CN1756665A - Small imaging unit that can be operated from the front - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a generally flat top surface and an inclined front surface, a bottom edge of which is set back. The image forming apparatus may include a paper discharge tray disposed at a lower portion of the inclined front surface, the paper discharge tray protruding forward. The paper discharge tray may be inclined upward and downward. Since the bottom edge of the inclined front surface is receded rearward, a flat top surface can be provided while there is enough space for ensuring paper feeding and paper discharge.

Description

Small imaging unit that can be operated from the front

technical field

The invention relates to an imaging device, in particular to a small front-operated imaging device and a paper discharge tray used for the device.

Background technique

Image forming devices include, for example, printers, facsimile machines, and copiers.

As is well known, an inkjet image forming apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus) is one of image forming apparatuses. The inkjet recording apparatus records images on recording media such as paper and transparencies for OHP (Over Head Projector) by ejecting ink droplets from its recording head. Advantages of inkjet recording devices include low running cost, low noise, and ease of color printing using inks of various colors.

An electrophotographic image forming device is another image forming device that forms a toner image on a photosensitive unit using, for example, a charging unit, an exposing unit, and a developing unit; transfers the toner image onto a recording medium using a transfer unit; And the transferred toner image is fixed by a fixing unit.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-151841 discloses a conventional image forming apparatus in which paper cassettes are loaded from the front of the image forming apparatus and sheets are fed from the rear of the image forming apparatus. After an image is formed on the paper, the paper is ejected to the paper output tray located behind the image forming unit. In another conventional image forming apparatus, paper is fed from a paper feed tray loaded at the rear of the image forming apparatus and discharged to a paper discharge tray located in front of the image forming apparatus.

Such an imaging device is widely used in small offices and houses where the space for arranging the imaging device is limited. The imaging device can also be placed on a table or in a shelf.

Depending on the limited space, it is preferable to miniaturize the imaging device. Conversely, it is preferable that the top surface of the imaging device is made wide and flat so that the user can place something on it.

However, if the top surface of the imaging device is simply made wide and flat, some negative visual impressions may be given to users. If the top surface of the image forming apparatus is simply made wider, loading of the paper feed tray and handling of paper discharged to the paper discharge tray become difficult. The operability of the imaging device may decrease. Otherwise, the paper discharge tray and/or the paper feed tray may protrude greatly from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The footprint of the imaging device may increase.

If the operation keys and the display screen are provided on the top surface, it is difficult to use the top surface efficiently even if the top surface is made larger. In addition, if the top surface of the main body of the imaging device is made flat, the user can put something on it. However, it is not cost-effective to design imaging devices to support heavy objects.

As described above, the footprint of the imaging device is preferably small. However, if paper is fed from the rear of the image forming apparatus and discharged from the front, the entire system becomes significantly larger even if the main body of the image forming apparatus is made miniaturized. Therefore, it is difficult to place the imaging device on a table or a shelf.

In the conventional image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-151841, the paper feed tray and the paper discharge tray are arranged on the same side, and in this case, its total space can be reduced. However, the paper feed tray (cassette) needs to be loaded in a direction opposite to the paper feed direction, and accordingly, a considerable space is required for handling (loading and removing) the paper feed tray at the front and rear of the image forming apparatus. This makes it difficult to place the imaging device on a table or a shelf.

In view of the above problems, it is preferable that the paper feeding tray is loaded in front of the image forming device, that the paper is fed from the front lower side, is reversed in the image forming device, and is discharged to the front upper side of the image forming device. In this case, the paper feed tray is set below the paper output tray. However, it becomes difficult to operate the paper feed tray when replenishing paper.

If the overall height of the image forming apparatus needs to be reduced, in the image forming apparatus, especially in the inkjet recording apparatus, the paper needs to be turned over with a shorter radius. The paper discharge tray needs to be set somewhat lower than the opening of the paper discharge so that a large amount of paper can be stacked in the paper discharge tray. In addition, it is also effective to convey the paper in the width direction of the paper, which makes the depth of the image forming apparatus shorter and also makes the printing operation speed faster.

However, if the paper is turned over at a short radius, the paper tends to be rolled up in the transport direction, possibly making paper discharge difficult. Also, if the paper discharge tray is set lower than the opening to some extent, when the paper falls to the paper discharge tray due to gravity, its top is rolled up, which makes the discharge of the paper difficult. Using an inkjet to form an image on paper makes the paper easy to roll. Paper curling may be exacerbated due to the orientation of the fibers forming the paper.

Furthermore, in order to improve the operability of the image forming apparatus, it is desirable that not only paper feeding and paper ejection but also a power switch, such as cables connected to a PC, be operable from the front.

It is also preferred that accessories such as manuals, USB cables, spare ink, and loading trays are stored in the imaging device to avoid loss.

Contents of the invention

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and efficient imaging device which obviates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which has a relatively wide flat top surface and performs paper ejection and paper feeding on the front side. Another object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device having a relatively wide flat top surface that looks smaller than it actually is. Another specific object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of more conveniently replenishing paper. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of smoothly discharging sheets. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be operated without increasing its footprint.

In order to achieve one or more of the above objects, an imaging device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a substantially flat top surface and an inclined front surface, the bottom edge of which is set back.

Because the bottom edge of the sloping front surface is set back, it provides a flat top surface with ample space for feeding and ejecting paper.

The image forming apparatus may include a paper discharge tray disposed at a lower portion of the inclined front surface, the paper discharge tray protruding forward. The output tray can be tilted up or down.

The image forming apparatus may further include a paper feeding tray provided at a lower portion of the inclined front surface, the paper feeding tray protruding forward.

An imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention may include a visibly divided generally planar top surface. The division may be realized by a stripe-like dividing element formed on the top surface to divide the plane into front and rear, or by forming on the top surface to divide the top surface into front and rear. Front and rear steps to achieve.

This division makes the imaging device appear smaller than it actually is.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention may include: a paper feed tray for feeding paper by applying pressure to paper stacked therein; and a paper discharge tray for stacking paper on which images are formed, wherein the a paper discharge tray that is bidirectionally tiltable; and a release mechanism that releases pressure applied to paper stacked in the paper feed tray when the paper discharge tray is tilted.

When the paper discharge tray is lifted, the release mechanism releases the paper feed tray, and the paper feed tray is pushed out of the device main body. The release mechanism improves the operability of the imaging device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a paper discharge tray in which paper discharged from the apparatus main body is stacked includes a slope on which paper is stacked, a first side of the slope is higher than a second side of the slope, wherein The first side is located in the downstream direction of paper discharge.

The slope formed in the paper discharge tray makes paper discharge from the main body of the device smoother.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes: an image forming unit for forming an image on paper; a detachable transfer cover provided at the rear of the image forming apparatus for covering the image forming unit; a storage unit , which is formed on the removable transfer cover for storing various objects.

Since the transfer cover is detachable and the storage unit is formed thereon, the image forming apparatus can store various objects therein without increasing its footprint.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus, wherein the cover of the ink cartridge loading unit of the apparatus is opened;

Fig. 2B is a front perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus for explaining the loading of the ink cartridge;

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the inkjet recording device;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an exemplary use form of the inkjet recording apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining another exemplary use form of the inkjet recording apparatus;

7 is a perspective view for explaining an exemplary top surface of an inkjet recording device;

8 is a perspective view for explaining another exemplary top surface of the inkjet recording device;

9 is a perspective view for explaining still another exemplary top surface of the inkjet recording device;

10A is a side view showing the structure of an inkjet recording apparatus;

10B is a plan view showing the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus;

10C is a perspective view showing some elements in the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus;

11A and 11B are schematic views for explaining the relationship between the paper discharge tray and the paper feed tray of the inkjet recording apparatus;

12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the paper feed tray of the inkjet recording apparatus is pulled out of the apparatus main body;

13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state when the paper feed tray of the inkjet recording apparatus is pushed into the apparatus main body;

14 is a side view for explaining the mechanism for releasing the paper feed tray of the inkjet recording apparatus;

15 is a plan view for explaining the mechanism for releasing the paper feed tray of the inkjet recording apparatus;

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining the engagement between the paper feed tray and the apparatus main body;

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining replenishment of paper in the paper feed tray;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view for explaining replenishment of paper in the paper feed tray;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view for explaining a paper discharge tray of the inkjet recording apparatus;

Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the discharge tray;

Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the double paper feeding unit before being loaded into the apparatus main body;

Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the double paper feeding unit after being loaded into the apparatus main body;

Fig. 23 is a rear perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus for explaining the transfer cover;

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the transfer cover;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment;

Fig. 26 is an exploded schematic diagram of the ink cartridge, wherein the third shell of the ink cartridge is removed;

Fig. 27 is a front sectional view showing an ink cartridge;

Figure 28 is a side view of an ink bag according to an embodiment;

Figure 29 is a bottom view of the ink bag shown in Figure 28 when it is filled with ink;

Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of an aluminum laminated film forming an ink bag bladder;

Fig. 31 is a side view of the holding member of the ink bag;

Figure 32 is a rear view of the retaining member shown in Figure 31;

Figure 33 is a front view of the retaining member shown in Figure 31;

Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the ink outlet of the ink bag;

Figure 35 is a side view of an ink sac according to another embodiment, wherein the ink sac is stored in an ink cartridge;

Figure 36 is a perspective view of an ink sac filled with ink;

Figure 37 is a bottom view of the ink bag filled with ink shown in Figure 35;

Figure 38 is a side view of the first housing of the ink cartridge;

Figure 39 is a side view of the second housing of the ink cartridge;

Figure 40 is a side view of the first housing of the ink cartridge and the ink bag secured to the first housing;

Figure 41 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 42 is a schematic side view for illustrating the connection relationship between the ink cartridge and the main body of the device;

Figure 43 is a schematic front view for illustrating the connection relationship between the ink cartridge and the main body of the device;

Figure 44 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to yet another embodiment;

Fig. 45 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment;

Fig. 46 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of an ink cartridge according to another embodiment;

Fig. 47 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment;

Fig. 48 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment;

Fig. 49 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment;

Fig. 50 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment;

Fig. 51 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment;

52 is a front perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus according to another embodiment, in which an ink cartridge is loaded to the inkjet recording apparatus from the side;

53 is a rear perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus according to still another embodiment, wherein an ink cartridge is loaded into the inkjet recording apparatus from behind;

Fig. 54 is a front perspective view of an inkjet recording device according to still another embodiment, illustrating the front surface of an exemplary inkjet recording device.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing from the front an inkjet recording apparatus including a paper discharge tray according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment, in which an ink cartridge loading unit of the inkjet recording apparatus is opened. Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment, for explaining loading of ink cartridges. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment from behind.

The inkjet recording device includes a device main body 1 , a paper feed tray 2 and a paper discharge tray 3 . The paper feed tray 2 is loaded on the apparatus main body 1 and feeds paper. A paper discharge tray 3 is also loaded on the apparatus main body 1 , and paper on which images are formed is stacked on the paper discharge tray 3 .

The top surface 11 of the device main body 1 is formed by an openable and closable upper cover 10 . The top surface 11 is substantially flat. The front surface 12 of the device main body 1 is formed by a front cover. The front surface 12 is inclined rearwardly from the front edge of the top surface 11 .

Since the front surface 12 of the device main body 1 is inclined rearward from the front edge of the top surface 11 , the top surface 11 can protrude toward the front of the device main body 1 . According to this arrangement, the top surface 11 becomes larger, and the device main body 1 appears smaller than it actually is.

The paper discharge tray 3 and the paper feed tray 2 protrude from the lower position of the inclined front surface 12 . Since the front surface 12 is inclined and its lower portion is retracted rearwardly, the total depth D (FIG. 6) of the system including the paper feed tray 2 and paper discharge tray 3 becomes shorter.

According to this arrangement, most of the paper discharge tray 3 can be seen for the user. The user can conveniently handle the paper discharged in the paper discharge tray 3 and check the image formed on the paper. It is also easy to replenish paper to the paper feed tray 2, and the side guide provided on the paper feed tray 2 is also easy to operate.

In addition, the device main body 1 includes a cartridge loading unit 4 on one side of the front surface 12, and the cartridge loading unit 4 protrudes forward. An operation unit 5 including operation keys and a display unit is provided on the top surface 4 a of the cassette loading unit 4 . An openable front cover 15 is provided on the cartridge loading unit 4 for loading and unloading an ink cartridge 38 (recording liquid cartridge).

Since the operation unit is provided on the top surface 4 a of the cassette loading unit 4 , the user can effectively use the substantially flat top surface 11 . Even when the imaging device is placed on the shelf 18 shown in FIG. 5, the user can easily operate the operation unit 5 and can see the display unit therein. A user can load and unload ink cartridges 38 from the front of the imaging device. Accordingly, the operability of the imaging device is improved.

Furthermore, the top cover 10 of the device main body 1 includes a front edge portion 11a of the top surface 11 that can be fully opened. The front surface of the front edge portion 11a is cut obliquely so as to be flush with and on the same plane as the oblique front surface 12 . According to this arrangement, users can easily open the top cover 10 with their fingers.

The step 21 is formed approximately in the middle of the substantially flat top surface 11 (top surface of the top cover 10 ) of the device main body 1 . The top surface 11 is partitioned into a front top surface 11A and a rear top surface 11B.

The separation of the top surface 11 will have various psychological effects on the user. It makes the user feel as if the depth of the device main body 1 is short. The separation of the top surface 11 also prevents the user from placing heavy objects on it, thereby preventing the top surface 11 from being broken.

The separation of the top surface 11 by the steps 21 also increases the physical strength of the top cover 10 . Since the front top surface 11A is lower than the rear top surface 11B, the user feels as if the overall height of the device main body 1 is low.

According to the present embodiment, the top surface 11 is divided into a front part and a rear part by a step 21 . According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, instead of forming a step 21, the top surface 11 may be divided into front top surfaces by painting different colors on the front top surface 11A and the rear top surface 11B of the top surface 11. 11A and rear top surface 11B.

According to yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , a color strip 22 is formed on the top surface 11 to divide it into a front part and a rear part. According to yet another embodiment (not shown), a protrusion of a small height is formed on the top surface 11, thereby dividing it into a front part and a rear part. The imaging devices according to these embodiments exert the same psychological influence on users.

The imaging device shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 does not have a step separating the top surface 11 . According to this arrangement, the entire top surface 11 becomes flat (completely flat). When the user places an object on the top surface 11 of the device body 1, the object can stand upright.

According to yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , the top surface 11 of the device body 1 is made completely flat, without even visually separating the top surface 11 (by painting the top surface 11 differently as shown in FIG. 7 ). color or form a color line as shown in Figure 8). In this case, the user can place an object on the top surface 11, or more easily handle the discharged paper in the paper cassette and paper discharge tray. The user can also easily operate the operation unit 5 and see the display screen thereon.

Referring to Figs. 10A, 10B and 10C, the mechanism of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described below. Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the mechanism. Figure 10B is a top view of the mechanism. Figure 10C is a perspective view of the mechanism's ink supply system.

The frame 301 includes side panels 301A and 301B on the left and right, respectively. The carriage 33 is supported by guide rods 31 and struts 32 fixed between side plates 301A and 301B. The carriage is driven by a main scanning motor (not shown), and is movable in directions indicated by arrows shown in FIG. 10B, thereby scanning in the main scanning direction.

The carriage 33 includes a recording head 34 which is an inkjet head that ejects yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M) and black (Bk) inks, respectively. Each recording head 34 is provided with a plurality of openings for ejecting ink downward.

The inkjet head of the recording head 34 may include energy generating units such as: piezoelectric actuators such as piezoelectric elements; thermal actuators; shape memory alloy actuators that utilize phase changes in metals due to temperature changes; and electrostatic actuators that utilize electrostatic forces.

A driver IC is mounted on the recording head 34 . The driver IC is connected to a control unit (not shown) via a wire (flexible printed cable) 302 .

Sub-tanks 35 corresponding to respective colors are installed on the recording heads 34 and supply inks of respective colors to the recording heads 34 . Ink is supplied from the ink tank 38 (main tank) into the corresponding sub tank 35 via the corresponding ink supply tube 36 . Each ink cartridge 38 contains one of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (Bk) inks.

As shown in FIG. 10B , the ink cartridge is loaded into the cartridge loading unit 4 . The cartridge loading unit 4 is equipped with a supply pump unit 304 for transferring ink in the ink cartridge 38 . The ink supply tube 36 is fixed to the rear plate 301C included in the frame 301 on the way to the sub tank 35 with a fixing member 305 .

Paper 42 is stacked on a paper stacking unit (pressure plate) 41 of the paper feed tray 2 . A sheet of paper 42 is conveyed from the paper stacking unit 41 by a half-moon roller 43 (paper feed roller) and a separation pad 44 disposed opposite to the paper feed roller 43 and made of a high-friction material. The separation pad 44 is pressed against the paper feed roller 43 . The paper feed roller 43 and the separation pad 44 form a paper feed unit.

As a transfer unit that transfers the paper 42 fed by the paper feed unit to below the recording head 34, this mechanism also includes: a transfer belt 51 that holds and transfers the paper 42; a counter roller 52 that is clamped together with the transfer belt 51 by Paper 42 fed by the paper feeding unit via a guide 45; a transport guide 53 that guides the paper 42 to change its transport direction by 90 degrees; and a point press roller 55 that is pressed toward the transport belt by a pressure member 54 51. This mechanism also includes a charging roller 56 which is a charging unit for charging the surface of the conveyor belt 51 .

The conveyor belt 51 is an endless belt operated by a conveyor roller 57 and a tension roller 58 . The conveyor belt moves in the belt conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) as shown in FIG. 10B. Conveyor belt 51 comprises a front layer and a back layer, and front layer is paper holding surface, is made by the resin material such as ETFE pure material such as 40 μm thickness, and its resistance is not controlled; Back layer (dielectric resistance layer, grounding layer ( The earth layer)) is made of the same material, and its resistance is controlled with carbon.

The charging roller 56 contacts the front layer of the conveyor belt 51 and rotates as the conveyor belt 51 moves. A tension of 2.5 N is applied to both ends of the rotating shaft of the conveying roller 57 to tension the conveying belt 51 . The transfer roller 57 also functions as the ground layer described above, which contacts the medium resistance layer (back layer) of the transfer belt 51 and is grounded.

The guide unit 61 is provided on the back side of the conveyor belt 51 corresponding to the printable area of the recording head 34 . The top surface of the guide unit 61 protrudes toward the recording head 34 from above the tangent line of the two rollers (the conveyance roller 57 and the tension roller 58 ) supporting the conveyance belt 51 . According to this arrangement, the transfer belt 51 is displaced toward the recording head by the top of the guide unit 61 in the printable area to improve the flatness of the transfer belt 51 .

A plurality of grooves are formed on one face of the guide unit 61 contacting the back surface of the conveyor belt 51, the direction of the grooves being perpendicular to the conveying direction. The grooves reduce the contact area between the conveyor belt 51 and the guide unit 61 so that the conveyor belt 51 can smoothly move along the surface of the guide unit 61 .

Tiltable guide rollers 63 and 64 , which are in contact with the back surface of the conveyor belt 51 , are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the guide unit 61 , respectively. The guide rollers 63 and 64 are preferably provided to extend close to both edges of the guide unit 61 .

A paper discharge unit for discharging paper 42 includes separation claws 71 for separating paper from the conveyor belt 51 , paper discharge rollers 72 and paper discharge rollers 73 . The discharge tray 3 is provided below the discharge roller 72 . The paper discharge unit is somewhat higher than the paper discharge tray 3 so that many sheets of paper 42 can be stacked in the paper discharge tray 3 .

A detachable double paper feeding unit 81 is provided on the rear portion of the apparatus main body 1 (refer to FIG. 3 ). The double paper feeding unit 81 receives the paper 42 returned by the reverse rotation of the conveying belt 51 , reverses the paper 42 , and outputs the paper to the conveying belt 51 and the opposing roller 52 . The manual paper feed unit 82 is provided above the double paper feed unit 81 .

As shown in FIG. 10B, a maintenance recovery mechanism (subsystem) 311 is provided in the non-printing area on the side of the carriage 33 for maintaining the operation of the nozzles of the recording head 34 and recovering if a problem occurs. The subsystem 311 includes a cover member 312 for covering the nozzle face of the recording head 34; a wiper blade 313 for wiping the nozzle face; and a waste discharge receiver 314 for receiving discharged waste ink droplets ( The ejection of ink droplets is not used to form an image). Likewise, another waste material discharge receiver 315 is disposed on the other side of the non-printing area for receiving the discharged waste ink droplets.

According to the above-described structure of the inkjet recording apparatus, paper 42 is fed one by one from the paper feed tray 2 in a substantially vertical direction, and is guided by the guide 45 . The paper 42 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the conveyance belt 51 and the opposing roller 52 . The dot (leading edge) of the paper 42 is guided by the conveying guide 53, pressed toward the conveying belt 51 by the point pressure roller 55, and the conveying direction of the paper 42 is changed approximately 90 degrees.

An AC high voltage is applied to the charge roller 56 from a high voltage power source controlled by a control circuit (not shown). The charging roller forms a charging pattern on the conveyor belt 51 in which positively charged and negatively charged strips alternate. As the paper is fed on this alternately charged conveyor belt 51, the paper 42 is reverse-polarized. The paper 42 and the conveyor belt 51 form an imaginary capacitor connected in parallel. Accordingly, the paper 42 is held by the conveyor belt 51 and conveyed in the sub-scanning direction as the conveyor belt 51 moves.

As the carriage 33 moves in the main scanning direction, the recording head 34 is activated in response to an image signal. In this operation, image signals of scanning lines are recorded on the suspended paper 42 by discharging ink droplets. Then, the paper 42 is conveyed by a predetermined distance, and the image signal of the next scanning line is recorded on the paper 42 . The image forming operation is terminated in response to receiving a signal indicating the end of the image signal or a signal indicating the end of the paper 42 . Then, the paper 42 is discharged into the paper discharge tray 3 .

The paper feed tray 2 and the paper discharge tray 3 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 .

The pressure plate 41 of the paper feed tray 2 is biased toward the paper feed roller 43 (see FIG. 10A ), so that the paper 42 is pressed even in an idle state. According to this arrangement, the paper 42 can be stably fed.

The paper discharge tray 3 serves as a top cover for the paper feed tray 2 . As shown in FIG. 10A , the paper discharge tray 3 can be tilted (partially rotated) about a shaft 91 . A pressure release unit 92 is provided on top of the paper discharge tray 3 so that when the paper feed tray 2 is pulled out, the paper feed pressure is released.

When the rear end of the paper discharge tray 3 is lifted, the pressure release unit 92 of the paper discharge tray 3 presses down on the pressure plate 41 (when no paper is stacked) or the paper 42 of the paper feed tray 2, and releases the feed. paper pressure.

According to the above arrangement, when the paper discharge tray 3 is simply lifted up, the pressure applied to the paper 42 can be released. No additional actions such as pressing the pressure release button are required. This prevents the paper feed tray 2 from being pulled out when paper feed pressure is applied to the paper (or to the pressure plate if paper is not stacked). At the same time, it also prevents the paper feeding tray 2 from being pushed into the main body of the device and causing a paper jam when the paper feeding pressure is applied to the paper.

Since the paper discharge tray 3 serves as the top cover of the paper feed tray 2 , the paper discharge tray 3 prevents dust from entering the paper feed tray 2 . Accordingly, the above-mentioned structure may be used in which the paper feeding pressure applied to the paper 42 is released when the paper discharge tray 3 is tilted.

FIG. 11A shows a state where the paper discharge tray 3 is covered on the paper feed tray 2, and FIG. 11B shows a state where the paper discharge tray 3 is lifted. When the paper discharge tray 3 is lifted, the paper feed tray 2 is pushed back (toward the front side of the recording apparatus) by a certain distance (for example, about 20 mm) due to the operation of the bias unit.

As described above, when the user replenishes the paper feed tray 2 with paper, the user only needs to lift the paper discharge tray 3 serving as the top cover of the paper feed tray 2 . The lifting of the paper delivery tray 3 automatically releases the paper feeding pressure applied to the paper, and causes the paper delivery tray 2 to be pushed out to the user. The user can easily confirm that the paper feed pressure applied to the paper is released and pull out the paper feed tray 2 .

Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, the state before and after the paper feed tray 2 is set will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the paper feed tray 2 includes a box bottom plate 41 which can be tilted around an axis 121 . An arm member 122 capable of tilting about a shaft 123 is provided at a tip (end) of the paper feed tray 2 . One of the ends of the arm member 122 is connected to the bottom plate 41 through a separation spring 124 . In the state shown in FIG. 12 , paper can be set on the bottom plate 41 .

As shown in FIG. 13 , when the paper feed tray 2 is pushed into the apparatus main body, the guide unit 125 causes one end of the arm member 122 provided at the end of the paper feed tray 2 to rotate. Since the bottom plate 41 and the arm member 122 are connected by the partition spring 124 , the bottom plate 41 rises and tilts as the arm member 122 rotates. Thus, a preferred pressure is applied to the paper 42 placed on the bottom plate 41 for separating the paper.

When the paper feed tray 2 is set in the apparatus main body 1, the tip of the paper feed tray 2 contacts the paper feed roller 43 (see FIG. 10A ). Release spring 124 applies a clockwise force (see FIG. 13 ) to arm member 122 . Accordingly, a force is applied from the guide unit 125 to the paper feed tray 2 to push it out of the apparatus main body 1 . When the paper feed tray 2 is released (to be described later), this force pushes the paper feed tray out of the apparatus main body 1 by a predetermined distance (towards the user).

The paper feed tray release mechanism will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 .

As described above, the discharge tray 3 is supported by the shaft 91 and can be tilted about the shaft 91 . When paper is replenished, the discharge tray 3 is raised. When the paper discharge tray 3 is lifted, the rotatable lever 126 provided near the shaft 91 (rotation center of the paper discharge tray 3 ) is pressed and rotates about the shaft 127 .

According to the rotation of the rod 126 , the rod 126 pushes a rod 129 disposed below the rod 126 . The rod 129 is provided on the frame of the apparatus 1 and can move left and right, as shown in FIG. 15, and the arm member 130 is connected to the rod 129 and rotates as the rod 129 moves. The arm member 130 is rotatable around a shaft 131 .

On the other hand, the paper feeding tray 2 is fixed on the apparatus main body 1 while the claw unit 133 is provided on the bottom surface of the paper feeding tray 2, wherein the claw unit 133 hooks the frame 134 of the apparatus main body 1. The claw unit 133 is flexible. When the arm member 130 rotates in the direction shown in FIG. 16 , the claw unit 133 of the paper feed tray 2 is lifted up as shown by the vertical arrow, and the hook between the melon unit 133 and the device main body frame 134 is released. . Since the paper feed tray 2 is pushed by the above-mentioned force, the paper feed tray 2 is automatically pushed out of the apparatus main body 1 toward the user.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the lever 126 includes a lever body 136 , a lever auxiliary portion 137 and a spring 138 . The lever auxiliary part 137 is connected to the lever body 136 via a spring 138 . If the lever auxiliary part 137 is directly connected to the lever body 136, since the paper feed tray 2 and the paper discharge tray 3 are interlocked by the release mechanism, the paper discharge tray 3 needs to be lowered when the paper feed tray 2 is put into the apparatus main body. The spring 138 makes it possible to load the paper feed tray 2 regardless of the position of the paper discharge tray 3 .

If the paper feed tray 2 is loaded and then the paper discharge tray 3 is depressed, the lever unit of the paper discharge tray 3 pushes the lever 126 . Because the lever assist portion 137 is supported against the lever body 136 by the spring 138, the lever assist 137 goes over. The paper feed tray 2 is not affected by pressing down the paper output tray 3 .

According to the above arrangement, when the paper discharge tray 3 is lifted and depressed, the paper feed tray 2 is automatically pushed out of the apparatus main body 1 .

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is designed such that the paper feed tray 2 cannot be completely pulled out of the apparatus main body 1 . As shown in FIG. 17, the pushed out paper feed tray 2 and the raised paper discharge tray 3 form an opening. The height H of the opening is limited. That is, the height at which the paper output tray 3 can be lifted and the distance at which the paper delivery tray 2 can be pulled out limit the size of the opening. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from putting too much paper into the paper feed tray 2 .

As shown in FIG. 18, the opening 2a of the paper feed tray 2 is restricted by an end fence 95. As shown in FIG. The end fence 95 makes it difficult to insert paper through the opening 2a. It is possible to prevent the user from feeding paper by mistake.

The paper discharge tray 3 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20 . FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the recording device 1 . FIG. 20 is a front view of the paper discharge tray 3 .

The paper discharge tray 3 includes a slope unit 101 whose downstream side in the paper discharge direction is higher than the downstream side. Downward Stage A downward step 102 is provided at each edge of the slope unit (central unit) 101 in a direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction.

Since the upstream side is lower than the downstream side in the paper discharge direction, the height between the paper discharge roller 72 and the paper discharge tray 3 becomes larger. According to this arrangement, more paper can be stacked on the paper discharge tray 3 . Accordingly, since the end (leading edge) of the paper 42 quickly contacts the paper discharge tray 3, the stacked paper 42 can be prevented from being rolled up.

In the case where the conveying roller 57 has a short radius and the conveying direction of the paper is changed by 90 degrees to miniaturize the image forming apparatus; and in the case of recording an image by an inkjet recording method, the paper 42 is rolled up. By placing the rolled up paper that has been discharged, it is possible to place the paper being discharged in contact with the paper that has been discharged into the discharge tray 3 . Accordingly, paper discharge becomes smooth.

Because the downward step unit 102 is formed at each edge of the central unit 101 in the direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction, so even the paper 42 has been rolled up, the curling of both sides of the paper 42 can be eliminated, as shown in Figure 20 shown. Paper ejection becomes smooth.

The conveyance cover attached to the apparatus main body 1 at the position of the double paper feed unit 81 is described below. Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 , a mechanism for attaching the double paper feed unit 81 will be described. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the state before the double paper feed unit 81 is attached, and FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the state after the double paper feed unit 81 is attached.

Notches 141 (upper and lower) for positioning the double feed unit are formed on the apparatus main body 1 . Boss units 142 corresponding to the respective notches are formed on the dual paper feeding unit 81 . Accordingly, when the double paper feed unit 81 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 , the double paper feed unit 81 is positioned by fitting the boss unit 142 into the notch 141 .

A lever 144 rotatable about a shaft 143 is provided on the double paper feeding unit 81 . An end 144a (locking unit) of the rod 144 can be locked to a fixing pin 145 on the device main body side. After the double feed unit 81 is positioned on the apparatus main body 1, the lever 144 is rotated. By hooking the end unit 144 a of the rod 144 to the fixing pin 145 provided on the apparatus main body 1 , the double paper feeding unit 81 can be fixed on the apparatus main body 1 .

23 and 24, the transfer cover 111 will be described below. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the rear surface of the recording device, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the transfer cover 111 . When the double feed unit 81 is not in use, the inside of the transport mechanism is exposed. Therefore, the conveying cover 111 having substantially the same outer shape as that of the double paper feeding unit 81 can be attached to the apparatus main body 1 .

In this case, the shape of the outer surface of the transfer cover 111 is substantially the same as the shape of one protruding unit 1 a and 1 b protruding from each side of the rear surface of the apparatus main body 1 . According to the shape of the transfer cover 111, the right and left sides of the rear surface do not protrude individually, which prevents the device main body 1 from appearing larger than it actually is.

Inside the transfer cover 111 is a storage unit 112 . A cover member 113 that can be opened by being rotated about a hinge 114 is provided on a top surface thereof. Accessories and supplies, such as user manuals, installation CDs, and spare ink, may be stored in the storage unit 112 . According to the above arrangement, it is possible to provide an imaging device having a better appearance of the storage unit 112 .

According to this embodiment, the transfer cover 111 may serve as a side wall of the storage unit 112 . According to another embodiment, the storage bag may be provided as a separate part of the transfer cover 111 . The storage bag may be fixed on the transfer cover 111 or integrally formed with the transfer cover 111 .

The inkjet recording apparatus which realizes the front side operation is described below.

As described above, the paper 42 can be fed from the front side of the recording device and discharged to the front side of the recording device. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2B, the ink cartridge 38 can be loaded from the front side and unloaded to the front side.

In order to realize the above-mentioned frontal operation, it is necessary to provide a sub-tank 35 on the carriage 33 for supplying ink to the recording head 34 and to supply ink from an ink tank 38 to the sub-tank 35 . Ink cartridge 38 requires thinner.

Referring to Figures 25 to 27, the ink cartridge 38 according to this embodiment will be described below.

The ink cartridge 38 includes an ink bag 402 for containing ink and a case 403 for storing the ink bag 402 . The housing 403 includes a first housing 411 , a second housing 412 and a third housing 413 . The first housing 411 and the second housing 412 form a protective cover for protecting the sides of the ink bag 402 . The case 403 is divided into a first case 411 and a second case 412 which cover the ink bag 402 with faces parallel to the ink supply direction.

28 to 34, the ink bag 402 according to this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 28 is a side view of the ink bag 402 . FIG. 29 is a bottom view for explaining the state in which the ink bag 402 is filled with ink. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an aluminum laminated film forming the main body of the ink bag 402. As shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is a side view showing the holding member 422 of the ink bag 402 . FIG. 32 is a rear view of the retaining member 422 . FIG. 33 is a front view of the retaining member 422 . FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing the ink outlet 434 of the ink bag 402 .

The ink bag 402 includes an elastic bag body 421 made of a substantially rectangular aluminum laminate film and a holding member 422 made of resin fixed to the long sides of the ink bag body 421 .

As shown in FIG. 30, the bladder 421 according to the present embodiment is made of aluminum laminated film 430 (not limited to aluminum laminated film 430), wherein dry lamination (dry lamination) 426, aluminum film is laminated on LDPE 425. 427, dry laminate 428 and PA429. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 , two sheets of aluminum laminated film 430 are bonded to each other at their edges to form a bladder, which is also attached to the retaining member 422 . Unlike the conventional bladder which has a frame therein for maintaining its shape, the bladder 421 according to the present embodiment does not have such a frame and is deformable. Therefore, almost no ink remains unused.

As shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, the holding member 422 includes a flange unit 431, a connection unit 432 formed on one face of the flange unit 431, an ink inlet unit 433 formed on the other face of the flange unit 431. (showing the ink inlet unit before attachment), and the ink outlet unit 434 . The above units are integrally formed. The capsule 421 is thermally adhered to the connection unit 432 . The ink inlet unit 433 and the ink outlet unit 434 are hollow.

As shown in FIG. 32 , both ends (ends in the length direction of the holding member 422 ) of the connection unit 432 are tapered like a rhombus. The groove 432 a surrounds the connection unit 432 . According to this arrangement, the bladder 421 made of the aluminum laminated film 430 can be firmly adhered to the groove periphery of the connection unit 432 .

A hole 435 passing through the flange unit 431 and the connection unit 432 is formed in the ink inlet unit 433 . After the ink bag 402 is filled with ink, the ink inlet unit 433 is sealed by thermal fusion bonding. The sealed ink inlet unit 433 is shown as a sealed unit 436 in FIGS. 28 and 29 . The ink inlet unit 433 can be easily and firmly sealed by thermal fusion bonding.

A hole 437 for discharging ink through the flange unit 431 and the connection unit 432 is formed in the ink outlet unit 434 . An opening 438 is provided for fitting a flexible member for sealing the hole 437 for ink discharge at the end of the ink outlet unit 434 . A step unit 439 is formed around the farther periphery of the ink outlet unit 434, which cooperates with a cover member for fixing the flexible unit.

As shown in FIG. 34 , a flexible member 441 is fitted into an end portion of the ink outlet unit 434 , and the flexible member 441 is supported by the cover member 442 . The flexible member 441 is preferably made of a rubber material such as silicon, fluorine, or butyl rubber. When a hollow needle-shaped supply pin (which guides ink to the recording device main body) is inserted from the recording device main body side, the flexible member 441 remains sealed so that ink is supplied to the recording device main body. When the supply needle is withdrawn, the flexible member expands maintaining an intact seal.

The cover member 442 is formed of a tubular member 446 having a flange unit 445 for fixing the flexible member 441 . A hole 447 is formed in the flange unit 445 for inserting a supply needle from the recording device main body side. A plurality of restraint blocks 448 are formed on the tubular member 446 curved inwardly. The cover member 442 is fitted to the end of the ink outlet unit 434 . As shown in FIG. 34 , the cover member 442 remains engaged with the restricting block 448 , and the restricting block 448 is engaged with the step member 439 .

As shown in FIG. 28 , the ink outlet unit 434 of the holding member 422 is disposed approximately at the center position of the ink bag 402 in the height direction. Correspondingly, when the ink cartridge 38 is arranged vertically (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the ink in the bag body 421 of the ink bag 402 flows more smoothly than when the ink outlet unit is arranged on one side. Thus, the ink can be completely used up.

Engaging units 451 and 452 that engage with restricting claws (to be described below) provided on the first housing 411 side are integrally formed on the holding member 422 . The groove units 431 a and 431 b are formed at positions corresponding to the engagement units 451 and 452 on the side of the flange unit 431 .

As described above, the ink bag 402 is formed by fixing the holding member 422 on one edge of the substantially rectangular flexible bag body 421 . The holding member 422 has an ink inlet unit 433 for replenishing ink to the bladder 421 and an ink outlet unit 434 for discharging ink contained in the bladder 421 . The holding member 422 further has engaging units 451 and 452 . As a result, ink can be consumed almost completely. The ink bag 402 can be stably and detachably fixed to the housing 403 .

35 to 37, an ink bag 402 according to another embodiment will be described below. 35 is a side view of the ink bag 402, FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the ink bag 402 filled with ink, and FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the ink bag 402 shown in FIG.

In the ink bag 402 , the bag body 421 is formed of two sheets of aluminum laminated film 430 and a bottom unit 421 a made of the same aluminum laminated film 430 . According to the above arrangement, the ink bag 402 can contain a large amount of ink.

Referring to Figures 38 and 39, the housing structure of the ink cartridge 38 will be described below. FIG. 38 is a side view of the first casing 411 of the ink cartridge 38 , and FIG. 39 is a side view of the second casing of the ink cartridge 38 .

The housing 403 (see FIG. 25 ) of the ink cartridge 38 includes a first housing 411 , a second housing 412 similar to the first housing 411 , and a third housing 413 . The first shell 411 and the second shell 412 are combined to form a combined shell, and the third shell 413 is fitted at the front and bottom of the combined shell to form a rectangular shell 403 . A concave unit 461 and a hook unit 462 are formed on the housing 403 . An opening 473 that the ink outlet unit 434 faces is formed on the front surface of the housing 403 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 38, the first housing 411 is substantially rectangular. On the outer circumference of the first housing 411, a recess unit 461A, a hook unit 462A, a notch unit 463A, and guide units 464 and 465 are formed. The concave unit 461A and the hook unit 462A are half of the concave unit 461 and the hook unit 462 , respectively. The notch unit 463A forms a space into which an ink replenishing device for replenishing ink to the ink bag 402 held between the first housing 411 and the second housing 412 can be inserted. The guide units 464 and 465 are used to load the ink cartridge on the main body of the recording device or the ink supply device.

Engagement units 466 a , 466 b , and 466 c that engage with restricting claws (to be described below) of the second housing 412 are formed on three corners of the inner wall of the first housing 411 . Positioning units 467 and 468 for positioning the holding member 422 are built on the inner wall of the first housing 411 for fixing the holding member 422 of the ink bag 402 . Engagement claws 471 and 472 for engaging the engagement protrusions 451 and 452 of the holding member 422 are also built on the inner wall of the first housing 411 .

An arc-shaped unit 473A approximately one quarter the size of the opening 473 is formed on the front surface of the first housing 411 . Engagement recessed portions 479 that engage with engaging claws of the third housing 413 when the third housing 413 is mounted are formed on the first housing 411 .

As shown in FIG. 39 , for example, the second housing 412 is substantially similar to the first housing 411 . On the outer circumference of the second housing 412, a recess unit 471B, a hook unit 442B, a notch unit 463B, and an identification unit 484 are formed. The concave unit 471B and the hook unit 442B are half of the concave unit 461 and the hook unit 462 , respectively. The notch unit 463B forms a space into which an ink replenishing device for replenishing ink to the ink bag 402 held between the first housing 411 and the second housing 412 can be inserted. The identification unit 484 is a protrusion used to indicate the color of the ink stored in the ink bag 402 of the ink cartridge 38 .

Lock claws 486 a , 486 b , and 486 c engaged with the engaging units of the first housing 411 are integrally formed on three corners of the inner wall of the second housing 412 . Fitting units 487 and 488 having grooves into which the holding member 422 of the ink bag 402 is fitted are formed on the inner wall of the second housing 412 .

An arc-shaped unit 473B approximately one quarter the size of the opening 473 is formed on the front surface of the second housing 412 . Engagement recessed portions 489 that engage with locking claws of the third housing 413 when the third housing 413 is fitted are formed on the second housing 412 .

As shown in FIG. 26 , the third housing 413 is fitted into notch units 463A and 463B on the front surface of the ink supply side of the first housing 411 and the second housing 412 fitted together. Locking pawls 491 and 492 that engage with the engagement recessed portions 479 and 489 of the first housing 411 and the second housing 412 , respectively, are formed on the third housing 413 . Correspondingly, the arc unit 473C is equivalent to 1/2 of the opening unit 473 .

According to the above structure, as shown in FIG. 40, since the locking claws 471 and 472 of the first housing lock the engaging protrusions 451 and 452 of the holding member 422 of the ink bag 402, the positioning unit 467 and the positioning unit 467 of the first housing 411 are utilized by pressing. The retaining member 422 positioned at 468, the retaining member 422 of the ink bag 402 is locked to the first housing 411.

Then, since the locking claws 486a-486c of the second housing 412 are hooked with the engaging units 466a-466c of the first housing 411, the first housing 411 and the second housing 412 are assembled by superimposing and pressing them from the outside. . The assembly of the first housing 411 and the second housing 412 is completed (see FIG. 26 ).

As shown in FIG. 26, when the third housing 413 is fitted to the first housing 411 and the second housing 412, the locking pawl 491 of the third housing 413 is engaged by the engagement recessed portions 479 and 489 of the first housing 411 and the second housing 412. hook. Thus, the ink cartridge 38 shown in Fig. 25 is completed.

Referring to Figures 41 and 26, an ink cartridge 38 according to another embodiment will be described below.

The ink cartridge 38 shown in FIG. 41 includes an ink bag 402 , a first case 411 and a second case 412 . The first housing 411 and the second housing 412 respectively have notch units 469A and 469B formed around the ink outlet 434 and the cover member 442 provided at the end of the ink outlet 434 of the ink bag 402 . The ink cartridge 38 also includes a third housing 413 having a notch unit 499 formed around the ink outlet 434 and the cover member 442 provided at the end of the ink outlet 434 of the ink bag 402 .

As shown in FIG. 42, the ink cartridge 38 is connected to the ink supply system of the apparatus main body by inserting the needle 511 from the apparatus main body side to the ink outlet unit 434 of the ink cartridge 38. The needle 511 is protected by a needle guard 512 . However, when the ink cartridge 38 becomes thinner, it becomes difficult to have enough space for the needle guard 512 to enter the opening 473 . To solve this problem, on the housings 411 , 412 and 413 , a notch unit is formed beside the ink outlet 434 and the cover member 442 provided at the end of the ink outlet 434 of the ink bag 402 . According to this arrangement, the needle guard 512 can be entered without contacting the housing. Therefore, the ink cartridge can be made thinner.

The first housing 411 and the second housing 412 respectively have notch units 469A and 469B formed around the ink outlet 434 and/or the cover member 442 provided at the end of the ink outlet 434 of the ink bag 402 . However, the third housing has no notch unit.

As described above, since the ink bag 402 is stored in the cartridge case 403, it is possible to form the thin cartridge-shaped ink cartridge 38. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B , ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 38 to the sub-tank 35 provided on the carriage 33 via the ink supply tube 36 . Accordingly, the ink cartridge can be loaded onto or unloaded from the device by a frontal operation.

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 10-202900 discloses a conventional ink cartridge for supplying ink to a sub-tank, which includes a flexible bladder-like ink tank having an ink outlet and a base unit (housing) having An opening through which the ink tank can be stored or removed.

When the ink cartridge is loaded into the device body from the top with its ink outlet unit facing down, the ink tank is preferably placed in the base unit. However, if the ink cartridge is loaded into the apparatus main body from the front with its ink outlet unit facing horizontally, the ink tank is inclined on the bottom plate. That is, conventional cartridges cannot be loaded from the front. The ink cartridge according to the present invention can be loaded onto and unloaded from the device main body from the front (front operation).

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 45, all the ink cartridges 38 corresponding to four respective colors are loaded on the right side of the front surface of the main body 1 of the recording apparatus. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

For example, as shown in FIG. 46 , the color ink cartridge 38C is disposed on the right side of the apparatus main body 1 , but the black ink cartridge 38B may be disposed on the left side of the apparatus main body 1 . Using more black cartridges 38B can be made larger than color cartridges 38C. A color ink cartridge 38C may also be provided on the left side of the apparatus main body 1 .

As shown in FIG. 47, ink cartridges 38 for four colors may be provided on the left side of the main body 1 of the apparatus. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 48 , one of the ink cartridges 38 may be disposed on the right side of the apparatus main body 1 and the other ink cartridges 38 may be disposed on the left side of the apparatus main body 1 . As shown in FIG. 49, two ink cartridges may be provided on each side of the main body 1 of the apparatus. The number of ink cartridges 38 is not limited to four. The number of ink cartridges 38 arranged on the right side of the device main body 1 may be equal to or different from the number arranged on the left side of the device main body 1 .

According to the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that the ink cartridge is slidably loaded into the loading unit from the front of the device main body. However, as shown in FIG. 50 , the ink cartridge 38 can be loaded sideways from the front of the apparatus main body 1 . In addition, the ink cartridge 38 can be loaded obliquely from the front of the device main body 1 . The posture of the ink cartridge 38 can be determined according to the size and position of members provided on the front side of the device main body 1 .

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , for example, the ink cartridge 38 is slid in and loaded onto the apparatus main body 1 . As shown in FIG. 52 , according to another embodiment, the ink cartridge 38 can be slid into the device body 1 from the side of the device body 1 or from the rear of the device body 1 . In this case, the ink cartridge 38 may be arranged horizontally or obliquely as described above.

According to the above-described embodiments, the paper feed tray 2 , the paper discharge tray 3 and the ink cartridge 38 can be handled from the front of the apparatus main body 1 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 54, a connector 611 for connecting a cable, a power switch 612, and other connectors such as a USB connector for connecting external devices may be provided on the front surface 12 of the device main body 1 (all front side operations) to Improve the operability of the recording device.

According to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applicable to a serial type (shuttle type) inkjet recording apparatus in which the carriage scans the paper. According to another embodiment, the present invention is applicable to a line type inkjet recording device having a line type head.

The present invention is not only applicable to inkjet printers, but also applicable to facsimile machines, copiers, and peripheral devices with multiple functions such as printing, facsimile, and copying. In addition, the liquid discharged from the device to which the present invention is applied may be a liquid such as a resist and a DNA sample in addition to ink.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

According to the present invention, there is provided a useful frontally operable compact imaging device. The bottom side of the inclined front surface of the imaging device is retracted rearward. According to this arrangement, it is possible to provide a flat top surface, and at the same time, provide a sufficient space for feeding and discharging paper.

Claims (27)

1, an imaging device, it comprises:

The end face of one general planar; And

One front surface that tilts, the indentation backward of its base.

2, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, further comprises:

One discharge tray, it is arranged on the bottom of the front surface of described inclination, and described discharge tray stretches out forward.

3, imaging device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said discharge tray can tilt up and down.

4, as any one described imaging device in the claim 1 to 3, wherein, further comprise:

One paper feed tray, it is arranged on the bottom of the front surface of described inclination, and described paper feed tray stretches out forward.

5, as any one described imaging device in the claim 1 to 4, wherein, further comprise:

One is positioned at the functional unit at the part place of described angled front, and described functional unit stretches out forward.

6, as any one described imaging device in the claim 1 to 5, wherein

But at least a portion that comprises its front end of described end face is formed the top cover of a folding, and

The indentation backward of the base of the front surface of described top cover.

7, an imaging device, it comprises:

The end face of one general planar, it is divided visibly.

8, imaging device as claimed in claim 7 wherein, further comprises:

One striated is divided element, and it is formed on the described end face, and described end face is divided into front and rear.

9, imaging device as claimed in claim 7 wherein, further comprises:

One step, it is formed on the described end face, and wherein said step is divided into front and rear with described end face.

10, imaging device as claimed in claim 9, wherein

Described front portion is lower than described rear portion.

11, an imaging device, it comprises:

One paper feed tray, it is exerted pressure to the paper that is stacked in wherein, is used to present paper;

One discharge tray is used to pile up the paper that is formed with image on it, and wherein said discharge tray can inclined in two-way; And

One relieving mechanism, when described discharge tray was tilted, described relieving mechanism discharged the pressure that is applied on the paper that piles up in the described paper feed tray.

12, an imaging device, it comprises:

One paper feed tray is used to present paper; And

One discharge tray is used to pile up the paper that is formed with image on it, and wherein said discharge tray can inclined in two-way;

One travel mechanism, when described discharge tray was tilted, described travel mechanism moved described paper feed tray on the direction opposite with paper feeding direction.

13, as claim 11 or 12 described imaging devices, wherein, described discharge tray covers thereon as the top cover of described paper feed tray.

14, imaging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein

The opening of described discharge tray depends on the ultimate range that angle that described discharge tray can tilt and described paper feed tray can be drawn out.

15, as claim 13 or 14 described imaging devices, wherein

Described paper feed tray has an opening on its front surface, and it has end retaining grid that are used to limit this opening.

16, one wherein piles up from the discharge tray of the paper of apparatus main body discharge, and it comprises:

One inclined-plane is used to pile up paper on it, first side on described inclined-plane is than the second side height on described inclined-plane, and wherein said first side is positioned at the downstream of row's paper direction.

17, one wherein piles up from the discharge tray of the paper of apparatus main body discharge, wherein

Described discharge tray is at the middle body that is lower than described discharge tray perpendicular to the sidepiece on the direction of row's paper direction.

18, an imaging device, it comprises:

One apparatus main body, described apparatus main body is discharged the paper that is formed with image on it; And

As claim 16 or 17 described discharge trays.

19, an imaging device, it comprises:

One image-generating unit is used for forming image on paper;

One dismountable transmission lid, the rear side that it is arranged on imaging device is used to cover a mechanism of described image-generating unit; And

One memory cell, it is formed on described dismountable transmission and covers, and is used to store various objects.

20, imaging device as claimed in claim 19, wherein

Described memory cell and integrally formed or independent formation of described detachable transmission lid.

21, as claim 19 or 20 described imaging devices, wherein

The profile of described detachable transmission lid is roughly the same with the profile of the part of stretching out after an apparatus main body one side direction.

22, as any one described imaging device among claim 1-15, the 18-21, wherein, further comprise:

One record head, it is discharged record liquid and is used to form image.

23, imaging device as claimed in claim 22 wherein, further comprises:

One sub-storage tank, it is to described record head supply record liquid; And

One record liquid box, its supply record liquid is to described sub-storage tank.

24, an imaging device, it comprises:

One record head, it is discharged record liquid and is used to form image;

One record liquid box, its supply record liquid is to described record head;

One paper feed tray;

One discharge tray; And

One box-packed carrier unit wherein loads described record liquid box; Wherein

Described paper feed tray, described discharge tray and described box-packed carrier unit are arranged on the front surface of described imaging device.

25, imaging device as claimed in claim 24, wherein

Described record liquid box is loaded onto on the described imaging device along the direction identical with described paper feed tray paper feeding direction.

26, as claim 24 or 25 described imaging devices, wherein, further comprise:

In another connector of connector, power switch and the stube cable of operating unit, connection external equipment at least one.

27, as any one described imaging device among the claim 24-26, wherein, the similar thin box body of the shape of described record liquid box.

Images