Image recording apparatus

An image recording apparatus is provided, including a casing; a tray which is to be installed to the casing by being inserted in a first orientation and which is to be withdrawn from the casing in a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation; a sheet conveying passage; a platen; a recording part; and an interlock which moves the platen while being interlocked with movement of the tray in the first orientation or movement in the second orientation. The platen is movable to a printing position and a release position. The interlock moves the platen from the printing position to the release position while being interlocked with the withdrawal of the tray from the casing or the insertion of the tray into the casing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2019-164634 filed on Sep. 10, 2019, No. 2019-164638 filed on Sep. 10, 2019, No. 2019-164637 filed on Sep. 10, 2019, No. 2019-164639 filed on Sep. 10, 2019 and No. 2019-164640 filed on Sep. 10, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to an image recording apparatus which records an image on a sheet.

Description of the Related Art

Regarding an image recording apparatus, in a case that a sheet is jammed in the inside of a casing of the image recoding apparatus, the sheet is removed from the inside of the casing by allowing a user to access the sheet from the outside of the casing.

For example, a printer is known, including a rotatable platen which is opposed to a recording part configured to record an image on a sheet and which supports the sheet. In the case of this printer, if the sheet is jammed in the space between the recording unit and the platen, then a tray, on which the sheet is supported, is withdrawn from the casing, and then the platen is controlled and rotated by a controller from a reference position to a release position. Thus, such a state is given that a sheet conveying passage is open to a great extent, and it is easy to take out the sheet.

SUMMARY

However, in the case of the known printer described above, the platen is rotated to the release position after the withdrawal of the tray from the casing. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to operate a switch for releasing the locked state of the platen and/or operate a lever for changing the locked state. In this case, it is feared that the user may forget the execution of the operation after the withdrawal of the tray from the casing. In such a situation, the platen remains at the reference position. Therefore, it is feared that the sheet cannot be taken out. Further, time and labor are required to perform the operation in order to rotate the platen.

The present disclosure has been made taking the foregoing circumstances into consideration, an object of which is to provide an image recording apparatus which makes it possible to reliably move a platen from a position provided during the printing to a position provided when a sheet is taken out, in accordance with the withdrawal of a tray from a casing.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an image recording apparatus including:a casing including an opening and an internal space, the internal space being open to outside via the opening;a tray which is to be installed to the casing by being inserted in a first orientation into the internal space via the opening, which is to be withdrawn from the casing in a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation, and which is configured to support a sheet;a sheet conveying passage located in the casing;a platen located in the conveying passage and including a support surface for supporting the sheet;a recording part located above the platen and configured to record an image on the sheet supported by the platen; andan interlock which moves the platen while being interlocked with movement of the tray in the first orientation or movement in the second orientation,wherein the platen is movable to a printing position which is a position provided during the recording of the image on the sheet by the recording part and a release position at which the support surface is located under the printing position, andwherein the interlock moves the platen from the printing position to the release position while being interlocked with the withdrawal of the tray from the casing or the insertion of the tray into the casing.

In this configuration, when the tray is withdrawn from the casing, the platen is moved to the release position. In other words, it is unnecessary to provide any exclusive switch and/or any exclusive lever which would be otherwise operated by the user in order to move the platen to the release position. The platen can be reliably moved to the release position by merely withdrawing the tray from the casing.

Usually, when the image is recorded on the sheet, the tray is installed to the casing of the image recording apparatus. In the configuration of the present disclosure, the platen is moved to the printing position while being interlocked with the insertion of the tray into the casing. Therefore, it is possible to avoid such a situation that the printing process is executed while the platen is not returned to the printing position.

According to the image recording apparatus concerning the present disclosure, it is possible to move the platen from the printing position to the release position in accordance with the withdrawal of the tray from the casing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An explanation will be made below, while appropriately referring to the drawings, about an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the embodiment explained below is merely an example of the present disclosure. It goes without saying that the embodiment of the present disclosure can be appropriately changed within a range without changing the gist or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. In the following explanation, an up-down direction7is defined on the basis of a state (state depicted inFIG.1) in which a multifunction peripheral10is usably installed. A front-rear direction8is defined assuming that a plane, in which an opening13is provided, is defined as a front side (front surface17). A left-right direction9(an example of a “scanning direction”) is defined as viewing the multifunction peripheral10from the front side (side of the front surface17). The up-down direction7, the front-rear direction8, and the left-right direction9are orthogonal to one another. Further, in the following explanation, advancement or movement (displacement) directed from a starting point to an end point of an arrow is expressed as an “orientation”, and going forth and back on a line connecting the starting point and the end point of the arrow is expressed as a “direction”. In other words, the orientation is a component of the direction.

[Overall Structure of Multifunction Peripheral10]

As depicted inFIG.1, the multifunction peripheral10is provided with a casing14which is generally formed into a thin type rectangular parallelepiped. The multifunction peripheral10has various functions including, for example, a print function and a scan function. As the print function, the multifunction peripheral10has a function of recording an image on one surface of the recording paper12(seeFIG.2, example of a “sheet”) in accordance with the ink-jet system. The multifunction peripheral10may be configured to record images on both surfaces of the recording paper12. A printer part11(example of an “image recording apparatus”) is provided at a lower portion of the casing14in order to realize the print function. A scanner part35is provided at an upper portion of the casing14in order to realize the scan function.

The casing14is an exterior cover for accommodating therein the respective constitutive elements of the printer part11and the scanner part35. The casing14is placed on a base member90(seeFIG.3), which will be described later on, from an upper position to cover the base member90.

As depicted inFIGS.2and3, the printer part11is provided with, as constitutive elements thereof, a feed tray20(example of a “tray”), a discharge tray21, a feeding part16, a conveying passage65, a base member90, a pair of side frames55(example of a “frame”), a recording part24, guide rails56, a conveying roller pair59(example of a “first roller pair”), a discharge roller pair44(example of a “second roller pair”), a contact member41, a platen42, and an interlocking mechanism. As depicted inFIG.11, the interlocking mechanism is provided with slide members74, levers75, coil springs115(example of the biasing member), a tray sensor170, a sheet sensor174, an encoder181, and a controller190. As depicted inFIGS.2,3and11, the feeding part16, the conveying passage65, the pair of side frames55, the recording part24, the guide rails56, the conveying roller pair59, the discharge roller pair44, the contact member41, the platen42, and the interlocking mechanism are positioned at the inside of the casing14.

As depicted inFIG.1, the opening13is formed in the front surface17of the casing14. As depicted inFIG.3, the casing14has an internal space23. The internal space23is open to the outside (space disposed in front of the casing14) via the opening13.

The feed tray20is installed to the casing14by being inserted into the casing14via the opening13and by being moved backwardly (in the backward orientation).FIG.1depicts a state in which the feed tray20is installed to the casing14. The feed tray20, which is installed to the casing14, is withdrawn from the casing14via the opening13by being moved frontwardly (in the frontward orientation) (seeFIG.4). The backward orientation is an example of a “first orientation”. The frontward orientation (opposite to the backward orientation) is an example of a “second orientation”.

As depicted inFIG.4, the feed tray20is a box-shaped member having an upper portion which is open. The feed tray20is provided with a bottom wall22and a pair of side walls30.

As depicted inFIG.2, sheets of the recording paper12are supported by the bottom wall22in a stacked state. Note that the recording paper12is omitted from the illustration in the respective drawings which are different fromFIG.2.

As depicted inFIG.4, the bottom wall22supports a pair of side guides98which are movable in the left-right direction9. Note thatFIG.4depicts only a side guide98on the right side (right side guide98) of the pair of side guides98, and a side guide98on the left side (left side guide98) of the pair of side guides98is disposed at a position at which the left side guide98is hidden by the discharge tray21and is not visible. A right end of the recording paper12supported by the bottom wall22makes contact with (abuts against) the left surface of the right side guide98. A left end of the recording paper12supported by the bottom wall22makes contact with the right surface of the left side guide98. The pair of side guides98are connected to one another so that the pair of side guides98are interlockable with each other. When one of the pair of side guides98is moved rightwardly or leftwardly, the other is interlocked and moved leftwardly or rightwardly.

As depicted inFIG.4, the pair of side walls30are provided upstandingly in the upward direction from a right end and a left end of the bottom wall22. The pair of side walls30extend in the front-rear direction8. The pair of side walls30, which parts or portions subjected to the contact by the levers75(as will be described later on) in the feed tray20, are positioned under or below an upper end13A of the opening13(seeFIG.11).

The pair of side walls30have recesses99which are disposed at back end portions thereof and which are recessed downwardly from the upper surface97. An inclined surface99A, which comparts a front end of the recess99, is inclined upwardly further toward closely to the front.

The pair of side walls30have cutouts96on outer sides thereof in the left-right direction9. In other words, inner side portions in the left-right direction9of the pair of side walls30are not cut out. The pair of side walls30are provided with projected parts125which project or protrude upwardly and which are disposed at the positions not subjected to the cutting out. The projected parts125support the discharge tray21.

The cutouts96are recessed downwardly from the upper surfaces97of the pair of side walls30. The cutouts96are formed at approximately central portions in the front-rear direction8of the pair of side walls30. A back end of each of the cutouts96is comparted by a back surface96A. An upper end portion of the back surface96A is an inclined surface96B. The inclined surface96B is inclined upwardly further toward closely to the back. A front end of the cutout96is comparted by a front surface96C.

The projected parts125make contact with protrusions124of the slide members74from front positions of the slide members74during a process in which the feed tray20is (being) inserted into the casing14. Holes126, which penetrate in the left-right direction9, are formed at the upper end portions of the projected parts125. Projections (bumps)127of the discharge tray21are inserted into the holes126(seeFIG.4).

The lever75(to be described later on) is arranged over or above the cutout96. Therefore, each of the projected parts125is arranged while being offset to the inside in the left-right direction9of the side wall30, and each of the projected parts125is made high. Accordingly, the position of the discharge tray21supported by the projected parts125is offset upwardly. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a high height of the side guide98positioned under or below the discharge tray21.

The upper surface97has a horizontal surface97A which extends frontwardly from an upper end of the front surface96C of the cutout96.

As depicted inFIG.4, the discharge tray21is rotatably supported by the feed tray20, and the discharge tray21is movable in the front-rear direction8integrally with the feed tray20. The discharge tray21is provided with the projections127which project or protrude in the left-right direction9from both of left and right ends disposed at back end portions thereof. The projections127are inserted into the holes126which are formed through the projected parts125of the feed tray20. Accordingly, the discharge tray21is rotatable (rockable, pivotable) in directions of arrows131with respect to the feed tray20about the center of the shaft or axis which passes through the centers of the projections127and which extends in the left-right direction9. A front upper portion of the feed tray20is opened/closed in accordance with the rotation of the discharge tray21.FIG.4depicts a state in which the feed tray20is closed by the discharge tray21. The recording paper12can be put in and taken out with respect to the feed tray20by rotating the discharge tray21upwardly from the closed state so that the feed tray20is opened.

As depicted inFIGS.2and11, when the feed tray20is installed to the casing14, an upper surface31of the discharge tray21constructs the bottom surface which comparts the internal space23. The upper surface31supports the recording paper12which is discharged to the internal space23after having an image recorded thereon by the recording part24. The recording paper12, which is supported by the upper surface31, is taken out by the user to the outside of the casing14via the opening13.

As depicted inFIG.4, the upper surface31has a front upper surface31A, a back upper surface31B, and an inclined surface31C. The front upper surface31A extends backwardly from a front end of the upper surface31. The front upper surface31A extends, in the front-rear direction8, up to the vicinity of the front of the horizontal surface97A of the side wall30of the feed tray20front-rear direction. The back upper surface31B extends frontwardly from a back end of the upper surface31. The back upper surface31B is positioned under or below the front upper surface31A. The back upper surface31B is connected to the front upper surface31A via the inclined surface31C.

As depicted inFIGS.2and11, the feeding part16is positioned over or above the bottom wall22of the feed tray20in a state that the feed tray20is installed to the printer part11and is positioned under or below the recording part24. The feeding part16is provided with a feed roller25, a feed arm26, and a driving transmitting mechanism27. The feed roller25is rotatably supported at a forward end portion of the feed arm26. The feed arm26is rotatable in the directions of arrows29about the center of a support shaft28provided at a proximal end portion of the feed arm26. Accordingly, the feed roller25is capable of making contact with and separating away from the feed tray20or the recording paper12supported by the feed tray20.

The feed roller25is rotated by a driving force of a conveying motor73(seeFIG.3) transmitted by the driving transmitting mechanism27including a plurality of gears. Accordingly, a recording paper sheet12, which is disposed on the uppermost side, among recording paper sheets12supported by the bottom wall22of the feed tray20, and which makes contact with the feed roller25, is fed to the conveying passage65. Note that the feed roller25may be rotated by the driving force applied thereto from a motor which is provided separately from the conveying motor73. Further, the driving transmitting mechanism27is not limited to the form which includes the plurality of gears. For example, the driving transmitting mechanism27may include a belt which is stretched between the support shaft28and the shaft of the feed roller25.

As depicted inFIG.2, the conveying passage65extends from a back end portion of the feed tray20. The conveying passage65is formed at a location behind or on the back side of the internal space23. In other words, the conveying passage65is formed at a position opposite to the opening13positioned at the front end of the casing14, with respect to the internal space23. The conveying passage65is provided with a curved part33(example of a “first path”) and a straight part34(example of a “second path”). The curved part33extends while being curved, with the back side thereof being as the outer side of the curvature and the front side thereof being as the inner side of the curvature. The straight part34extends in the front-rear direction8.

The curved part33extends upwardly from the back end portion of the feed tray20, while the curved part33U-turns from the backward orientation to the frontward orientation. The curved part33is formed by a first guide member18and a second guide member19which are opposed to one another while being separated from each other by a predetermined spacing distance. The first guide member18comparts the outer side of the curvature of the curved part33. The second guide member19comparts the inner side of the curvature of the curved part33.

The straight part34extends generally in the front-rear direction8. A back end of the straight part34is continued to the curved part33. A front end of the straight part34is continued to the internal space23. In other words, the straight part34is continued to the curved part33, and the straight part34extends frontwardly to arrive at the internal space23. In other words, the straight part34extends backwardly from the internal space23. The straight part34is formed by the recording part24and the platen42which are opposed to one another while being separated from each other by a predetermined spacing distance, at a position at which the recording part24is arranged. The first guide member18and the second guide member19are provided to extend in the left-right direction9which is a direction orthogonal to the sheet surface ofFIG.2.

The recording paper12, which is supported by the feed tray20, is conveyed so that the recording paper12U-turns from the downward to the upward through the curved part33by means of the feed roller25, and the recording paper12arrives at the conveying roller pair59. The recording paper12, which is nipped by the conveying roller pair59, is conveyed frontwardly through the straight part34, with the image recording surface being directed to the recording part24. The recording paper12, which arrives at the position just under or immediately below the recording part24, is subjected to the recording of the image on the image recording surface by the recording part24. The recording paper12, on which the image has been recorded, is conveyed frontwardly through the straight part34, and the recording paper12is discharged to the upper surface31of the discharge tray21. As described above, the recording paper12is conveyed along with a conveying orientation15indicated by an arrow of alternate long and short dash line depicted inFIG.2.

The base member90depicted inFIG.3is a member which constructs a lower portion of the printer part11. The base member90is integrally formed or molded with a resin material such as PBT, ABS, etc.

As depicted inFIG.3, the base member90is provided with a right part91which constitutes a right portion of the printer part11, a left part92which constitutes a left portion of the printer part11, and a connecting part93which connects the right part91and the left part92.

The bottom surface of the base member90is a placing surface when the multifunction machine10is placed, for example, on a desk.

The right part91is positioned rightwardly as compared with the feed tray20installed to the casing14. The left part92is positioned leftwardly as compared with the feed tray20installed to the casing14. In other words, the feed tray20is installed between the right part91and the left part92.

As depicted inFIGS.3and12, each of the right part91and the left part92is provided with a first protrusion94and a second protrusion95. The first protrusion94and the second protrusion95, which are provided for the right part91, protrude leftwardly from the left surface of the right part91. The first protrusion94and the second protrusion95, which are provided for the left part92, protrude rightwardly from the right surface of the left part92. The second protrusion95is positioned at the back of the first protrusion94. The first protrusion94and the second protrusion95are provided while providing a spacing distance in the front-rear direction8.

A lower surface94A of the first protrusion94and a lower surface95A of the second protrusion95are capable of making contact with the upper surface97of the side wall of the feed tray20and the upper surface31of the discharge tray21from thereabove (from the upper positon). The lower surface94A has an inclined surface94B. The inclined surface94B is inclined downwardly further toward closely to the back. The lower surface95A has an inclined surface95B. The inclined surface95B is inclined downwardly further toward closely to the back. The inclined surfaces94B,95B downwardly guide the feed tray20inserted into the casing14.

As depicted inFIG.12, each of the right part91and the left part92is provided with a third protrusion70which is disposed at the back of the second protrusion95. The third protrusion70is continued to the second protrusion95. A lower end of the third protrusion70is positioned upwardly as compared with the lower end of the second protrusion95. A back lower end part70A of the third protrusion70makes contact with the lever75so as to regulate the rotation of the lever75in the orientation of an arrow151.

As depicted inFIG.11, the connecting part93has a recess118which is disposed under or below the platen42and which is recessed downwardly. The bottom of the recess118is comparted by a surface119. The surface119is sandwiched, in the front-rear direction8, by walls120,121which protrude upwardly from the surface119front-rear direction. The wall120is positioned in front of the wall121. The walls120,121extend in the left-right direction9. The wall120has an inclined surface122on its upper surface. The inclined surface122is inclined upwardly further toward closely to the back.

As depicted inFIG.5, a pair of side frames55are provided with a spacing distance therebetween in the left-right direction9. Each of the side frames55is integrally formed with a metal material. Each of the side frames55is provided with a side plate55A which expands in the up-down direction7and the front-rear direction8and a bottom plate55B which extends inwardly in the left-right direction9from a lower end of the side plate55A (leftwardly in the case of the side frame55on the right side and rightwardly in the case of the side frame55on the left side). The bottom plate55B supports the slide member74.

Each of the side frames55is provided with a projection36and a projection37. The projection36and the projection37extend outwardly in the left-right direction9from an upper end of the side plate55A (rightwardly in the case of the side frame55on the right side and leftwardly in the case of the side frame55on the left side). The projection36is positioned in front of the projection37.

The projection36has a cutout51. As depicted inFIG.10B, the base member90is positioned under or below the projection36, and a screw hole (not depicted), which is formed in the base member90, is positioned under or below the cutout51. A screw52penetrates through the cutout51from thereabove, and the screw52is fastened to the screw hole. Accordingly, the side frame55is secured to the base member90.

As depicted inFIG.2, the recording part24is provided over or above the straight part34. The recording part24is provided with a carriage40and a recording head38(example of a “head”). The platen42is provided at a position which is disposed under or below the recording part24and which is opposed to the recording part24. The platen42is a member which supports the recording paper12conveyed through the straight part34. The platen42will be explained in detail later on.

The carriage40is supported by two guide rails56which are arranged, with a spacing distance therebetween in the front-rear direction8, so that the carriage40is reciprocatively movable in the left-right direction9. The carriage40is moved by the driving force applied from a carriage motor69(seeFIG.27). Each of the two guide rails56is integrally formed with a metal material. The two guide rails56are supported by the side plates55A of the pair of side frames55(seeFIG.3).

The recording head38is mounted on the carriage40. Inks are supplied from ink cartridges100(seeFIG.1) to the recording head38. A plurality of nozzles39are formed in the lower surface of the recording head38. The plurality of nozzles39, which are formed in the lower surface of the recording head38, construct a plurality of nozzle arrays which are arranged side by side with a spacing distance therebetween in the left-right direction9. Each of the plurality of nozzle arrays is constructed by a predetermined number (a plurality of) nozzles39which are aligned, with spacing distances therebetween, in the conveying orientation15(front-rear direction8). In other words, the number of the nozzles39formed in the lower surface of the recording head38is a number obtained by multiplying the number of the nozzle arrays by the predetermined number. Note thatFIG.2schematically depicts one nozzle array.

When the carriage40is moving in the left-right direction9, the recording head38discharges ink droplets from the nozzles39toward the platen42. Accordingly, the image is recorded on the recording paper12which is in the state of being supported by the platen42.

The carriage40is movable to an opposing area154and retracted areas155,156as depicted inFIG.5. The retracted area155is an example of the first retracted area. The retracted area156is an example of the second retracted area.

The opposing area154is an area in which the carriage40is moved when the recording head38records the image on the recording paper12. The opposing area154is an area which is opposed to the platen42in the up-down direction7. In other words, the opposing area154is positioned over or above the platen42and the straight part34of the conveying passage65. The opposing area154is the area which is disposed between the two slide members74.

The retracted areas155,156are areas which are disposed outside the slide members74in the left-right direction9. The retracted area155is the area which is disposed rightwardly as compared with the slide member74on the right side), and the retracted area156is the area which is disposed leftwardly as compared with the slide member74on the left side).

A maintenance mechanism is arranged in the retracted area155. The maintenance mechanism is provided with, for example, a cap which is movable upwardly/downwardly and which covers the nozzles39of the recording head38, and a waste liquid storage part which is connected to the cap via a tube, etc. The maintenance for the recording head38includes, for example, a blank discharge of the ink. When the maintenance is executed, the carriage40is moved to the retracted area155. The cap is moved upwardly to cover the nozzles39. The inks are discharged from the nozzles39. The discharged inks flow to the waste liquid storage part via the tube. Note that the maintenance mechanism may be arranged in the retracted area156.

As depicted inFIG.2, the conveying roller pair59is arranged upstream in the conveying orientation from a support surface of the platen42and the recording head38in the straight part34of the conveying passage65(backwardly from the recording head38).

The conveying roller pair59is provided with a conveying roller60(example of a “roller”) which is arranged under or below the straight part34and a pinch roller61which is arranged over or above the straight part34while being opposed to the conveying roller60and which follows the conveying roller60.

As depicted inFIG.5, the conveying roller60is a columnar member which extends in the left-right direction9. The conveying roller60is rotatably supported by the side plates55A of the pair of side frames55by the aid of bearings71. In this embodiment, each of the bearings71is fitted to a cutout which is formed on the side plate55A, and the conveying roller60is inserted into the bearings71.

The pinch roller61depicted inFIG.2is rotatably supported by roller holders85depicted inFIGS.5and11. As depicted inFIG.5, coil springs57are provided over or above the roller holders85. Lower ends of the coil springs57are connected to the roller holders85, and upper ends of the coil springs57are connected to a lower surface of the guide rail depicted inFIG.3. Accordingly, the roller holders85are supported by the guide rail56by the aid of the coil springs57. The roller holders85are biased downwardly by the coil springs57. Accordingly, the pinch roller61, which is supported by the roller holders85, is biased by the conveying roller60. Each of the roller holders85is provided with a projected part88which is provided at a back portion thereof and which extends upwardly. A forward end of the projected part88is placed or put on the guide rail56and the forward end is supported thereby (seeFIGS.3and11). Accordingly, the attitude of each of the roller holders85is stabilized. Each of the roller holders85has a through-hole86which penetrates through the roller holder85in the left-right direction9. A shaft87is inserted into the through-holes86.

The conveying roller pair59can undergo a state change to the nipping state and the separated state. When any external force is not applied to the shaft87, the pinch roller61makes contact with the conveying roller60by being biased by the coil spring57. In this situation, the conveying roller pair59is in the nipping state. When the shaft87is moved upwardly by being guided by the projection106of the slide member74, the pinch roller61is separated from the conveying roller60against the urging force of the coil spring57(seeFIG.19). In this situation, the conveying roller pair59is in the separated state.

As depicted inFIG.2, the discharge roller pair44is arranged downstream in the conveying orientation from the support surface of the platen42and the recording head38in the straight part34(in front of the recording head38).

The discharge roller pair44is provided with a discharge roller62which is arranged under or below the straight part34and a spur63which is arranged opposingly to the discharge roller62at a location over or above the straight part34and which follows the discharge roller62.

As depicted inFIG.5, the discharge roller62is provided with a shaft64which extends in the left-right direction9and a roller part58which covers the outer circumference of the shaft64. A plurality of pieces of the roller part58are provided with spacing distances therebetween in the left-right direction9. The shaft64of the discharge roller62is rotatably supported by the side plates55A of the pair of side frames55by the aid of bearings72. In this embodiment, the bearing72is fitted to a cutout formed on each of the side plates55A, and the shaft64is inserted into the bearing72.

The spur63depicted inFIG.2is provided as a plurality of spurs63, with spacing distances therebetween in the left-right direction9. The respective spurs63are provided at positions opposed to the roller parts58, respectively, in the left-right direction9. Each of the spurs63is biased against one of the roller parts58by an unillustrated elastic member (for example, a coil spring).

The conveying roller60and the discharge roller62are rotated by the driving force transmitted from a conveying motor73(seeFIG.5). When the conveying roller60is rotated in a state (nipping state) in which the recording paper12is nipped by the conveying roller pair59, the recording paper12is conveyed in the conveying orientation15by the conveying roller pair59. Further, when the discharge roller62is rotated in the state in which the recording paper12is nipped by the discharge roller pair44, the recording paper12is conveyed in the conveying orientation15by the discharge roller pair44.

As depicted inFIG.2, the contact member41is positioned upstream in the conveying orientation15from the nozzles39of the recording part24in the conveying passage65.

As depicted inFIG.5, the contact member41is provided with a plurality of extending parts81and one main body part82. The main body part82extends in the left-right direction9. The main body part82is attached to the guide rail56(seeFIG.3) by being fitted thereto from therebelow (from the lower position). The plurality of extending parts81extend frontwardly and downwardly from the main body part82, with spacing distances therebetween in the left-right direction9.

In this embodiment, the contact member41is an integrally formed or molded product containing, as a main component thereof, a resin such as polyacetal (POM), etc. Note that it is also allowable that the contact member41is not the integrally formed product. For example, the contact member41may be composed of a plurality of extending parts81without including the main body part82, and the respective extending parts81may be attached to the guide rail56.

As depicted inFIG.2, each of the extending parts81extends up to the vicinity of the nozzles39in the conveying orientation15. A forward end of each of the extending parts81is positioned under or below the nipping position at which the recording paper12is nipped by the conveying roller pair59(position at which the conveying roller60and the pinch roller61are brought in contact).

As depicted inFIG.2, the platen42is positioned at a position which is disposed under or below the recording part24and which is opposed to the recording part24. The platen42is a member which supports the recording paper12conveyed through the straight part34by the conveying roller pair59.

As depicted inFIG.6, the platen42is a generally plate-shaped member. The platen42is composed of a back part161, a central part162, and a front part163. The back part161constitutes a back portion of the platen42. The central part162is continued to a front end of the back part161, and the central part162constitutes a central portion in the front-rear direction8of the platen42. The front part163is continued to a front end of the central part162, and the front part163constitutes a front portion of the platen42.

The central part162is positioned between most upstream nozzles39A in the conveying orientation15(seeFIG.2) and most downstream nozzles39B in the conveying orientation15(seeFIG.2) which are included in the nozzles39constructing the nozzle arrays.

The back part161is positioned at the back of (upstream in the conveying orientation15from) the central part162. At least a part of the back part161is positioned in front of (downstream in the conveying orientation15from) the nozzles39A. The front part163is positioned in front of the central part162. At least a part of the front part163is positioned at the back of the nozzles39B.

A plurality of ribs43and a plurality of ribs45are formed on the upper surface42A of the platen42.

The plurality of ribs43are formed to range from the back part161to the back portion of the central part162. The respective ribs43extend in the conveying orientation15(front-rear direction8). The respective ribs43are provided, with spacing distances therebetween in the left-right direction9.

As depicted inFIG.7, the upper end of each of the ribs43is positioned over or above a forward end part81A of each of the extending parts81of the contact member41. The forward end part81A makes contact with an upper surface12A of the conveyed recording paper12between the conveying roller pair59and the nozzles39in the straight part34. Further, the upper surface of each of the ribs43makes contact with a lower surface12B of the conveyed recording paper12between the conveying roller pair59and the nozzles39in the straight part34. The recording paper12has a wavy or wave-like shape continued in the left-right direction9by making contact with the forward end parts81A of the extending parts81from thereabove and making contact with the ribs43from therebelow.

As depicted inFIG.6, the plurality of ribs45are formed at the front part163. The respective ribs45are provided, with spacing distances therebetween in the left-right direction9. Each of the ribs45is composed of an upper part45A and a side part45B. The upper part45A extends in the conveying orientation15(frontward orientation) on the upper surface42A of the front part163up to a front end of the upper surface42A of the front part163. The side part45B is continued to a downstream end (front end of the upper part45A) in the conveying orientation15of the upper part45A. The side part45B extends downwardly in the up-down direction7on the front side surface42B of the front part163. An upper surface of the rib45(in particular, an upper surface of the upper part45A of the rib45) makes contact with the lower surface12B of the conveyed recording paper12. The upper surfaces of the ribs43,45form or correspond to a “support surface”, in the platen42, which supports the recording paper12on the platen42. In other words, in this embodiment, there is a plurality of pieces of the support surface which supports the recording paper12. A back end part43A of the upper surface of the rib43corresponds to an end portion in the first orientation of the support surface. A front end part45C of the upper surface of the rib45corresponds to an end portion in the second orientation of the support surface.

As depicted inFIG.11, when the platen42is located at the printing position (to be described later on), a lower end of the side part45B is positioned over or above a lower end of the shaft64of the discharge roller62.

As depicted inFIG.6, the platen42has projected parts49(example of a “contact part”) which protrude frontwardly from both of left and right end portions of the front side surface42B.

The platen42has projected parts46which project or protrude backwardly from both of left and right end portions of the back part161. Upper surfaces46A of the projected parts46are each recessed downwardly while being curved in a circular arc-shaped form. In other words, recesses130are formed by the upper surfaces46A.

The recesses130, which are formed by the upper surfaces46A of the projected parts46, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction9with the cutouts of the side plates55A of the side frames55to which the bearings71(seeFIG.3) are fitted. Specifically, a projected part46, which is included in the projected parts46and which protrudes from the right end portion of the platen42, is arranged side by side to the left position of the side plate55A of the side frame55on the right side, and a projected part46, which is included in the projected parts46and which protrudes from the left end portion of the platen42, is arranged side by side to the right position of the side plate55A of the side frame55on the left side. In other words, the projected parts46are positioned on the inner sides of the side plates55A of the pair of side frames55in the left-right direction9. As for the bearing71, the outer portion thereof in the left-right direction9is fitted to the cutout of the side plate55A of the side frame55, and the inner portion thereof in the left-right direction9is fitted to the recess formed by the upper surface46A of the projected part46. In other words, the upper surface46A makes contact with the bearing71along with the circumferential direction of the shaft of the conveying roller60. Note that the upper surface46A may make contact with the shaft of the conveying roller60and the side plate55A of the side frame55along with the circumferential direction of the shaft of the conveying roller60, rather than making contact with the bearing71.

Accordingly, the platen42is rotatable about the bearings71. In other words, the platen42is rotatable about the shaft or axis of the conveying roller60. The platen42is rotatable between a printing position depicted inFIGS.11and13and a release position depicted inFIGS.20and22.

The printing position is a position of the platen42at which the recording part24records the image on the recording paper12. As depicted inFIG.2, when the platen42is located at the printing position, then the upper surface42A of the platen42generally expands in the front-rear direction8and the left-right direction9, and the upper surface42A of the platen42is opposed to the recording head38.

The release position is a position of the platen42to be provided when the recording paper12, which is jammed in the space between the recording part24and the platen42, is taken out to the outside of the casing14. As depicted inFIGS.20and22, when the platen42is located at the release position, a front end portion of the platen42is positioned downwardly as compared with when the platen42is located at the printing position. In this situation, the support surface of the platen42for supporting the recording paper12is positioned downwardly as compared with when the platen42is located at the printing position. Accordingly, as depicted inFIG.20, a gap32is generated between the front end portion of the platen42and the discharge roller pair44. Accordingly, the space between the recording part24and the platen42, which is included in the straight part34, is communicated with the internal space23via the gap32.

As depicted inFIG.6, a contact piece47is provided at a location under or below the projected part46. The contact piece47is attached to the projected part46with a coil spring48intervening therebetween. One end of the coil spring48is connected to a lower surface of the projected part46, and the other end of the coil spring48is connected to the contact piece47.

As depicted inFIG.13, the contact piece47is supported by making contact with a support surface102of the slide member74from therebelow. Further, as depicted inFIG.11, the projected part49is supported by a protrusion104of the slide member74from therebelow. Accordingly, the platen42, which is located at the printing position, is supported by the slide member74.

As depicted inFIG.6, the platen42has projections50which project or protrude in the left-right direction9from a right side surface and a left side surface of the central part162. As depicted inFIG.19, the projections50are guided by making contact with inclined surfaces103(example of a “second guide part”) of the slide members74, and thus the platen42is rotated.

As depicted inFIG.6, the projections50are provided on the central part162not on the back part161and the front part163. In other words, the projections50are provided at the central portion of the platen42in the front-rear direction8. In this embodiment, a length L3, which ranges in the front-rear direction8from the front end of the platen42to the projection50, is not less than ¼ of a length L4which ranges in the front-rear direction8from the front end to the back end of the platen42.

The central part162of the platen42has protrusions164which protrude in the left-right direction9from the upper end portions of the right side surface and the left side surface. Upper surfaces of the protrusions164constitute parts of the upper surface42A of the platen42. The projections50are positioned under or below the protrusions164. In other words, the protrusions164cover upper portions of the projections50. In other words, the upper surfaces42A of the protrusions164of the platen42are positioned over or above the projections50, and the upper surfaces42A cover the upper portions of the projections50.

The dimension or size in the left-right direction9of the central part162is longer by the dimensions or sizes of the protrusions164than the dimension or size in the left-right direction9of the front part163.

As depicted inFIG.8, the platen42is provided with a plate member83which is composed of a metal such as iron, etc. In this embodiment, the plate member83is bent, and the plate member83has holes84,89. The platen42has, on the lower surface, projections116and a projection117which project or protrude frontwardly. The projections116are inserted into the holes84, and the projection117is inserted into the hole89. Thus, the plate member83is attached to the platen42. The plate member83is positioned on the front side as compared with the center in the front-rear direction8of the platen42. In other words, the plate member83is attached to a position nearer to a downstream end in the conveying orientation15of the platen42as compared with an upstream end in the conveying orientation15of the platen42.

As depicted inFIG.20, when the platen42is located at the release position, a part of the front end portion of the platen42enters the recess118of the base member90. In this situation, the platen42is supported by the surface119of the base member90. In this embodiment, the plate member83, which is attached to the platen42, makes contact with the surface119from thereabove. Thus, the plate member83is supported by the surface119. Accordingly, the platen42is supported by the base member90.

Note that in this embodiment, the plate member83is supported by the surface119over the range ranging from the left end to the right end thereof, i.e., over the entire range in the left-right direction9thereof. However, it is sufficient, regarding the plate member83, that at least a central portion in the left-right direction9of the plate member83is supported by the surface119. Further, it is also allowable that any portion of the platen42other than the plate member83is supported by the surface119.

As depicted inFIG.20, when the platen42is located at the release position, a virtual plane129, which includes the inclined surface122of the wall120, is positioned over or above the platen42. In other words, when the platen42is located at the release position, the virtual plane129, which includes the inclined surface122of the wall120, covers the platen42from the upper position.

The platen42is positioned under or below the upper end13A of the opening13(seeFIG.11) and the platen42is positioned over or above the lower end13B of the opening13(seeFIG.11), regardless of the position of the platen42.

The interlocking mechanism is such a mechanism which causes the platen42to rotate from the printing position to the release position while being interlocked with withdrawal or removal of the feed tray20from the casing14(movement of the feed tray20toward the front), and which causes the platen42to rotate from the release position to the printing position while being interlocked with the insertion of the feed tray20into the casing14(movement of the feed tray20toward the back). As depicted inFIGS.5,12, and13, the interlocking mechanism is provided with the slide members74, the levers75, and the coil springs115.

As depicted inFIG.5, the slide members74are supported slidably in the front-rear direction8by the bottom plates55B of the pair of side frames55. In other words, two pieces of the slide member74are provided, which are positioned inside the side plates55A in the left-right direction9. That is, the slide members74are provided on the left side of the side frame55on the right side and on the right side of the side frame55on the left side. The slide members74are adjacent to the side plates55A of the pair of side frames55.

Each of the slide members74slides between a back position depicted inFIG.13(example of a “first position”) and a front position depicted inFIG.22(example of a “second position”).

As described later on, each of the slide members74slide from the back position to the front position while being interlocked with the withdrawal of the feed tray20from the casing14, and the slide members74slide from the front position to the back position while being interlocked with the insertion of the feed tray20into the casing14. Further, the platen42is rotated from the printing position to the release position while being interlocked with the slide (sliding movement) of the slide members74from the back position to the front position, and the platen42is rotated from the release position to the printing position while being interlocked with the slide (sliding movement) of the slide members74from the front position to the back position.

As depicted inFIGS.5and13, each of the slide members74is provided with a protrusion101, the support surface102, the inclined surface103, a horizontal surface123, the protrusion104, a protrusion105, and the protrusion124.

As depicted inFIG.13, the protrusion101protrudes upwardly from a back end portion of the slide member74. The projection106, which protrudes frontwardly, is provided at an upper end portion of the protrusion101. An upper surface of the projection106is composed of an inclined surface107and a horizontal surface108. The inclined surface107is positioned on the side of a forward end of the projection106, and the inclined surface107is inclined downwardly further toward closely to the front (forward end of the projection106). The horizontal surface108is positioned on the side of a proximal end of the projection106, and the horizontal surface108is continued to a back end of the inclined surface107. The horizontal surface108is a surface which expands in the front-rear direction8and the left-right direction9.

The inclined surface107is provided with a forward end side inclined surface107A and a proximal end side inclined surface107B. The forward end side inclined surface107A is positioned frontwardly as compared with the proximal end side inclined surface107B, and the forward end side inclined surface107A is continued to a front end of the proximal end side inclined surface107B. In other words, the forward end side inclined surface107A is positioned in front of and under or below the proximal end side inclined surface107B. An angle of inclination θ1of an obtuse angle of the forward end side inclined surface107A with respect to a horizontal plane (plane expanding in the front-rear direction8and the left-right direction9) is smaller than an angle of inclination θ2of an obtuse angle of the proximal end side inclined surface107B with respect to the horizontal plane. In other words, the forward end side inclined surface107A is inclined sharply with respect to the horizontal plane as compared with the proximal end side inclined surface107B. Note that in this embodiment, the upper surface42A of the platen42and the support surface102are surfaces parallel to the horizontal plane.

When each of the slide members74is located at the back position depicted inFIG.13, the projection106is positioned at the back of the shaft87. The inclined surface107makes contact with the shaft87to guide the shaft87in a sliding process of the slide member74from the back position to the front position. When the slide member74is located at the front position depicted inFIG.22, the horizontal surface108supports the shaft87. When the slide member74is located at the front position, the upper surface of the projection106(inclined surface107and horizontal surface108) is positioned just over the bearing71of the conveying roller60(seeFIG.5).

The projection106is overlapped with the retracted area in the left-right direction9. In other words, the projection106is overlapped in the left-right direction9with a positionable space in which the movable carriage40is positionable. Further, an upper end of the projection106is positioned over or above a lower end of the carriage40. In other words, the projection106is overlapped in the up-down direction7with the positionable space. On the other hand, the projection106is positioned at the back of the carriage40, regardless of a slide position of the slide member74. Therefore, the projection106is not overlapped in the front-rear direction8with the positionable space. According to the above, the projection106is overlapped in the left-right direction9and in the up-down direction7with the positionable space, but the projection106is located at the position at which the projection106is offset backwardly from the positionable space in the front-rear direction8. Therefore, the projection106is located at the position which is different from the positionable space in which the movable carriage40is positionable, regardless of the position of the slide member74.

As depicted inFIG.13, the support surface102is positioned in front of the protrusion101. The support surface102is a surface which expands in the front-rear direction8and the left-right direction9. The support surface102supports the contact piece47of the platen42from therebelow, regardless of the position of the slide member74.

As depicted inFIGS.5and13, the inclined surface103is positioned in front of the support surface102. The inclined surface103is inclined upwardly further toward closely to the front.

The inclined surface103is provided with a lower inclined surface103A and an upper inclined surface103B. The upper inclined surface103B is positioned in front of the lower inclined surface103A, and the upper inclined surface103B is continued to a front end of the lower inclined surface103A. In other words, the upper inclined surface103B is positioned in front of and over or above the lower inclined surface103A. An angle of inclination θ3of an obtuse angle of the upper inclined surface103B with respect to a horizontal plane (plane expanding in the front-rear direction8and the left-right direction9) is smaller than an angle of inclination θ4of an obtuse angle of the lower inclined surface103A with respect to the horizontal plane. In other words, the upper inclined surface103B is inclined sharply with respect to the horizontal plane as compared with the lower inclined surface103A. Note that in this embodiment, the upper surface42A of the platen42and the support surface102are surfaces parallel to the horizontal plane.

When the slide member74is located at the back position depicted inFIG.13, the inclined surface103is positioned at the back of the projection50of the platen42. As depicted inFIG.19, the inclined surface103makes contact with the projection50to guide the projection50in the sliding process of the slide member74from the back position to the front position. Accordingly, the platen42is rotated from the printing position (seeFIG.11) to the release position (seeFIG.20).

As depicted inFIGS.5and13, the horizontal surface123extends frontwardly from a front end of the upper inclined surface103B of the inclined surface103. When the slide member74is located at the back position depicted inFIG.13, then the horizontal surface123is positioned under or below the projection50of the platen42, and the horizontal plane123is separated from the projection50. As depicted inFIG.16, the horizontal surface123makes contact with the projection50to guide the projection50toward the inclined surface103in the sliding process of the slide member74from the back position to the front position.

As depicted inFIGS.5and13, the protrusion104is positioned in front of the horizontal plane123. The protrusion104is positioned under or below the discharge roller62. In other words, the protrusion104protrudes upwardly toward the discharge roller62from the upper surface of the slide member74.

The protrusion104is hollowed by a through-hole109which penetrates the protrusion104in the left-right direction9. Accordingly, the protrusion104is divided into a forward end part111and a proximal end part110with the through-hole109intervening therebetween.

The forward end part111is positioned over or above and at the back of the through-hole109. The forward end part111is constructed to have a thin plate-shaped form provided to extend from a back upper end portion via a front upper end portion to a front lower end portion of the protrusion104. Accordingly, the forward end part111can be flexibly bent or warped in a direction crossing an extending direction thereof, and the forward end part111functions as a plate spring (leaf spring).

As depicted inFIG.13, an upper surface of the forward end part111has an inclined surface111A and a horizontal surface111B. The inclined surface111A extends upwardly further as the inclined surface111A extends more frontwardly from a back end of the protrusion104. In other words, the inclined surface111A extends further toward closely to the discharge roller62as the inclined surface111A extends more frontwardly. The horizontal surface111B is continued to a front end of the inclined surface111A, and the horizontal surface111B extends frontwardly from the front end of the inclined surface111A.

The proximal end part110is positioned under or below and in front of the through-hole109. The proximal end part110has a projection112which projects or protrudes upwardly and which is provided on an upper surface thereof (surface which is included in the inner surface of the through-hole109and which comparts a location under or below the through-hole109). The projection112is positioned under or below the horizontal surface111B of the forward end part111. Accordingly, a vertical gap is small at a location of the through-hole109at which the projection112is provided as compared with the other location of the through-hole109. Accordingly, a flexible bending amount of the forward end part111is made to be small by the projection112.

As depicted inFIG.5, the protrusion105is positioned in front of the protrusion104and at a forward end portion of the slide member74. The protrusion105protrudes outwardly in the left-right direction9from the forward end portion of the slide member74. In other words, the protrusion105of the slide member74which is included in the two slide members74and which is positioned on the right side protrudes rightwardly, and the protrusion105of the slide member74which is included in the two slide members74and which is positioned on the left side protrudes leftwardly.

The protrusion105has a projection112which protrudes upwardly and which is provided at the forward end portion thereof. As depicted inFIG.9, the protrusion105penetrates through an opening113which is formed through the base member90. Accordingly, a proximal end portion and a forward end portion (projection112) of the protrusion105are positioned on the mutually opposite sides of the wall114of the base member90in the left-right direction9. The projection112extends up to an upper position from the opening113, and the projection112is adjacent the wall114in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the slide member74is engaged with the base member90by means of the protrusion105. Note thatFIG.9depicts the left part92of the base member90. However, the right part91of the base member90, which is not depicted in the drawing, is also engaged with the slide member74in a similar manner to the left part92.

As depicted inFIG.5, a proximal end portion of the protrusion105is longer than the forward end portion of the protrusion105in the front-rear direction8. Specifically, the proximal end portion of the protrusion105extends to the back as compared with the forward end portion of the protrusion105. The lever75(to be described later on) makes contact with a back surface105A of the proximal end portion of the protrusion105.

As depicted inFIG.5, the protrusion124is provided under or below the protrusion104. The protrusion124protrudes downwardly. The feed tray20, which is to be inserted into the casing14, has the projected part125which makes contact with the protrusion124. Accordingly, the slide member74slides backwardly.

As depicted inFIG.5, the lever75is supported rotatably about the shaft76by the side plate55A of each of the pair of side frames55. In other words, two pieces of the lever75are provided. Each of the levers75is positioned on the outer side of the side plate55A in the left-right direction9. In other words, the levers75are provided at the right side of the side frame55on the right side and at the left side of the side frame55on the left side.

Each of the levers75is supported rotatably about the shaft76by the base member90as well. In other words, each of the levers75is supported by both of the base member90and the side frame55. The shaft76protrudes from the upper portion of each of the levers75to both of the outer side and the inner side in the left-right direction9. As depicted inFIG.10A, a shaft76A, which is included in the shaft76and which protrudes outwardly in the left-right direction9from the lever75, is inserted into a hole77which is formed in the base member90. A shaft76B, which is included in the shaft76and which protrudes inwardly in the left-right direction9from the lever75, is inserted into an aperture78which is formed for the side frame55. The diameter of the hole77is larger than the diameter of the aperture78.

The lever75is rotatable to s reference position depicted inFIG.12, a front rotation position depicted inFIG.21, and a back rotation position depicted inFIG.24. The lever75is rotatable between the front rotation position and the back rotation position. The lever75is positioned at the front rotation position by being rotated in the orientation of the arrow151from the reference position. The lever75is positioned at the back rotation position by being rotated in the orientation of an arrow152(orientation opposite to the arrow151) from the reference position.

As depicted inFIG.12, when the lever75is located at the reference position, a forward end part79of the lever75is positioned under or below the shaft76. The forward end part79includes a forward end79A of the lever75(lower end of the lever75when the lever is located at the reference position).

As depicted inFIG.21, when the lever75is located at the front rotation position, the forward end79A is positioned frontwardly and upwardly as compared with when the lever75is located at the reference position (seeFIG.12). The lever75, which is located at the front rotation position, makes contact with the back lower end part70A of the third protrusion70of the base member90from the back. Accordingly, the lever75, which is located at the front rotation position, is regulated for the rotation in the orientation of the arrow151by the back lower end part70A of the third protrusion70. In other words, the lever75, which is located at the front rotation position, is regulated for the rotation in the orientation to make separation from the reference position by the back lower end part70A of the third protrusion70.

As depicted inFIG.24, when the lever75is located at the back rotation position, the forward end79A is positioned backwardly and upwardly as compared with when the lever75is located at the reference position (seeFIG.12).

As depicted inFIG.12, a lower end of the coil spring115is connected to the upper end portion of the lever75. An upper end of the coil spring115is connected to the projection37of the side frame55(seeFIG.10B). When the lever75is positioned at the reference position, the coil spring115has an equilibrium length. If the lever75is rotated from the reference position toward the front rotation position or the back rotation position, the coil spring115is expanded or shrunk. Accordingly, the lever75is biased toward the reference position by the elastic force of the coil spring115.

The lever75is provided over or above the side wall30and at a same position as that of the side wall30of the feed tray20in the left-right direction9. As depicted inFIG.12, when the lever75is positioned at the reference position, the forward end part79of the lever75enters into the cutout96formed for the side wall30of the feed tray20.

When the lever75is positioned at the reference position, the forward end part79of the lever75(portion of the lever75entering into the cutout96) is positioned at the back of the shaft76. The forward end part79has a back surface79B and a front surface79C. The back surface79B is brought into contact with the back surface96A and the inclined surface96B of the feed tray20to be moved frontwardly during a process of withdrawing (removing) the feed tray20from the casing14(seeFIGS.15and18). The front surface79C makes contact with the inclined surface99A of the side wall30of the feed tray20which is being inserted into the casing14(seeFIGS.4and12).

As depicted inFIG.12, the lever75has a protrusion80. The protrusion80protrudes in the orientation of the arrow151from a virtual surface153expanding in an orientation directed from the shaft76to the forward end79A and in the left-right direction9. The arrow151indicates an orientation in which the lever75is rotated toward the contact position with respect to the slide member74(position of the back surface105A of the protrusion105). A protruding end surface80A of the protrusion80is curved.

As depicted inFIG.12, the lever75located at the back rotation position (indicated by broken lines inFIG.12) is positioned in front of the back surface96A of the cutout96of the feed tray20located at the position (position depicted inFIG.12) at which the feed tray20is installed to the casing14.

As depicted inFIG.24, the lever75located at the front rotation position (indicated by broken lines inFIG.24) is positioned at the back of the front surface96C of the cutout96of the feed tray20at a predetermined position (position depicted inFIG.24). The predetermined position is a position at which the feed tray20is located provided that the slide member74(in particular, the back surface105A of the protrusion105) makes contact with the lever75located at the front rotation position under a condition that the lever75is positioned at the front rotation position in the process in which the feed tray20is (being) inserted into the casing14.

An angle of rotation θ (unit: degree) of the lever75toward the front and the back with respect to the vertical direction (seeFIG.30) fulfills the following relationship of Expression 1 in a state in which the lever75makes contact with the upper surface97of the side wall30of the feed tray20(for example, a state depicted inFIG.30). In Expression 1, “μ” represents the coefficient of friction between the forward end79A of the lever75and the upper surface97of the feed tray20(seeFIG.30).
θ>arctan μ  (Expression 1)

Expression 1 is derived as follows. As depicted inFIG.30, the balance of moments around the shaft76of the lever75is expressed by Expression 2 as follows.
W×Lw×sin θ−N×L1×sin θ+μ×N×L1×cos θ+L2×S=0  (Expression 2)

In Expression 2, “W” (unit: N) is the own weight of the lever75. “Lw” (unit: mm) is a distance from the shaft76of the lever75to the center of gravity of the lever75. “N” (unit: N) is the vertical drag acting on the forward end79A of the lever75from the upper surface97of the feed tray20. “L1” (unit: mm) is a distance from the shaft76of the lever75to the forward end79A of the lever75. “L2” (unit: mm) is a distance from the shaft76of the lever75to the connecting position of the lever75and the coil spring115. “S” (unit: N) is the force acting on the coil spring115.

In a case that Expression 2 is deformed, Expression 3 is obtained as follows.
N=(W×Lw×sin θ+L2×S)/(L1×(sin θ−cos θ))  (Expression 3)

According to Expression 3, if sin θ−μ cos θ=0 is given, N is infinite. Accordingly, if it is intended to move the feed tray20frontwardly from the state depicted inFIG.30, the frontward movement of the feed tray20is inhibited by the lever75. In order to avoid this situation, it is appropriate that sin θ−μ cos θ>0 is given. In other words, it is appropriate that Expression 1 is fulfilled. Note that the relationship, which is fulfilled by the angle of backward and upward rotation of the lever75with respect to the vertical direction, can be also decided in a similar manner to that described above.

The tray sensor170depicted inFIG.2is provided to judge whether or not the feed tray20is inserted until arrival at the inner part of the casing14, i.e., whether or not the feed tray20is installed to the casing14.

As depicted inFIG.2, the tray sensor170is provided at the back portion of the casing14. The tray sensor170is provided with a shaft171which is supported, for example, by the casing14and/or the base member90, a detecting element172which is rotatable about the center of the shaft171, and an optical sensor173which has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element for receiving the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

If the feed tray20is not inserted until arrival at the inner part of the casing14, i.e., if the feed tray20is not installed to the casing14(for example, in the case of the state depicted inFIGS.14to25), then the detecting element172is biased frontwardly by an unillustrated biasing member (for example, a coil spring), and the detecting element172is disposed at the position depicted by the broken line inFIG.2. In this situation, the optical path, which arrives at the light-receiving element from the light-emitting element of the optical sensor173, is not intercepted. Therefore, an electric signal at the high level (level larger than a previously set threshold value) is outputted from the optical sensor173to the controller190(seeFIG.27). The electric signal at the high level is an example of the second signal.

In the process in which the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14, the detecting element172is pushed by the feed tray20, and the detecting element172is rotated backwardly against the urging force of the biasing member. The detecting element172is disposed at the position depicted by the solid line inFIG.2in the state in which the feed tray20is inserted until arrival at the inner part of the casing14, i.e., in the state in which the feed tray20is installed to the casing14(state depicted inFIGS.2and11to13). In this situation, the optical path, which arrives at the light-receiving element from the light-emitting element of the optical sensor173, is intercepted. Therefore, an electric signal at the low level (level smaller than the previously set threshold value) is outputted from the optical sensor173to the controller190(seeFIG.27). The electric signal at the low level is an example of the first signal.

Note that conversely to the above, the optical sensor173may output the electric signal at the low level in the state in which the feed tray20is not installed to the casing14, and the optical sensor173may output the electric signal at the high level in the state in which the feed tray20is installed to the casing14. Further, it is also allowable that the optical sensor173does not output the electric signal in place of the output of the electric signal at the low level. Further, the configuration of the tray sensor170is not limited to the configuration described above. It is possible to adopt various types of known configuration.

The sheet sensor174depicted inFIG.2is the sensor which is provided to detect the presence of the recording paper12at the arrangement position of the sheet sensor174.

As depicted inFIG.2, the sheet sensor174is provided upstream in the conveying orientation15from the conveying roller pair59in the conveying passage65. The sheet sensor174is provided with a shaft175which is supported, for example, by the casing14and/or the base member90, a detecting element176which is rotatable about the center of the shaft175, and an optical sensor177which has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element for receiving the light emitted from the light-emitting element. The detecting element176is biased to the position depicted inFIG.2by an unillustrated biasing member (for example, a coil spring).

The recording paper12, which is conveyed by the feed unit16, passes through the arrangement position of the sheet sensor174, and the recording paper12arrives at the conveying roller pair59.

When the recording paper12is present at the arrangement position, then the detecting element176is pushed by the recording paper12, and the detecting element176is rotated counterclockwise as viewed inFIG.2from the position depicted inFIG.2against the urging force of the biasing member. Accordingly, the optical path, which arrives at the light-receiving element from the light-emitting element of the optical sensor177, is not intercepted. An electric signal at the high level is outputted from the optical sensor173to the controller190(seeFIG.27). The electric signal at the high level is an example of the detection signal.

When the recording paper12is not present at the arrangement position, the detecting element176is disposed at the position depicted inFIG.2by being biased by the biasing member. Accordingly, the optical path, which arrives at the light-receiving element from the light-emitting element of the optical sensor177, is intercepted. An electric signal at the low level is outputted from the optical sensor177to the controller190(seeFIG.27).

Note that conversely to the above, the optical sensor177may output the electric signal at the low level when the recording paper12is present at the arrangement position, and the optical sensor177may output the electric signal at the high level when the recording paper12is not present at the arrangement position. Further, it is also allowable that the optical sensor177does not output the electric signal in place of the output of the electric signal at the low level. Further, the configuration of the sheet sensor174is not limited to the configuration described above. It is possible to adopt various types of known configuration.

As depicted inFIGS.2and3, the printer unit11is provided with a known encoder181which generates a pulse signal in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller60. The encoder181is provided with an encoder disk182and an optical sensor183. The encoder disk182is rotated in cooperation with the rotation of the conveying roller60. The optical sensor183reads the rotating encoder disk182to generate the pulse signal, and the generated pulse signal is outputted to the controller190(seeFIG.27). In other words, the encoder181outputs the signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the conveying roller60. In this case, the conveying roller60is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveying motor73(seeFIGS.3and27, an example of the motor). Therefore, the encoder181outputs the signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the conveying motor73. Note that the encoder disk182may be attached to those other than the conveying roller60, for example, to the conveying motor73or the discharge roller62.

An encoder184depicted inFIG.27is provided with an encoder strip (not depicted) and an optical sensor (not depicted). The encoder strip is arranged on the guide rail56, and the encoder strip extends in the left-right direction9. The encoder strip is subjected to the marking with a pattern in which light transmitting portions for transmitting the light and light shielding portions for shielding the light are alternately arranged at equal pitches in the left-right direction9. The optical sensor is provided at the position on the carriage40opposed to the encoder strip. An electric signal, which is detected by the optical sensor, is outputted to the controller190(seeFIG.27).

As depicted inFIG.27, the controller190is provided with CPU191, ROM192, RAM193, EEPROM194, and ASIC195, and these components are connected to one another by means of an internal bus197. For example, programs, with which CPU191controls various operations, are stored in ROM192. RAM193is used as a storage area for temporarily storing, for example, data and signals to be used when CPU19executes the programs as described above, or a working area for performing the data processing. For example, settings and flags, which are to be retained even after turning OFF the power source, are stored in EEPROM194.

The conveying motor73and the carriage motor69are connected to ASIC195. ASIC195generates driving signals in order to rotate the respective motors, and ASIC195controls the respective motors on the basis of the driving signals. For example, the controller190controls the driving of the conveying motor73to drive the respective rollers (feed roller25, conveying roller60, discharge roller62). Further, the controller190controls the driving of the carriage motor69to move the carriage40in the left-right direction9.

The tray sensor170, the sheet sensor174, the encoder181, and the encoder184are connected to ASIC195.

The controller190judges whether or not the feed tray20is installed to the casing14on the basis of the electric signal outputted from the tray sensor170. The controller190judges whether or not the recording paper12is present at the arrangement position of the sheet sensor174on the basis of the electric signal outputted from the sheet sensor174. The controller190recognizes the position of the recording paper12in the conveying passage65on the basis of the pulse signal outputted from the encoder181after the acquisition of the electric signal outputted from the sheet sensor174. Note that the controller190may judge the position of the recording paper12in the conveying passage65on the basis of the pulse signal outputted from the encoder181after the start of the feeding of the recording paper12by the feed roller25. The controller190judges the position of the carriage40in the left-right direction9on the basis of the electric signal received from the encoder184.

A piezoelectric element178is connected to ASIC195. The piezoelectric element178is provided in the recording head38. The piezoelectric element178allows the ink droplets to be discharged from the nozzles39by deforming a part of the ink flow passage (not depicted) formed in the recording head38. The piezoelectric element178is operated by supplying the electric power by the controller190by the aid of an unillustrated drive circuit. The controller190control the electric power supply to the piezoelectric element178so that the ink droplets are selectively discharged from the plurality of nozzles39.

[Operations of Respective Members in Insertion/Withdrawal Process of Feed Tray20]

An explanation will be made below about states and operations of the respective members in a process in which the feed tray20is inserted/withdrawn with respect to the casing14.

At first, an explanation will be made about the states and the operations of the respective members in the process in which the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14.

As depicted inFIGS.11to13, when the feed tray20is installed to the casing14, the respective members are in the states described in detail below.

As depicted inFIG.12, the lever75is positioned at the reference position. The protrusion80of the lever75makes contact with the back surface105A of the protrusion105of the slide member74from therebehind. Note that in this situation, the lever75may be separated from the back surface105A of the protrusion105of the slide member74.

As depicted inFIG.13, the slide member74is positioned at the back position. The projection106is positioned at the back of the shaft87, and the projection106is separated from the shaft87. In this situation, the pinch roller61makes contact with the conveying roller60by being biased by the coil spring57(seeFIGS.2and5). In other words, the conveying roller pair59is in the nipping state.

As depicted inFIG.12, the back surface96A of the cutout96of the feed tray20is positioned at the back of the lever75located at the reference position. The back surface96A of the cutout96of the feed tray20is positioned at the back of the lever75located at the back rotation position indicated by the broken line inFIG.12. The front surface96C of the cutout96of the feed tray20is positioned in front of the lever75located at the reference position. The forward end part79of the lever75is positioned under or below the upper surface97of the side wall30, and the forward end part79of the lever75enters the cutout96.

The first protrusion94of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21. The second protrusion95of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the horizontal surface97A of the upper surface97of the side wall30of the feed tray20. Therefore, when the feed tray20is lifted upwardly by the user in the state depicted inFIGS.11to13, the lifting of the feed tray20is regulated by the contact of the front upper surface31A with or against the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94from the lower position, or by the contact of the horizontal surface97A with or against the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95from the lower position.

As depicted inFIGS.11and13, the platen42is positioned at the printing position. The platen42is definitely positioned in the up-down direction7as described in detail below.

As depicted inFIG.13, the contact piece47, which is provided at the back end portion of the platen42, is supported by the support surface102of the slide member74. The projected part46is positioned over or above the support surface102(seeFIG.6). The bearing71of the conveying roller60(seeFIG.5) is fitted to the recess formed by the upper surface46A of the projected part46. In this situation, the projected part46is biased upwardly by the coil spring48, and the projected part46is pressed against the bearing71of the conveying roller60. In other words, the platen42is biased with respect to the conveying roller60. Accordingly, the back end portion of the platen42is definitely positioned in the up-down direction7by the side frame55to which the bearing71is attached.

The projected part49, which is provided at the front end portion of the platen42, is supported by the forward end part111of the protrusion104of the slide member74. In this situation, the projected part49is biased upwardly by the forward end part111which functions as the plate spring, and the projected part49is pressed against the discharge roller62. In other words, the projected part49is in a state of being vertically sandwiched or interposed by the protrusion104and the discharge roller62. Accordingly, the front end portion of the platen42is definitely positioned in the up-down direction7by the side frame55by which the discharge roller62is supported by the aid of the bearing72. As described above, the platen42is definitely positioned in the up-down direction7by definitely positioning the back end portion and the front end portion thereof by the side frame55.

Note that even when the slide member74is moved from the back position depicted inFIG.13to the front position depicted inFIG.22, the contact piece47maintains the state of being supported by the slide member74. Therefore, the projected part46is biased upwardly by the coil spring48regardless of the position of the slide member74, and the projected part46is pressed against the bearing71. Accordingly, the platen42is rotatable about the bearing71(about the axis of the conveying roller60) regardless of the position of the slide member74.

As depicted inFIG.13, the projection50of the platen42is separated from the slide member74. In other words, the projection50is not supported by the slide member74.

When the withdrawal of the feed tray20from the casing14is started, the feed tray20is moved frontwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.11to13to the position depicted inFIGS.14to16. In this situation, the respective members are operated as described in detail below, and the respective members are in the states described in detail below.

As depicted inFIG.15, the back surface96A of the cutout96of the feed tray20makes contact with the back surface79B of the forward end part79of the lever75from the back, and the back surface96A pushes the lever75frontwardly. Accordingly, the lever75is pushed by the feed tray20, and the lever75is rotated in the orientation of the arrow151from the reference position, i.e., from the reference position toward the side of the front rotation position against the urging force of the coil spring115. The protrusion80of the rotating lever75pushes the back surface105A of the protrusion105of the slide member74frontwardly. Accordingly, the slide member74slides frontwardly from the back position, i.e., from the back position toward the front position.

The first protrusion94of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21. The front portion of the second protrusion95of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the horizontal surface97A of the upper surface97of the side wall30of the feed tray20. The back portion of the second protrusion95of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the cutout96of the feed tray20. Therefore, when the feed tray20is lifted upwardly by the user during the frontward movement of the feed tray20, the lifting of the feed tray20is regulated by the contact of the front upper surface31A with or against the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94from the lower position, or by the contact of the horizontal surface97A with or against the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95from the lower position.

As depicted inFIGS.14and16, the platen42is rotated downwardly from the printing position. In other words, the platen42is rotated from the printing position toward the release position. A description will be made in detail below.

The state, in which the projected part46is pressed against the bearing71, is maintained. Therefore, the platen42maintains the state in which the platen42is rotatable about the axis of the conveying roller60.

On the other hand, the protrusion104of the slide member74is separated from the projected part49by allowing the slide member74to slide frontwardly. Accordingly, the projected part49is not supported by the protrusion104. As a result, the platen42is rotated about the axis of the conveying roller60so that the forward end portion thereof is moved downwardly, and the projected part49of the platen42is separated from the bearing72. After that, as depicted inFIG.16, when the platen42is rotated, then the projection50is moved downwardly, the projection50makes contact with the horizontal surface123of the slide member74from the upper position, and the projection50is guided by the horizontal surface123. After that, the projection50is guided by the inclined surface103and the horizontal surface123of the slide member74in accordance with the frontward sliding movement of the slide member74, and thus the platen42is rotated toward the release position.

Note that the protrusion104of the slide member74is separated from the projected part49, and thus the front end portion of the platen42is not definitely positioned in the up-down direction7.

In the state depicted inFIGS.14to16, the projection106is still positioned at the back of the shaft87, and the projection106is separated from the shaft87. Therefore, the conveying roller pair59is still in the nipping state.

When the feed tray20is moved frontwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.14to16to the position depicted inFIGS.17to19, then the respective members are operated as described in detail below, or the respective members are in states described in detail below.

As depicted inFIG.18, the lever75is pushed by the feed tray20, and the lever75is rotated in the orientation of the arrow151from the position depicted inFIG.15, i.e., toward the side of the front rotation position. As depicted inFIG.19, the slide member74is pushed by the rotating lever75, and the slide member74slides frontwardly as compared with the position depicted inFIG.16, i.e., toward the side of the front position.

As depicted inFIG.19, the projection106makes contact with the shaft87from the back position, and the inclined surface107of the projection106guides the shaft87upwardly in the process in which the slide member74slides frontwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.14to16to the position depicted inFIGS.17to19. Accordingly, the shaft87is moved upwardly against the urging force of the coil spring57(seeFIG.16). The shaft87, which moves upwardly, pushes upwardly the surface of the roller holder85which comparts the through-hole86. Accordingly, the roller holder85and the pinch roller61are moved upwardly, and the pinch roller61is separated from the conveying roller60. As a result, the conveying roller pair59undergoes a state change from the nipping state to the separated state.

The guide of the shaft87by the inclined surface107is started after starting the guide of the projection50by the inclined surface103and the horizontal surface123of the slide member74. Further, the platen42does not arrive at the release position yet at a point in time at which the state change of the conveying roller pair59from the nipping state to the separated state is completed. In other words, the rotation of the platen42from the printing position to the release position is completed after the completion of the state change of the conveying roller pair59from the nipping state to the separated state.

The shaft87is firstly guided by the forward end side inclined surface107A, and then the shaft87is guided by the proximal end side inclined surface107B in the process in which the shaft87is guided by the inclined surface107. The shaft87, which is in the situation of being guided by the proximal end side inclined surface107B, is positioned upwardly as compared with the shaft87which is in the situation of being guided by the forward end side inclined surface107A. In other words, the pinch roller61, which is in such a situation that the forward end side inclined surface107A makes contact with the shaft87, is positioned near to the conveying roller60as compared with the pinch roller61which is in such a situation that the proximal end side inclined surface107B makes contact with the shaft87. Therefore, the coil spring57, which is in such a situation that the shaft87is guided by the proximal end side inclined surface107B, is elongated further as compared with the coil spring57which is in such a situation that the shaft87is guided by the forward end side inclined surface107A, wherein the large elastic force acts as the resistance force against the guide of the shaft87. In this case, the proximal end side inclined surface107B is inclined gently with respect to the horizontal plane as compared with the forward end side inclined surface107A. In other words, when the large elastic force acts, the shaft87is guided by the gentle proximal end side inclined surface107B. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the load exerted on the shaft87. On the other hand, when the large elastic force does not act, the shaft87is guided by the steep forward end side inclined surface107A. Therefore, the shaft87can quickly move upwardly.

When the slide member74is located at the position depicted inFIGS.17to19, then the shaft87passes over the inclined surface107of the projection106, and the shaft87is supported by the horizontal surface108of the projection106.

As for the discharge roller pair44, the discharge roller62and the spur63are not separated from each other, unlike the conveying roller pair59. In other words, the discharge roller62mutually makes contact with the spur63regardless of the positions of the slide member74and/or the platen42, and the discharge roller62and the spur63maintain the nipping state capable of nipping the recording paper12.

As depicted inFIG.18, the first protrusion94of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21. The second protrusion95of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the cutout96of the feed tray20. Therefore, when the feed tray20is lifted upwardly by the user during the frontward movement of the feed tray20, then the front upper surface31A makes contact with the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94from the lower position, and thus the lifting of the feed tray20is regulated.

As depicted inFIG.19, the platen42is rotated so that the forward end portion thereof is positioned further downwardly, i.e., the platen42is further rotated toward the release position by allowing the projection50to be guided by the inclined surface103of the slide member74, in the process in which the slide member74slides frontwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.14to16to the position depicted inFIGS.17to19.

The projection50is firstly guided by the upper inclined surface103B, and then the projection50is guided by the lower inclined surface103A in the process in which the projection50is guided by the inclined surface103. The projection50, which is in the situation of being guided by the lower inclined surface103A, is positioned downwardly as compared with the projection50which is in the situation of being guided by the upper inclined surface103B. Therefore, the coil spring48, which is in such a situation that the projection50is guided by the lower inclined surface103A, is shrunk as compared with the coil spring48which is in such a situation that projection50is guided by the upper inclined surface103B, wherein the large elastic force acts as the resistance force against the guide of the projection50. In this case, the lower inclined surface103A is inclined gently with respect to the horizontal plane as compared with the upper inclined surface103B. In other words, when the large elastic force acts, the projection50is guided by the gentle lower inclined surface130A. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the load exerted on the projection50. On the other hand, when the large elastic force does not act, the projection50is guided by the steep upper inclined surface103B. Therefore, the platen42can be quickly rotated toward the release position.

When the feed tray20is moved frontwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.17to19to the position depicted inFIGS.20to22, then the respective members are operated as described in detail below, or the respective members are in states described in detail below.

As depicted inFIG.21, the lever75is pushed by the feed tray20, the lever75is moved in the orientation of the arrow151from the position depicted inFIG.18, and the lever75is positioned at the front rotation position. In this situation, the lever75is positioned outside the cutout96. The forward end79A of the lever75is supported by the horizontal surface97A of the upper surface97of the side wall30of the feed tray20. The lever75can smoothly move to the outside of the cutout96by allowing the forward end79A of the lever75to be guided by the inclined surface96B of the back surface96A of the cutout96. The lever75, which is located at the front rotation position, makes contact with the back lower end part70A of the third protrusion70of the base member90. Accordingly, the rotation in the orientation of the arrow151of the lever75at the front rotation position is regulated.

As depicted inFIG.22, the slide member74is pushed by the rotating lever75, the slide member74slides frontwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.17to19, and the slide member74is positioned at the front position.

The conveying roller pair59is in the separated state.

As depicted inFIG.21, the front portion of the first protrusion94of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21. The back portion of the first protrusion94of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the back upper surface31B of the discharge tray21. The second protrusion95of the base member90is opposed in the up-down direction7to the cutout96of the feed tray20. Therefore, when the feed tray20is lifted upwardly by the user during the frontward movement of the feed tray20, then the front upper surface31A makes contact with the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94from the lower position, and thus the lifting of the feed tray20is regulated.

Note that when the feed tray20is further moved frontwardly from the position depicted inFIG.21, the back surface96A, which is the back end of the cutout96, is located at the same position in the front-rear direction8as that of the back end of the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95. In this situation, the back end of the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21is still positioned backwardly as compared with the front end of the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94. In other words, when the back surface96A, which is the back end of the cutout96, is positioned backwardly from the back end of the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95, the back end of the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21is positioned backwardly from the front end of the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94. That is, the first protrusion94is opposed in the up-down direction7to the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21in the state in which the second protrusion95is opposed in the up-down direction7to the cutout96. Accordingly, when the feed tray20is lifted upwardly by the user, then the front upper surface31A makes contact with the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94from the lower position, and thus the second protrusion95is suppressed from deeply entering the cutout96.

As depicted inFIGS.20and22, the platen42is rotated so that the forward end portion thereof is positioned further downwardly and the platen42is positioned at the release position by allowing the projection50to be guided by the inclined surface103of the slide member74in the process in which the slide member74slides frontwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.17to19to the position depicted inFIGS.20to22.

As depicted inFIG.20, the platen42, which is located at the release position, is positioned backwardly (upstream in the conveying orientation15) from the wall120of the base member90. The lower portion of the front end portion of the platen42enters the recess118of the base member90. The platen42is supported by the surface119of the base member90. In this embodiment, the plate member83, which is attached to the platen42, makes contact with the surface119from the upper position, and thus the plate member83is supported by the surface119. Accordingly, the platen42is supported by the base member90.

The platen42, which is located at the release position, is positioned below the virtual plane129including the inclined surface122of the wall120of the base member90(surface which is inclined upwardly further toward closely to the back in the same manner as the inclined surface122). In other words, the virtual plane129covers the platen42located at the release position from the upper position.

After that, although not depicted, the feed tray20is further moved frontwardly, and the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14. In this situation, when the feed tray20is lifted upwardly by the user during the frontward movement of the feed tray20, then the inclined surface31C and the back upper surface31B of the discharge tray21and the horizontal surface97A of the upper surface97of the side wall30of the feed tray20make contact with the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94from the lower positions, and thus the lifting of the feed tray20is regulated. When the lever75is not supported by the feed tray20by further moving the feed tray20frontwardly, then the lever75is biased by the coil spring115, and the lever75is rotated to the reference position.

Next, an explanation will be made about the operations and the states of the respective members in the process in which the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14. Note that the operations of the respective members in the process in which the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14(hereinafter referred to as “operations during the insertion”) are the operations which are generally converse to the operations of the respective members in the process in which the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14(hereinafter referred to as “operations during the withdrawal”). On this account, the following explanation will be made as follows. That is, if the operation during the insertion is the operation converse to the operation during the withdrawal, the explanation about the operation will be simplified or omitted. If the operation during the insertion is different from the operation which is converse to the operation during the withdrawal, the operation will be explained in detail.

When the back end portion of the side wall30of the feed tray20approaches the lever75located at the reference position in the process in which the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14by being moved backwardly with respect to the casing14, the lever75enters the recess99at the back end portion of the side wall30of the feed tray20(seeFIG.12). When the feed tray20is moved further backwardly, the inclined surface99A of the feed tray20(seeFIG.12) makes contact with the front surface79C of the forward end part79of the lever75located at the reference position from the front. The front surface79C of the forward end part79of the lever75is pushed backwardly by the inclined surface99A of the feed tray20. Accordingly, the lever75is rotated in the orientation of the arrow152from the reference position, i.e., in the direction directed from the reference position to the side of the back rotation position. After that, the lever75passes over the inclined surface99A in accordance with the backward movement of the feed tray20, and then the lever75is guided by the upper surface97. In this situation, the lever75is guided while being rotated in the orientation of the arrow151or the arrow152depending on the height of the upper surface97with which the lever75makes contact.

When the feed tray20is moved further backwardly after the contact of the inclined surface99A of the feed tray20against the lever75, and the feed tray20is inserted until arrival at the position depicted inFIGS.23to25, then the projected part125of the feed tray20makes contact with the protrusion124of the slide member74from the front as depicted inFIG.24. In this situation, the front surface96C of the cutout96of the feed tray20is positioned in front of the lever75located at the front rotation position indicated by the broken line inFIG.24. Note that the lever75is actually positioned at the reference position in this situation. The lever75is not positioned at the front rotation position unless any contingent situation arises, for example, such that the lever75is caught by any foreign matter.

When the feed tray20is moved further backwardly, the projected part125pushes the protrusion124backwardly. Accordingly, the slide member74slides backwardly from the front position, i.e., from the front position toward the back position.

When the slide member74slides backwardly, the projection50which is in the state of being supported by the lower inclined surface103A (seeFIG.22), is guided along the lower inclined surface103A (seeFIG.19). After that, the projection50is guided to the horizontal surface123by the aid of the upper inclined surface103B (seeFIG.16). Accordingly, the platen42is rotated from the release position toward the printing position.

The projection106is separated from the shaft87when the projection50is guided by the upper inclined surface103B, i.e., in the process in which the slide member74slides backwardly from the position depicted inFIGS.17to19to the position depicted inFIGS.14to16. Accordingly, the shaft87is biased by the coil spring57, and the shaft87is moved downwardly. Accordingly, the roller holder85and the pinch roller61are also moved downwardly on account of own weights, and the pinch roller61makes contact with the conveying roller60. As a result, the conveying roller pair59undergoes a state change from the separated state to the nipping state.

When the conveying roller pair59undergoes the state change to the nipping state, then the protrusion104of the slide member74is still separated from the projected part49of the platen42, and the protrusion104does not support the projected part49.

When the slide member74slides further backwardly to arrive at a predetermined position after the conveying roller pair59undergoes the state change to the nipping state, then the protrusion104of the slide member74makes contact with the projected part49of the platen42. The predetermined position is the position between the front position and the back position. The projected part49is guided to the horizontal surface111B by the aid of the inclined surface111A of the forward end part111of the protrusion104, and the projected part49is finally supported by the horizontal surface111B of the forward end part111. In this situation, the projected part49is biased upwardly and lifted by the forward end part111which functions as the plate spring, and the projected part49is pressed against the discharge roller62. In other words, the projected part49is in the state of being vertically sandwiched or interposed by the protrusion104and the discharge roller62. Accordingly, the forward end portion of the platen42is definitely positioned in the up-down direction7by the side frame55by which the discharge roller62is supported by the aid of the bearing72. As a result, as for the platen42, the forward end portion is also definitely positioned in addition to the back end portion which is definitely positioned regardless of the position of the slide member74. In this situation, the platen42(at the position depicted inFIGS.11to13) is located at the printing position.

When the projected part49is lifted by the forward end part111, the projection50is moved upwardly as well. Accordingly, the projection50is separated from the horizontal surface123of the slide member74. In other words, when the platen42is located at the printing position, then the back end portion and the front end portion thereof are definitely positioned vertically by the side frame55, and the projection50is separated from the slide member74.

As described above, the inclined surface103makes contact with the projection50of the platen42between the front position and the predetermined position to guide the platen42from the release position to the printing position. Further, the protrusion104makes contact with the projected part49of the platen42between the predetermined position and the back position, and thus the platen42is guided to the printing position while separating the projection50from the inclined surface103. Then, the protrusion104biases the projected part49toward the discharge roller62when the slide member74is located at the back position.

[Retracting Process for Carriage40]

The controller190executes the process (retracting process for the carriage40) for moving the carriage40to the retracted area in accordance with the withdrawal of the feed tray20from the casing14. An explanation will be made below about the retracting process for the carriage40with reference to flow charts depicted inFIGS.28A,28B,29A and29B.

When the feed tray20is installed to the casing14, the electric signal at the low level is outputted to the controller190from the optical sensor173of the tray sensor170(S10: No). When the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, the electric signal at the high level is outputted to the controller190from the optical sensor173of the tray sensor170.

If the electric signal, which is acquired from the tray sensor170, is changed from the low level to the high level, the controller190judges that the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14(S10: Yes). As described above, when the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, the platen42is rotated from the printing position to the release position.

If the controller190judges that the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14(S10: Yes), the controller190judges whether or not the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154(S20). The process of Step S20corresponds to the first judging process.

If it is judged that the carriage40is not positioned in the opposing area154(S20: No), i.e., if it is judged that the carriage40is positioned in the retracted area155or the retracted area156, then the carriage40stays at the present position (S30), and Step S150is executed as described later on.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the carriage40is positioned at the opposing area154(S20: Yes), the controller190judges whether or not any machine error occurs. The machine error indicates that the multifunction machine10is abnormal. The abnormal situation includes, for example, the clogging with the recording paper12in the casing14and the abnormal state of the carriage40. If the machine error occurs (S40: Yes), Step S150is executed as described later on. If the machine error does not occur (S40: No), the process of Step S50is executed as described later on.

If the machine error occurs (S40: Yes), for example, such a situation is assumed that the feed tray20is withdrawn in order to take out the clogging recording paper12on account of the occurrence of the clogging with the recording paper12during the printing operation. Usually, if the machine error occurs, the controller190moves the carriage40to the retracted area155or the retracted area156. In other words, the situation, in which the machine error occurs (S40: Yes), resides in such a case that the carriage40cannot be moved to the retracted area155or the retracted area156on account of the inhibition, for example, by the clogging recording paper12, although the controller190intends to move the carriage40to the retracted area155or the retracted area156upon the occurrence of the machine error. Therefore, in this case, Steps S50to S140, which accompany the movement of the carriage40to the retracted area155,156, are skipped.

On the other hand, if the machine error does not occur (S40: No), such a situation is assumed that the feed tray20is withdrawn when the printing operation is not executed or when the clogging with the recording paper12does not occur although the printing operation is being performed.

If the machine error does not occur (S40: No), the controller190judges whether or not the recording paper12is present on the platen42, i.e., whether or not the recording paper12is present in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24(S50). This judgment is made on the basis of the present position of the recording paper12on the conveying passage65recognized by the pulse signal outputted from the encoder181after the acquisition of the electric signal outputted from the sheet sensor174. Note that this judgment may be made on the basis of the electric signal outputted from the sheet sensor174. In other words, if it is judged that the recording paper12is present at the arrangement position of the sheet sensor174by allowing the controller190to acquire the high level signal outputted from the sheet sensor174, it may be judged that the recording paper12is positioned on the platen42as well. The process of Step S50corresponds to the first judging process.

When the recording paper12is present on the platen42(S50: Yes), the controller190moves the carriage40from the opposing area154to the retracted area155,156. In this embodiment, the controller190decides to what position in any one of the retracted areas155,156the carriage40is to be moved as follows.

The controller190judges whether the carriage40is positioned on the right side (side of the retracted area155) from the center C (seeFIG.5) of the opposing area154in the left-right direction9or the carriage40is positioned on the left side (side of the retracted area156) from the center C (S60). The process of Step S60corresponds to the first judging process.

If the carriage40is positioned on the left side from the center C (S60: Yes), the controller190moves the carriage40leftwardly toward the retracted area156(S70). If the carriage40arrives at the retracted area156, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is terminated normally (S80: Yes), then Step S150is executed as described later on. If the carriage40does not arrive at the retracted area156, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is not terminated normally (S80: No), then the controller190moves the carriage40rightwardly toward the retracted area155(S90). If the carriage40arrives at the retracted area155, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is terminated normally (S130: Yes), then Step S150is executed as described later on. If the carriage40does not arrive at the retracted area155, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is not terminated normally (S130: No), then the controller190stops the carriage40then and there to notify the machine error (S140), and then Step S190is executed as described later on.

The notification is executed by a notifying unit179(seeFIG.27). The notifying unit179is, for example, a speaker (not depicted) and/or a liquid crystal display (not depicted) provided for the multifunction machine10. The controller190allows the notifying unit179to execute the notification as described above. For example, if the notifying unit179is the speaker, the notifying unit179, which receives the instruction of the controller190, notifies that the machine error occurs by means of any language or any beep sound. Further, for example, if the notifying unit179is the liquid crystal display, the notifying unit179, which receives the instruction of the controller190, notifies that the machine error occurs by using a screen.

In Step S60, if the carriage40is positioned on the right side from the center C (S60: No), the controller190moves the carriage40rightwardly toward the retracted area155(S100). If the carriage40arrives at the retracted area155, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is terminated normally (S110: Yes), then Step S150is executed as described later on. If the carriage40does not arrive at the retracted area155, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is not terminated normally (S110: No), then the controller190moves the carriage40leftwardly toward the retracted area156(S120). If the carriage40arrives at the retracted area156, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is terminated normally (S130: Yes), then Step S150is executed as described later on. If the carriage40does not arrive at the retracted area156, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is not terminated normally (S130: No), then the controller190stops the carriage40then and there to notify the machine error (S140) in the same manner as described above, and then Step S190is executed as described later on. The processes of Steps S70to S130correspond to the movement process.

Note that if the carriage40is positioned in the retracted area155in the operation up to Step S130, then the cap of the maintenance mechanism is moved upwardly, and the cap covers the nozzles39of the recording head38.

In Step S50, if the recording paper12is not present on the platen42(S50: No), the processes of Step S100and followings are executed. In other words, the processes are executed in the same manner as the case (S60: No) in which the carriage40is positioned on the right side from the center C in Step S60.

Step S150is executed after Steps S30, S80, S110, S130. In other words, Step S150is executed if the carriage40is moved to the retracted area155,156(S80, S110, S130), or if the carriage40cannot be moved to the retracted area155,156upon the machine error, and the carriage40stays in the opposing area154(S30).

In Step S150, the controller190judges whether or not the recording paper12is present on the platen42, i.e., whether or not the recording paper12is present in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24on the basis of the present position of the recording paper12in the conveying passage65(S150).

If the recording paper12is not present on the platen42(S150: No), the controller190does not drive the discharge roller62. After that, Step S190is executed.

If the recording paper12is present on the platen42(S150: Yes), the controller190drives the discharge roller62. Accordingly, the discharge roller pair44nips the recording paper12which is present on the platen42, and the recording paper12is conveyed in the conveying orientation15toward the internal space23. In other words, the controller190allows the discharge roller pair44to execute the discharge process for discharging the recording paper12(S160). The process of Step S160corresponds to the first conveyance process.

In this situation, the controller190controls the conveying motor73by generating the driving signal which is at the level lower than the ordinary level of the driving signal. Accordingly, the driving force, which is based on the driving signal at the low level, is transmitted from the conveying motor73to the discharge roller62. The driving signal at the ordinary level is the signal which is generated by the controller190in order to control the conveying motor73when the recording paper12after the image recording performed by the recording unit24is conveyed by the discharge roller pair44in the conveying orientation15.

The discharge roller62, which is rotated by the transmission of the driving force based on the driving signal at the low level, has the rotation speed which is slower than the ordinary rotation speed. The ordinary rotation speed is the rotation speed of the discharge roller62which is rotated by the transmission of the driving force based on the driving signal at the ordinary level. In other words, the controller190slows the conveying speed of the recording paper12brought about by the discharge roller pair44in Step S160as compared with the conveying speed brought about when the discharge roller pair44conveys, in the conveying orientation15, the recording paper12after the image recording performed by the recording unit24.

The controller190makes reference to the electric signal acquired from the sheet sensor174after the discharge process for the recording paper12is executed in Step S160. The controller190judges whether or not the electric signal acquired from the sheet sensor174is at the high level even when a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the discharge process for the recording paper12in Step S160. The predetermined time is, for example, the time which is longer than the time required for the recording paper12positioned at the arrangement position of the sheet sensor174to be conveyed and discharged into the internal space23.

After the elapse of the predetermined time, if the electric signal, which is acquired from the sheet sensor174, is at the high level, i.e., if the sheet sensor174is turned ON (S170: Yes), then the controller190judges that the recording paper12, which is judged to be present on the platen42in Step S150, still remains on the platen42. In this case, the controller190notifies that the recording paper12is subjected to the clogging on the platen42(in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24) (S180). The notification is executed in accordance with the means which is the same as or equivalent to that used when the machine error occurs as described above. After that, Step S190is executed.

After the elapse of the predetermined time, if the electric signal, which is acquired from the sheet sensor174, is at the low level, i.e., if the sheet sensor174is turned OFF (S170: No), then it is judged that the recording paper12, which is judged to be present on the platen42in Step S150, is discharged normally in Step S160. In this case, Step S190is executed without executing the notification described above.

The controller190judges whether or not the feed tray20is installed to the casing14by making reference to the electric signal acquired from the tray sensor170(S190).

If the electric signal, which is acquired from the tray sensor170, is still at the high level after the change into the high level in Step S10(S10: Yes), i.e., if the feed tray20is not installed to the casing14(S190: No), then the controller190judges whether or not the carriage40is present in the retracted area155(S200).

If the carriage40is present in the retracted area155(S200: Yes), the controller190continuously makes reference to the electric signal acquired from the tray sensor170(S190).

If the carriage40is not present in the retracted area155(S200: No), the controller190judges whether or not the count time is not less than a threshold time (S210). The count time is the time which undergoes the start of the count-up when the cap of the maintenance mechanism, which has covered the nozzles39of the recording head38, is separated from the nozzles39of the recording head38and which is reset when the cap covers the nozzles39. The threshold time is the preset time. The threshold time is set to the time which is obtained by subtracting a certain degree of the allowance time from the time in which the meniscus of the ink of the nozzles39may be destroyed, for example, by the drying of the ink in the state in which the nozzles39of the recording head38are not covered with the cap.

If the count time is less than the threshold time (S210: No), the controller190continuously makes reference to the electric signal acquired from the tray sensor170(S190). If the count time is not less than the threshold time (S210: Yes), Step S220is executed. In other words, if the count time is less than the threshold time, the controller190waits for the installation of the feed tray20to the casing14. On the other hand, if the count time is not less than the threshold time, the controller190executes the processes of Step S220and followings in order to execute the movement of the carriage40to the retracted area155(S260) without waiting for the installation of the feed tray20to the casing14so that the nozzles39are covered with the cap in order to avoid the destruction of the meniscus of the ink of the nozzles39.

In Step S190, if the electric signal, which is acquired from the tray sensor170, undergoes the change from the high level to the low level, i.e., if the feed tray20is installed to the casing14(S190: Yes), then Step S220is executed.

In Step S220, the controller190judges whether or not the recording paper12is present on the platen42, i.e., whether or not the recording paper12is present in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24, on the basis of the present position of the recording paper12in the conveying passage65. The process of Step S220corresponds to the second judging process.

If the recording paper12is not present on the platen42(S220: No), the controller190does not drive the discharge roller62. After that, Step S260is executed.

If the recording paper12is present on the platen42(S220: Yes), the controller190executes the processes which are approximately the same as or equivalent to those of Steps S160to S180described above (S230to S250). In other words, the controller190allows the discharge roller pair44to execute the discharge process for the recording process12at the speed which is slower than the conveying speed brought about when the recording paper12is discharged after the image recording (S230). Then, if the sheet sensor is turned ON after the elapse of the predetermined time (S240: Yes), the retracting process for the carriage40is terminated on condition that the notification of the clogging with the recording paper12is executed (S250). In this case, the rightward movement of the carriage40toward the retracted area155(S260) is not executed. On the other hand, if the sheet sensor is turned OFF after the elapse of the predetermined time (S240: No), Step S260is executed without executing the notification described above. The process of Step S230corresponds to the second conveyance process. The process of Step S240corresponds to the third judging process. The process of Step S250corresponds to the notifying process.

In Step S260, the controller190moves the carriage40rightwardly toward the retracted area155.

After that, the controller190executes the processes which are the same as or equivalent to those performed in Steps S130, S140described above (S270, S280). In other words, if the carriage40arrives at the retracted area155, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is terminated normally (S270: Yes), then the controller190terminates the retracting process for the carriage40. If the carriage40does not arrive at the retracted area155, i.e., if the movement of the carriage40is not terminated normally (S270: No), then the controller190stops the carriage40then and there to notify the machine error in the same manner as Step S140(S270), and then the retracting process for the carriage40is terminated.

In the retracting process for the carriage40described above, if it is judged in Step S20that the carriage40is positioned in the retracted area155or the retracted area156(S20: No), the carriage40stays at the present position. However, if it is judged in Step S20that the carriage40is positioned in the retracted area156(retracted area in which the maintenance mechanism is not arranged), the carriage40may be moved toward the retracted area155at the timing at which Steps S70, S100are executed, without allowing the carriage40to stay at the present position.

In the retracting process for the carriage40described above, when the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154(S20), then the carriage40is moved leftwardly toward the retracted area156(S70) if the carriage40is disposed on the left side from the center C (seeFIG.5) (S60: Yes), or the carriage40is moved rightwardly toward the retracted area155(S100) if the carriage40is disposed on the right side from the center C (seeFIG.5) (S60: No). However, if the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154, the carriage40may be moved rightwardly toward the retracted area155, irrelevant to the position of the carriage40in the opposing area154. Further, if the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154, the carriage40may be moved leftwardly toward the retracted area156, irrelevant to the position of the carriage40in the opposing area154.

In the retracting process for the carriage40described above, if the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154(S20: Yes), the controller190allows the carriage to be retracted to the retracted area155,156(S70, S100), irrelevant to whether or not the recording paper12is present on the platen42(S50: Yes, No). However, if the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154(S20: Yes), the controller190may allow the carriage40to be retracted to the retracted area155,156if the recording paper12is present on the platen42. In this case, if the recording paper12is not present on the platen42, it is also allowable that the carriage40is not retracted to the retracted area155,156.

In the retracting process for the carriage40described above, the controller190allows, in Steps S160, S230, the discharge roller pair44to execute the discharge process for the recording paper12at the speed which is slower than the conveying speed brought about when the recording paper12is discharged after the image recording performed by the recording unit24. However, in Steps S160, S230, the controller190may allow the discharge roller pair44to execute the discharge process for the recording paper12at the same speed as the conveying speed brought about when the recording paper12is discharged after the image recording performed by the recording unit24.

Effect of Embodiment

In this embodiment, when the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, the platen42is moved to the release position. In other words, it is unnecessary to provide any switch and/or any lever which is/are exclusively usable to move the platen42to the release position and which is/are to be operated by the user. The platen42can be reliably moved to the release position by merely withdrawing the feed tray20from the casing14.

It is possible to access the space between the platen42and the recording unit24from the opening13via the internal space23and the gap32by merely withdrawing the feed tray20from the casing14.

When the platen42is directly interlocked with the movement of the feed tray20, for example, when the platen42is moved in accordance with the abutment of the moving feed tray20against the platen42, then the occupied space of the feed tray20extends to the vicinity of the platen42. In other words, the feed tray20is large-sized. According to this embodiment, the platen42is interlocked with the movement of the feed tray20by the aid of the slide member74. In other words, the feed tray20can be interlocked with the platen42by arranging the slide member42between the platen42and the feed tray20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the feed tray20from being large-sized.

According to this embodiment, the lever75is rotated to the reference position by the coil spring115when the feed tray20does not abut thereagainst. Therefore, it is possible to decrease such a possibility that the lever75does not return to the reference position while being rotated to the front rotation position and the lever75cannot slide the slide member74.

The side wall30is positioned under or below the upper end13A of the opening13, and hence it is possible to easily perform the withdrawal of the feed tray20from the casing14via the opening13.

According to this embodiment, the platen42can be interlocked with the slide (sliding movement) of the slide member74by means of the simple configuration based on the use of the inclined surface103.

Usually, when the image is recorded on the recording paper12, the feed tray20is installed to the casing14of the printer unit11. In this embodiment, the platen42is moved to the printing position while being interlocked with the insertion of the feed tray20into the casing14. Therefore, it is possible to avoid such a situation that the printing process is executed without returning the platen42to the printing position.

According to this embodiment, the platen42is rotated to the release position so that the space is enlarged only on the side near to the opening13. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the easiness of the access to the space between the recording unit24and the platen42, while suppressing the increase in the range of the space occupied by the rotating platen42.

According to this embodiment, the upper end13A of the opening13is positioned over or above the platen42, and the lower end13B of the opening13is positioned under or below the platen42. Therefore, it is easy to access the space between the recording unit24and the platen42from the opening13.

When the electric signal, which is acquired by the controller190, undergoes the change from the low level to the high level, then the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14(S10), and the platen42is moved from the printing position to the release position. If the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154when the platen42is positioned at the release position, then it is feared that the hand of the user who accesses the space between the platen42and the recording unit24via the opening13and the internal space23may touch the recording head38.

In view of the above, in this embodiment, the carriage40is moved to the retracted area155(S70to S130) on condition that the platen42is moved from the printing position to the release position (S10). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the hand of the user from touching the recording head38.

When the electric signal, which is acquired by the controller190, undergoes the change from the low level to the high level, then the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, and the platen42is moved from the printing position to the release position. When the platen42is moved, it is feared that the attitude of the recording paper12supported by the platen42may be changed, and the recording paper12may touch the recording head38.

In view of the above, in this embodiment, the carriage40is moved to the retracted area155(S70to S130) on condition that the platen42is moved from the printing position to the release position (S10). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the recording paper12from touching the recording head38.

If the discharge roller pair44is driven although the recording paper12to be conveyed is absent, the discharge roller pair44does not exhibit the function to convey the recording paper12. In this embodiment, when the recording paper12is not present on the platen42, the controller190does not drive the discharge roller62. It is possible to avoid any useless driving of the discharge roller pair44as described above.

If the recording paper12, which is present in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24, is conveyed when the platen42is positioned at the release position, the recording paper12is not conveyed in the assumed orientation (orientation in which the recording paper12is to be conveyed when the platen42is positioned at the printing position). For example, it is feared that the recording paper12, which is to be conveyed horizontally, may be conveyed obliquely upwardly or obliquely downwardly. In this situation, if the carriage40is positioned in the opposing area154, it is feared that the conveyed recording paper12may abut against the recording head38and the nozzles39may be damaged.

In view of the above, in this embodiment, the recording paper12, which is present in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24, is conveyed frontwardly (S160) after the carriage40is moved to the retracted area155(S70to S130). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the conveyed recording paper12from abutting against the recording head38.

If the recording paper12, which is present in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24, is conveyed when the platen42is positioned at the release position, the recording paper12is not conveyed in the assumed orientation (orientation in which the recording paper12is to be conveyed when the platen42is positioned at the printing position). Accordingly, it is feared that the space may be clogged with the conveyed recording paper12. In this configuration, the conveying speed of the recording paper12in Step S160is slower than the ordinary conveying speed (conveying speed of the recording paper12after the image recording). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the clogging with the recording paper12in the space.

The carriage40is moved to the nearer retracted area of the retracted area155and the retracted area156(S60, S70, S100). Therefore, it is possible to quickly move the carriage40to the retracted area155,156.

The platen42is positioned at the release position during the withdrawal of the feed tray20. Therefore, it is feared that any positional deviation may occur, for example, on account of such a situation that the recording paper12is touched by the user. In this embodiment, when the feed tray20is installed again after being withdrawn (S190: Yes), it is possible to discharge the recording paper12(recording paper12with the fear of any positional deviation) remaining in the space between the platen42and the recording unit24in the second conveyance process (S230). Further, if the recording paper12is not discharged (S240: Yes), it is possible to notify the user of such a situation by means of the notifying unit179(S250).

When one of the insertion and the withdrawal of the feed tray20with respect to the casing14is executed, the slide member74slides while being interlocked with the feed tray20by the aid of the lever75. On the other hand, when the other of the insertion and the withdrawal of the feed tray20with respect to the casing14is executed, the slide member74slides while making abutment against the feed tray20without using the lever75. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease the rotation amount of the lever75when the other of the insertion and the withdrawal of the feed tray20with respect to the casing14is executed. Therefore, the necessary amount of the space is decreased in order to rotate the lever75. As a result, it is possible to suppress the printer unit11from being large-sized.

The lever75can be allowed to abut against the slide member74by using the small rotation amount owing to the provision of the protrusion80.

The protruding end surface80A of the protrusion80is the curved surface. Therefore, the force, which acts on the slide member74from the lever75, has the vector which can be allowed to approach the orientation parallel to the front-rear direction8, irrelevant to the attitude of the lever75in the process in which the feed tray20is withdrawn. It is possible to reliably move the slide member74from the back position to the front position.

The rotation amount of the lever75, which is brought about when one of the insertion and the withdrawal of the feed tray20with respect to the casing14is executed, can be relatively increased, while the rotation amount of the lever75, which is brought about when the other of the insertion and the withdrawal of the feed tray20with respect to the casing14is executed, can be relatively decreased, without changing the total rotation amount of the lever75. When the rotation amount of the lever75, which is brought about when one of the insertion and the withdrawal of the feed tray20with respect to the casing14is executed, is relatively increased, it is thereby possible to increase the slide amount of the slide member74brought about by the abutment against the lever75.

The lever75can be firmly supported by supporting the lever75by the two members of the side frame55and the base member90.

The error, which is brought about when the lever75is assembled to the side frame55and the base member90, can be absorbed by the difference in the diameter between the hole77and the aperture78. The lever75is definitely positioned by the side frame55made of the metal material provided with the aperture78having the small diameter. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the positional accuracy of the lever75.

The side frame55can be firmly supported. It is possible to reduce the positional deviation between the side frame55and the base member90. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the positional accuracy of the lever75.

When the slide member74is disposed at the back position, the protrusion104biases the projection49toward the discharge roller62. Therefore, the platen42can be definitely positioned by the discharge roller62. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the high positioning accuracy of the platen42with respect to the recording unit24.

The inclined surface111A can abut against the projection49to guide the projection49to the position at which the projection49can be biased by the protrusion104, in the slide process of the slide member74from the front position to the back position.

The projection49can be biased to the discharge roller62without providing any distinct member such as a coil spring or the like.

The through-hole109can be partially narrowed by the projection112. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the plastic deformation of the forward end section111of the protrusion104.

It is possible to reduce the deformation in the left-right direction9of the slide member74by engaging the slide member74with the base member90by means of the protrusion105. Note that the deformation in the left-right direction9of the slide member74is apt to be caused when the projection49is biased to the discharge roller62by the protrusion104.

The platen42is biased to the conveying roller60by the abutment piece47and the coil spring48in addition to the urging action to the discharge roller62by the protrusion104. Accordingly, the platen42can be definitely positioned by both of the discharge roller62and the conveying roller60.

The upper surface46A of the projection46abuts against the side frame55or the bearing71irrelevant to the rotation position of the platen42. Therefore, the platen42can be definitely positioned by the conveying roller60irrelevant to the rotation position of the platen42.

Both of the discharge roller62and the conveying roller60are definitely positioned by the side frame55. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the relative positional deviation between the discharge roller62and the conveying roller60.

The plate member83functions as the weight, and thus it is easy for the platen42to rotate to the release position. It is possible to reinforce the platen42by means of the plate member83.

It is possible to stabilize the attitude of the platen42at the release position.

It is possible to definitely position the platen42accurately at the release position.

When the internal space23is visually recognized from the opening13in the state in which the platen42is rotated to the release position, the wall120is present in front of the end portion in the conveying orientation15of the platen42. Therefore, it is possible to lower the possibility for the hand of the user to touch the end portion in the conveying orientation15of the platen42when the platen42is rotated to the release position.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to induce the hand of the user who intends to take out the recording paper12so that the hand is directed upwardly at positions nearer to the upstream in the conveying orientation15along with the upper surface of the wall120. Accordingly, it is possible to lower the possibility for the hand of the user to touch the platen42.

Owing to the provision of the rib45for the platen42, the area, in which the conveyed recording paper12is brought in contact with the platen42, is decreased. Therefore, the friction is decreased between the recording paper12and the platen42, and it is possible to smoothly convey the recording paper12.

The rib45is provided with the side section45B. On this account, the recording paper12, which is conveyed on the upper section45A of the rib45, is easily induced to the discharge roller pair44. When the platen42is disposed at the printing position, the lower end of the side section45B is positioned over or above the lower end of the shaft64. Therefore, it is possible to lower the possibility to draw any foreign matter into the gap between the side section45B and the discharge roller62.

It is unnecessary to provide any mechanism for separating the discharge roller62and the spur63which constitute the discharge roller pair44.

If the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14in any orientation other than the backward orientation (for example, an orientation inclined with respect to the backward orientation), or if the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14in any orientation other than the frontward orientation (for example, an orientation inclined with respect to the frontward orientation), then it is feared that the feed tray20may approach the lever75positioned thereover or thereabove. However, even when the feed tray20approaches the lever75, the lever75enters the cutout96in this embodiment. Accordingly, it is possible to lower the possibility of the interference between the lever75and the feed tray20.

If any malfunction arises when the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, it is feared that the lever75may stay at the front rotation position without returning to the reference position from the front rotation position. If the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14in this state, it is feared that the slide member74, which slides while being interlocked with the insertion of the feed tray20, may push and rotate the lever75disposed at the front rotation position. Then, it is feared that the rotated lever75may abut against the side wall30of the feed tray20and the lever75and/or the side wall30may be broken. In this embodiment, when the slide member74abuts against the lever75disposed at the front rotation position, the lever75disposed at the front rotation position is positioned just over the cutout96. Therefore, the lever74, which is rotated as described above, enters the cutout96. Therefore, it is possible to lower the possibility of being broken as described above.

The position of the lever75is the same as that of the side wall30in the left-right direction9. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the printer unit11in the left-right direction9as compared with the embodiment in which the position of the lever75is different from that of the side wall30in the left-right direction9.

If any malfunction arises when the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14, it is feared that the lever75may stay at the back rotation position without returning to the reference position from the back rotation position even when the feed tray20is disposed at the position of being installed to the casing14. If the lever75is rotated toward the reference position, for example, on account of the vibration of the multifunction machine10in this state, it is feared that the rotated lever75may abut against the side wall30of the feed tray20and the lever75and/or the side wall30may be broken. In this embodiment, when the feed tray20is disposed at the position of being installed to the casing14, the lever75disposed at the back rotation position is positioned just over the cutout96. Therefore, the lever74, which is rotated as described above, enters the cutout96. Therefore, it is possible to lower the possibility of being broken as described above.

When the feed tray20is disposed at the position of being installed to the casing14, the space, in which a part of the lever75disposed at the reference position is positioned, is shared with the space in which the cutout96is positioned. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the vertical size of the printer unit11as compared with the embodiment in which the lever75disposed at the back rotation position is positioned over or above the side wall30.

When the feed tray20is inserted or withdrawn with respect to the casing14, the upward movement of the feed tray20is regulated by the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94and the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95. Accordingly, it is possible to lower the possibility to allow the feed tray20to push the lever75from the lower position and unexpectedly move the lever75.

Even when the feed tray20is moved upwardly, for example, on account of the oblique insertion or withdrawal of the feed tray20with respect to the casing14, the horizontal surface97A and the front upper surface31A abut against the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94and the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95, before the feed tray20abuts against the lever75to rotate the lever75upwardly from the front rotation position. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the lever from being rotated upwardly from the front rotation position and prevent the lever75from being broken.

The lower surface94A of the first protrusion94and the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95abut against the feed tray20at the two points. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the attitude of the feed tray20.

When the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, the upward movement of the feed tray20is regulated by the lower surface94A during the period in which the lower surface95A is disposed at the position at which the lower surface95A may enter the cutout96. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the lower surface95A from entering the cutout96and avoid the inhibition of the movement of the feed tray20.

Any unexpected rotation of the lever75is avoided by the back lower end section70A of the third protrusion70. Therefore, it is possible to lower the possibility to break the lever75.

It is possible to lower the possibility to allow the end portion in the backward orientation of the upper surface of the feed tray20to collide with the lever75during the insertion of the feed tray20into the casing14.

When the lever75is not pushed by the feed tray20upon the abutment, the lever75is rotated to the reference position by the coil spring115. The lever75, which is disposed at the reference position, can be rotated in both of the backward orientation and the frontward orientation until the lever75arrives at the front rotation position or the back rotation position. Therefore, it is possible to lower the possibility to break the lever75, which would be otherwise caused such that the lever75intends to rotate to any position to which the lever75cannot be rotated.

In the embodiment described above, the lever75is biased to the reference position by the coil spring115. However, the lever75may be biased to the reference position by the own weight.

In the embodiment described above, the forward end part79of the lever75is positioned under or below the shaft76. However, the forward end part79of the lever75may be positioned over or above the shaft76. In this case, the forward end79A, which is disposed when the lever75is positioned at the front rotation position, is positioned frontwardly and downwardly as compared with when the lever75is positioned at the reference position. The forward end79A, which is disposed when the lever75is positioned at the back rotation position, is positioned backwardly and downwardly as compared with when the lever75is positioned at the reference position.

The two levers75are provided corresponding to the provision of the two side walls30and the two slide members74of the feed tray20. Then, usually, the amounts of rotation of the two levers75from the reference positions to the front rotation positions are identical with each other, and the amounts of rotation of the two levers75from the reference positions to the back rotation positions are identical with each other. However, the amounts of rotation of the two levers75may be different from each other. For example, when the configurations of the two side walls30and the two slide members74differ between the left and the right, the amounts of rotation of the two levers75may be adjusted depending on the configurations. As a result, the amounts of rotation of the two levers75may be different from each other.

In the embodiment described above, the lever75, which is located at the front rotation position, is regulated for the rotation in the orientation of the arrow151by making contact with the back lower end part70A of the third protrusion70of the base member90(seeFIG.21). However, it is also allowable to adopt such configuration that the lever75, which is located at the front rotation position, may be further rotatable in the orientation of the arrow151by providing no third protrusion70of the base member90or by providing a position of the third protrusion70which is different from that provided in the embodiment described above.

In this case, when at least one of the lower surface94A of the first protrusion94and the lower surface95A of the second protrusion95is opposed in the up-down direction7to at least one of the front upper surface31A of the discharge tray21and the horizontal surface97A of the side wall30of the feed tray20, it is desirable that the spacing distance in the up-down direction7between the opposing both is configured to be smaller than the spacing distance in the up-down direction7between the lever75at a limit rotation position and the feed tray20.

In this context, the term “limit rotation position” means a position which is designated as the position brought about when the lever75is rotated in the maximum amount in the orientation of the arrow151from the reference position. For example, the limit rotation position is a position at which it is feared that the lever75and/or the coil spring115might be damaged, destroyed or broken if the lever75is rotated in the orientation of the arrow151while exceeding the limit rotation position. Further, for example, the limit rotation position is a certain position brought about when the lever75makes contact with the member for regulating the rotation at the certain position at which the lever75is rotated in the orientation of the arrow151while exceeding the front rotation position. In this case, the limit rotation position is an example of the second position.

The platen42may be rotated about any axis or shaft which is different from that of the conveying roller60. For example, the platen42may be rotated about the axis of the pinch roller61. Further, for example, as depicted inFIGS.28A and28B, the platen42may be rotated about the axis of the discharge roller62. In this case, when the platen42is located at the release position, the back end part67of the upper surface of the platen42(support surface for supporting the recording paper12) is positioned downwardly as compared with when the platen42is located at the printing position, as indicated by the broken line inFIGS.28A and28B.

The platen42may be moved to the printing position and the release position by any means which is different from the rotation, for example, by a slide (sliding movement) in the up-down direction7as depicted inFIGS.29A and29B. In this case, when the platen42is located at the release position, the platen42is positioned downwardly as compared with when the platen42is located at the printing position, as indicated by the broken line inFIGS.29A and29B. In other words, the front end part66and the back end part67of the upper surface of the platen42are positioned downwardly as compared with when the platen42is located at the printing position.

In the embodiment described above, the conveying roller60is arranged under or below the straight part34, and the pinch roller61is arranged over or above the straight part34. However, conversely to the embodiment described above, the conveying roller60may be arranged over or above the straight part34, and the pinch roller61may be arranged under or below the straight part34. In this case, the slide member74is configured to move the pinch roller61downwardly by guiding the shaft87downwardly while being interlocked with the frontward movement. Further, in this case, the platen42is rotated about the axis of the pinch roller61.

The projection50of the platen42depicted inFIGS.6and8may be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction9. In other words, the projection50may be a roller which is rotatably supported by the central part162of the platen42.

A buffer material may be attached to the platen42. The buffer material is, for example, a porous material such as a sponge, etc. For example, the plate member83, which is composed of the metal in the embodiment described above, may be composed of a porous material in place of the metal. Thus, the plate member83functions as the buffer material. It is a matter of course that the platen42may be provided with the buffer material separately from the plate member83composed of the metal. In this case, when the platen42is located at the release position, the buffer material, instead of the plate member83, makes contact with the surface119from the upper position, and thus the platen42at the release position is supported by the base member90.

It is also allowable that the platen42is not provided with the ribs43,45. In this case, the support surface for the recording paper12is the upper surface of the platen42.

In the embodiment described above, when the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, then the lever75, which makes contact with the feed tray20and which is rotated, makes contact with the slide member74, and thus the slide member74slides from the back position to the front position. When the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14, then the feed tray20makes contact with the slide member74, and thus the slide member74slides from the front position to the back position.

However, inversely to the above, the following configuration is also available. That is, when the feed tray20is inserted into the casing14, then the lever75, which makes contact with the feed tray20and which is rotated, abuts against the slide member74, and thus the slide member74slides from the front position to the back position. When the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14, then the feed tray20makes contact with the slide member74, and thus the slide member74slides from the back position to the front position without using the lever75. In this case, it is preferable that the forward end part79of the lever75(portion of the lever75entering into the cutout96) is positioned frontwardly as compared with the shaft76(in the case of the embodiment described above, the forward end part79is positioned backwardly as compared with the shaft76) when the lever75is positioned at the reference position.

Further, in both of the situations upon the insertion of the feed tray20into the casing14and upon the withdrawal of the feed tray20from the casing14, the rotated lever75, with which the feed tray20makes contact, may make contact with the slide member74, and thus the slide member74may slide. Further, in both of the situations upon the insertion of the feed tray20into the casing14and upon the withdrawal of the feed tray20from the casing14, the feed tray20may make contact with the slide member74, and thus the slide member74may slide without using the lever75.

Note that when the slide member74slides from the front position to the back position by allowing the lever75to make contact with the slide member74upon the insertion of the feed tray20into the casing14, the slide member74is provided with a projection142which projects or protrudes in the left-right direction9and which is located at the position at which the lever75makes the contact therewith from the front position, for example, as depicted by the broken line inFIG.15.

In the embodiment described above, the platen42is moved to the printing position and the release position by allowing the slide member74to slide in the front-rear direction8. However, the platen42may be moved to the printing position and the release position while being interlocked with the movement of any member which is different from the slide member74.

For example, as depicted inFIG.26, an upper surface141of a side wall140of the feed tray20may support the platen42located at the printing position. The side wall140corresponds to the side wall30of the feed tray20of the embodiment described above. An inclined surface141A is formed at a back end portion of the upper surface141of the side wall140. The inclined surface141A guides the forward end portion of the platen42downwardly in accordance with the frontward movement brought about when the feed tray20is withdrawn from the casing14. Accordingly, the platen42is rotated from the printing position depicted by the solid line inFIG.26to the release position depicted by the broken line inFIG.26(position at which the forward end part66of the upper surface of the platen42(support surface for the recording paper) is disposed downwardly as compared with when the platen42is located at the printing position). Further, the inclined surface141A guides the forward end portion of the platen42upwardly in the process of the backward movement brought about when the slide member74is inserted into the casing14. Accordingly, the platen42is rotated from the release position to the printing position. In this case, the inclined surface141A of the upper surface141of the side wall140is an example of the guide portion. Further, the feed tray20is an example of the rotating mechanism.

According to the configuration depicted inFIG.26, it is unnecessary to separately provide any member for supporting the feed tray20at the printing position. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the parts cost and the number of parts for constructing the printer unit11.

According to the configuration depicted inFIG.26, the platen42can be interlocked with the withdrawal of the feed tray20from the casing14by using the simple configuration of the inclined surface141A.

Further, for example, the upper surface of the discharge tray21may support the platen42at the printing position, and the platen42may be rotated to the printing position and the release position while being interlocked with the movement of the discharge tray21. Note that the discharge tray21may be moved integrally with the feed tray20in the same manner as the embodiment described above, or the discharge tray21may be moved separately from the feed tray20. The discharge tray21is an example of the rotating mechanism.

The material of the frame (side frame55and guide rail56) is not limited to the metal. The material may be made of resin containing, as a main component thereof, a resin such as polyacetal (POM), etc.

It is also allowable that the printer part11is not provided with the contact member41.

In the embodiment described above, the conveying passage65is configured by the curved part33and the straight part34. However, the configuration of the conveying passage65is not limited to this. For example, the conveying passage65may be a generally straight passage which extends frontwardly from an opening formed on the back surface of the casing14and which arrives at the internal space23.

The printer part11of the embodiment described above is based on the so-called serial head system in which the recording part24is provided with the carriage40. However, it is also allowable to adopt the so-called line head system in which the recording part24is not provided with the carriage40, and the recording head38is provided to range from the left end to the right end of the conveying passage65.

In the embodiment described above, the printer part11records an image on the recording paper12in accordance with the ink-jet system. However, it is also allowable to record the image on the recording paper12by means of any system other than the ink-jet system, for example, the electrophotography system.