JP2002019090A - Ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an ink jet recorder having an easy supply of a recording medium even in the ink jet recorder of a large size corresponding to the medium of a large size. SOLUTION: A first containing tray 12 is drawable in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction (a direction of an arrow S) of a sheet 16. A sheet 16 is newly inserted into the tray 12 in a drawn state, and can be supplied. For example, when a user is located at a working area A to conduct a supplying work of the sheet 16, the supplying work can be facilitated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus for discharging an ink droplet onto a recording medium based on image information and recording an image on the recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 shows an example of a conventional ink jet recording apparatus (see Japanese Patent No. 2848460).

In the ink jet recording apparatus 310,
When the recording paper 314 is stacked on the outer cover 312 also serving as a paper feeding guide, the recording paper 314 is sent from the paper feeding port 316 into the ink jet recording apparatus 310, and an image is recorded on the recording paper 314. Then, the recording paper 314 on which the image has been recorded is discharged from the paper discharge port 318.

[0004] In general, in an ink jet recording apparatus, as the size of a recording medium increases, the ink jet recording apparatus itself also increases in size. In the inkjet recording apparatus 310 having the configuration shown in FIG. 8, as can be seen from the position of the operation keys 320, the inkjet recording apparatus 310 is used at a position along the transport direction of the recording paper 314. In case, outer lid 3
When the recording paper 314 is supplied to the recording paper 12, the distance from the user to the paper feeding position becomes longer. For this reason, the paper feeding operation becomes troublesome, and it becomes difficult to visually check the setting of the recording paper, and there is a possibility that the paper cannot be fed to a predetermined paper feeding position.

FIG. 9 shows an ink jet recording apparatus (ink jet printer 3) of a type different from that described above.
40) (see Japanese Patent No. 2857394).

In the ink jet printer 340,
The paper feed tray 344 and the collection tray 34
6 are provided. The paper 348 sent from the paper feed tray 344 makes a substantially U-turn,
0 records an image. Then, the paper 348 on which the image has been recorded is discharged onto the collection tray 346.

[0007] However, in the ink jet printer 340 of the type in which the image is recorded by making the recording medium substantially U-turn, the operation position of the user is determined by the position of the control panel 352 shown in FIG. Head 350
At a position (front portion 342) apart from the recording position. Therefore, when the ink jet printer 340 is large, it becomes difficult for the user to remove the paper 348 from the front portion 342 when the paper 348 is jammed at the recording position, and the user cannot use the ink jet printer 340. The paper 348 needs to be removed by rotating the inkjet printer 340 itself.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above facts, the present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus which can easily supply a recording medium even if the ink jet recording apparatus is large in size corresponding to a large size recording medium. Is the first task. It is a second object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that can easily remove jammed paper even in a large ink jet recording apparatus.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink droplets onto a recording medium based on image information, and an ink jet recording head on which the recording medium is loaded and the ink jet recording head is mounted. And a recording medium stacking member capable of inserting the recording medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sending direction.

In this ink jet recording apparatus, the recording medium loaded on the recording medium loading member is sent to an image recording position. At the image recording position, an image is recorded on a recording medium by ink droplets ejected from the inkjet recording head.

The recording medium can be inserted into the recording medium loading member from a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the recording medium is sent to the image recording position. Therefore, even when the ink jet recording apparatus is large, the user of the ink jet recording apparatus can use the ink jet recording apparatus (operation, etc.) at a position in front of the recording medium in the insertion direction so that the recording medium or the ink jet recording apparatus can be used. The recording medium can be easily inserted into the recording medium stacking member and supplied without being affected by the size. Further, even when the recording medium is clogged, the recording medium can be easily removed.

In the first aspect, the "substantially orthogonal direction" is determined in relation to the size of the recording medium or the ink jet recording apparatus, etc., but the angle formed between the sending direction and the inserting direction of the recording medium. If it is large, the recording medium will be inserted substantially in the same direction as the feeding direction, and it may be difficult to insert the recording medium. Therefore, from such a viewpoint, it is preferable that the angle between the sending direction and the inserting direction of the recording medium is 45 degrees or less.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the recording medium loading member is capable of moving the recording medium along a surface direction of the recording medium and inserting the recording medium into the recording medium loading member. It is characterized by that.

As described above, the recording medium is moved along the surface direction of the recording medium and inserted into the recording medium stacking member, whereby the supply of the recording medium is further facilitated.

In the first or second aspect of the present invention, the configuration of the ink jet recording head is not particularly limited as long as ink droplets can be ejected onto a recording medium based on image information. As described, the inkjet recording head may be configured to move in a direction intersecting with the sending direction,
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the inkjet recording head may include an ink ejection area that is longer than a length of the recording medium in a direction intersecting with the feeding direction. In the configuration according to the third aspect, the size of the ink jet recording head can be reduced as compared with the configuration according to the fourth aspect. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the fourth aspect, since an image can be recorded on a recording medium in a state where the inkjet recording head is fixed, a member for moving the inkjet recording head is not required.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is provided such that the ink jet recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member at a position nearer to the insertion direction. It is characterized in that the recording apparatus is configured and a member that is frequently exchanged can be located.

As described above, the members which constitute the ink jet recording apparatus and are frequently replaced are located on the near side in the direction in which the recording medium is inserted, that is, in the vicinity of the position used by the user. It will be easier. In addition, specific examples of the “member frequently exchanged” vary depending on the type of the inkjet recording apparatus.
An ink tank in which ink used for image recording is stored in advance, an ink amount sensor for detecting the amount of ink in the ink tank, a discharge ink tank for storing discharge ink discharged from the inkjet recording head, and the like can be given. . According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the inkjet recording apparatus in which the inkjet recording head moves, the inkjet recording head is configured to move and be positioned in front of the recording medium in the insertion direction. Exchange and maintenance are also easy.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the front side of the recording medium inserted in the recording medium stacking member in the insertion direction and the ink jet recording apparatus It is characterized in that an ink jet recording apparatus is configured and a member with a low replacement frequency can be positioned substantially on the opposite side of the recording head.

In this way, by arranging the members that constitute the ink jet recording apparatus and that are infrequently replaced on the side substantially opposite to the front side in the direction in which the recording medium is inserted, the members arranged near the user's use position The number of is reduced. For this reason, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus, and the replacement work and the maintenance work of the above-mentioned “members with high replacement frequency” become easier. The specific example of the “member with low exchange frequency” also differs depending on the type of the ink jet recording apparatus, like the “member with high exchange frequency”, but, for example, the ink jet recording in which the ink jet recording head moves as described in claim 3 In the apparatus, a motor for moving the ink jet recording head, an electric board for driving and controlling the motor, a harness for connecting the electric board to the motor, and a recovery operation of the ink jet recording head (for example, nozzle suction, dummy jet, etc.) And the like. Further, in an ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink jet recording head does not need to be moved, an electric substrate for controlling the ink jet recording head can be used.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the ink-jet recording head approaches the recording medium at the image recording position and moves to the recording medium. It is characterized by being movable between a recordable position at which an image can be recorded and a separated position separated from the recording medium.

Therefore, when the ink jet recording head is at the recordable position, an image can be recorded by discharging ink droplets onto the recording medium. Further, when the recording medium is clogged, the clogged recording medium is easily removed by moving the ink jet recording head to the separated position.

In addition, since the recording medium can be removed without separating the ink jet recording head from the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus, a place for temporarily storing the ink jet recording head is not required.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the ink jet recording head is covered, and the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member in a direction before the recording medium is inserted. A cover member having at least a part of the side openable.

Since the ink jet recording head is covered by the cover member, adhesion of dust and the like is prevented.

The cover member can be opened at least partially on the front side in the direction of insertion of the recording medium. Therefore, for example, when a member having a high replacement frequency is positioned in front of the recording medium in the insertion direction as described in claim 5,
By opening the cover member, the member can be easily replaced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth aspect, the cover member rotates about a side opposite to a front side in a direction in which the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member. It is characterized by being made possible.

Accordingly, it is possible to open the front side in the insertion direction of the recording medium only by rotating the cover member about the side opposite to the front side in the insertion direction of the recording medium.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect, the cover member is
The ink jet recording head is rotatable while being supported.

Therefore, just by rotating the cover member,
The ink jet recording head can be moved to a position separated from the recording medium.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
11. The recording device according to claim 10, further comprising a discharge member configured to discharge the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the inkjet recording head, wherein the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member. The position of the medium stacking member is set so as not to overlap with the discharge member when viewed in the normal direction of the recording medium stacked on the recording medium stacking member.

Therefore, the recording medium on which the image has been recorded can be discharged onto the discharge member.

When the recording medium loading member is at the loading position, the recording medium loading member and the discharge member do not overlap when viewed in the normal direction of the recording medium. For this reason, when performing the work of loading the recording medium on the recording medium loading member,
The discharge member does not get in the way. Similarly, when taking out the recorded recording medium from the discharge member, the recording medium loading member does not interfere.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
The invention according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the recording medium stacking members are provided.

Accordingly, more recording media can be loaded as compared with an ink jet recording apparatus provided with only one recording medium loading member. Further, it becomes possible to load recording media of different sizes for each recording medium loading member.

According to the thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect,
Wherein the recording medium is inserted into another recording medium loading member when the recording medium is sent out from one of the plurality of recording medium loading members. It is characterized by.

Accordingly, the recording medium can be inserted and loaded into another recording medium loading member while the recording medium is being sent out from one recording medium loading member, and an image can be recorded efficiently.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: an image reading device that reads an image on a document, wherein a member that constitutes the inkjet recording device and has a high frequency of replacement includes an image reading device. When viewed in the normal direction of the document at the reading position, the document is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the image reading device.

Therefore, this ink jet recording apparatus can not only record an image on a recording medium but also read an image on a document.

Further, the members that constitute the ink jet recording apparatus and that are frequently exchanged are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the image reading apparatus when viewed in the normal direction of the original at the reading position of the image reading apparatus. When the member is replaced, the image reading device gets in the way and can be easily replaced.

[0040]

1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an ink jet recording apparatus 10 according to an embodiment.

This ink jet recording apparatus 10 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) first
It has a storage tray 12 and a second storage tray 14 arranged above the first storage tray 12. These storage trays 12 and 14 can store paper 16 in advance. The paper 16 stored in one of the storage trays 12, 14 is selected from the stored papers 16, and
A substantially U-shaped paper feed mechanism (noted by F
) And sent to the recording apparatus main body 18. In the recording apparatus main body 18, ink droplets are ejected from an ink jet recording head 44 described later based on image information, and an image is recorded on the paper 16. The storage trays 12, 14
May store sheets 16 of different sizes for each of the storage trays 12 and 14, or sheets 1 of the same size.
6 may be accommodated. In addition, the storage tray 1 is configured so that one storage tray can accommodate paper 16 of different sizes.
It is preferable to provide a guide member 13 that slides in the insides 2 and 14.

Each of the first storage trays 12 has a sheet 16
(In the direction of arrow S shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; hereinafter, simply referred to as the “delivery direction”). In the pulled-out state, paper 16 can be newly inserted into the first storage tray 12 and replenished. At this time, as can be seen from FIG.
6 can be inserted in the same direction as the direction in which the first storage tray 12 is pulled out, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the paper 16 is fed out. In the state where the first storage tray 12 is pulled out, the paper feeding mechanism is separated from the paper 16 stored in the pulled-out first storage tray 12, but the state where the first storage tray 12 is not drawn out. , The paper 16 can be sent out. Thereby, in parallel with the operation of pulling out the specific first storage tray 12 and replenishing the paper 16, the paper 16 can be sent out from the storage tray 12 that has not been pulled out, and an image can be recorded efficiently. .

The direction in which the paper 16 is inserted into the second storage tray 14 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the paper 16 is inserted from the right side in FIG.

Above the second storage tray 14, there is provided a paper discharge tray 20 from which the paper 16 on which the image is recorded by the recording device main body 18 is discharged. The discharge tray 20 is provided with an auxiliary tray 22 that can be pulled out in the discharge direction of the paper 16. By adjusting the draw-out length of the auxiliary tray 22, it is possible to handle paper 16 of different sizes. ing. Also, the first storage tray 1
2 is pulled out, the paper discharge tray 20 and the drawn-out first storage tray 12 are viewed from the normal direction of the paper 16 stored in the first storage tray 12 (that is, from above the inkjet recording apparatus 10). Each shape, position, etc. are determined so that they do not overlap.

Further, a third storage tray 28 is provided on the opposite side of the discharge tray 20 with the recording apparatus main body 18 interposed therebetween. The third storage tray 28 allows the user to replenish the paper 16 by manual feed, for example, and to convey the paper 16 into the recording apparatus main body 18.

The recording apparatus main body 18 has a housing 24 having an open upper surface, and a rotating cover 26 capable of closing the upper surface of the housing 24. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the housing 24 is formed in a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, and the longitudinal direction thereof is
4 and is arranged so as to be in a direction that is parallel to the paper 16 in the sheet 4 and orthogonal to the feeding direction (the direction of arrow S). An operation panel 28 is provided on the front surface 18F of the recording apparatus main body 18 so that a user can operate the ink jet recording apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, a shaft 30 extends between the front wall 24F and the rear wall 24B of the housing 24, and the carriage 32 is movably disposed along the shaft 30. .

The recording device body 18 includes a motor 34.
, A drive board 36 for controlling the drive of the motor 34, and the motor 34 and the drive board 3
A harness 38 is provided to electrically connect the power supply 6 with the power supply 6. The rotation of the motor 34 causes the carriage 32 to reciprocate along the shaft 30. The motor 34, the drive board 36, and the harness 38 connecting them are mounted on the housing 24 so as to be located near the rear surface 18 </ b> B of the recording apparatus main body 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, an arm 40 projects from the carriage 32, and the shaft 30 is inserted into an insertion hole 42 formed at the tip of the arm 40. Thereby, the movement of the carriage 32 is guided by the shaft 30, and the carriage 32 smoothly moves in the set movement range.

An ink jet recording head 44 is mounted on the carriage 32. The ink jet recording head 44 moves the sheet 16 conveyed to a position below the ink jet recording head 44.
A reciprocating operation (main scanning) is performed along the shaft 30 by the rotational force of the motor 34 via the carriage 32 while ejecting ink droplets corresponding to the image information. Further, each time one main scan is completed, a paper feed mechanism (not shown) conveys the paper 16 by a predetermined amount (sub-scan). By repeating the above operation, an image is recorded on the paper 16. The paper 16 on which the image is recorded is discharged to a paper discharge tray 20. The position of the ink jet recording head 44 at which the ink droplets from the ink jet recording head 44 can land is the “image recording position” in the present invention.

The position where the ink jet recording head 44 is moved to the front face 18F side of the recording apparatus main body 18 is a replacement position where the ink jet recording head 44 can be attached to and detached from the recording apparatus main body 18. The specific configuration that makes the ink jet recording head 44 detachable is not limited. For example, the arm 40 and the carriage 32 may be integrally separated from the shaft 30, or the carriage 32 may be separated from the shaft 30. It may be configured as follows.

The carriage 32 is rotatable upward about the arm 40 as shown by an arrow R. In a state where the carriage 32 is rotated downward as shown in FIG.
6 with a predetermined slight gap therebetween, and is an image recording position where the ink droplet D can land on the paper 16. When the paper 16 is rotated upward, the carriage 32 and the ink jet recording head 44 are separated from the paper 16 (separated position). Therefore, even if the paper 16 is jammed, the carriage 32 and the ink jet recording head 44 do not interfere. The paper 16 can be easily removed.

The housing 24 is provided with a shaft member 46 along a direction orthogonal to the reciprocating operation direction of the carriage 32, and the rotatable cover 26 is rotatably supported by the shaft member 46. . Therefore, by rotating the rotating cover 26, the upper portion of the recording apparatus main body 18 can be opened from the front surface 18F side.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Has an opening 48 corresponding to the replacement position of the inkjet recording head 44. The opening 48 is normally closed by the lid member 50. However, for example, when the inkjet recording head 44 is replaced, the inkjet recording head 4 can be removed simply by removing the lid member 50.
4 can be exchanged, so that the rotating cover 26 does not need to be rotated. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the cover member 50 is removed from the rotating cover 26 and the opening 48 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 24 has an opening at the lower part of the third storage tray 28, and a paper removing cover 52 for closing the opening is rotatably mounted. Normally, the sheet removing cover 52 closes this opening. However, for example, when the sheet 16 is jammed in the lower portion of the recording apparatus main body 18 or the like, the sheet removing cover 52 shown in FIG. The opening is opened by rotating the cover 52, and the paper 16 can be removed.

The recording apparatus body 18 is provided with a recovery device 54 for performing a recovery operation of the ink jet recording head 44 near the rear surface 18B. With the ink jet recording head 44 moved to the rear surface 18B side, the recovery device 54 operates, and a surplus ink is sucked from the nozzles of the ink jet recording head 44, a so-called dummy jet, and an ink ejection surface (nozzle surface) of the ink jet recording head 44. ) Cleaning. Even when the image recording ability of the ink jet recording head 44 has been reduced, the image recording ability is restored by these recovery operations.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the upper surface of the uppermost first storage tray 12, a front surface 18 of the recording apparatus main body 18 is provided.
A main ink tank 56 is arranged near F. Ink used for image recording is stored in the main ink tank 56 in advance, and the stored ink is sent to the inkjet recording head 44 through a tube and a supply mechanism (not shown). Further, an ink amount sensor 58 for detecting the amount of ink in the main ink tank 56 is attached to the housing 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, below the exchange position (ie, near the front surface 18F of the recording apparatus main body 18).
Is provided with a waste ink tank 60. The recovery device 54 and the waste ink tank 60 are connected by a tube (not shown), and the waste ink discharged by the recovery operation by the recovery device 54 is stored in the waste ink tank 60.

As can be seen from the above description, in the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction (the direction of the arrow S), in other words,
A user operates the inkjet recording apparatus 10 in a direction along the reciprocating operation direction (main scanning direction) of the inkjet recording head 44.

Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

When recording an image on the paper 16 in the ink jet recording apparatus 10, first, one of the first storage tray 12 and the second storage tray 14 is selected. The paper 16 in the selected storage tray is conveyed in a substantially U-shape as indicated by an arrow F in FIG. Then, while the inkjet recording head 44 ejects ink droplets corresponding to the image information,
The main scanning is performed by the driving force of the motor 34. Then, each time one main scan is completed, a paper feed mechanism (not shown) conveys the paper 16 by a predetermined amount and performs sub-scan. From the above,
An image is recorded on the paper 16. Paper 1 on which image is recorded
6 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 20.

When replenishing the first storage tray 12 with the paper 16, as shown in FIG. 1, the first storage tray 12 is pulled out to the front side of the ink jet recording apparatus 10. Can be inserted and replenished. In the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the paper 16 can be inserted into the first storage tray 12 from a direction orthogonal to the paper feeding direction (the direction of the arrow S). For this reason, for example, when the user is positioned in the work area A shown in FIG.
If the replenishment work of No. 6 is performed, the replenishment work can be easily performed. Moreover, when the first storage tray 12 is pulled out, the first storage tray 12 and the paper discharge tray 20 do not overlap when viewed from above the inkjet recording apparatus 10,
The paper discharge tray 20 does not get in the way during replenishment.

When the ink in the main ink tank 56 is consumed, the main ink tank 56 needs to be replaced. Further, when the discharged ink is stored in the discharged ink tank 60 by the operation of the recovery device 54, it is necessary to replace the discharged ink tank 60. Further, the ink jet recording head 44 and the ink amount sensor 58 may need to be replaced under predetermined conditions or timing, or maintenance may be performed. Inkjet recording device 1 of the present embodiment
0, the main ink tank 56 and the waste ink tank 6
0, the ink amount sensor 58
Are arranged near the front surface 18F, and the distance between the work area A and these members is reduced. For this reason, the replacement work of the main ink tank 56 becomes easy. In addition, the replacement position of the ink jet recording head 44 is also set near the front surface 18F of the recording apparatus main body 18, thereby facilitating replacement work and maintenance work. In particular, for example, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 corresponding to a large-sized paper 16 is used.
Even when 0 is enlarged, the work area A and the positions of these members (replacement position or maintenance position) are close to each other, so that replacement work and maintenance work can be easily performed.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, since the opening 48 corresponding to the exchange position of the ink jet recording head 44 is provided in the rotary cover 26, the ink jet recording head 44 is replaced or maintained. At times, the cover member 50 may be simply removed without rotating the rotating cover 26. Of course, the upper surface of the housing 24 may be opened by rotating the rotating cover 26 as shown in FIG. By simply rotating the rotating cover 26 in this manner, the upper surface of the housing 24 is opened almost entirely from the front side, so that, for example, general maintenance work of the recording apparatus main body 18 can be easily performed. be able to. In addition, since the rotating cover 26 rotates about the vicinity of the rear wall 24B of the housing 24 and is largely opened from the front wall 24F side, workability when the user performs work in the work area A is good. become.

On the other hand, the motor 34, the driving board 36,
The harness 38 and the recovery device 54 are both disposed near the rear surface 18B of the recording device main body 18. Since these members are not arranged near the front surface 18F of the recording apparatus main body 18, when the user operates the ink jet recording apparatus 10 in the work area A, these members may interfere, or the user may operate the ink jet recording apparatus. 10 does not protrude partially into the work area A, and is excellent in workability. Further, the motor 34, the drive board 36, the harness 38, and the recovery device 54 are away from the work area A, and the user directly touches these members, and the inkjet recording apparatus 1
The likelihood of affecting the zero operation is also reduced.

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the operation is performed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper 16 (that is, the work area A). Present nearby. In addition, the carriage 32 is rotatable about the shaft 30. For this reason, when the paper 16 is jammed in the middle of conveyance, the user turns the rotating cover 26 upward and the carriage 32 upward to the retracted position, so that the user can remove the jammed paper 16. Can be easily confirmed, and the paper 16 can be removed.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show an ink jet recording apparatus 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This ink jet recording apparatus 110 has substantially the same configuration as the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, but differs from the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the first embodiment in that it further has an image reading device 112. ing. Hereinafter, the same components, members, and the like as those of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, the image reading device 112 is disposed so as to contact the upper surface of the rotating cover 26 of the recording device main body 18.
Is rotated, the image reading device 112 is also rotated integrally with the rotation cover 26.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, when the ink jet recording apparatus 110 is viewed from above, the image reading apparatus 1
Reference numeral 12 is shaped and positioned so as not to overlap with the lid member 50, the main ink tank 56, and the discharged ink tank 60.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 110 of the second embodiment having such a configuration, similarly to the ink jet recording head 44 of the first embodiment, the supply of the paper 16 to the first storage tray 12 and the ink jet recording head 4
4. The replacement of the main ink tank 56, the discharge ink tank 60, and the ink amount sensor 58, and the removal of the paper 16 jammed in the recording apparatus main body 18 can be easily performed.
In addition, image information can be read by the image reading device 112 and the read data can be stored, or an image can be recorded on the paper 16 based on the data.

The ink jet recording apparatus 110
Then, the image reading device 112 is configured such that the lid member 5 is viewed from above.
0, since the ink jet recording head 44 does not overlap with the main ink tank 56 and the waste ink tank 60,
When replacing the main ink tank 56, the discharged ink tank 60, and the ink amount sensor 58, the image reading device 112 does not hinder the replacement, and the replacement can be easily performed. In addition, in order to facilitate replacement of these members, it is not necessary to dispose the image reading device 112 at a position separated from the recording device main body 18, and the recording device main body 18 and the image reading device 11
2 can be arranged close to each other, so that the overall size of the inkjet recording apparatus 110 can be reduced.

FIG. 7 shows an ink jet recording apparatus 130 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The ink jet recording apparatus 130 of the third embodiment is similar to the ink jet recording apparatus 110 of the second embodiment in that the image reading apparatus 112
However, members other than the image reading device 112 are accommodated in the console box 132. A caster 134 is attached to the console box 132 so that the inkjet recording apparatus 130 can be easily moved when used on the floor G or the like. The image reading device 112 includes the console box 13
2 is disposed on the upper surface.

The console box 132 is open toward the front of the ink jet recording apparatus 130.
The user can operate the inkjet recording apparatus 130 from the front side.

The first part of the recording device main body 18 is
A folding door cover 136 is provided instead of the rotating cover 26 of the embodiment. The folding door cover 136 has a plurality of bent portions 1.
7, the upper surface of the recording apparatus main body 18 (housing 24) is normally closed as shown by a broken line in FIG. 7, but by bending at these bent portions 138, as shown by a two-dot chain line. By folding the folding door cover 136, the upper surface of the recording apparatus main body 18 can be partially opened.

The ink jet recording apparatus 130 of the third embodiment is of a type used on a floor,
A large space is formed between the image forming apparatus and the recording apparatus main body 18. The ink jet recording apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment or the second
In the ink jet recording apparatus 110 according to the third embodiment, the position of the recording apparatus main body 18 moves up and down according to the number of the first storage trays 12.
In 30, it is possible to arrange more first storage trays 12 without changing the vertical position of the recording apparatus main body 18 by effectively utilizing this space.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 130 of the third embodiment having such a configuration, similarly to the ink jet recording apparatus 110 of the second embodiment, the supply of the paper 16 to the first storage tray 12 and the ink jet recording head 4
4. It is possible to easily replace the main ink tank 56, the discharged ink tank 60, and the ink amount sensor 58, remove the paper 16 jammed in the recording apparatus main body 18, and read the image information by the image reading device 112. It is also possible to store the read data or record an image on the paper 16 based on this data. If the recording device body 18 is jammed with the paper 16,
By closing the folding door cover 136 and opening the upper surface of the housing 24, the jammed paper 16 can be easily removed.

As described above, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to any of the embodiments of the present invention, the paper 16
Since the paper 16 is inserted into the first storage tray 12 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the feeding direction (the direction of the arrow S) of the (recording medium), even if the inkjet recording apparatus is large-sized, Replenishment is easy. Note that, in order to facilitate the supply of the paper 16 as described above, it is preferable that the angle between the feeding direction and the insertion direction of the paper 16 is 45 degrees or less. That is, in the case of 45 degrees or less, the feeding direction of the paper 16 and the insertion direction are substantially orthogonal, and it is not necessary to insert the paper 16 into the first storage tray 12 from a direction along the feeding direction of the paper 16.
The supply of the paper 16 becomes easy.

From the same point of view, the insertion direction of the paper 16 does not necessarily need to be a direction along the surface of the paper 16 stored in the first storage tray 12, but these directions are substantially the same. In this case, the paper 16 can be inserted into the first storage tray 12 by sliding the paper 16 in the surface direction, which is preferable. Therefore, the first storage tray 12 is moved to the recording apparatus main body 1.
8 and cannot be pulled out.
You may comprise so that an opening part for paper insertion may be provided in F side. That is, even for such a first storage tray,
The paper 16 can be inserted and replenished through the opening.

In the above description, the members arranged on the front side of the ink jet recording apparatuses 10, 110, 130
That is, as an example of the member that is frequently exchanged, the ink jet recording head 44, the main ink tank 56, the discharged ink tank 60, and the ink amount sensor 58 are cited, and a member disposed on the rear side, that is, an example of the member that is exchanged less frequently As described above, the recovery device 54, the motor 34, the drive board 36, and the harness 38 have been described. However, which member is disposed on the front side or the rear side may be changed according to the function of each member and the replacement frequency. Is also good. For example, the drain ink tank 6
If the ink having a large discharged ink capacity is used as 0, the frequency of replacement is considered to be low, so that it may be disposed on the rear side.

In the above description, the ink jet recording head 44 mounted on the carriage 32 that moves in a direction intersecting with the transport direction of the paper 16 has been described as the ink jet recording head.
A fixed inkjet recording head (a so-called line head) may be used. In the configuration in which the inkjet recording head 44 moves as in the above embodiments, the inkjet recording head 44 itself can be reduced in size. In contrast,
In a so-called line head ink jet recording head, a structure for moving the ink jet recording head is not required, and the structure is simplified. In the case of the ink jet recording head fixed in this manner, the length of the portion where ink droplets can be ejected (generally, the arrangement length of the nozzles) is equal to the maximum width of the paper 16 (in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction). Of the recovery device 5
In many cases, a large one is also required as 4. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable that the drainage ink tank is configured to be less frequently replaced (for example, the drainage ink capacity is increased) and disposed on the rear surface 18B side.

Further, even in the case of the ink jet recording head of the line head, the jammed paper can be moved between the image recording position and the retracted position by, for example, being rotatable around the shaft 30 as described above. 16 can be configured to be easily removable.

The configuration for supplying the ink for image recording to the ink jet recording head is not limited to the above. That is, a sub-ink tank is mounted on the carriage, and ink is supplied from the main ink tank 56 to the inkjet recording head via the sub-ink tank, or the ink tank on the carriage is provided without the main ink tank 56. Only the ink may be supplied from only. Regardless of the configuration, if the ink tank (or sub ink tank) on the carriage is frequently replaced, the recording apparatus main body 18 may be used.
Can be exchanged on the front surface 18F side.

Although the transport path of the paper 16 has been described as being transported in a substantially U-shape in the above description, it is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the paper discharge tray 20 is provided at the position of the third storage tray 28 and the paper 16 is transported in a substantially linear shape, or a configuration in which the paper 16 is transported in a substantially L-shape or J-shape may be employed. That is, irrespective of the shape of the transport path of the paper 16 (that is, even if the transport path is linear, L-shaped or J-shaped, or any other transport path),
By inserting the paper 16 into the first storage tray 12 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the feeding direction (transport direction) of the paper 16,
The paper 16 can be easily supplied to a large-sized ink jet recording apparatus.

The configuration in which the ink jet recording head 44 can be moved between the image recording position and the retracted position is not limited to the above. That is, for example, the housing 2
4 and the carriage 32 may be connected by a link mechanism, and the carriage 32 may be slid upward to move from the image recording position to the retracted position. In addition, if the shaft 30 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the rotation cover 26 and the carriage 32 is also moved upward integrally with the rotation cover 26, the ink jet recording head can be rotated only by rotating the rotation cover 26. 44 can be moved to the retracted position.

[0085]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink droplets to a recording medium based on image information, and an image recording position on the ink jet recording head on which the recording medium is loaded To the recording medium, and a recording medium loading member capable of inserting the recording medium from a direction substantially orthogonal to the sending direction, so that the recording medium is not affected by the size of the recording medium or the inkjet recording apparatus. The recording medium can be easily inserted into the recording medium stacking member and replenished.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the recording medium loading member is capable of moving the recording medium along a surface direction of the recording medium and inserting the recording medium into the recording medium loading member. Therefore, the supply of the recording medium is further facilitated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the ink jet recording head moves in a direction intersecting the feeding direction, so that the size of the ink jet recording head can be reduced. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the ink jet recording head has an ink ejection area which is longer than the length of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the feeding direction. Therefore, a member for moving the ink jet recording head is not required.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is provided such that an ink jet recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member. Since it is possible to configure the recording apparatus and to position members that are frequently exchanged, it is easy to exchange and maintain members that are frequently exchanged.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the front side of the recording medium inserted in the recording medium loading member in the insertion direction and the ink jet recording apparatus Since it is possible to configure the ink jet recording apparatus and to place members with a low frequency of exchange on the substantially opposite side of the recording head, the members with a low frequency of exchange are positioned substantially in front of the recording medium in the insertion direction. By arranging them on the opposite side, the number of members arranged in the vicinity of the use position by the user is reduced, and the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus, and the replacement work and maintenance work of frequently replaced members become easier.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the ink jet recording head is moved closer to the recording medium at the image recording position and becomes closer to the recording medium. Since the recording medium can be moved between a recordable position at which an image can be recorded and a separated position separated from the recording medium, when the recording medium is clogged, the clogging is performed by moving the ink jet recording head to the separated position. This makes it easier to remove the recording medium.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the ink jet recording head is covered, and the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member in a direction before the recording medium is inserted. Since at least a part of the side has a cover member that can be opened, adhesion of dust and the like to the inkjet recording head is prevented,
By opening the cover member, a member that is frequently replaced can be easily replaced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, the cover member rotates about a side opposite to a front side in a direction in which the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member. Since it is possible, it is possible to open the front side in the insertion direction of the recording medium only by rotating the cover member about the side opposite to the front side in the insertion direction of the recording medium.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the cover member is
Since it is rotatable while supporting the ink jet recording head, just by rotating the cover member,
The ink jet recording head can be moved to a position separated from the recording medium.

According to the eleventh aspect, in the first aspect,
11. The recording device according to claim 10, further comprising a discharge member configured to discharge the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the inkjet recording head, wherein the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member. Since the position of the medium stacking member is set so as not to overlap with the discharge member when viewed in the normal direction of the recording medium stacked on the recording medium stacking member, the recording medium is stacked on the recording medium stacking member. The discharge member does not get in the way when performing the work.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
12. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the recording medium loading members are provided, so that more recording media are loaded or recording media of different sizes are loaded for each recording medium loading member. Becomes possible.

According to the thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect,
In the invention described in the above, when the recording medium is sent out from one of the plurality of recording medium loading members, the recording medium can be inserted into another recording medium loading member. The image can be recorded efficiently.

In the fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: an image reading device that reads an image on a document, wherein a member that constitutes the inkjet recording device and has a high frequency of replacement includes an image reading device. When viewed in the normal direction of the document at the reading position, it is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the image reading device, so that it is possible to read the image of the document and to replace frequently used members. The image reading device gets in the way and can be easily replaced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of an inkjet recording head of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a conventional ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a conventional ink jet recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 inkjet recording device 12 first storage tray (recording medium loading member) 16 paper (recording medium) 20 paper ejection tray (ejection member) 44 inkjet recording head 54 recovery device 56 main ink tank 58 ink amount sensor 60 ejection ink tank 112 image Reader

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C056 EA20 EA22 FA10 HA28 2C061 AQ05 BB10 BB35 CD03 3F343 FA02 FB02 GA01 GB01 GC01 GD02 HA16 HA22 HB03

Claims (14)

[Claims] An inkjet recording head capable of discharging ink droplets onto a recording medium based on image information; and a recording medium on which the recording medium is stacked and sent to an image recording position of the inkjet recording head. A recording medium loading member capable of inserting a recording medium from a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium loading member is configured to move the recording medium along a surface direction of the recording medium and insert the recording medium into the recording medium loading member. Recording device. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet recording head moves in a direction intersecting the sending direction. 4. An ink jet recording head according to claim 1, wherein said ink jet recording head has an ink ejection area which is longer than a length of a recording medium in a direction intersecting with said feeding direction.
Or the inkjet recording device according to claim 2. 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ink jet recording apparatus is formed and replaced on the near side in a direction of inserting the recording medium into the recording medium stacking member. An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a member having a high frequency can be located. 6. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a front side in a direction in which the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium loading member and the ink jet recording head are substantially opposite to each other. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink jet recording apparatus; and a member having a low replacement frequency. 7. The ink jet recording head is movable between a recordable position where an image can be recorded on the recording medium by approaching the recording medium at the image recording position and a separated position separated from the recording medium. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 8. A cover member that covers the ink jet recording head and has at least a part that can be opened at a front side in a direction in which the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1. 9. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the cover member is rotatable around a side opposite to a front side in a direction in which the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium stacking member. Ink jet recording device. 10. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cover member is rotatable while supporting the ink jet recording head. 11. A discharging member for discharging the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the ink jet recording head, wherein the position of the recording medium loading member when the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium loading member is: 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is not overlapped with the discharge member when viewed in a normal direction of the recording medium loaded on the recording medium loading member.
2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to 1. 12. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the recording medium loading members are provided. 13. The recording medium loading member according to claim 13, wherein:
13. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the recording medium can be inserted into another recording medium loading member while the recording medium is being sent out from one recording medium loading member. 14. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image reading apparatus for reading an image on a document, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is configured and frequently replaced. An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a member is disposed at a position where the member does not overlap with the image reading apparatus when viewed in a normal line direction of the document at a reading position of the image reading apparatus.