side of the paper feeding unit, respectively, and FIGS. 20 and 21 are views showing an example of the structure of the handle lever and its transmission portion, respectively. Configuration example of controller unit FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are views showing a closed state and an open state of the cap with respect to the cap cover, FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of the cap cover, and FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a recording head assembly, FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an exploded state of a support structure of the recording head assembly in a recording system unit, and FIG. 29 is an example of a connection state of a fixed base and a movable base. It is a figure. 100 …… Recording system unit, 200 …… Controller unit, 300 …… Paper feeding unit (conveying system unit), 400 …… Flap, 500 …… Display panel, 600 …… Peep window, 700 …… Stacker, 800 …… Drain tank, 900 ... Pocket, 1000 ... First optical fiber connector, 1100 ... Second optical fiber connector, 1200 ... Power input connector, 1300 ... Power output connector, 1400 ... Handle lever 1500 ... Power switch , 110B, 110C, 110M, 110Y …… Record head unit, 120B, 120C, 120M, 120Y …… Cartridge tank, 130 …… Record head assembly, 140 …… Cap, 150 …… Cap cover, 310 …… Paper deck , 320 ... lower feed roller, 330 ... lower pinch roller, 340 ... lower roller opening / closing mechanism, 350 ... upper feed roller, 360 ... upper pinch roller, 370 ... upper roller opener Structure: 380: Paper guide, 390: Recording surface forming part, 210: Power supply device, 220B, 220C, 220M, 220Y: V _OP monitor terminal, 230: V _OP monitor switch, 240: Card rack, 250 …… Overload lamp.

Continuation of the front page (56) References Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 52-82339 (JP, A) Actual development 53-108273 (JP, U) Actual public 56-42288 (JP, Y2) Actual public 59-9980 (JP) , Y2)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A bottom surface on which a recording medium is loaded, a first side plate provided at one end of the bottom surface and capable of regulating a position of one side end of the recording medium, and the first side plate. A second side plate provided at the other end of the bottom face to face the second side plate, and provided between the first side plate and the second side plate in the vicinity of the second side plate, A movable side plate that is movable in a direction away from and in contact with the first side plate in order to regulate the position of the other side end of the recording medium loaded on the bottom face together with the first side plate; Urging means for urging an upper portion and a lower portion of the moving side plate in a direction in which the moving side plate approaches the first side plate so that the other side end of the recording medium is pressed by the moving side plate. And locking means capable of locking the moving side plate to the second side plate at an arbitrary moving position, An image forming apparatus comprising the recording medium accommodating unit having.