Title of Invention: RECORDING APPAFLATUS
Technical Field
[00011
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus.
Background Art
[00021
As shown in PTL 1 and PTL 2 for example, among
recording apparatuses, there are recording apparatuses that
supply ink to a recording head that a recording apparatus is
provided with using an external tank that stores ink. In
this kind of recording apparatus, the external tank is
provided outside a housing of the recording apparatus, and
it is possible to supply ink from the external tank to the
ink head that is inside the housing through an ink tube.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003]
PTL 1: Examined Utility Model Registration Application
Publication No. CN2825289Y (P.R.C)
PTL 2: Examined Patent Application Publication No.
538909 (R.0.C)
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[00041
In the configurations of the disclosures of PTL 1 and
PTL 2, in a case in which the ink tube runs from a carriage
to the external tank, there is a section which extends
toward either the upper side of the carriage or the front
side of the carriage. Therefore, in a case in which
recording paper becomes stuck in the transport path or the
like and it is necessary to remove the recording paper, a
user must put their hand into the transport path while
avoiding the ink tube. Therefore, in the configurations
shown in PTL 1 and PTL 2, the ink tube is an obstruction
when removing recording paper.
[00051
Accordingly, on the basis of the abovementioned
information, an object of the present invention is to
provide a recording apparatus that is capable of favorably
performing the removal of a recording medium.
Solution to Problem
[0006]
The present invention provides a recording apparatus
equipped with a paper supply tray that is provided on an
upstream side of a transport direction in which a recording
medium is transported, and which can feed the recording
medium from a first aperture portion provided in a housing,
a guide member, which is provided in the paper supply tray
and defines a width of the recording medium, and an ink tube
that passes through gap sections between the guide member
and the housing and supplies ink from an ink accommodation
portion which is provided outside the housing to a recording
head that is attached to a carriage.
[00071
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to lead the ink
tube out to the outside of the housing through the gap
sections between the guide member and the housing.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink tube from
becoming an obstruction when removing a recording medium
that has become stuck inside the housing, it is possible to
remove the recording medium easily, and it is possible to
improve the maintainability of the recording apparatus.
[0008]
1
In addition, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that the guide member be provided in a pair and the pair of
guide members be capable of defining the width at both ends
of the recording medium, gap sections be respectively
provided between the pair of guide members and the housing,
and the ink tube respectively pass through the gap sections.
[00091
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to improve the
maintainability of the recording apparatus without the ink
tube becoming an obstruction when removing a recording
medium that has become stuck inside the housing.
[OOlO]
Furthermore, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that a foreign matter receiving member, which prevents the
intrusion of foreign matter,from the first aperture portion,
be attached to the housing, the foreign matter receiving
member be positioned in a state of facing the paper supply
tray, and an abutting portion that abuts against the foreign
matter receiving member be provided in the paper supply tray
and the foreign matter receiving member and the abutting
portion be fixed to one another.
[00111
In a case in which the rkcording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to prevent a
situation in which the paper supply tray is stowed in a
stowing location by fixing the paper supply tray between the
foreign matter receiving member and the abutting portion.
As a result of this, it is possible to prevent the ink tube
from becoming severed or crushed in a case in which the ink
tube is positioned in ,a stowing pathway of the guide member
at the time of stowing the paper supply tray.
[00121
In addition, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that one of the guide members among the pair of guide
members be a movable guide member that is provided so as to
be capable of sliding along the width direction of a tray
member, and a spacer be provided between the movable guide
member and the housing to correspond to the passing through
of the ink tube.
[00131
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is even possible to prevent
the ink tube from becoming crushed by the movable guide
member in a case in which the movable guide member is moved
toward a section of the housing that faces the movable guide
member.
[0014]
In addition, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of' the present invention, it is preferable
that in the housing, a second aperture portion be provided
further on a side which is opposite a side on which the
carriage is clamped than a location in which the recording
medium is positioned and at which recording is performed by
the recording head, an opening and closing cover be provided
in the housing so as to be capable of rotating and the
second aperture portion be opened and closed by rotation of
the opening and closing cover, and the ink tube, which
extends from an attachment position to the carriage, pass
through the second aperture portion from the carriage side
and be provided in a state of passing through the gap
sections.
[00151
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, the ink tube is positioned
outside the housing by passing through an aperture section,
and the ink tube extends from that position toward the gap
sections. As a result of this, it is possible to prevent
the ink tube from reaching a scanning pathway of the
carriage and becoming an obstacle to the scanning of the
carriage 41.
[0016]
Furthermore, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that a top panel be provided in the housing on a side that
runs from the second aperture portion to a paper supply
device, and the ink tube be fixed to the top panel.
[00171
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to prevent a
situation in which the ink tube is shaken at the time of the ,
scanning of the carriage, and it is possible to stabilize
the behavior of the ink tube inside the housing.
[0018]
In addition, according to a recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, a recording
apparatus is equipped with a paper supply tray that is
provided8on an upstream side of a transport direction in
which a recording medium is transported, which can feed the
recording medium from a first aperture portion provided in a
housing, and has a first tray member and a second tray
member that can extend from the first tray member, and an
ink tube that passes through gap sections between a wall
portion of the second tray member and the housing, and which
supplies ink from an ink =ccommodation portion that is
provided outside the housing to a recording head that is
attached to a carriage.
[00191
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to lead the ink
tube out to the outside of the housing through the gap
sections between the second tray member and the wall portion.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink tube from
becoming an obstruction when removing a recording medium
that has become stuck inside the housing, it is possible to
easily remove the recording medium, and it is possible to
improve the maintainability of the recording apparatus.
[00201
Furthermore, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that the wall portion funztion as a guide member that
defines the width of the recording medium.
[00211
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to lead the ink
tube out to the outside of the housing using the guide
member.
[00221
In addition, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that a protrusion that protrudes from a mounting surface of
the second tray member where the recording medium is mounted
toward a side separated therefrom be provided on a side of
the wall portion of the second tray member, and the ink tube
be positioned in a state of being hooked onto the protrusion.
[0023]
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, since the ink tube is hooked onto
the protrusion of the side of the wall portion of the second
tray member, it is possible to perform positioning of the
ink tube and changing of the direction in which the ink tube
is drawn out using the protrusion.
[00241
Furthermore, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that a foreign matter receiving member, which prevents the
intrusion of foreign matter from the first aperture portion,
be attached to the housing, and the foreign matter receiving
member be provided in a position that faces the paper supply
tray.
[00251
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, using the foreign matter
receiving member, it is possible to prevent a situation in
which foreign matter such as dust and the like gets into the
housing when the paper supply tray is not being used.
[0026]
In addition, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that the foreign matter receiving member and the protrusion
be fixed to one another.
[00271
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to prevent a -
situation in which the paper supply tray is stowed in a
stowing location by fixing the paper supply tray between the
foreign matter receiving member and the protrusion. As a
result of this, it is possible to prevent the ink tube from
becoming severed or crushed in a case in which the ink tube
is positioned in a stowing pathway of the guide member at
the time of stowing the paper supply tray.
COO281
Furthermore, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that a guide member that defines the width of the recording
medium and faces the housing be provided in the second tray
member.
[00291
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to lead the ink
tube to the outside of the housing using the guide member.
In addition, it is possible to define the width of the
recording medium using the guide member.
[00301
In addition, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that the guide member be provided in a pair and the pair of
guide members be capable of defining the width at both-ends
of the recording medium.
[00311
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to lead the ink
tube out to the outside of the housing using the pair of
guide members. In addition, it is possible to define the
width of the recording medium using the pair of guide
members.
[0032]
Furthermore, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that one of the guide members among the pair of guide
members be a movable guide member that is provided so as to
be capable of sliding along the width direction of the
second tray member.
[00331
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is possible to lead the ink
tube out to the outside of the housing using the movable
guide member.
[0034]
Furthermore, according to the recording apparatus of
another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable
that a spacer be provided between the movable guide member
and the housing to correspond to the passing through of the
ink tube.
[00351
In a case in which the recording apparatus is
configured in this manner, it is even possible to prevent
the ink tube from becoming crushed by the movable guide
member in a case in which the movable guide member is moved
, toward a section of the housing that faces the movable guide
member.
Brief ~escription of Drawings
[0036]
[Fig. 11 Fig. 1 is a perspective view that shows the
configuration of a recording apparatus.
[Fig. 21 Fig. 2 is a schematic view that shows a state
in which an ink tube is led out from a gap section.
[Fig. 31 Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view that
shows the configuration of the ink tube.
[Fig. 41 Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view that
shows the configuration of the ink tube.
[Fig. 51 Fig. 5 is a schematic view that shows another
embodiment of the ink tube being led out from a gap section.
[Fig. 61 Fig. 6 is a schematic view that shows another
embodiment of the ink tub+ being led out from a gap section.
[Fig. 71 Fig. 7 is a perspective view that shows a
state in which the ink tube is hooked onto a protrusion.
[Fig. 81 Fig. 8 is a perspective view that shows a
state in which the ink tube is not hooked onto a protrusion
[Fig. 91 Fig. 9 is a perspective view that shows a
state in which the ink tube is led out from a notched
portion of the back surface side.
[Fig. 101 Fig. 10 is a schematic view that shows
another embodiment of the ink tube being led out from the
gap section.
[Fig. 111 Fig. 11 is a schematic view that shows
another embodiment of the ink tube being led out from the
gap section.
[Fig. 121 Fig. 12 is a schematic view that shows
another embodiment of the ink tube being led out from the
gap section.
[Fig. 131 Fig. 13 is a lateral view that shows a state
in which the,opening and closing cover is prevented from
closing completely.
[Fig. 141 Fig. 14 is a lateral view that shows a state
in which a foreign matter receiving member and a protrusion
are fixed to one another.
[Fig. 151 Fig. 15 is a view that shows a state in
which a tray member is fixed at the back surface side by a
fixing member.
[Fig. 161 Fig. 16 is a view that shows a joined state
of a segmented ink tube via a coupling.
[Fig. 171 Fig. 17 is view that shows a state in which
there is a spacer in the gap section.
[Fig. 181 Fig. 18 is a view that shows a configuration
in which both guide members in a pair of guide members are
movable guide members.
[Fig. 191 Fig. 19 is a perspective view that shows a
configuration of a recording apparatus that is provided with
a scanning unit.
[Fig. 201 Fig. 20 is a perspective view that shows a
configuration of a recording apparatus in a state in which
I the scanning unit is open.
[Fig. 211 Fig. 21 is a lateral view that shows a
recording apparatus in a state in which the scanning unit
has been removed.
[Fig. 221 Fig. 22 is a perspective view that shows a
configuration of a recording apparatus that is not provided
with a scanning unit.
Description of Embodiments
[00371
Hereinafter, a recording apparatus 10 of an embodiment
I of the present invention will be described with reference to
the drawings. Additionally, in the following description,
I . the downstream side of the transport direction of recording
I paper P will be referred to as a front-end portion and the
1 upstream side that is opposite thereto will be referred to
1 as a rear-end portion. In addition, the transport direction
(sub-scanning direction) of the recording paper P will be
referred to as a Y direction and a direction (main scanning
direction) that is orthogonal thereto and in which the
carriage moves will be referred to as an X direction.
[0038]
In addition, the recording paper P corresponds to one
example of a recording medium, but for example, the
recording medium may be set as a recording target object
other than the recording paper P such as a film-li.kem ember.
[00391
<1. Summary>
The present invention relates to disposition
embodiments of an ink tube that is connected to an external
tank 60 in a recording apparatus 10. Hereinafter,
disposition embodiments of an ink tube 50 will be described
in sequence along with other embodiments. ~dditionally, in
the following invention, although there are cases in which
the description is given with an XYZ orthogonal coordinate
system, among the coordinate system, a direction in which a
carriage 41 moves (scans) is referred to as an X direction,
a direction (vertical direction) in which is separated from
the installation surface oE the recording apparatus 10 is
referred to as a Z direction and a direction (sub-scanning
,
direction) which is orthogonal to the X direction and the Z
direction is referred to as the Y direction.
[00401
(Disposition Embodiments of Ink Tube)
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus
10 of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 2 is a
schematic view that shows an outline of the main sections of
the recording apparatus 10. The recording apparatus 10 is
provided with a housing 20, a paper supply device 30, a
carriage mechanism 40 and an ink tube 50. In addition, the
recording apparatus 10 may be configured to have a
configuration that is provided with an external tank 60 in
addition to the abovementioned components, or may be
configured to have a configuration that is not provided with
an external tank 60. An aperture portion 21 (corresponds to
a first aperture portion) is provided on the back surface
side of the housing 20. The aperture portion 21 is a
section in which a section of the back surface side of the
housing 20 has been cut away, and in the present embodiment,
the aperture portion 21 is formed so that the main scanning
direction (the X direction) is longitudinal.
[00411
It is possible to supply the recording paper P from the
paper supply device 30 inside the housing 20 through the
aperture portion 21. The paper supply device 30 has a paper
supply tray 31 and an isolation roller 32. The paper supply
tray 31 is a section that carries the recording paper P and
supports the recording paper P from the back surface side.
The paper supply tray 31 may be configured from a single
tray member 311 or may be configured from a plurality of
tray members 311. In a case in which the paper supply tray
31 is configured from a plurality of tray members 311, the
plurality of tray members 311 are provided to be capable of
being drawn out or stowable depending on the size of the
recording paper P. In the recording apparatus 10 shown in
Fig. 1, a tray member 311 with two levels is displayed, but
in the recording apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, there is a level of
the tray member 311 that is hidden by the housing 20.
Therefore, in the recording apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, the
paper supply tray 31 is configured from a tray member 311
with a total of three levels. Considering this, among the
three-levelled tray member 311, the lowest level of the tray
member 311 corresponds to a first tray member, and a tray
member 311 that extends from that tray member 311 (the first
tray member) corresponds to a second tray member. In
addition, even in a case of a two-levelled tray member 311,
the lowest level of the tray member 311 corresponds to the
first tray member and the tray member 311 that extends from
that tray member 311 (the first tray member) corresponds to
the second tray member. Additionally, the size of the tray
member 311 is provided so as to gradually become smaller
with movement toward the upstream side of the transport
direction from the downstream side, and is provided such
that a small tray member 311 is stowed in the internal space
of a large tray member 311.
Additionally, in the recording apparatus 10 shown in
Fig. 1, a wall-like fixed guide member 33a is provided in
the tray member 311, and a protrusion 331 is provided at the
lower side of this fixed guide member 33a. The protrusion
331 protrudes toward a direction that is separated from the
tray member 311.
[00431
A guide member 33 is provided in the tray member 311 at
the downstream side of the transport direction. The guide
member 33 guides the position of the end portion of the
width direction of the recording paper P, and is a member
that prevents a situation in which the recording paper P is
transported in a diagonal state or the like. A fixed guide
member 33a and a movable zuide member 33b are provided in
the guide member 33. The fixed guide member 33a is provided
in a fixed manner with respect to the tray member 311, and
is provided so that positional movement in the main scanning
direction (the X direction) is not possible. The movable
guide member 33b is configured to be capable of movement
along the main scanning direction (the X direction) using a
sliding guide (not shown in the drawing) that is provided on
the back surface side of a guide groove 34 and the tray
member 311 in Fig. 2. As a result of this, the width
between the pair of guide members 33 can be changed
depending on the width of the recording paper P, and it is
possible to feed the recording paper P to the side of the
isolation roller 32 while preventing a situation in which
the recording paper P becomes inclined.
[00441
Additionally, the isolation roller 32 is provided at an
end portion of the downstream side provided in the transport
direction of the paper supply tray 31. The isolation roller
32 is revolved by drive power being applied by a motor (not
shown in the drawing), and it is possible to transport the
recording paper P to the downstream side.
LOO451
In addition, a carriage mechanism 40 that is provided
with a carriage 4 1 is provided inside the housing 20. The
carriage 4 1 is capable of moving in the main scanning
direction (the X direction) along a carriage axis 42 due to
the driving of a carriage motor (not shown in the drawing).
Additionally, a recording head 43 is attached to a side of
the carriage 4 1 that faces the transport path, ink is
sprayed from the recording head 43, and it is possible to
form a recording image of the recording paper P.
LOO461
One end side of the ink tube 50 is attached to the
carriage 4 1 through an adapter AP. The other end side of
the ink tube 50 is connected to an external tank 60 that is
on the outside of the housing 20. Further, it is possible
to supply ink to the recording head 43 from the external
tank 60 through the ink tube 50 and the adapter AP.
Additionally, the carriage 41 includes a type that mounts an
ink cartridge which is provided with memory. In this case,
it is possible to provide a connection portion that reads
the information of the memory, to the carriage 41, but it
also possible to adopt a configuration in which an adapter
AP is provided in a section (a connection portion on the
side of the adapter), which is electrically connected to
such a connection portion. In such a case, by performing
transmission and reception of signals between the connection
portion on the side of the adapter and the connection
portion, it is possible to configure a state in which the
recording head 43 operates normally.
[00471
Incidentally, the ink tube 50 that is connected between
the carriage 41 and the external tank 60 is disposed in the
following manner. In a case of proceeding from the carriage
41 along the ink tube 50, as shown in Fig. 2, after
proceeding toward one side for a predetermined distance, the
direction, in which the ink tube 50 that extends from the
carriage 41 toward one side in the main scanning direction
(the X direction), is reversed after passing the curved
portion 501. As a result of this, proceeding along the ink
tube 50 becomes proceeding toward the other side in the main
scanning direction (the X direction). Further, proceeding
for a predetermined distance reaches the turning portion 502
of the ink tube 50. The turning portion 502 is a section
that turns the direction of the ink tube 50, and as
specifically shown in Fig. 2, turns the direction of the ink
tube 50 from a state in which the ink tube 50 proceeds along
the main scanning direction (the X direction) to a state in
which the ink tube 50 passes the aperture portion 21 and
proceeds along the paper supply tray 31 (tray member 311).
[0048]
Additionally, provided the direction of ink tube 50 is
turned to proceed along the paper supply tray 31 (tray
member 311), the length of the turning portion 502 is not
limited.
I In this case, as shown in Fig. 2, in the present
embodiment, the ink tube 50 that has passed the turning
portion 502 is positioned in a gap section S1 that is
clamped between an inner wall portion 21a (corresponding to
a wall surface portion) of the aperture portion 21 and a
side surface portion of the movable guide member 33b, and is
led to the outside of the housing 20 through the gap section
S1. Further, after the ink tube 50 has proceeded along the
paper supply tray 31 (tray member 311) for a predetermined
distance, the ink tube 50 becomes separated from the paper
supply tray 31 (tray member 311) and proceeds toward the
external tank 60. In this manner, in the configuration
shown in Fig. 2, the ink tube 50 reaches the gap section S1
after passing the turning portion 502 and is led to the
outside of the housing 20 through the gap section S1. As a
result of this, the ink tube 50 extends toward the upper
side and the front side of the recording apparatus 10, and
as a result of this extension, it is possible to prevent a
situation in which a user is impeded from removing recording
paper P that is stuck by putting their hand into the
transport path when recording paper P is stuck in the
transport path.
[0050]
In addition, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in a case
in which the ink tube 50 is led out to the outside of the
housing 20, since a state in which the ink tube 50 passes
through the aperture portion 21 of the housing 20 is
attained, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the
ink tube 50 is clamped in an opening and closing cover 70
(refer to Fig. 13; for example, a lid section, a scanning
unit 12 (refer to Fig. 19) and the like correspond to the
opening and closing cover 70) of the recording apparatus 10.
[00511
In addition, as shown in Fig. 3, the ink tube 50 has a
configuration in which tube sections 51 which respectively
conduct different types of ink, are lined up and joined. In
the configuration shown in Fig. 3, a configuration in which
the lined up plurality of tube sections 51 are unified, is
used. However, a configuration in which the respective tube
sections 51 are not joined and can move freely is also
possible. In addition, in the recording apparatus 10 shown
in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, as shown in Fig. 3, the ink tube 50 is
curved so that the vertical direction (the Z direction) is
wide in addition to making a curve in a plane (an XY plane)
formed by the main scanning direction (the X direction) and
the sub-scanning direction (the Y direction). However, as
shown in Fig. 4, the ink tube 50 may be curved so that the
sub-scanning direction (the Y direction) is wide in addition
to making a curve in a plane (an XZ plane) formed by the
main scanning direction (the X direction) and the vertical
direction (the Z direction). Further, in the ink tube 50,
in addition to configuring the direction of the sequence of
the tube sections 51 to be lined up in one direction in a
cross-section of the tube sections 51, the direction of the
sequence of the tube sections 51 may be configured to be
lined up in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction
in the cross-section.
[00521
In addition, in the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the
ink tube 50 is positioned further on the front side than the
carriage 41 in the sub-scanning direction (the Y direction)
when moving toward the external tank 60 after passing the
curved portion 501, and thereafter, is bent so as to move
toward the gap section S1 after passing the turning portion
502. However, the ink tube 50 may be bent in the manner
shown in Fig. 5. In the configuration shown in Fig. 5, the
ink tube 50 is positioned on the back surface side of the
carriage 41 without being positioned further on the front
side than the carriage 41 when moving toward the external
tank 60 after passing the curved portion 501, and thereafter,
is bent so as to move toward the gap section S1 after
passing the turning portion 502.
[00531
(First Different Embodiment)
Additionally, in the configuration shown in Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2, a configuration in which the ink tube 50 is led out
to the outside of the housing 20 by passing the gap section
S1 that is clamped between an inner wall portion 21a of the
aperture portion 21 and a side surface portion of the
movable guide member 33b is described, but the configuration
that leads the ink tube 50 out to the outside is not limited
to the configuration shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 5.
For example, as shown in Fig. 6, a configuration in which
the ink tube 50 is led out to the external tank 60 by
passing a gap section S2 that is clamped between an inner
wall portion 21a of the aperture portion 21 and a side
surface portion of the fixed guide member 33a is also
possible. Even when the ink tube 50 is led out in this
manner, it is possible to lead the ink tube 50 out to the
outside of the housing 20 in a favorable manner. In
addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a
user is impeded from removing recording paper P that is
stuck by putting their hand into the transport path when
recording paper P is stuck in the transport path.
Furthermore, in the same manner as the case of Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the
ink tube 50 is clamped in an opening and closing cover 70
(refer to Fig. 13) of the recording apparatus 10.
[00541
Additionally, in a case in which the ink tube 50 is led
out to the outside of the housing 20 by passing a gap
section S2 such as that shown in Fig. 6, a configuration
such as that shown in Fig. 7 may be adopted. In Fig. 7, the
ink tube 50 is in a state of being hooked onto the
protrusion 331, and after the hooking (abutting) onto the
protrusion 331, the ink tube 50 extends toward the external
tank 60. In a case in which such a configuration is adopted,
it is possible to use the protrusion 331 for the positioning
of the ink tube 50 when the ink tube 50 is led out to the
outside of the housing 20. In addition, it is possible to
change the direction in which the ink tube 50 is drawn out
using the protrusion 331. However, as shown in Fig. 8, a
configuration in which the ink tube 50 is led out to the
outside of the housing 20 without being hooked onto the
protrusion 331 may also be adopted. Naturally, even when a
direction of leading the ink tube 50 out such as that shown
in Fig. 8 is adopted, it is possible to lead the ink tube 50
out from the housing 20 in a favorable manner.
roo551
In addition, a configuration in which a notched portion
S3 such as that shown in Fig. 9 is provided in the housing
20 in the vicinity of the gap section S2 is also possible.
That is, in a case in which the gap section S2 is not
sufficiently large or there is no leeway in the drawing out
of the ink tube 50 from the inside of the housing 20, the
recording apparatus 10 may be configured with a notched
portion S3 such as that shown in Fig. 9 provided therein.
Additionally, in Fig. 9, a configuration that is provided
with the notched portion S3 in the gap section S2 is shown,
but the notched portion S3 may be provided in a location
other than the gap section S2. For example, the notched
portion S3 may be provided in the gap section S1, the
notched portion S3 may be provided in another area of the
housing 20, or the notched portion S3 may be provided in the
housing of the paper supply device 30 or the like as opposed
to being provided in the housing 20.
[0056]
(Second Different Embodiment)
In addition, a configuration such as that shown in Fig.
10 is also possible. In Fig. 10, the ink tube 50 has a
configuration in which the ink tube 50 is led out to the
outside of the housing 20 by passing the two gap sections S 1
and S2. In this case, the two gap sections S1 and S2
indicate a gap section S1 that is surrounded by the inner
wall portion 21a of the aperture portion 21 and a side
surface portion of the movable guide member 33b, and a gap
section S2 which is surrounded by the inner wall portion 21a
of the aperture portion 21 and a side surface portion of the
fixed guide member 33a.
[00571
In order to lead the ink tube 50 out to the outside of
the housing 20 from the two gap sections S1 and S2, it is
necessary to branch the ink tube 50 in two. That is, there
is an unbranched tube 50a, a first branched tube 50b and a
second branched tube 50c in the ink tube 50. The unbranched
tube 50a is a section of the ink tube 50, which is not.
branched, from the carriage 41,to a branched portion 52, the
first branched tube 50b is a section of the ink tube 50 from
the branched portion 52 that passes the gap section S1 and
reaches the external tank 60, and the second branched tube
50c is a section of the ink tube 50 from the branched
portion 52 that passes the gap section S2 and reaches the
external tank 60.
[0058]
Additionally, there may also be a section, which is
adjacent to the branched portion 52, that greatly turns the
direction of the branched tubes 50b and 50c in at least one
of the first branched tube 50b and the second branched tube
50c. That is, in the configuration shown in Fig. 10, for
example, there is a curving section 53 in the second
branched tube 50c, ihich curves so as to greatly invert the
direction of the second branched tube 50c after passing the
branched portion 52 when moving toward the external tank 60
from the branched portion 52, but without being limited to
the second branched tube 50c, there may be such a curving
section 53 that inverts the direction in the first branched
tube 50b and there may be such sections that curve so as to
invert the direction in both the first branched tube 50b and
the second branched tube 50c.
[00591
(Third Different Embodiment)
Further, in the configuration shown in Fig. 11, in
addition to there being a location (unbranched turning
portion 54) that greatly turns the direction of the
unbranched tube 50a in a front location that reaches the
branched portion 52 in the unbranched tube 50a, there may be
respective curving sections 53 that curve so as to turn the
directions of the branched tubes 50b and 50c in the first
branched tube 50b and the second branched tube 50c. The
curving section 53 is a section that turns (curves) so that
the directions in which the branched tubes 50b and 50c
extend from the branched portion 52 respectively move toward
both end sides in the main scanning direction (the X
direction) between the abovementioned turning portion 502.
[0060]
(Fourth Different Embodiment)
In addition, as shown in Fig. 12, a configuration in
which there is a fixing member 55 that fixes a section of
the ink tube 50 to a top panel 22 in a state in which the
top panel 22 is exposed when the opening and closing cover
70 (refer to Fig. 13) is open may be used. However, it is
necessary that this configuration does not impede the
sliding of the carriage 42 when the carriage 41 slides.along
the carriage axis 42. Therefore, even when the carriage 41
is positioned at either end side of a scan in the main
scanning direction (the X direction), the ink tube 50 is
provided to be a predetermined amount longer than the length
with which the longer side of either the fixing member 55
and one end side or the fixing member 55 and the other end
side are linked. Additionally, in the configuration shown
- 31 -
in Fig. 12, a section of the inside of the housing 20 that
is not surrounded by the top panel 22 is an aperture section
23 (corresponding to the second aperture section).
[0061]
In this case, in the configuration shown in Fig. 12, in
a case in which the ink tube 50 is crushed by the ink tube
50 being clamped between the opening and closing cover 70
and the top panel 22 when the opening and closing cover 70
is closed, a configuration such as that shown in Fig. 13 may
be used. In Fig. 13, a boss 24 is provided in any location
of the housing 20. This boss 24 is a section that secures a
gap that is greater than or equal to an amount that ensures
that the ink tube 50 does not become crushed between the
opening and closing cover 70 and the top panel 22 even in a
case in which the opening and closing cover 70 is closed.
(Fifth Different Embodiment)
In addition, as shown in Fig. 14, there are cases in
which the recording apparatus 10 is provided with a foreign
matter receiving member 80 for preventing the ingress of
foreign matter from the aperture portion 21. In the .
configuration shown in Fig. 14, a configuration in which the
foreign matter receiving member 80 is received by the
protrusion 331 (corresponding to an abutting portion) that
is on at least one of the fixed guide member 33a or the
movable guide member 33b, is adopted. As shown in Fig. 14,
this protrusion 331 protrudes from at least one of the fixed
guide member 33a and the movable guide member 33b, and in
addition, protrudes toward a direction that is separated
from the tray member 311. Therefore, in the state that is
shown in Fig. 14, the protrusion 331 is provided so as to be
positioned further on a front surface side than other
sections of the fixed guide member 33a or the movable guide
member 33b, and as a result of this, the protrusion 331 is
capable of abutting against the foreign matter receiving
member 80.
[0063]
In such a configuration, in a case in which the paper
supply tray 31 is configured by a plurality of tray members
311, there is a concern that the protrusion 331 will crush
the ink tube 50 or sever the ink tube 50 when the tray
members 311 are stowed. That is, the protrusion 331 is
provided on a guide member 33 of the tray member 311 that is
positioned lowest. Further, since the guide member 33 also
reaches a state of being positioned on an upper side in a
state in which the tray member 311 is drawn out, the gap
sections S1 and S2 are relatively positioned on upper sides.
Meanwhile, in a state in which the tray member 311 is drawn
out, there are cases in which the ink tube 50 that is
positioned further on the inside of the housing 20 than the
gap sections S1 and S2 is in a state of being curved toward
the centre of the housing 20 or the like so as to be
positioned in a location in which the ink tube 50 is
positioned when the tray member 311 is stowed. In such a
state, if the lower tray member 311 is stowed in a stowing
location, there is a concern that the ink tube 50 that is
positioned in a stowing pathway (the lower side of the
stowing pathway) of the guide member 33 will be severed or
crushed at the time of stowing.
In order to prevent the occurrence of such a situation,
the foreign matter receiving member 80 and the protrusion
331 may be fixed with a fixing member 82. This fixing
member 82 is a member that does not allow a change in the
relative positions of the foreign matter receiving member 80
and the tray member 311 (the protrusion 331), and for
example, it is possible to use bonding means or the like
such as a tape member, an adhesive, a clipping member, wire.
[0065]
In addition, in place of Fig. 14, a configuration such
as that shown in Fig. 15 may be used. Fig. 15 is a view
that shows a state in which the recording apparatus 10 is
viewed from the back surface side, but as shown in Fig. 15,
a stowing location and a tray member 311 may be fixed with a
fixing member 83 so that a tray member 311 that is
positioned lowest cannot be stowed in the stowing location.
In such a case, the same member as that of the fixing member
82 may be used as the fixing member.83.
[0 0 6 61
(Sixth Different Embodiment)
In addition, as shown in Fig. 16, a configuration in
which the ink tube 50 is capable of being segmented may be
used. That is, there are cases in which the handling of the
ink tube 50 is troublesome if the ink tube 50 is long. In
response to such cases, as shown in Fig. 16, the ink tube 50
may be configured to be capable of being segmented. In the
configuration shown in Fig. 16, the respective segmented ink
tube 50 can be joined via a coupling 90. However, since it
is necessary that this coupling 90 pass through the
abovementioned gap sections S1 and S2, it is necessary to
form the coupling 90 to be small enough to be capable of
passing through the gap sections S1 and S2. However, the
coupling 90 itself may have a configuration which is
connected to the respective segmented ink tube 50 at a later
stage, and in such a case, the coupling 90 may be provided
to be larger than the gap sections S1 and S2. In addition,
a configuration in which the coupling 90 is provided for
each tube section 51 is also possible, and in such a case,
it is possible to make the coupling 90 smaller than the
coupling 90 shown in Fig. 16.
[0067]
Additionally, the abovementioned adapter AP may be
attached to the end portion of the side opposite a side of
the segmented ink tube 50 on which the coupling 90 is, and
the external tank 60 may be connected to the end portion of
the abovementioned side that is opposite the side on which
the coupling 90 is. In addition, the connection structure
of the coupling 90 may be any connection structure such as
an interlocking method, a screwing method or the like, for
example .
[0068]
(Seventh Different Embodiment)
In addition, as shown in Fig. 17, a configuration in
which a spacer 100 is provided between the movable guide.
member 33b and the inner wall portion 21a that faces the
movable guide member 33b may be used. That is, in a case in
which there is a concern that the gap section S1 will become
narrow or the ink tube 50 will become crushed by the sliding
of the movable guide member 33b, a spacer 100 such as that
shown in Fig. 17 is provided. As a result of this, it is
possible to prevent a situation in which the ink tube 50 is
crushed.
[0069]
(Eighth Different Embodiment)
In addition, as shown in Fig. 18, there are cases in
which a pair of guide members 33 are movable guide members
33b. In a case in which guiding of the recording paper P is
performed using a pair of movable guide members 33b, the
movable guide members 33b both move so as to be symmetrical
in the main scanning direction (the X direction), and as a
result of this, recording paper P reaches a state in which
the direction thereof is aligned by the centre of the
mounting surface of the paper supply tray 31 (so-called
centre matching). In this kind of configuration, there are
the two gap sections S1 shown in Fig. 1, but the ink tube 50
may be led out to the outside by passing at least one of
these gap sections S1.
[00701
The abovementioned description is an outline of the
present invention, but in cases in which the configurations
related to the abovementioned Figs. 1 to 18 can be combined,
it is possible to configure a combined configuration as
appropriate. For example, at least one of the disposition
embodiment of the ink tube 50 in Fig. 3, the disposition
embodiment of the ink tube 50 in Fig. 4, the embodiment of
the ink tube 50 being hooked onto the protrusion 331 in Fig.
7, the embodiment of the ink tube 50 not being hooked onto
the protrusion 331 in Fig. 8, the leading out of the ink
tube 50 from the notched portion S3 in Fig. 9 , the fixing
member 55 in Fig. 12, the boss 24 in Fig. 13, the fixing
member 82 in Fig. 14, the fixing member 83 in Fig. 15, the
coupling 90 in Fig. 16 and the spacer 100 in Fig. 17 may be
applied to the configurations related to the leading out of
the ink tube 50 in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 10,
Fig. 11 or Fig. 16.
[0071]
c2. Specific Configuration of Recording Apparatus 10>
Hereinafter, the specific configuration of the
recording apparatus 10 will be described on the basis of Fig.
19 to Fig. 22. Additionally, a case in which the ink tube
50 passes a gap section S1 that is between the movable guide
member 33b and the inner wall portion 21a and is led to the
outside of the housing 20 in the manner already described on
the basis of Fig. 1 a n d ' ~ i2~ w.i ll be described below.
However, naturally, the configuration related to the
leading out of the ink tube 50 can be configured to be a
configuration other than those of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In
other words, in the recording apparatus 10 in Fig. 19 to Fig.
22, by adding changes as appropriate, it is possible to
apply configurations related to the leading out of the ink
tube 50 in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 10, Fig. 11
or Fig. 18, and at such a time, at least one of the
disposition embodiment of the ink tube 50 in Fig. 3, the
disposition embodiment of the ink tube 50 in Fig. 4, the
fixing member 55 in Fig. 12, the boss 24 in Fig. 13, the
fixing member 82 in Fig. 14, the fixing member 83 in Fig. 15,
the coupling 90 in Fig. 16 and the spacer 100 in Fig. 17 may
be applied.
[00731
(2-1) Recording Apparatus 10 provided with Scanning Unit 12
Fig. 19 is a perspective view that shows a
configuration of a recording apparatus 10 that is provided
with a scanning unit 12. In addition, Fig. 20 is a
perspective view that shows a configuration of a state in
which the scanning unit 12 is open. This recording
apparatus 10 is provided with a printing unit 11, a scanning
unit 12 (corresponding to the opening and closing cover) and
a control portion (omitted from the drawing) that manages
the control of each driving location. The printing unit 11
is a section that has a configuration that is related to the
abovementioned recording apparatuses 10 in Fig. 1, Fig. 2
and the like, and is provided with a housing 20, a paper
supply device 30, a carriage mechanism 40 and an ink tube 50.
The housing 20 is a section that covers the inside of the
recording apparatus 10, and is provided with a top panel 22
as shown in Fig. 20. Further, after the ink tube 50 has
passed through the top panel 22, the ink tube 50 has a
configuration of being led to the gap section S1.
[00741
Fig. 21 is a lateral view of the recording apparatus 10,
and is a view that shows a configuration in a state in which
the scanning unit 12 has been removed. As shown in Fig. 21,
the paper supply tray 31 that forms a component of the paper
supply device 30 is provided on the back surface side of the
recording apparatus 10. The paper supply tray 31 is
configured such that a plurality (for example, 2, 3 or the
like) of tray members 311 can be drawn out therefrom, and it
is possible to support the recording paper P on the paper
supply tray 31 by drawing out the tray members 311. In
addition, as shown in Fig. 19, a foreign matter receiving
member 80 is provided in the recording apparatus 10 in close
proximity to the paper supply tray 31 (omitted from Fig. 19;
refer to Fig. 14). In Fig. 19, in addition to the tray
members 311 being stowed, the foreign matter receiving
member 80 is positioned so as to make an aperture section
for paper supply, which includes the abovementioned aperture
portion 21, narrow (including a case in which the foregoing
is blocked). Additionally, the foreign matter receiving
member 80 is provided so as to be capable of rotating on an
axis portion of both end sides of the main scanning
direction (the X direction), and as a result of this, the
foreign matter receiving member 80 can be switched between a
case of being positioned in a position that narrows the
aperture section in the abovementioned manner and a case of
being positioned in a position that opens the aperture
section.
[00751
In addition, as shown in Fig. 21, the paper supply
device has an isolation roller 32 for supplying recording
paper from the paper supply tray 31 (the tray members 311).
The isolation roller 32 feeds the topmost recording paper P
with which the isolation roller 32 is in contact to the
downstream side by revolving while maintaining contact with
the recording paper P that is in the paper supply tray 31
(tray member 311). Additionally, in the isolation roller 32,
drive power is applied by a drive motor (not shown in the
drawing) through a drive power transmission means (also not
shown in the drawing), and as a result of this, the
isolation roller 32 is driven in a revolving manner.
[0076]
In addition, a paper supply roller 35a is provided
further to the downstream side in the transport direction
(the Y direction) than the isolation roller 32. The paper
supply roller 35a faces a paper supply driven roller 35b and
is capable of transporting recording paper P that is
supplied from the isolation roller 32 to a facing location
of the recording head 43 that is downstream in the transport
direction (the Y direction). Drive power is applied to this
paper supply roller 35a by a supply paper motor (not shown
in the drawing). In addition, a platen 36 is provided
further to the downstream side in the transport direction
(the Y direction) than the paper supply roller 35a, and the
platen 36 and the recording head 43 are provided so as to be
capable of facing one another. In addition, a pair of paper
output rollers 37 is provided further to the downstream side
in the transport direction (the Y direction) than the platen
36. The pair of paper output rollers 37 is equipped with a
paper output drive roller 37a and a paper output driven
roller 37b. The paper output drive roller 37a is driven in
a revolving manner by a motor (not shown in the drawing).
In addition, the paper output driven roller 37b is pressed
against the paper output drive roller 37a by a spring (not
shown in the drawing).
[0077]
In addition, the carriage mechanism 40 is provided with
a carriage 41, a carriage axis 42, a recording head 43, a
belt 44, a driven pulley 45, a gear pulley (omitted from the
drawing) and a carriage motor (also omitted from the
drawing). The carriage 41 is provided so that it is
possible to attach the abovementioned adapter AP thereto.
In addition, as shown in Fig. 21, the recording head 43 that
is capable of spraying ink drops is provided on the bottom
surface of the carriage 41.
[0078]
In addition, the belt 44 is an endless belt, and a
section thereof is fixed to the back surface of the carriage
41. This belt 44 is stretched in a tense state by the
driven pulley 45 and the gear pulley.
[00791
In addition, in the configuration shown in Fig. 20 and
Fig. 21, the ink tube 50 is attached to the front surface
side (the downstream side of the transport direction of the
recording paper P) of the carriage 41. However, the ink
tube 50 may be attached to the upper surface side of the
carriage 41, may be attached to the back surface side of the
carriage 41 and may be attached to a side surface side of
the carriage 41.
[00801
In the configuration shown in Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, the
width direction of the ink tube 50 is disposed along a
direction that is closer to the vertical direction (the Z
direction) than the transport direction (the Y direction).
Further, from the attachment position of the ink tube 50 to
the carriage 41, the direction of the ink tube 50 is greatly
changed so that the direction moves from one end side in the
main scanning direction (the X direction) to the other end
side with separation from the carriage 41 along the ink tube
50. Thereafter, the position of the ink tube 50 is shifted
upward, and after that, the ink tube 50 is bent so as to
move toward the back side, led to a gap section after
passing through the top panel 22, and led out to the outside
of the housing 20 by passing the gap section. Further, the
ink tube 50 that has been led out to the outside is
separated from a state in which the tube sections 51, inside
which inks of the respective ink colors flow, are bundled
together, and the tube sections 51 are connected to an
external tank in which the respective colors of ink are
retained.
[00811
Additionally, the width direction of the ink tube 50
may be disposed along a direction that is closer to the
transport direction (the Y direction) than the vertical
direction (the Z direction) .
[0082]
In addition, the scanning unit 12 is provided so as to
capable of opening and closing the printing unit 11 using a
hinge section. The scanning unit 12 is equipped with a copy
holder (not shown in the drawing), and it is possible to
mount a target object for reading on this copy holder. The
scanning unit 12 is provided with a scanning carriage which
is provided with an image sensor, a carriage drive mechanism,
a control portion that manages the control of each driving
location and the like (all of which are omitted from the
drawing). Further, as a result of the control of the
control portion, the image sensor of the scanning carriage
is moved relatively with respect to a target object for
reading that is mounted on the copy holder by the carriage
drive mechanism, and as a result of this, it is possible to
read the target object for reading.
[0083]
In the abovementioned manner, in a recording apparatus
10 such as that shown in Fig. 19 to Fig. 21, a configuration
in which it is possible for the ink tube 50 to be led out to
the outside of the housing 20 through the gap section S1 in
a favorable manner, is used.
[0084]
(2-2) Recording Apparatus 10 not provided with Scanning Unit
Fig. 22 is a perspective view that shows a
configuration of a recording apparatus 10 that is not
provided with a scanning unit. This recording apparatus 10
is provided with a config-:ration that corresponds to the
printing unit 11 of the abovementioned recording apparatus
10. Therefore, among the details of each location, the
descriptions and display in the drawings of configurations
that are common to both recording apparatuses will be
omitted.
[0085]
The recording apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 22 is provided
with an opening and closing cover 70, and in a state in
which this opening and closing cover 70 is open, it is
possible to touch the carriage 41 and the ink tube 50 with
one's hand.
[0086]
In the configuration shown in Fig. 22, the ink tube 50
is attached to the upper surface of the carriage 41.
However, the ink tube 50 may be attached to the front
surface side (the downstream side of the transport direction
of the recording paper P) of the carriage 41, may be
attached to the back surface side of the carriage 41 and may
be attached to a side surface side of the carriage 41.
[0087]
The width direction of this ink tube 50 is disposed
along a direction (including a case of being almost along
the transport direction) that is closer to the transport
direction (the Y direction) than the vertical direction.
However, the width direction of the ink tube 50 may be
disposed along a direction (including a case of being almost
along the vertical direction) that is closer to the vertical
direction (the Z direction) than the transport direction
(the Y direction) .
[0088]
In the configuration shown in Fig. 22, from the
attachment position of the ink tube 50 to the carriage 41,
the direction of the ink tube 50 is greatly changed so that
the direction moves from one end side in the main scanning
direction (the X direction) to the other end side with
separation from the carriage 41 along the ink tube 50.
Thereafter, the position of the ink tube 50 is shifted
upward, and after that, the ink tube 50 is bent so as to
move toward the back side, led to a gap section S1 after
passing through a frame plate 25 that supports the pulleys
and the like, and led out to the outside of the housing 20
by passing the gap section S1. Further, the ink tube 50
that has been led out to the outside is separated from a
state in which the tube sections 51, inside which inks of
the respective ink colors flow, are bundled together, and
the tube sections 51 are connected to an external tank 60 in
which the respective colors of ink are retained.
[0089]
In the abovementioned manner, in a recording apparatus
10 such as that shown in Fig. 22, a configuration in which
it is possible for the ink tube 50 to be led out to the
outside of the housing 20 through the gap section S1 in a
favorable manner, is also used.
[00901
< 3 . Advantageous Effects>
According to the recording apparatuses 10 mentioned
above, by passing the ink tube 50 through gap sections S1
and S2 between at least one guide member 33 and inner ,wall
portions 21a that face at least one guide member 33, it is
possible to lead the ink tube 50 to the outside of the
housing 20. Therefore, it is possible for a user to easily
put their hand into the recording apparatus 10 or the like
from the aperture section 23 that is in the housing 20 when
the opening and closing cover 70 is open, and it is possible
to easily remove recording paper P that is stuck on the
inside of the housing 20. That is, as a result of the
application of the present invention, it is possible to
improve the maintainability of the recording apparatus 10
without the ink tube 50 becoming an obstruction when
removing recording paper P that has become stuck inside the
housing 20.
[0091]
In addition, in the recording apparatus 10 of the
present invention, since the ink tube 50 is led to the
outside of the housing 20 by passing at least one of the gap
sections S1 and S2, it is possible to prevent a situation in
which the ink tube 50 becomes crushed or the like by the
opening and closing cover 70 or the like.
[00921
In addition, in the recording apparatus 10 of the
present invention, as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, it is
also possible to configure such that the ink tube 50 passes
through both the gap section S1 and the gap section S2. In
a case of configuring in this manner, it is also possible to
improve the maintainability of the recording apparatus 10
without the ink tube 50 becoming an obstruction when
removing recording paper P that has become stuck inside the
housing 20. In addition, since the ink tube 50 is led to
the outside of the housing 20 by passing both the gap
section S1 and the gap section S2, it is possible to prevent
a situation in which the ink tube 50 becomes crushed or the
like by the opening and closing cover 70 or the like.
[00931
Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 14, in the recording
apparatus 10 of the present invention, it is also possible
to configure such that the foreign matter receiving member
80 and the protrusion 331 are fixed with the fixing member
82 so as to retain a state in which the foreign matter
receiving member 80 abuts against the protrusion 331. In a
case of configuring in this manner, it is possible to
prevent stowing of the tray member 311 in the stowing
location, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which
the protrusion 331 severs or crushes the ink tube 50 that is
positioned in the stowing pathway (the downstream side of
the stowing pathway) of the guide member 33 when the tray
member 311 is stowed. Additionally, in place of the fixing
member 82 shown in Fig. 14, the fixing member 83 such as
that shown in Fig. 15 may be used. In a case of configuring
in this manner, it is als; possible to prevent a situation
in which the protrusion 331 severs or crushes the ink tube
50 when the tray member 311 is stowed.
[0094]
In addition, as shown in Fig. 17, in the recording
apparatus 10 of the present invention, it is also possible
to configure so as to provide a spacer 100 between the
movable guide memberV33b and the inner wall portion 21a. In
a case of configuring in this manner, it is even possible to
prevent a situation in which the ink tube 50 becomes crushed
by the movable guide member 33b in a case in which the
movable guide member 33b is moved toward the inner wall
I * portion 21a.
[00951
In addition, in the recording apparatus 10 of the
present invention, the ink tube 50 passes through the
aperture section 23 (refer to,Fig. 12) and is positioned on
the top panel 22 after jutting out from the inside of the
housing 20, and thereafter, the ink tube 50 is configured to
be able to pass through the gap sections S1 and S2. In a
case of configuring in this manner, since a section of the
ink tube 50 is positioned on the top panel 22, the ink tube
50 is supported by the top panel 22. As a result of this,
it is possible to prevent the ink tube 50 from reaching a
scanning pathway of the carriage 41 and becoming an obstacle
to the scanning of the carriage 41.
[0096]
Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12, in the recording
apparatus 10 of the present invention, it is also possible
to configure such that a section of the ink tube 50 is fixed
to the top panel 22 by the fixing member 55. In a case of
configuring in this manner, it is possible to prevent a
situation in which the ink tube 50 is shaken at the time of
the scanning of the carriage 41, and it is possible to
stabilize the behavior of the ink tube 50 inside the housing
20.
[00971
c4. Modification Examples>
One embodiment of the present invention has been
described above, but it is possible to make various
modifications to the present invention. Such modification
will be described below.
[ 0 0.9 8 ]
(4-1) First Modification Example
In the abovementioned embodiment, the ink tube 50 is
connected to the carriage 41 through an adapter AP. However,
it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the ink
tube 50 is connected to the carriage 41 without the adapter
AP. For example, in a configuration in which a sub tank in
which ink is retained, is provided instead of an ink
cartridge being mounted on the carriage 41, a configuration
in which the ink tube 50 is connected in a state of being
capable of conducting ink to the sub tank.
[00991
(4-2) Second Modification Example
In addition, in the abovementioned embodiment (this
includes the different embodiments and the like and the same
applies below), the gap sections S1 and S2 are configured to
be between the inner wall portion 21a of the aperture
portion 21 of the housing 20 and the guide member 33.
However, the gap sections S1 and S2 may be configured to be
in sections other than these. For example, the paper supply
device 30 may be positioned in the aperture portion 21 and
the gap sections S1 and S2 may be configured to be between
the inner wall portion of the housing section of the paper
supply device 30 and the guide member 33. In a case of
configuring in this manner, it is also possible to improve
the maintainability of the recording apparatus 10 without
the ink tube 50 becoming an obstruction when removing
recording paper P that has become stuck inside the housing
20. In addition, since the ink tube 50 is led to the
outside of the housing 20 by passing both the gap section S1
and the gap section S2, it is possible to prevent a
situation in which the ink tube 50 becomes crushed or the
like by the opening and closing cover 70 or the like.
[OlOO]
(4-3) Third Modification Example
In addition, in the abovementioned embodiment, at least
one of the gap section S1 and the gap section S2 is
configured to be between the inner wall portion 21a of the
aperture portion 21 of the housing 20 and the guide member
33. However, at least one of the gap section S1 and the gap
section S2 may be between the inner wall portion 21a of the
aperture portion 21 of the housing 20 and the tray member
311 (in particular, the wall portion that is positioned at :
the end portion of the tray member 311). That is,
regardless of whether or not there is a guide member 33, a
section that is between the inner wall portion 21a and the
tray member 331 may be configured to be the gap sections S1
and S2. In a case of configuring in this manner, it is also
possible to lead the ink tube 50 out to the outside of the
housing 20 in a favorable manner using at least one of the
gap section S1 and the gap section S2. Additionally, in
this case, it is particularly preferable to lead the ink
tube 50 out to the outside of the housing 20 in a favorable
manner using at least one of the abovementioned gap section
S1 and the gap section S2'between the tray member 311 that
corresponds to a second tray member and the inner wall
portion 21a.
[OlOl]
- 53 -
(4-4).F ourth Modification Example
In addition, in a case (the case of the Third
Modification Example) in which the ink tube 50 is led out to
the outside of the housing 20 using a gap section (at least
one of the gap section S1 and the gap section S2) between
the inner wall portion 21a of the aperture portion 21 of the
housing 20 and the tray member 311 (in particular, a wall
portion that is positioned at the end portion of the tray
member 311) in the manner described above, a wall portion of
the tray member 311 may be configured to function as a guide
member 33.
[01021
(4-5) Fifth Modification Example
In addition, in the abovementioned embodiment, as shown
in Fig. 7, the ink tube 50 is in a state of being hooked
onto the protrusion 331, and after the hooking (abutting)
onto the protrusion 331, the ink tube 50 extends toward the
external tank 60. However, the following configuration may
be used. That is, in the cases of the Third Modification
Example and the Fourth Modification Example, the protrusion
331 is provided in wall portion side of the tray member 311.
Further, in a case in which the ink tube 50 is led out to
the outside of the housing 20 using a gap section (at least
one of the gap section S1 and the gap section S2) between
the inner wall portion 21% of the aperture portion 21,of the
housing 20 and the tray member 311 (in particular, a wall
portion that is positioned at the end portion of the tray
member 311), the ink tube 50 may be configured to hook onto
the abovementioned protrusion 331, and extend toward the
external tank 60 after the hooking (abutting) onto the
protrusion 331. In this case, a configuration in which
there is a protrusion 331 even if there is not a guide
member 33 on the tray member 311 is used (naturally, it is
also possible for there to be a guide member 33 on the tray
member 311), but in this kind of configuration, it is also
possible to use the protrusion 331 for the positioning of
the ink tube 50. In addition, it is possible to change the
direction in which the ink tube 50 is drawn out using the
protrusion 331.
[0103]
(4-6) Sixth Modification Example
Additionally, in the respective cases of the
abovementioned Third Modification Example to Fifth
Modification Example, a foreign matter receiving member 80
such as that shown in Fig. 14 may be provided. In this case,
a configuration in which the foreign matter receiving member
80 is in a state of being received by the protrusion 331 and
the foreign matter receiving member 80 and the protrusion
331 are fixed with the fixing member 82 may be used. By
configuring in this manner, in a case in which the ink tube
50 is led out to the outside of the housing 20 using a gap
section (at least one of the gap section S1 and the gap
section S2) between the inner wall portion 21a of the
aperture portion 21 of the housing 20 and the tray member
311 (in particular, a wall portion that is positioned at the
end portion of the tray member 311), it is even possible to
prevent a situation in which the ink tube 50 is severed or
crushed by the protrusion 331 in a case in which the tray
member 311 is stowed.
(4-7) Seventh Modification Example
Additionally, in the respective cases from the
abovementioned Third Modification Example to the Sixth
Modification Example, a guide member 33 may be provided in
the tray member 311 (in particular, a tray member 311 that
corresponds to the second tray member). In particular, a
configuration in which a guide member 33 faces the inner
wall portion 21a of the housing 21, and the width of the
recording paper P is defined by the guide member 33, may be
used. In this case, either a fixed guide member 33a or a
movable guide member 33b pay be provided in the tray member
311, but it is also possible to provide both (that is, a
pair of guide members 33) a fixed guide member 33a and a
movable guide'member 33b in the tray member 311. Further,
the width of both ends of the recording paper P may be
defined by the pair of guide members 33.
[01051
(4-8) Eighth Modification Example
In addition, in the respective cases of the
abovementioned Seventh Modification Example, a spacer 100
such as that shown in Fig. 17 may be provided in the gap
section S1. That is, in a case in which the gap section S1
is between the inner wall portion 21a of the aperture
portion 21 of the housing 20 and the tray member 311 (in
particular, a wall portion that is positioned at the end
portion of the tray member 311), and there is a movable
guide member 33b in the tray member 311 (in particular, a
tray member 311 that corresponds to the second tray member),
a spacer 100 such as that shown in Fig. 17 may be provided
in the gap section S1. As a result of this, it is even
possible to prevent a situation in which the ink tube 50
becomes crushed in a case in which there is a concern that
the gap section S1 will become narrow or the ink tube 50
will become crushed by the sliding of the movable guide
member 33.
[0106]
(4-9) Ninth Modification Example
In addition, in the ~bovementioned embodiment, 'the
recording head 43 is attached to the carriage 41, and moves
along the main scanning direction of the recording head 43
together with movement in the main scanning direction of the
carriage 41. However, the recording head 43 may for example,
be a line head that is provided longitudinally along the
width direction of the recording paper P. Even in a case of
a line head, it is possible to improve the maintainability
of the recording apparatus 10 without the ink tube 50
becoming an obstruction when removing recording paper P that
has become stuck inside the housing 20 in the same manner as
that of the abovementioned embodiment. In addition, since
the ink tube 50 is led to the outside of the housing 20 by
passing both the gap section S1 and the gap section 52, it
is possible to prevent a situation in which the ink tube 50
becomes crushed or the like by the opening and closing cover
70 or the like.
[ 0 10 7 I
(4-10) Tenth Modification Example
In addition, in the drawings in the abovementioned
embodiment, the ink tube 50 is shown as an ink tube that has
four tube sections 51, and the four tube sections 51
correspond to the four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and
black. However, the number of tube sections 51 in the ink
tube 50 is not limited to four, and there may be any number
of tube sections 51 provided there are three or more (in a
case in which there are three tube sections 51, the three
tube sections 51 correspond to the three colors of cyan
magenta and yellow). In addition, a configuration which
provides tube sections 51 for supplying for example, light
cyan, light magenta, light yellow, light grey and the like
is also possible.
[01081
Additionally, it is preferable that one tube section 51
corresponds to one color rf ink, but two or more tube
sections 51 which are provided in parallel, may correspond
to one color, and a certain color of ink may be supplied
using the two or more tube sections 51 simultaneously.
[01091
(4-11) Eleventh Modification Example
In addition, in the abovementioned embodiment, it is
also possible to include a fluid spraying apparatus that
sprays or sprays liquid other than ink (including liquid
itself, a liquid body in which particles of a functional
material are dispersed in or mixed into a liquid or a
substance that has a fluid property such as gel) in the
concept of the recording apparatus 10. Examples of such
apparatuses 'include a liquid body spraying apparatus that
sprays a liquid that includes materials such as electrode
materials, color materials (pixel materials) and the like,
which are used in the production of liquid crystal displays,
EL (electroluminescent) displays and surface light emission
displays, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a fluid spraying
apparatus that sprays living organic matter that is used in
the production of biochips, a fluid spraying apparatus that
is used as a precision pipette and sprays a liquid that will
form a specimen and the like.
[01101
(4-12) Twelfth Modification Example
Furthermore, examples of apparatuses that are included
in the concept of the recording apparatus 10 of the present
invention include a fluid spraying apparatus that sprays
lubricating oil onto prec5sion instruments such as clocks ;
and cameras in a pinpoint manner, a fluid spraying apparatus
that sprays transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet
curable resin for forming hemispherical microlenses (optical
lenses), which are used in optical communication elements
and the like, onto a substrate, a fluid spraying apparatus
that sprays an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali
for etching of a substrate or the like, a fluid body
spraying apparatus that sprays a fluid body such as gel (for
example, physical gel) and the like.
Reference Signs List
[Ollll
10: recording apparatus
11: printing unit
12: scanning unit (corresponds to an example of the
opening and closing cover)
20: housing
21: aperture portion
21a: inner wall portion (corresponds to an example of
the wall surface portion)
22: top panel
23: aperture section
24 : boss
25: frame plate
paper supply device
paper supply tray
isolation roller
guide member
fixed guide member
movable guide member
guide groove
paper supply roller
paper supply driven roller
platen
37: pair of paper output rollers
37a: paper output drive roller
37b: paper output driven roller
40: carriage mechanism
41: carriage
42: carriage axis
43: recording head
44 : belt
45: driven pulley
50 : ink tube
50a: unbranched tube
50b: first branched tube
50c: second branched tube
51: tube sections
52 : branched portion
53: curving section
54: unbranched turning portion
55: fixing member
60: external tank
70: opening and closing cover
80: foreign matter receiving member
82: fixing member
83: fixing member
90: coupling
100: spacer
311: tray member
331: protrusion
501: curved portion
502: turning portion
AP: adapter
P: recording paper (corresponds to an example of the
recording medium)
- 62 -
S1 and S2: gap sections
- 63 -
CLAIMS
[Claim 11
A recording apparatus comprising:
a paper supply tray that is provided on an upstream
side of a transport direction in which a recording medium is
transported, and which can feed the recording medium from a
first aperture portion provided in a housing;
a guide member, which is provided in the paper supply
tray and defines a width of the recording medium; and
an ink tube that passes through gap sections between
the guide member and the housing and supplies ink from an
ink accommodation portion which is provided outside the
housing to a recording head that is attached to a carriage.
[Claim 21
The recording apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein the guide member is provided in a pair and the
pair of guide members can define the width at both ends of
the recording medium,
gap sections are respectively provided between the pair
of guide members and the housing, and
the ink tube respectively passes through the gap
sections.
[Claim 31
The recording apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein a foreign matter receiving member, which
prevents the intrusion of foreign matter from the first
aperture portion, is attached to the housing,
the foreign matter receiving member is positioned in a
state of facing the paper supply tray, and
an abutting portion that abuts against the foreign
matter receiving member is provided in the paper supply tray
and the foreign matter receiving member and the abutting
portion are fixed to one another.
[Claim 41
The recording apparatus according to Claim 2,
wherein a foreign matter receiving member, which
prevents the intrusion of foreign matter from the first
aperture portion, is attached to the housing,
the foreign matter receiving member is positioned in a
state of facing the paper supply tray, and
an abutting portion that abuts against the foreign
matter receiving member is provided in the paper supply tray
and the foreign matter receiving member and the abutting
portion are fixed to one another.
[Claim 51
The recording apparatus according to Claim 2,
wherein one of the guide members among the pair of
guide members is a movable guide member that is provided so
as to be capable of sliding along the width direction of the
tray member, and
a spacer is provided between the movable guide member
and the housing to correspond to the passing through of the
ink tube.
[Claim 61
The recording apparatus according to Claim 4,
wherein one of the guide members among the pair of
guide members is a movable guide member that is provided so
as to be capable of sliding along the width direction of the
tray member, and
a spacer is provided between the movable guide member
and the housing to correspond to the passing through of the
ink tube.
[Claim 71
The recording apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein, in the housing, a second aperture portion is
provided further on a side which is opposite a side on which
the carriage is clamped than a location in which the
recording medium is positioned and at which recording is
performed by the recording head,
an opening and closing cover is provided in the housing
so as to be capable of rotating and the second aperture
portion is opened and closed by rotation of the opening and
closing cover, and
the ink tube, which extends from an attachment position
to the carriage, passes through the second aperture portion
from the carriage side and is provided in a state of passing
through the gap sections.
[Claim 81
The recording apparatus according to Claim 2,
wherein, in the housing, a second aperture portion is
provided further on a side which is opposite a side on which
the carriage is clamped than a location in which the
recording medium is positioned and at which recording is
performed by the recording head,
an opening and closing cover is provided in the housing
so as to be capable of rotating and the second aperture
portion is opened and closed by rotation of the opening and
closing cover, and
the ink tube, which extends from an attachment position
to the carriage, passes through the second aperture portion
from the carriage side and is provided in a state of passing
through the gap sections.
[Claim 91
The recording apparatus according to Claim 3,
wherein, in the housing, a second aperture portion is
provided further on a side which is opposite a side on which
the carriage is clamped than a location in which the
recording medium is positioned and at which recording is
performed by the recording head,
an opening and closing cover is provided in the housing
so as to be capable of rotating and the second aperture
portion is opened and closed by rotation of the opening and
closing cover, and
the ink tube, which extends from an attachment position
to the carriage, passes through the second aperture portion
from the carriage side and is provided in a state of passing
through the gap sections.
[Claim 101
The recording apparatus according to Claim 4,
wherein, in the housing, a second aperture portion is
provided further on a side which is opposite a side on which
the carriage is clamped than a location in which the
recording medium is positioned and at which recording is
performed by the recording head,
an opening and closing cover is provided in the housing
so as to be capable of rotating and the second aperture
portion is opened and closed by rotation of the opening and
closing cover, and
the ink tube, which extends from an attachment position
to the carriage, passes through the second aperture portion
from the carriage side and is provided in a state of passing
through the gap sections.
[Claim 111
The recording apparatus according to Claim 5,
wherein, in the housing, a second aperture portion is
provided further on a side which is opposite a side on which
the carriage is clamped than a location in which the
recording medium is positioned and at which recording is
performed by the recording head,
an opening and closing cover is provided in the housing
so as to.be capable of rotating and the second aperture
portion is opened and closed by rotation of the opening and
closing cover, and
the ink tube, which extends from an attachment position
to the carriage, passes through the second aperture portion
from the carriage side and is provided in a state of passing
through the gap sections.
[Claim 121
The recording apparatus according to Claim 6,
wherein, in the housing, a second aperture portion is
provided further on a side which is opposite a,side on which
the carriage is clamped than a location in which the
recording medium is positioned and at which recording is
performed by the recordin$ head,
an opening and closing cover is provided in the housing
so as to be capable of rotating and the second aperture
portion is opened and closed by rotation of the opening and
closing cover, and
the ink tube, which extends from an attachment position
to the carriage, passes through the second aperture portion
from the carriage side and is provided in a state of passing
through the gap sections.
[Claim 131
The recording apparatus according to any one of Claims
7 to 12,
wherein a top panel is provided in the housing on a
side that runs from the second aperture portion to the paper
supply device, and
the ink tube is fixed to the top panel.
[Claim 141
A recording apparatus comprising:
a paper supply tray Lhat is provided on an upstream
side of a transport direction in which a recording medium is
transported, which can feed the recording medium from a
first aperture portion provided in a housing, and has a
first tray member and a second tray member that can extend
from the first tray member; and
an ink tube that passes through gap sections between a
wall portion of the second tray member and the housing and
supplies ink from an ink accommodation portion which is
provided outside the housing to a recording head that is
attached to a carriage.
[Claim 151
The recording apparatus according to Claim 14,
wherein the wall portion functions as a guide member '
- 70 -
that defines the width of the recording medium.
[Claim 161
The recording apparatus according to Claim 14,
wherein a protrusion that protrudes from a mounting
surface of the second tray member where the recording medium
is mounted toward a side separated therefrom is provided on
a side of the wall portion of the second tray member, and
the ink tube is positioned in a state of being hooked
onto the protrusion.
[Claim 171
The recording apparatus according to Claim 15,
wherein a protrusion that protrudes from a mounting
surface of the second tray member where the recording medium
is mounted toward a side separated therefrom is provided on
a side of the wall portion of the second tray member, and
the ink tube is positioned in a state of being hooked
onto the protrusion.
[Claim 181
The recording apparatus according to Claim 16,
wherein a foreign matter receiving member, which
prevents the intrusion of foreign matter from the first
aperture portion, is attached to the housing, and the
foreign matter receiving member is provided in a position
that faces the paper supply tray.
[Claim 191
The recording apparatus according to Claim 17,
wherein a foreign matter receiving member, which
prevents the intrusion of foreign matter from the first
aperture portion, is attached to the housing, and the
foreign matter receiving member is provided in a position
that faces the paper supply tray.
[Claim 201
The recording apparatus according to Claim 18,
wherein the foreign matter receiving member and the
protrusion are fixed to one another.
[Claim 211
The recording apparatus according to claim 19,
wherein the foreign matter receiving member and the
protrusion are fixed to one another.
[Claim 221
The recording apparatus according to Claim 14,
wherein a guide member that defines the width of the
recording medium is provided in the second tray member.
[Claim 231
The recording apparatus according to Claim 16,
wherein a guide member that defines the width of the
recording medium is provided in the second tray member.
[Claim 241
The recording apparatus according to Claim 18,
wherein a guide member that defines the width of the
recording medium is provided in the second tray member.
[Claim 251
The recording apparatus according to Claim 20,
wherein a guide member that defines the width of the
recording medium is provided in the second tray member.
[Claim 261
The recording apparatus according to any one of Claims
22 to 25,
wherein the guide member is provided in a pair and the
pair of guide members can define the width at both ends of
the recording medium.
[Claim 271
The recording apparatus according to Claim 26,
wherein one of the guide members among the pair of
guide members is a movable guide member that is provided so
as to be capable of sliding along the width direction of the
second tray member.
[Claim 281
The recording apparatus according to Claim 27,
wherein a spacer is provided between the movable guide
member and the housing to correspond to the passing through
of the ink tube.