SPECIFICATION
Recording device and detection structure in a recording device
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[ O O O l I
The present invention r e l a t e s t o a recording device with a
detector f o r detecting recording media, and t o a detection s t r u c t u r e
that detects recording media in the recording device.
2. Related A r t
[00021
Recording devices that have two conveyance paths, a r e a r
conveyancepathandabottom conveyance path, for conveyingrecording
media, andhave apaperdetectorthatdetects recordingmedia conveyed
through each conveyance path, are known fromthe l i t e r a t u r e . See, for
example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2002-178574.
This paper detector has a r o t a t i n g member with two detection
levers, and these two detection l e v e r s r e s p e c t i v e l y p r o t r u d e i n t o the
rear conveyance path and the bottom conveyance path. Paper t r a v e l l i n g
through the rear conveyance path c o n t a c t s t h e f i r s t paper detection
lever, and paper travelling through the bottom conveyance path
c o n t a c t s t h e secondpaper detection l e v e r . The paper d e t e c t o r d e t e c t s
p a p e r b y d e t e c t i n g r o t a t i o n o f t h e rotatingmemberwhenpapercontacts
the detection levers. The paper detector disclosed i n
JP-A-2002-178574 is thus configured t o detect recording media
conveyedthrough each of the conveyance paths using a s i n g l e r o t a t i n g
member.
[0004]
Recording devices t h a t , l i k e the recording device according to
che r e l a t e d a r t described above, have plural conveyance paths may be
b u i l t in many d i f f e r e n t ways, and some implementations cannot use a
configuration such as the paper detector described i n
JP-A-2002-178574. For example, the space available for the detector
may be small, and providing a plurality of detection levers may not
be possible. Reliably detecting recording media conveyed through the
plural conveyance paths is also desirable in such devices.
SUMMARY
[00051
The present invention is directed to solving the foregoing
problem, and an object of the invention is to provide a recording
device that can reliably detect recording media conveyed from
different directions even when the installation space available for
the recording media detector is limited.
[0006]
To achieve the foregoing object, a recording device according
to the invention records on recording media and has a detector that
detects the recording media; anda pluralityof conveyance paths that
convey the recordingmedia fromdifferentdirectionstothe detector;
the detector including a detection lever that pivots on a specific
part as a pivot axis due to contact by the leading end of the recording
media conveyedthrough the conveyance paths, and the detection lever
having formed on one side of the pivot axis a plurality of contact
surfaces that recording media conveyed through the conveyance paths
contact, or a curved surf ace with a plurality of contact parts that
recording media conveyed through the conveyance paths contact,
corresponding to the plural conveyance paths.
With this aspect of the invention, recording media conveyed from
plural conveyance paths contact a single detection lever on one side
of the pivot axis of the lever, and recording media conveyed through
the plural conveyance paths can be detected. By providing the
detection lever with a plurality of contact surfaces or a plurality
of contact parts corresponding to the plural conveyance paths,
recording media conveyed through the conveyance paths contact the
contact surfaces or contact parts at a desirable angle, and the
detection lever can more reliably detect the recording media. As a
result, even if the installation space available for the detector is
confined or otherwise limited, recording media conveyed from a
9lurality of conveyance paths can be reliably detected using few
detectors. Cost can also be reduced by suppressing the number of
detectors.
[ 0 0 0 7 ]
A recording device according to another aspect of the invention
also has a limiting member that is disposed to at least one of the
conveyance paths and limits the angle at which the recording medium
conveyedthroughthe conveyance path contacts the contact surface or
the contact part.
Because the angle of the recording medium at which the recording
medium contacts the contact surface or the contact part is limited
by the limiting member, the detection lever pivots reliably when
contactedbythe recordingmedium, andrecordingmedia canbe detected
more reliably.
!00081
In a recording device according to another aspect of the
invention, the limiting member is disposed to a position separating
the conveyance path and the other conveyance path.
Because contact between recording media conveyed through the
qonveyance paths is prevented by this aspect of the invention,
problems such as paper jams can be more reliably prevented, and the
reliability of the recording device can be improved.
[ 0 0 0 9 ]
In a recording device according to another aspect of the
Invention, the plural contact surfaces or the plural contact parts
Lre located on one side of the center of the detection lever, and the
pivot axis of the detection lever is located on the other side of the
center of the detection lever.
This aspect of the invention increases the distance between the
pivot axis and the contact surfaces or contact parts, and increases
movement of the contact surfaces or contact parts relative to the
angle of rotation of the detection lever. As a result, recording media
can be accurately detected.
[00101
In a recording device according to another aspect of the
invention, the detector has one detection unit that detects rotation
of the detection lever when the recording medium contacts any of the
contact surfaces or contact parts.
Because contact by recording media conveyed through the
conveyance paths can be detected by a single detector, this aspect
ofthe inventioncanreduce theparts count ofthedetector andachieve
a low cost and small size.
[OOll]
In a recording device according to another aspect of the
invention, the detectionunit detects rotation of the detection lever
by mechanical contact between a plurality of contacts accompanying
rotation of the detection lever.
This aspect of the invention can detect recording media reliably
and accurately using a low-cost detector.
To achieve the foregoing object, another aspect of the invention
is a detection structure in a recording device that records on
recording media, the detection structure including: a detector that
detectsthe recordingmedia, the detector including a detection lever
that pivots on a specific part as a pivot axis due to contact by the
leading end of the recording media conveyed in the recording device,
and corresponding to a plurality of conveyance paths that convey the
recording media from different directions to the detector, the
detectionleverhavingapluralityof contact surfaces that recording
media conveyed through the conveyance paths contact, or a curved
surface with a plurality of contact parts that recording media
conveyed through the conveyance paths contact, formed on one side of
the pivot axis.
With this aspect of the invention, recording media conveyed from
plural Conveyance paths contact a single detection lever on one side
of the pivot axis of the lever, and recording media conveyed through
the plural conveyance paths can be detected. By providing the
detection lever with a plurality of contact surfaces or a plurality
of contact parts corresponding to the plural conveyance paths,
recording media conveyed through the conveyance paths contact the
contact surfaces or contact parts at a desirable angle, and the
detection lever can more reliably detect the recording media. As a
I-esult, even if the installation space available for the detector is
confined or otherwise limited, recording media conveyed from a
plurality of conveyance paths can be reliably detected using few
detectors. Cost can also be reduced by suppressing the number of
detectors.
Effect of the Invention
[0013]
The invention can reliably detect recording media conveyed from
a plurality of conveyance paths using few detectors even if the
installation space available for the detector is confined or
otherwise limited.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. i is an oblique view of a printer according to a first
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a side section view of the printer.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of main parts in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 describes the operation whereby the detector detects a
sheet.
FIG. 5 describes the operation whereby the detector detects a
sheet.
FIG. 6 is a section view of main parts in a printer according
to a second embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0015]
Embodiment 1
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described
below with reference to the accompanying figures.
FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a printer 1 according to the first
embodiment of the invention, and shows the printer 1 from the rear.
FIG. 2 is a side section view of the printer 1.
[00161
The printer 1 (recording device) shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is
a dot impact printer that prints text or images by striking a sheet
used as the recording medium with the numerous recording wires of a
recording head (not shown in the figure) through an ink ribbon (not
shown in the figure) to record dots.
Recording media that can be used in the printer 1 include plain
paper, plastic sheets and nonwoven cloth, these media af ter surface
processing, cut-sheet media cut to a standard size, and continuous
sheet media suchas roll paper and fanfoldpaper. The recordingmedium
is also not limited to single-sheet recording media, and multipart
form paper and booklets composed of multiple bound sheets can also
be printed. OHP (overhead projector) sheets, coated paper, and film
media can also be used as the recording medium. This embodiment
describes using continuous paper S1 with sprocket holes along both
sides, andcut-sheetslipsS2, intheprinter lasthe recordingmedium.
Continuous paper S1 and slip S2 media are collectively referred to
as a sheet S below.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 has a print assembly 3 as a
recording unit, a discharge unit 4 that is removably installed above
1 the print assembly 3, and a control unit 6 disposed near the front
i
of the print assembly 3, housed inside a case 2.
[00171
The print assembly 3 has a main frame (not shown in the figure)
including a base frame and a side frame rising from the left and right
sides, and disposed to this main frame has a carriage 8 that carries
a recording head 7, a platen roller 10 that can convey the sheet S
and is disposed behind the recording head 7 opposite the recording
head7, andapressure springllthatpressesthe sheet Stotheoutside
surface of the platen roller 10.
The carriage 8 is supported on a carriage shaft 12 disposed
between the left and right side frames. The carriage 8 is moved
bidirectionally along the carriage shaft 12 by drive power from a
carriage drive motor (not shown in the figure). The direction of
carriage 8 travel is changed by changing the direction of carriage
drive motor rotation forward or reverse. The recording head 7 has
numerous recording wires as described above, and the ink ribbon is
positioned in the direction in which these recording wires protrude.
[00181
The platen roller 10 is parallel to the carriage shaft 12, the
sheet S is supplied from the rear to the platen roller 10, and the
sheet S is conveyed so that it travels around the platen roller 10
from below to the front by rotating the platen roller 10.
The pressure spring 11 applies pressure to the sheet S on the
upstream side of the recording head 7 in the sheet S conveyance
direction. As a result, the sheet S conveyed while being pressed by
the pressure spring 11 moves around the outside surface of the platen
roller 10 and reaches a position opposite the recording head 7, and
is printed on by the recording head 7.
[0019]
The sheet S passing the recording head 7 is conveyed in a
secondary scanning direction perpendicular t o the primary scanning
direction of the carriage 8 . While moving with the carriage 8 in the
primary scanning d i r e c t i o n , the recording head 7 impels recording
,wires forward t o s t r i k e the ink ribbon, t r a n s f e r ink t o the sheet S
conveyedbetweentheplatenroller 1 0 and recording head 7 , andrec.ord
t e x t o r i m a g e s . One l i n e is recordedwhilethe carriage 8 t r a v e l s l e f t
o r r i g h t in the scanning d i r e c t i o n . Each time one l i n e is recorded,
the sheet S is conveyed a s p e c i f i c distance (normally the l i n e
spacing) by the platen r o l l e r 1 0 , push t r a c t o r unit 5 describedbelow,
and discharge unit 4 .
100201
The control unit 6 determines i f a sheet S is in the conveyance
path based on a detection signal output by t h e d e t e c t o r 30 described
below, and controls the c a r r i a g e d r i v e motor, the recording head 7,
and the conveyance motor (not shown in the f i g u r e ) t h a t drives the
platen r o l l e r 1 0 , discharge r o l l e r 4b, and push t r a c t o r unit 5.
i00211
A paper exit 2a from which the sheet S is discharged a f t e r
printingby the recording head 7 is open in the case 2 above the platen
r o l l e r 10. A discharge unit 4 t h a t conveys the sheet S up from the
platen r o l l e r 1 0 is d i s p o s e d t o t h i s paper e x i t 2a. The discharge unit
4 includes a guide p l a t e 4a that extends above the platen r o l l e r 10
and guides the sheet S t o the paper e x i t 2a, and a discharge r o l l e r
4b that conveys the sheet S t o the paper e x i t 2a.
i 0 022 I
T h e p r i n t e r l has a f i r s t conveyancepath15 f r o m t h e p u s h t r a c t o r
unit 5 disposed a t the rear of the case 2 t o the bottom of the platen
I.-oller 10, and a second conveyance path 16 from above the back of the
case 2 t o the bottom of t h e p l a t e n r o l l e r 1 0 , as conveyance paths that
supply a sheet S to the recording head 7. The f i r s t conveyance path
is a conveyance path for continuous paper S1, and the second
conveyance path is a conveyance path for s l i p s S2.
The print assembly 3 also has a d i v i d e r 13 behind the platen
r o l l e r 10. So t h a t a s l i p S2 supplied from above the p r i n t assembly
3 does not d i r e c t l y contact the top o r s i d e of the platen r o l l e r 1 0 ,
the divider 13 prevents the s l i p S2 from escaping up from the second
conveyance path 16 and guides the s l i p 52 t o enter below the platen
r o l l e r 10.
[0023 I
The f i r s t c o n v e y a n c e p a t h 1 5 i n c l u d e s t h e t r a c t o r u n i t 5 disposed
behind the p r i n t assembly 3 , and a guide member 14 disposed between
the t r a c t o r u n i t 5 a n d p l a t e n r o l l e r 1 0 , and t h e b a c k e n d o f t h e t r a c t o r
unit 5 is the entrance to the f i r s t conveyance path.
The push t r a c t o r unit 5 includes a t r a c t o r support shaft 1 7 and
a t r a c t o r drive shaft 18 disposed p a r a l l e l t o the platen r o l l e r 10
between the l e f t and right side frames, and a p a i r of l e f t and r i g h t
t r a c t o r s 19 that are supported by the t r a c t o r support shaft 1 7 and
t r a c t o r drive shaft 18. The t r a c t o r s 1 9 are disposed near the ends
of the t r a c t o r support shaft 17 and t r a c t o r drive s h a f t 18 as shown
in F I G . 1, and a support member 23 that supports the continuous paper
S1 from below i s disposed between the t r a c t o r s 1 9 .
100241
As shown in F I G . 2 , each t r a c t o r 19 has an endless t r a c t o r b e l t
20 that t r a v e l s in a loop with r o t a t i o n of the t r a c t o r drive shaft
1 8 , a p l u r a l i t y of pins 2 1 disposed with space therebetween along the
length of the t r a c t o r b e l t 2 0 , and a t r a c t o r cover 22 t h a t covers the
top of the t r a c t o r b e l t 2 0 .
The continuous paper S1 is i n s t a l l e d t o the t r a c t o r b e l t 20 with
the sprocket holes opened along both sides of the paper width f i t onto
the pins 2 1 . The sprocket holes in the continuous paper S1 are kept
engaged with the pins 2 1 by closing the t r a c t o r cover 22 above the
continuous paper S1. The continuous paper S1 is then conveyed in the
direction of arrow D l by driving the t r a c t o r belt 20.
The continuous paperslconveyedtothe front by the push t r a c t o r
unit 5 is supported by the guide surface 14a of the guide member 14
and conveyed to below the platen roller 10.
A limiter 41 that separates the first conveyance path 15 and the
second conveyance path 16 is disposed between the tractor unit 5 and
the platen roller 10. The limiter 41is positioned opposite the guide
surface 14a above the first conveyance path 15, and restricts
advancement of the continuous paper S1 as it leaves the push tractor
unit 5 so that the continuous paper S1 does not advance up and into
the second conveyance path 16. The limiter 41 is a long panel member
disposedbetweenthe side frames oftheprintassembly3, for example,
andhas anotch (notshowninthe figure) that accommodates adetection
lever 31 as described below.
LO0251
As indicated by arrow D2 in FIG. 2, the second conveyance path
isapaththatconveys a slip S2 fromthetoptobelowtheplatenroller
10 passing between the divider 13 and limiter 41, and the paper
entrance is between the divider 13 and limiter 41. A paper guide (not
shown in the figure) that supports and guides the slip S2 at this
entrance can be disposed to the print assembly 3.
The printer 1 according to this embodiment of the invention is
configured to detect by means of a single detector 30 if continuous
paper S1 is present in the first conveyance path 15, and if a slip
52 is present in the second conveyance path 16.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of main parts in FIG. 2, and shows
the detector 30 and proximal parts. Note that for brevity, part of
the guide member 14 is not shown, and the limiter 41 is indicated by
an imaginary line, in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 .
The detector 30 is disposed in a space between the platen roller
10 andpush tractor unit 5. The detector 30 includes a detection lever
31 and a single detection unit 32 that detects rotation of the
detection lever 31.
The detection lever 31 is a long rod-like member with multiple
curved parts. The detection lever 31 is supported freely rotatably
at the base end thereof by the detection unit 32, and the distal end
extends into the first conveyance path 15 and second conveyance path
16. More specifically, the first conveyance path 15 and second
conveyance path16 extend towardthe detection lever 31 from different
directions, and the first conveyance path 15 and second conveyance
path 16 meet at an acute angle on the upstream side of the detection
lever 31.
[00271
The detection lever 31 is disposed to contact both continuous
paper S1 conveyed through the first conveyance path, and a slip S2
travelling through the second conveyance path, and when either
continuous paper S1 or a slip S2 contacts the detection lever 31, the
conveyance force of the continuous paper S1 or slip S2 causes the
d e t e c t i o n l e v e r 3 1 t o r o t a t e in the directionof arrow Rinthe figure.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the detection lever 31 when not in contact with
either continuous paper S1 or a slipS2. The position of the detection
lever 31 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is the not-detected position. The
detection unit 32 has a urging member (not shown in the figure) such
as a spring that urges the detection lever 31 to stay in the
not-detected position, and the detection lever 31 remains stably in
the not-detected position due to this urging force.
The detection lever 31 is also in the notch (not shown in the
figure) in the limiter 41 when in this not-detected position. The
detection lever 31 is therefore superimposed on the limiter 41 when
the print assembly 3 is seen in section from the side as shown in FIG.
2 and FIG. 3 .
[0028]
The detection unit 32 has a pivot pin 33 that supports the
detection lever 31 freelyrotatably, and this pivot pin33 is the pivot
axis of the detection lever 31. The detection unit 32 includes a
I ,
movable contact 37 that rotates with the detection lever 31, a
stationary contact 38 that is fixed to the case 39 of the detection
unit32, anda detection circuit (not sllowninthe figure) that outputs
a specific detection signal when the movable contact 37 and fixed
contact 38 contact mechanicallyandcomplete anelectrical connection.
When the detection lever 31 is in the not-detected position, the
movable contact 37 is separated from the fixed contact 38; when the
detection lever 31 rotates a specific angle, the movable contact 37
moves and connects electrically to the fixed contact 38, and the
detection signal is output to the control unit 6 (FIG. 2). The
detectionunit 32 couldbe a microswitch as known fromthe literature,
for example.
[ 0 0 2 9 ]
One end of the detection lever 31 curves from the pivot pin 33
as described above, and has a first contact surface 34 and a second
contact surface 35 that are not mutually parallel. The first contact
surface 34 is formed on the base end side of the detection lever 31,
and the second contact surface 35 is formed on the distal end side
of the detection lever 31.
When the detection lever 31is in the not-detectedposition, the
first contact surface 34 is in the first conveyance path 15, and the
second contact surface 35 is in the second conveyance path 16. The
first contact surface 34 and second contact surface 35 are both
surfaces on the same side of the detection lever 31 (the top side in
FIG. 3) . More specifically, continuous paper S1 passing through the
first conveyance path 15, and a slip S2 passing through the second
conveyance path 16, pass on the same side of the detection lever 31
(the top side in FIG. 3) .
[00301
The first contact surface 34 opposes the first conveyance path
15 (conveyance direction Dl) at a perpendicular or substantially
perpendicular angle. The second contact surface 35 opposesthe second
conveyance path 16 (conveyance direction D2) at a perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular angle. More specifically, a first
contact surface 34 that is substantially perpendicular to the first
Tonveyance path 15, and a second contact surface 35 that is
substantially perpendicular to the second conveyance path 1 6 , are
formed on a single detection lever 31.
;00311
F I G . 4 and F I G . 5 describe the operation whereby a sheet S is
detected by the detector 30.
When the detection lever 31 is in the not-detected position
described above and continuous paper S1 or a slip S2 is conveyed from
the paper entrance toward the detector 30 and contacts the detection
lever 31, the detection lever 31 is pushed by the continuous paper
Sl or slip S2 and rotates in the direction of arrow R in the figure.
Conveyance of continuous paper S1 is shown in F I G . 4 and F I G .
5 for example. In the not-detectedposition shown in F I G . 3, the first
contact surface 34 disposed to the first conveyance path 15 for
continuous paper S1 is substantially perpendicular to the first
conveyance path 1 5 . As a result, when the continuous paper S1 is
conveyed and contacts the first contact surface 34, the conveyance
force ofthe continuous paper S1 is substantiallyappliedtothe first
contact surf ace 34 and causes the detection lever 31 to pivot without
the leading end of the continuous paper S1 sliding along the first
contact surface 34 and riding over the detection lever 31. When the
detection lever 31 pivots to the position shown in F I G . 4, and the
detection lever 31 then rotates to below the first conveyance path
15 as shownin F I G . 5, the continuous paper S1 rides onto the detection
lever 3 1.
Becausethelimiter41islocatedabovethe first conveyancepath
15, the continuous paper S1 meets the limiter 41 and is guided to the
front if it deviates upward from the first conveyance path 1 5 . As a
result, the conveyance force of the continuous paper S1 is reliably
transmitted to the first contact surface 34 and the detection lever
3lpivots further. When the detection lever 31 rotates tothe position
shown in F I G . 5, the movable contact 37 of the detection unit 32
contactsthe fixedcontact 38, and the detector.30 outputs a detection
signal. Note that the rotational position of the detection lever 31
when the movable contact 37 contacts the fixed contact 38 is not
limited to the position shown in F I G . 5. For example, a configuration
in which the movable contact 37 contacts the fixed contact 38 when
the detection lever 31rotates to apositionbeforetheposition shown
in F I G . 5 is also conceivable.
[00321
When positioned as shown in F I G . 5, the detection lever 31 is
at a position removed below the first conveyance path 15, and the
second contact surface 35 is substantially flush with the guide
surface 14a. As a result, the detection lever 31 does not interfere
withmedia conveyance, and the continuous paper S1 is conveyed stably
over the second contact surface 35. The detection lever 31 is also
urged to the not-detected position (up as seen in the figures) as
describedabove, butthe continuous paper S1 is prevented frommoving
upby the limiter41. The detection lever 31therefore does not return
to the not-detected position and is held in the position shown in F I G .
5 by the tensionof the continuous paper Slwhilethe continuous paper
S1 is conveyed.
When a slip S2 is conveyed, the detection lever 31 pivots as a
result of the second contact surface 35 being pushed by the leading
edge ofthe slip S2, andthe detection lever 31moves fromtheposition
shown in F I G . 4 to the position shown in F I G . 5. In the not-detected
position shown in F I G . 3, the second contact surface 35 disposed to
the second conveyance path 16 for slips S2 is substantially
perpendicular to the second conveyance path 16. As a result, when the
slip 52 is conveyed and contacts the second contact surface 35, the
conveyance force of the slip S2 is substantially transmitted to the
. 6
I
second contact surface 35 and causes the detection lever 31 to pivot.
The detection lever 31therefore rotatestotheposition shown inFIG.
5, and the detector 30 outputs a detection signal.
[0033]
As described above, the printer 1 according to the first
embodiment of the inventionhas first and secondcontact surfaces 34,
35 that contact sheets S conveyed through the first and second
conveyance paths 15, 16 disposed on one side of the pivot axis of the
detection lever 31 of the detector 30, and detects sheets S conveyed
~hrough the first and second conveyance paths 15, 16 using one end
of a single detection lever 31. Because a first contact surface 34
andsecondcontact surface 35 aredisposedcorrespondingrespectively
to the first conveyance path 15 and second conveyance path 16, sheets
S can be reliably detected by forming the contact surfaces at
desirable anglestothe first and secondconveyance paths 15, 16, such
as disposingthe first contact surface 34 substantiallyperpendicular
to the first conveyance path 15, and the second contact surface 35
substantially perpendicular to the second conveyance path 16. The
detector 30 can therefore reliably detect sheets S conveyed over the
first contact surface 34 and the second contact surface 35, output
a detection signal, and the control unit 6 can accurately detect a
sheet S, even when limited space is available for the detector 30.
Cost savings can also be anticipated by suppressing the number of
detectors 30.
[0034]
Furthermore, because a limiter 41 limits the angle at which the
continuous paper S1 conveyed through the first conveyance path 15
contacts the first contact surface 34, the continuous paper S1 can
reliably cause the detection lever 31 to pivot when the continuous
paper S1 contacts the detection lever 31, and continuous paper S1 can
be detected more reliably.
Furthermore, because the limiter 41 is disposed at a position
separating the first conveyance path 15 and second conveyance path
16, contact between continuous paper S1 passing through the first
conveyance path15 anda slips2 passing through the second conveyance
path 16 can be prevented. Paper jams and other problems can theref ore
be more reliably prevented when continuous paper S1 and a slip S2 are
close together, such as when a slip S2 is conveyed while the leading
end of the continuous paper S1 is near the limiter 41, or when
continuous paper S1 is conveyed while the leading end of a slip S2
is near the limiter 41.
[0035]
Furthermore, because the second contact surf ace 3 5 is disposed
towardone end fromthe center ofthe detection lever 31, and the pivot
axis of the detection lever 31 is located at the other end from the
center of the detection lever 31, the distance between the pivot axis
and the second contact surface 35 is increased, and movement of the
second contact surface 35 relative to the angle of rotation of the
detection lever 31 can be increased. As a result, a slip S2 can be
accuratelydetected. The conveyance forceofthe slips2 whenconveyed
toward the detection lever 31 also depends upon the weight of the
cut-sheet slip 52, and a strong conveyance force cannot be assured.
However, because the detection lever 31 is urged and held in the
not-detected position, conveyance force sufficient to push the
detectionlever31 andovercomethisurgingforceis required. Because
the secondcontact surface 35thatcontacts a slip S2 is formedcloser
to the distal end of the detection lever 31 than the first contact
surface 34, the detection lever 31 can be forced to pivot with less
force when pushing against the second contact surface 35 than when
pushing against the first contact surface 34. The detection lever 31
can therefore be made to pivot and a detection signal can be output
even when a slip S2 is conveyed.
[0036]
Note that when greater space is available for installing the
detector 30, the first contact surface 34 can also be disposed to the
distal end side of the center of the detection lever 31 length. In
this implementation, the detection lever 31 can be reliably rotated
and more sensitive detection is possible when the conveyance force
of the continuous paper S1 is not strong.
Furthermore, because the detector 30 has a single detection unit
32 that detects rotation of the detection lever 31 when a sheet
contacts either contact surface 34, 35, the parts count of the
detector 30 can be reduced, and a low cost and small size can be
achieved. In addition, because the detection unit 32 is simply
configured to detect rotation of the detection lever 31 from
mechanical contact between contacts, sheets can be accurately and
reliably detected at a low cost.
[0037]
Embodiment 2
FIG. 6 is a section view of main parts in the configuration of
a printer (recording device) according to a second embodiment of the
invention, and shows particularlythe detector 50 andproximalparts.
Like parts in this second embodiment and the first embodiment
describedabove are indicatedbylike reference numerals, and further
description thereof is omitted. Note that for brevity, part of the
guide member 14 is not shown, and the limiter 41 is indicated by an
imaginary line, in FIG. 6.
The printer according to the second embodiment of the invention
uses detector 50 instead of detector 30 (FIG. 2), and is otherwise
configured identically to the printer 1 according to the foregoing
first embodiment.
This detector 50 has a detection unit 32, and a detection lever
51 attached pivotably to the detection unit 32. Like the detection
lever 31 described above, the detection lever 51 is supported at the
base end thereof by the pivot pin 33 of the detection unit 32, and
rotates usingthe axis of thepivot pin 33 as the pivot axis as a result
o f t h e leading endof continuouspaperS1andslips S2 conveyedthrough
rhe f i r s t conveyance path15 and second conveyance path16 contacting
the detection lever 51.
[00381
The detection lever 51 is a curved rod, and the surface opposing
the f i r s t conveyance path 15 and second conveyance path16 is a curved
surface. The portion of t h i s curved surface opposing the first
clonveyancepath15is a f i r s t c o n t a c t p a r t 5 2 , andtheportionopposing
the second conveyance path 16 is a second contact p a r t 53. The f i r s t
contact part 52 and second contact part 53 are formed on one side of
thepivot axis o f t h e detection lever 51. More s p e c i f i c a l l y , the f i r s t
contact part52 is formedapproximatelyinthe center of t h e d e t e c t i o n
lever 51 length, andthe secondcontactpart 53 is formedon the d i s t a l
end side of the d e t e c t i o n l e v e r 51 center.
Like detection lever 31, t h e d e t e c t i o n lever 51 is disposed t o
enter a notch (not shown in the figure) formed in the l i m i t e r 4 1 . The
cietection lever 51 is therefore superimposed on the l i m i t e r 4 1 in the
section view shown in FIG. 6.
[DO391
The detection lever 51 is in the not-detected position shown in
FIG. 6 when continuous paper S1 or a s l i p S2 is not conveyed through
the first conveyance path 15 or second conveyance path 1 6 . In t h i s
not-detected position, the f i r s t contact part 52 is in a position
blocking the f i r s t conveyance path 15, and the second contact part
53 i s in a position blocking the second conveyance path 1 6 . The
detection lever 51 is urged t o stay i n the not-detected position by
~inurgingmembers uchas a spring (not shown) d i s p o s e d i n t h e detection
unit 32.
When in t h i s not-detected p o s i t i o n , t h e f i r s t contact part 52
is s u b s t a n t i a l l y perpendicular t o the f i r s t conveyance path 15. A
tangent t o t h e f i r s t contactpart52 o f t h e curvedsurfaceisindicated
by reference numeral P1 in FIG. 6 . This tangent P1 is s u b s t a n t i a l l y
perpendicular to the first conveyance path 15. As a result, when
continuous paper S1 conveyed through the first conveyance path 15
contactsthe firstcontactpart52, the first contact part 52 is pushed
by the conveyance force of the continuous paper Sl. The leading end
of the continuous paper S1 is prevented from moving vertically by the
limiter 41 and guide member 14. Because the continuous paper S1
therefore travels through the first conveyance path 15 and contacts
the first contact part 52 without bending, the conveyance force of
the continuous paper S1 is transferred without loss to the first
contact part 52. The detection lever 51 receiving this pressure then
pivots in the direction of arrow R, the movable contact 37 contacts
the fixed contact 38 as a result of this rotation, and a detection
signal is output. When the detection lever 51 reaches the position
at the maximum angle of rotation in the range of rotation, the
detection lever 51 is at a position substantially removed from the
first conveyance path 15 and second conveyance path 16 similarly to
the detection lever 31 shown in FIG. 5, and does not interfere with
conveyance of continuous paper S1 and slips S2.
[ 0 04 0 I
The second contact part 53 is substantiallyperpendicular tothe
second conveyance path 16. A tangent to the second contact part 53
of the curved surface is indicated by reference numeral P2 in FIG.
6. This tangent P2 is substantially perpendicular to the second
conveyance path 16. As a result, when a slip S2 conveyed through the
second conveyance path 16 contacts the second contact part 53, the
second contact part 53 is pushed by the conveyance force of the slip
S2 without the slips2 moving along the curvedsurface and losing force
The second contact part 53 is disposed to the distal end part of the
detection lever 51, and is closer to the distal end than the first
contact part 52. More specifically, the first contact part 52 is at
a position further separated from the pivot pin 33, which is the pivot
axis of the detection lever 51. As a result, the slip S2 can cause
thedetection lever 5 1 t o p i v o t e v e n i f t h e force o f t h e s l i p s 2 pushing
against the second contact part 53 is l e s s than t h e f o r c e of the
continuous paper S1 pushing against the f i r s t contact p a r t 52. The
detection lever 51 can therefore be r e l i a b l y made t o pivot and a
detection signal can be output even when a s l i p S2 is conveyed.
Furthermore, because the second contact part 53 is located t o
one end side of the center of the detection lever 51, and the pivot
axis of the detection lever 51 is a t the base end of the detection
lever 51, the distance between the pivot axis and the second contact
part 53 can be increased, and movement of the second contact part 53
r e l a t i v e t o the angle of rotation of the detection lever 51 can be
increased. A s l i p S2 can therefore be accurately detected.
The detection lever 51 a l s o r o t a t e s in the d i r e c t i o n of arrow
R in the figure, and a d e t e c t i o n s i g n a l is output by the detector 3 0 .
:0041]
As describedabove, becausea curvedsurfacewitha f i r s t contact
part 52 and a second contact part 53 t h a t contact continuous paper
S1 and s l i p s S2 conveyed through the f i r s t conveyance path 15 and
second conveyance path 16 are disposed on one side of the pivot axis
of the d e t e c t i o n l e v e r 51, the p r i n t e r according t o the second
embodiment of the invention can detect continuous paper S1 and s l i p s
52 using a single detection lever 51 disposed t o both the f i r s t
conveyance path 15 and second conveyance path 1 6 . Continuous paper
S1 and s l i p s S2 can also be detected more r e l i a b l y by disposing the
first contact part 52 andsecondcontact p a r t 53 a t appropriate angles
to the first conveyance path 15 and second conveyance path 16 . As a
r e s u l t , continuous paper S l a n d s l i p s S2 canbe r e l i a b l y d e t e c t e d e v e n
when the space available for the detector 50 is confined or otherwise
limited.
Furthermore, because t h e d e t e c t o r 50 can detect both continuous
p a p e r s l a n d s l i p s S2 usinga single d e t e c t i o n u n i t 3 2 , the p a r t s count
of the detector 50 can be reduced, and a low cost and small size can
be achieved.
[00421
Exemplary configurations that detect recording media conveyed
through two conveyance paths, a first conveyance path 15 and second
conveyance path 16, are described in the foregoing embodiments, but
the invention is not so limited. The invention can also be applied
toprintershaving three ormore conveyancepaths, andaconfiguration
having a detection lever corresponding tothe plural conveyance paths
is conceivable. In this implementation, the detection lever can be
configured with contact surfaces or contact parts corresponding to
each of the conveyance paths in which a recording medium is to be
detected.
A configuration disposing a plurality of detectors 30, 50 to
three or more conveyance paths is also conceivable. By applying the
invention to such a configuration, the detectors can be configured
to detect recording media on plural conveyance paths, and the effect
of being able to reliablydetectrecordingmedia conveyed fromplural
conveyance paths using a smaller number of detectors remains.
Configurations that use a limiter 41 to limit the angle at which
the continuous paper S1 contacts the first contact surface 34 of the
detection lever 31, or contacts the first contact part 52 of the
detection lever 51, are described in the foregoing embodiments, but
amember similar tothe limiter41 couldalsobe disposedtothe second
conveyance path 16 for slips S2. In this embodiment the angle at which
the slip S2 contacts the second contact surface 35 or the second
contact part 53 can be limited.
Yet further, a conveyance mechanism such as a paper feed roller
that applies drive power to and conveys slips S2 could be disposed
on the upstream side of the platen roller 10 on the second conveyance
path 16 in the printers described in the foregoing embodiments.
The thickness and sectional shape of the detection levers 31,
51 can also be determined appropriately, and other detailed aspects
I
ofthe foregoing embodiments canobviouslyalsobe changedas desired

What is claimed is:
1. A recording device that records on recording media, the
recording device comprising:
a detector that detects the recording media; and
a plurality of conveyz~ncep aths that convey the recording media
from different directions to the detector;
the detector including a detection lever that pivots on a
specific part as a pivot axis due to contact by the leading end of
the recording media conveyed through the conveyance paths, and
the detection lever having formed on one side of the pivot
axis apluralityof contact surfacesthat contact the recording media
conveyed through the conveyance paths, or a curved surface with a
plurality of contact parts that contact the recording media conveyed
through the conveyance paths, corresponding tothe plural conveyance
2 . The recording device described in claim 1, further comprising:
a limiting member that is disposed to at least one of the
conveyance paths and limits the angle at which the recording medium
ronveyedthroughthe conveyance path contacts the contact surface or
the contact part.
3 . The recording device described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
the limiting member is disposed to a position separating the
eonveyance path and the other conveyance path.
4 . The recording device described in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein:
the plural contact surfaces or the plural contact parts are
locatedonone side ofthe center of the detection lever, and the pivot
axis of the detection lever is located on the other side of the center
of the detection lever.
5. The recording device described in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
the detector has one detection unit that detects rotation of the
detection lever when the recording medium contacts any of the contact
surfaces or contact parts.
6. The recording device described in claim 5, wherein:
the detection unit detects rotation of the detection lever by
mechanical contact between a plurality of contacts accompanying
rotation of the detection lever.
7. A detection structure in a recording device that records on
recording media, the detection structure comprising:
a detector that detects the recording media,
the detector including a detection lever that pivots on a
specific part. as a pivot axis due to contact by the leading end of
the recording media.conveyed in the recording device, and
corresponding to a plurality of conveyance paths that
convey the recordingmedia fromdifferent directions tothe detector,
the detection lever having a plurality of contact surfaces that are
contacted by the recording media conveyed through the conveyance
paths, or a curved surface with a plurality of contact parts that are
contacted by the recording media conveyed through the conveyance
paths, formed on one side of the pivot axis.