Recording apparatus

There is provided a recording apparatus including a first accommodating section, a transporting mechanism, a first path which includes a curved path portion, a second path which is extended linearly, a third path which includes a curved path portion, and a fourth path which is extended linearly, and a recording section. The transporting mechanism includes a guide surface extended linearly, which is configured to define the second path, and to guide one side end of the recording medium, and a pair of inclined feeding rollers which is configured to transport the recording medium with respect to the guide surface to bring the one side end of the recording medium to the guide surface. The recording section is arranged along the fourth path. The first accommodating section, the second path, and the fourth path are overlapped in a vertical direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-218363, filed on Sep. 28, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a recording apparatus which is configured to record an image on a recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is known an image forming apparatus having a side-register mechanism (positioning mechanism) which is arranged in a horizontal path including a recording position, at an upstream side in a transporting direction, of a recording position. In such image forming apparatus, since the side-register mechanism is arranged along the horizontal path, it is possible to carry out effectively the positioning of an end portion in a width direction of a recording medium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

If an arrangement in which the side-register mechanism is provided along a curved path connecting between a horizontal path and a paper feeding hopper which is a paper-accommodating section, the recording medium passing through the curved path is subjected to a force directed toward an outer side of the curved path. The force is generated when the curved recording medium regains an original form. Such force directed toward the outer side of the curved path with the recording medium trying to regain the original form is a reactive force which is developed due to a stiffness of the recording medium, or in other words, due to a pliability of the recording medium. Therefore, even when the recording medium is subjected to a force drawing toward one of the directions of width of the recording medium by the side-register mechanism, in some cases the recording medium is not drawn toward one of the directions of width due to the reactive force resisting the force applied, and it is not possible to carry out positioning of the end portion in the width direction of the recording medium. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the side-register mechanism along a straight-line path.

In the abovementioned image forming apparatus in which a horizontal path extending toward the recording position after the curved path is formed, and the side-register mechanism is provided along the horizontal path. Thus, it becomes necessary to form the horizontal path for arranging the side-register mechanism, between the curved path and the recording position, and a linear distance or a straight-line distance of the horizontal path including the recording position becomes large. Therefore, a footprint or an installation area of the image forming apparatus becomes large, and a problem of the installation area becoming large arises.

According to a first aspect of the present teaching, there is provided a recording apparatus configured to carry out recording on a recording medium, including:

a first accommodating section which is configured to accommodate the recording medium;

a transporting mechanism which is configured to transport the recording medium accommodated in the first accommodating section, in order of a first path which includes a curved path portion, a second path which is extended linearly, a third path which includes a curved path portion, and a fourth path which is extended linearly; and

a recording section which is configured to record an image on the recording medium,

wherein the transporting mechanism includes a guide surface extended linearly, which is configured to define the second path, and to guide one side end of the recording medium, and a pair of inclined feeding rollers which is configured to transport the recording medium with respect to the guide surface, to bring closer the one side end of the recording medium to the guide surface, and

the recording section is arranged along the fourth path, and

the first accommodating section, the second path, and the fourth path are overlapped in a vertical direction.

According to the first aspect of the present teaching, even when the inclined feeding roller and the guide surface for defining the second path are provided, or in other words, even when a member for positioning in a direction orthogonal to the transporting direction of the recording medium has been provided, since the first accommodating section, the second path, and the fourth path are overlapping in the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the installation area of the apparatus from becoming large.

According to a second aspect of the present teaching, there is provided a recording apparatus configured to carry out recording on a recording medium, including:

a first accommodating section which is configured to accommodate the medium;

a transporting mechanism which is configured to transport the recording medium accommodated in the first accommodating section, in order of a first path which includes a curved path portion, a second path which is extended linearly, a third path which includes a curved path portion, and a fourth path which is extended linearly; and

a recording section which is configured to record an image on the recording medium,

wherein at least one of the first path and the third path includes a linear portion extending linearly along a vertical direction, and

the transporting mechanism includes a guide surface extended linearly, which is configured to define the linear portion, and to guide one side end of the recording medium, and a pair of inclined feeding rollers which is configured to transport the recording medium with respect to the guide surface to bring closer the one side end of the recording medium to the guide surface, and

the recording section is arranged along the fourth path, and

the first accommodating section, the second path, and the fourth path are overlapped in a vertical direction.

According to the second aspect of the present teaching, even in a case in which, the pair of inclined feeding rollers and the guide surface for defining the linear portion are provided, since the linear portion is extended along the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the installation area of the apparatus from becoming large.

According to the recording apparatus of the present teaching, it is possible to suppress the installation area of the apparatus from becoming large.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present teaching will be described below while referring to the accompanying diagrams.

An overall arrangement of an ink-jet printer1as a first embodiment of a recording apparatus according to the present teaching, will be described below.

The ink-jet printer (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘printer’)1includes a housing1ahaving a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An additional paper feeding unit101is installed at a lower end of the printer1. The additional paper feeding unit101is detachable in a vertical direction from the printer1. A paper discharge section4is provided to an upper portion of a top plate of the housing1a. The paper discharge section4is an example of a discharge section according to the present teaching. A paper transporting path directed from a paper feeding section23toward the paper discharge section4, a paper re-feeding path directed from a downstream side of the paper transporting path toward an upstream side of the paper transporting path, and a connecting path which is connected to an upstream portion of the paper transporting path are formed in an internal space of the housing1a. A paper P, as shown inFIG. 1, is transported along black arrow marks in the paper transporting path, and is transported along white arrow marks in the paper re-feeding path.

A head2which is configured to jet a black ink, a transporting mechanism3, the paper feeding section23, and a main-body control unit100are arranged inside the housing1a. The head2is an example of a recording section according to the present teaching. Moreover, a cartridge which is not shown in the diagram is installed inside the housing1a. The black ink is stored in the cartridge. The cartridge is connected to the head2via a tube which is not shown in the diagram and a pump which is also not shown in the diagram, and the ink is supplied to the head2.

The head2is a line head having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a longer side in a main scanning direction. A lower surface of the head2is a jetting surface2ain which a plurality of jetting ports or nozzles open. At the time of recording, the black ink is jetted from the nozzles in the jetting surface2a. The head2is supported by the housing1avia a head holder2b. The head holder2bholds the head2such that a predetermined gap appropriate for recording is formed between the jetting surface2aand the platen5which will be described later.

The transporting mechanism3includes eleven guide members11to21, seven pairs of transporting rollers41to47, the platen5, a positioning mechanism50, a separating mechanism30, and a paper feeding roller22. The paper feeding roller22is arranged at a position at which the paper feeding roller22makes a contact with the paper P which is at the top in a paper feeding tray24which will be described later. When the paper feeding roller22is driven by the main-body control unit100, the paper feeding roller22feeds the paper P in the paper feeding tray24. The platen5is arranged at a position facing the jetting surface2a. The platen5which has a flat upper surface, supports the paper P from a lower side, and forms a recording area between the jetting surface2aand the platen5. The recording area is a part of the paper transporting path, and corresponds to a part of a fourth path.

The paper transporting path is formed by a first path, a second path, a third path, the fourth path, and a fifth path. The first path is a path which is defined by the two guide members11and12, and has a path portion which is curved or bent from the paper feeding section23toward the second path. The first path is a path which is configured to guide the paper P transported from the paper feeding section23to be directed toward a leftward direction inFIG. 1, which is configured to guide the paper P to be directed toward a downward direction inFIG. 1, and thereafter, which is configured to guide the paper to be directed toward a rightward direction inFIG. 1. In other words, the first path is a path which is configured to guide the paper P transported from the paper feeding section23to take a U-turn. The second path is a path defined by the guide member13, and is extended linearly along a sub-scanning direction. The second path is at a lower side of the paper feeding section23. The transporting direction of the paper P in the second path is rightward inFIG. 1. The third path is a path that is defined by the two guide members14and15, and has a path portion which is curved from the second path toward the fourth path. The third path is a path which is configured to guide the transporting paper P transported from the second path toward a rightward direction inFIG. 1, which is configured to guide toward an upward direction inFIG. 1, and thereafter, which is configured to guide toward a leftward direction inFIG. 1. In other words, the third path is a path which is configured to guide the paper P transported from the second path to take a U-turn. The fourth path is a path that is defined by the two guide members16and17, the head2, and the platen5, and is extended linearly along the sub-scanning direction. The fourth path is at a position sandwiching the paper feeding section23between the second path and the fourth path. The transporting direction of the paper P in the fourth path is the leftward direction inFIG. 1, and is opposite to the transporting direction of the paper P in the second path. The fifth path is a path that is defined by the two guide members18and19, and has a path portion which is curved from the fourth path toward the paper discharge section4.

The paper re-feeding path is formed by a sixth path. The sixth path is a path that connects the fifth path and the second path, and is configured to guide the paper P transported from the fifth path to be directed toward the rightward direction inFIG. 1after guiding toward the downward direction inFIG. 1. The sixth path is a path that goes around a recording area (between the platen5and the head2), and is defined by the guide member20, a part of the guide member11, and the guide member12. The guide member20is connected to a site at some mid-point of the guide member11. In such manner, a part of the sixth path and a part of the first path are a common path.

The pair of transporting rollers41is arranged at some mid-point of the first path, and between the guide member11and the guide member12. The pair of transporting rollers42is arranged at a location where the second path and the third path are connected, and between the guide member13and the guide member14. The pair of transporting rollers43is arranged at some mid-point of the third path, and between the guide member14and the guide member15. The pair of transporting rollers44is arranged at a location where the third path and the fourth path are connected, and between the guide member15and the guide member16. The pair of transporting rollers45is arranged at a location where the fourth path and the fifth path are connected, and between the guide member17and the guide member18. The pair of transporting rollers46is arranged at some mid-point of the fifth path, and between the guide member18and the guide member19. The pair of transporting rollers47is arranged between the guide member19and the paper discharge section4. These seven pairs of transporting rollers41to47are driven by a control of the main-body control unit100. Accordingly, the paper P is transported in order from the first path to the fifth path, and is discharged to the paper discharge section4.

At the pair of transporting rollers46, the transporting direction of the paper P is switched by the control of the main-body control unit100. The pair of transporting rollers46is an example of a pair of re-feeding rollers according to the present teaching. In other words, in a case of transporting the paper P from the recording area to the paper discharge section4, the pair of transporting rollers46rotates such that the paper P is transported upward. On the other hand, in a case of transporting the paper P from the paper transporting path to the paper re-feeding path, a direction of rotation of the pair of transporting rollers46is switched such that, a rear end of the paper P is transported downward as a leading end. Here, the switching of the direction of rotation of the pair of transporting rollers46is carried out when the rear end of the paper P is between a location at which the guide member18and the guide member20are connected, and the pair of transporting rollers46, and when detected by a paper sensor27, the rear end of the paper P is transported downward as a leading end. The paper P which has been transported from the paper transporting path to the paper re-feeding path is re-fed to the second path. At this time, the paper P to be re-fed is transported once again to the recording area with being turned upside down, as compared with the paper P which has passed a recording area immediately before. In such manner, it is possible to record an image on both surfaces of the paper P.

The separating mechanism30includes a feeding roller31and a friction member32. The feeding roller31makes a contact with an upper surface of the paper P which has been fed by the paper feeding roller22. The friction member32is arranged at a position facing the feeding roller31, on a lower side of the feeding roller31, and makes a contact with a lower surface of the paper P that has been fed by the paper feeding roller22. The feeding roller31rotates in one direction by the control of the main-body control unit100. In the first embodiment, the feeding roller31rotates in a clockwise direction inFIG. 1. Moreover, a bias in a downward direction, or in other words, a bias toward the friction member32, is applied to the feeding roller31by a bias applying mechanism which is not shown in the diagram. Therefore, the feeding roller31is capable of transporting the paper P that has been fed between the feeding roller31and the friction member32, and that makes a contact with the feeding roller31, to the first path. It is preferable that the friction member32is formed of a member having a high coefficient of friction, such as cork and rubber.

In this arrangement, even when a plurality of papers P is fed in a multi-ply state by the paper feeding roller22, by the rotation of the paper feeding roller22and the feeding roller31controlled by the main-body control unit100, the paper P that has made a contact with the paper feeding roller22is transported to the first path mainly by the feeding roller31. At this time, another paper P which is under the paper P and which is multi fed is subjected to friction resistance, by the friction member32, in a direction opposite to the transporting direction in which the paper P is transported by the feeding roller31. The friction resistance in this case is also called as a transporting resistance. Therefore, only one paper P out of the plurality of the multi fed papers P is transported to the first path.

The positioning mechanism50, as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, includes a pair of inclined feeding rollers52and a vertical portion51formed on a lower guide13bof the guide member13. The guide member13includes an upper guide13aand the lower guide13b, and the upper guide13aand the lower guide13bare arranged to be mutually isolated in the vertical direction. The second path is defined between the upper guide13aand the lower guide13b. The upper guide13aand the lower guide13bare extended linearly along a horizontal direction. Moreover, the second path is also defined by a guide surface51aof the vertical portion51. The positioning mechanism50carries out the positioning of the paper P in the width direction by transporting one end in the width direction of the paper P that has been transported to the second path, while making it abut with the guide surface51a(which will be described later). In the first embodiment, the width direction means the main scanning direction which is a direction orthogonal to the transporting direction E of the paper P (refer toFIG. 2). Here, the one end in the width direction of the paper P is an end on a side nearer to the guide surface51a, out of the two ends in the width direction of the paper P.

The vertical portion51is formed to be erected in the vertical direction from a left end inFIG. 2, which is one end in the main scanning direction of the lower guide13b. The vertical portion51is extended along the sub-scanning direction. In other words, the vertical portion51is extended linearly along the horizontal direction. The guide surface51awhich is a vertical surface of which in-plane direction is parallel to the sub-scanning direction is formed on the vertical portion51. That is, the guide surface51ais parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The guide surface51ais a side surface of the vertical portion51which is on the other end side, out of the two side surfaces in the main scanning direction of the vertical portion51. A length in the sub-scanning direction of the guide surface51ais almost same as a length of the paper P in the sub-scanning direction. Moreover, a hole13b1is formed in the lower guide13bas shown inFIG. 2. The hole13b1has a substantial rectangular shape in a plan view, and a planar size thereof is larger than a drive roller55which will be described later, in the main scanning direction, and is slightly smaller than the driver roller55in the sub-scanning direction. Moreover, a hole which is not shown in the diagram is formed also in the upper guide13a, and a lower-side portion of a spur roller56which will be described later, can be exposed to the second path through the hole not shown in the diagram.

The pair of inclined feeding rollers52includes the drive roller55and the spur roller56which faces the drive roller55. The spur roller56is a driven roller which rotates with the transporting of the paper P that is transported by the drive roller55or by the rotation of the drive roller55. The drive roller55, as shown inFIG. 2, is arranged at a position facing the hole13b1. The drive roller55is arranged such that an upper end thereof is slightly protruded upward from a transporting surface13b2of the lower guide13b, and makes a contact with a lower surface of the paper P that has been transported on to the transporting surface13b2. A shaft portion55aof the drive roller55is rotatably supported by the housing1a. The drive roller55is arranged such that an axis M of the shaft portion55abecomes parallel to the main scanning direction. The positioning mechanism50has a drive motor which is not shown in the diagram. The drive motor is driven by the control of the main-body control unit100, and rotates the drive roller55via the shaft portion55a.

The spur roller56has four spurs56athat are annular-shaped, and a roller main-body56bhaving a circular cylindrical shape with the spur56afixed to an outer peripheral side surface thereof. A shaft portion56cthat becomes an axis of rotation (pivot shaft) of the spur roller56is formed on two end surfaces of the roller main body56b. The spur roller56is rotatably supported by the upper guide13a. The spur roller56is arranged such that an angle θ made by a portion at a downstream side in the transporting direction of the guide surface51aof a point of intersection of an axis L of the shaft portion56cand the guide surface51a, and the axis L is in a range of 85° to 90°, and is more preferably 88°. Thus, it is preferable that the angle θ is an acute angle.

In this arrangement, as the paper P is transported to the positioning mechanism50by passing through the second path by the pair of transporting rollers41, and a front end of the paper P reaches the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, the paper P is pinched by a pair of inclined feeding rollers53, and transported. At this time, the drive roller55makes an attempt to transport the paper P in the transporting direction E. Since the axis L of the spur roller56is inclined, the paper P is transported in a direction inclined with respect to the transporting direction E as shown by an alternate long and two short dashes line. In other words, the paper P is transported in a direction shown by an arrow inFIG. 2, and a direction of approaching the guide surface51a. Accordingly, an overall left-edge of the paper P is transported in the transporting direction E while making a contact with the guide surface51a. At this time, the paper P is transported in the transporting direction E, while the left edge of the paper P making a contact with the guide surface51a. Therefore, it is possible to carry out positioning of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

The transporting mechanism3has a hole1bformed in a lower surface of the housing1a. The hole1bis an example of a receiving opening1baccording to the present teaching. The hole1bis an opening for receiving the paper P that has been transported from the additional paper feeding unit101. The connecting path is a path which connects the hole1band the second path, and is defined by a part of the guide member12and the guide member21. The guide member21is connected to a site at some mid-point of the guide member12. In such manner, a part of the connecting path and a part of the first path are a common path. More elaborately, the part of the connecting path and a part of the sixth path are a common path.

The guide member21includes a vertical portion21athat is extended upward from the hole1b, a linear portion21bthat is extended along the sub-scanning direction, and a curved portion21cthat connects the vertical portion21aand the linear portion21b. The linear portion21bis formed such that the connecting path has a portion which is positioned linearly in the same manner as the second path. The printer1according to the present embodiment is capable of recording an image on both surfaces of the paper P. The paper P having an image formed on one surface thereof is transported to the second path upon passing through the paper re-feeding path. At this time, when there is a jamming in the paper re-feeding path, sometimes an ink is adhered to a guide on a side facing the one side of the paper P on which the image is recorded, out of the pair of guides which form the guide member12. Moreover, when there is a jamming at the upstream portion of the pair of inclined feeding rollers52of the second path, since the one surface of the paper P on which the image is recorded is facing the upper guide13a, sometimes the ink is adhered to the upper guide13a. In such manner, the connecting path includes a linear path which is collinear with the second path. Therefore, even when a dirt is adhered to one of the pair of guides which forms the guide member12of the paper re-feeding path, or to an upstream portion of the pair of inclined feeding rollers52of the upper guide13a, the ink adhered to the paper re-feeding path or the second path (in other words, the upper guide13a) is not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P. Concretely, the paper that has been transported from the additional paper feeding unit101passes through the curved portion21c. While passing through the curved portion21c, the paper P regains or restores to an original state spontaneously. In other words, the paper P regains a flat state when stacked in a paper feeding tray102, and a reactive force directed toward an outer side of the curved portion21ais developed. In other words, the paper P transported through the curved portion21cis transported while the front end of the paper P is abutted with an outer-side guide of the curved portion21c. Next, the paper P transported from the curved portion21cis introduced to the second path after passing the linear path. Here, by the front end of the paper P being passed through the linear path, the reactive force is suppressed, and the paper P is drawn toward a lower side due to a weight of the front end of the paper P. Therefore, when the paper P passes through the second path, the front end of the paper P comes closer to the lower guide13bthan to the upper guide13a, and the paper P is not susceptible to make a contact with the upper guide13a. Therefore, dirt of the second path is not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P. Supposedly, if the paper P is introduced to the paper re-feeding path immediately after the curved path21c, due to the reactive force of the paper P, the paper P is transported such that the front end of the paper P abuts with one of the pair of guides forming the guide member12of the paper re-feeding path, or such that the paper P abuts with a portion of the upper guide13aat an upstream of the pair of inclined feeding rollers52. In other words, in a case in which the linear portion21bdoes not exist, the dirt is susceptible to be adhered to the paper P. Moreover, a straight-line portion defined by the linear portion21bis shorter than a length of the guide surface51a, in the sub-scanning direction. More elaborately, it is preferable that the straight-line portion has a length of about few centimeters, and has a length such that the front end of the paper P that has passed through the curved portion21cis isolated from an outer-side portion, or in other words, an upper-side portion of the guide member21. The guide surface51acarries out a function of positioning the paper P. Therefore, longer the length in the sub-scanning direction of the guide surface51a, better is the positioning performance. Therefore, it is preferable that the length in the sub-scanning direction of the guide surface51ais not less than one third of the length of the paper P in the sub-scanning direction. In other words, since it is preferable that the straight-line portion defined by the linear portion21bis shorter than the length of the guide surface51ain the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to suppress an installation area of the printer1from becoming large.

The paper feeding section23, as shown inFIG. 3, has the paper feeding tray24which is detachable in the sub-scanning direction from the housing1a. The paper feeding tray24is a box having a recess24aopening upward, and is capable of accommodating the plurality of papers P in the recess24a. A part of the guide members11and12, and one transporting roller of the pair of transporting rollers41are provided to a left-end portion of the paper feeding tray24as shown inFIG. 3. Concretely, a guide on a side nearer to the paper feeding tray24out of the pair of guides which form the guide members11and12, and a roller on a side nearer to the paper feeding tray24out of the two rollers which form the pair of transporting rollers41are provided to the left-end portion of the paper feeding tray24. A roller on a side nearer to the paper feeding tray24out of the two rollers which form the pair of transporting rollers42, the spur roller56, and the upper guide13aare provided to a lower-end portion of the paper feeding tray24. A pair of guides which forms a part of the guide member14is provided to a right-end portion of the paper feeding tray24. Moreover, the friction member32is provided to a left-end portion of an upper surface of the paper feeding tray24. The paper feeding tray24may be detachable in the main scanning direction from the housing1a. In that case, a guide on a side nearer to the paper feeding tray24out of the pair of guides which form the part of the guide member14may be provided to the right-end portion of the paper feeding tray24.

In such manner, the upper guide13aand a part of the guide members11and12which define the first path and the second path, a part of the guide member14which defines the third path are provided integrally to the paper feeding tray24. Therefore, the first path, the second path, and the third path are exposed to exterior when the paper feeding tray24is removed from the housing1aas shown inFIG. 3. Therefore, even when there is a jamming in the first path, the second path, and the third path, it is possible to remove the paper P easily.

The additional paper feeding unit101, as shown inFIG. 1, has a housing101a. The paper feeding tray102, a guide section103, and an additional control unit104are arranged in the housing101a. The paper feeding tray102is detachable from the housing101a. The plurality of papers P can be accommodated in the paper feeding tray102. Based on a command from the main-body control unit100, the additional control unit104controls an operation of each of a paper feeding roller105, a separating mechanism106, and a pair of transporting rollers107of the guide section103. A contact point which is not shown in the diagram, but is connected to the main-body control unit100is provided to a lower surface of the housing1aand a contact point which is not shown in the diagram, but is connected to the additional control unit104is provided to an upper surface of the housing101a. When the additional paper feeding unit101is to be installed in the printer1, the abovementioned contact points are connected electrically, and the main-body control unit100and the additional control unit104are connected.

A discharge hole101bis formed in the upper surface of the housing101a. The discharge hole101bis arranged at a position facing the hole1b, and is an opening for discharging the paper P to the hole1b. Moreover, a hole101chaving a shape similar to the hole1bis formed in a lower surface of the housing101a.

The guide section103includes two guide members103aand103b, the paper feeding roller105, the separating mechanism106, and the pair of transporting rollers107. The paper feeding roller105feeds the paper P at the top in the paper feeding tray102. The separating mechanism106has an arrangement similar to the separating mechanism30, and includes a feeding roller106aand a friction member106b. Accordingly, it is possible to transport to the guide member103b, only one paper P out of the plurality of papers P which is multi fed by the paper feeding roller105.

The pair of transporting rollers107is arranged near the discharge hole101bso that the paper P can be transported toward the discharge hole101b. The guide member103ais extended from the hole101cup to the pair of transporting rollers107, and forms a transporting path between the hole101cand the pair of transporting rollers107. The guide member103bis extended from the paper feeding tray102up to a site at some mid-point of the guide member103a, and forms a transporting path between the paper feeding tray102and the site at some mid-point of the guide member103a. According to such an arrangement, the guide section103transports the paper P from the paper feeding tray102and the paper P from another additional paper feeding unit, toward the printer1. In other words, the guide section103transports the paper P from a lower side toward the upper side.

Next, the main-body control unit100and the additional control unit104will be described below. The main-body control unit100controls an operation of the overall printer1by controlling an operation of each section of the printer1. The main-body control unit100controls a recording operation based on a recording command which has been supplied from an external device such as a PC connected to the printer1. Concretely, the main-body control unit100controls operations such as an operation of transporting the paper P and an ink-jetting operation which is synchronized with the transporting of paper P. The additional control unit104controls the operation of transporting the paper P based on a command from the main-body control unit100.

In a case in which a recording command for carrying out recording on one surface of the paper P has been received from an external device for instance, the main-body control unit100drives the paper feeding roller22, the feeding roller31, the pairs of transporting rollers41to47, and the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, based on the recording command received. The paper P fed from the paper feeding tray24is transported from the first path to the second path, and the positioning of the paper P in the main scanning direction is carried out by the positioning mechanism50. At this time, the main-body control unit100drives the pair of transporting rollers41such that a transporting velocity V1 of the paper P transported by the pair of transporting rollers41becomes slightly faster than a transporting velocity V2 of the paper P transported by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, or in other words, the relationship between V1 and V2 satisfies V1>V2. Accordingly, at the time of transporting the paper P obliquely by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, no back-tension due to the pair of transporting rollers41is applied to the paper P. Therefore, it is possible to prevent defective transporting by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, and also it is possible to transport obliquely the paper P effectively. As a result, it is possible to transport the paper P positioned in the main scanning direction to the recording area. Next, the paper P is transported from the second path to the recording area, or in other words, between the platen5and the head2, of the fourth path, via the third path. When the paper P passes right beneath the head2, the head2is controlled by the main-body control unit100, and ink droplets are jetted from the head2. Accordingly, a desired image is recorded on a surface of the paper P. An operation of jetting the ink, such as a timing of jetting the ink, is based on a detection signal from a paper sensor26. The paper sensor26is arranged at an upstream side in the transporting direction of the head2, and detects the front end of the paper P. Next, the paper P having the image recorded thereon is discharged from the fifth path to the paper discharge section4.

Moreover, in a case in which the main-body control unit100has received a recording command for recording on both surfaces of the paper P from an external device for example, the main-body control unit100drives the paper feeding roller22, the feeding roller31, the pairs of transporting rollers41to47, and the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, based on the recording command. Firstly, similarly as at the time of one-sided recording, an image is formed on a front surface of the paper P, and the paper P is then transported toward the paper discharge section4. As shown inFIG. 1, the paper sensor27is arranged near an upstream side of the pair of transporting rollers46, of the guide member18which is at some mid-point of transporting. As the paper sensor27detects the rear end of the paper P, the pair of transporting rollers46is rotated in reverse direction under the control of the main-body control unit100, and a direction of transporting of the paper P is reversed. At this time, in a case in which the pair of transporting rollers41has not been driven, the main-body control section100drives the pair of transporting rollers41. Accordingly, the paper P has its path switched, and is transported along the paper re-feeding path. The paper re-feeding path is shown by a white arrow mark in the diagram. The paper P which has been transported to the paper re-feeding path, similarly as at the time of one-sided recording, is subjected to positioning in the main-scanning direction, in the second path. Even at the time of positioning in this case, since no back-tension due to the pair of transporting rollers41is applied to the paper P, it is possible to transport obliquely the paper P, effectively. Moreover, a recording surface of the paper P which has been re-fed from the paper re-feeding path to the second path is turned upside down. In other words, a recording surface of the paper P when the paper P has been transported from the paper feeding tray24to the second path is directed to be facing downward. Still in other words, a surface on which an image is to be recorded is facing downward. However, a recording surface of the paper P when the paper P has been re-fed from the paper re-feeding path to the second path is directed to be facing upward. In other words, a surface on which an image has been recorded is facing upward. Moreover, when the paper P passes through the second path and the third path, the paper P is fed once again to the recording area in a state that the paper P is turned upside down. Accordingly, an image is recorded on the rear surface of the paper P. Prior to the image recording on the rear surface of the paper P, as the leading end of the paper P is detected by the paper sensor26, the pair of the transporting rollers46is returned to the normal rotation. The paper P subjected to double-sided recording is discharged to the discharge section4via the fifth path.

In a case of supplying the paper P from the additional paper feeding unit101instead of the paper feeding section23, and recording an image on one side or both sides of the paper P, the additional control unit104drives the paper feeding roller105, the feeding roller106a, and the pair of transporting rollers107, based on a command from the main-body control unit100. At this time, the main-body control unit100drives the paper feeding roller22, the feeding roller31, the pair of transporting rollers42to47except for the pair of transporting rollers41, and also drives the pair of inclined-feeding rollers52. For the rest of the operation, a control similar to the abovementioned control is carried out.

As it has been described above, according to the printer1of the first embodiment, even when the pair of inclined feeding rollers52and the guide surface51afor defining the second path are provided, the paper feeding section23, the second path, and the fourth path are arranged to be overlapped in the vertical direction. In other words, in the printer1of the first embodiment, even when the positioning mechanism50is provided, the paper feeding section23, the guide member13, the guide members16and17, the platen5, and the head2are arranged to be overlapped in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the installation area of the printer1from becoming large.

The fourth path, the paper feeding section23, and the second path are arranged in this order from the upper side. Therefore, the paper feeding section23is arranged between the second path and the fourth path, and it is possible to make large a radius of curvature of the third path which connects the second path and the fourth path. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the jamming of the paper P in the transporting path while suppressing the height of the printer1from becoming large.

Moreover, the sixth path which is the paper re-feeding path, connects the fifth path and the second path. Therefore, it is possible to record an image on both surfaces of the paper P. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out positioning of the paper P in the main scanning direction even before recording an image on the rear surface of the paper P.

Moreover, the printer1has the guide member21which defines the connecting path that has been connected from the hole1bup to the second path. Therefore, it is possible to transport the paper P transported from the additional paper feeding unit101to the recording area after positioning.

Moreover, since the printer1has the separating mechanism30, it is possible to prevent multi feeding of the paper P from the paper feeding tray24. The pair of transporting rollers41is provided between the separating mechanism30and the pair of inclined feeding rollers52in the transporting direction of the paper P. Accordingly, since it is possible to reduce an effect of a comparatively strong transporting load due to the separating mechanism30, it is possible to prevent defective transporting by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52.

As a modified embodiment, a linear portion221bof the guide member21may be extended to be directed downward with moving closer to the second path as shown inFIG. 4. The guide member21is an example of a connecting path defining portion according to the present teaching. In other words, a downstream end in the transporting direction of a portion which the curved portion21cof the connecting path defines, is arranged on an upper side of the second path, and the linear portion221bis extended in a straight line toward the second path which is in an inclined-right downward direction from the downstream end. Even in this case, the ink adhered to the paper re-feeding path or the second path (in other words, the upper guide13a) is not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P. In other words, the paper P that has been transported from the additional paper feeding unit101is introduced to the second path after passing through the path defined by the linear portion221b. At this time, when the leading end of the paper P passes through the path, the leading end is drawn forcibly toward the lower side. Therefore, when passing through the second path, the front end of the paper P comes closer to the lower guide13bthan to the upper guide13a, and the paper P is not susceptible to make a contact with the upper guide13a. Therefore, the dirt of the second path is not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P.

As another modified embodiment, instead of having the separating mechanism30, the printer1may have a separating mechanism230which includes the feeding roller31, the friction member32, and a moving mechanism33which moves the feeding roller31with respect to the friction member32, as shown inFIG. 5. The moving mechanism33has a solenoid33a, and a supporting portion33bwhich supports the feeding roller31. The supporting portion33bis connected to a movable iron core of the solenoid33a. The solenoid33aof the moving mechanism33is activated by the control of the main-body control unit100. Accordingly, the moving mechanism33moves the feeding roller31between a pinched state (a state in which the paper P is pinched) and a released state (a state in which the paper P is released and not pinched any more). The pinched state, as shown inFIG. 5A, is a state in which the feeding roller31and the friction member32make a mutual contact through the paper P, and is a state in which the paper P is pinched. The feeding roller31is arranged in the pinched state. Therefore, it is possible to transport the paper P that is fed between the feeding roller31and the friction member32, and the paper P that makes a contact with the feeding roller, to the first path. The released state, as shown inFIG. 5B, is a state in which the feeding roller31and the friction member32are isolated, and is a state in which the paper P is not pinched.

In such arrangement, suppose that the paper feeding roller22and the feeding roller31rotate in a state of the feeding roller31arranged in the pinched state by the control of the main-body control unit100, and that the plurality of papers P is multi fed from the paper feeding roller22. Even in such case, the paper P which has made a contact with the paper feeding roller22is transported by the feeding roller31to the first path similarly as in the abovementioned embodiment. In other words, one paper P from among the plurality of papers P that is multi fed is transported to the first path. Moreover, the main-body control unit100, while transporting the paper P at the time of recording an image on one surface or both surfaces, moves the feeding roller31to the released state when the leading end of the paper P has reached the pair of inclined feeding rollers52. In other words, the main-body control unit100releases the pinching of the rear end portion of the paper P. Accordingly, at the time of inclined-feeding the paper P by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, no back-tension due to the separating mechanism230is applied to the paper P. Therefore, it is possible to prevent defective transporting by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, and also it is possible to feed obliquely the paper P effectively. In a case in which such separating mechanism230is provided, the pair of transporting rollers41as a pair of intermediate rollers for suppressing the back-tension of the separating mechanism230may not be provided. Moreover, in the present modified embodiment, the moving mechanism33moves the feeding roller31. However, an arrangement may have been made such that the moving mechanism33moves the friction member32and not the feeding roller31.

Next, a printer301according to a second embodiment of the recording apparatus according to the present teaching will be described below while referring toFIG. 6. The printer301according to the second embodiment is a printer in which a positional relationship of components such as the paper feeding section23and the guide member31which defines the second path in the abovementioned embodiment has been changed. Since the rest of the arrangements are similar to the abovementioned arrangement of the printer1, the components which are same are indicated by the same reference numerals, and description of such components is omitted.

The printer301includes a housing301ahaving a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The additional paper feeding unit101is installed at a lower end of the printer301. A paper transporting path that is directed from a paper feeding section323toward the paper discharge section4, a paper re-feeding path that is directed from a downstream side of the paper transporting path to an upstream side of the paper transporting path, and a connecting path that is connected to an upstream portion of the paper transporting path are formed in an internal space of the housing301a. As shown inFIG. 6, the paper P is transported along black arrow marks in the paper transporting path, and is transported along white arrow marks in the paper re-feeding path.

The head2, a transporting mechanism303, the paper feeding section323, and a main-body control unit400are arranged inside the housing301a. The transporting mechanism303includes twelve guide members311to322, the eight pairs of transporting rollers41to48, the platen5, the positioning mechanism50, the separating mechanism30, and the paper feeding roller22. The paper feeding section323includes a paper feeding tray324which is detachable in the sub-scanning direction from the housing301a. The paper feeding tray324is a box having a recess324athat opens upward, and is capable of accommodating the plurality of papers P in the recess324a. The paper feeding roller22feeds the paper P which is at the top of the papers P stacked in the paper feeding tray324. The guide members313and315to319are similar to the aforementioned guide members13and15to19, respectively.

The paper transporting path is formed by a first path, a second path, a third path, a fourth path, and a fifth path. The first path is a path which is defined by the two guide members311and312, and is curved or bent from the paper feeding section323to be directed toward the second path. The second path is similar as in the aforementioned embodiment, except for being arranged at an upper side of the paper feeding section323. The third path is a path which is defined by the two guide members314and315, and is curved from the second path to be directed toward the fourth path. The fourth path and the fifth path are similar as in the aforementioned embodiment. The fourth path is at a position sandwiching the second path between the paper feeding section323and the fourth path.

The paper re-feeding path is formed by a sixth path. The sixth path is a path that connects the fifth path and the second path, going around the recording area, or in other words, between the platen5and the head2, and is defined by a part of the guide member312, and the guide members320and321. The guide member321is connected to a site at some mid-point of the guide member312. In such manner, a part of the sixth path and a part of the first path are a common path.

The pair of transporting rollers41is arranged at some mid-point of the first path, and between the guide member311and the guide member312. The pairs of transporting rollers42to47are arranged to have positional relationship same as in the aforementioned embodiment (the first embodiment). These seven pairs of transporting rollers41to47are driven by the control of the main-body control unit400. Accordingly, the paper P is transported in order from the first path to the fifth path, and is discharged to the paper discharge section4.

The pair of transporting rollers48is arranged at some mid-point of the sixth path, between the guide member320and the guide member321. Similarly as in the aforementioned embodiment, under the control of the main-body control unit400, the pair of transporting rollers46switches the transporting direction of the paper P. The paper P, which has been transported by the pair of transporting rollers46such that the rear end of the paper P becomes the leading end, is re-fed to the second path by the pair of transporting rollers48. At this time, the paper P to be re-fed is transported to the second path in a state of being turned upside down as compared with a state when the paper P has passed through the recording area immediately before. As a result, it is possible to record an image on both surfaces of the paper P.

The transporting mechanism303has a hole301bformed in a lower surface of the housing301a. The hole301bis an opening for receiving the paper P that has been transported from the additional paper feeding unit101. The connecting path is a path which connects the hole301band the second path, and is defined by the guide member322, a part of the guide member311, and the guide member312. The guide member322is connected to a site at some mid-point of the guide member311. In such manner, a part of the connecting path and a part of the first path are a common path. More elaborately, a part of the connecting path and a part of the sixth path are a common path.

The guide member312has a curved portion312aand a linear portion312bthat is extended along the sub-scanning direction. The linear portion312b, similarly as the aforementioned linear portion21b, is formed to have a linear portion such that, the first path is positioned to be collinear with the second path. The linear portion is arranged at an upstream side of the connecting portion of the second path and the sixth path with respect to the transporting direction of the paper P. Even in the second embodiment, the first path has a linear path which is collinear with the second path similarly as in the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the ink adhered to the paper re-feeding path or the ink adhered to the second path, or in other words, the ink adhered to the upper guide13a, is not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P. In other words, the paper P that has been transported from the paper feeding tray324and the additional paper feeding unit101is introduced to the second path after passing through the linear path. At this time, the front end of the paper P is drawn toward a lower side by being passed through the linear path. Therefore, the paper P is not susceptible to make a contact with the upper guide13a, and dirt of the second path is not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P.

Next, the main-body control unit400and the additional control unit104will be described below. The main-body control unit400controls an operation of the overall printer301by controlling an operation of each section of the printer301. The main-body control unit400, controls the recording operation based on a recording command which has been supplied from an external device such as a PC connected to the printer301, for instance. Concretely, the main-body control unit400controls operations such as the operation of transporting the paper P and the ink-jetting operation which is synchronized with the transporting of paper P. The additional control unit104controls the operation of transporting the paper P based on a command from the main-body control unit400.

In a case in which a recording command for carrying out recording on one surface of the paper P has been received from an external device for instance, the main-body control unit400drives the paper feeding roller22, the feeding roller31, the pairs of transporting rollers41to47, and the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, based on the recording command received. The paper P fed from the paper feeding tray324is transported from the first path to the second path, and the positioning of the paper P in the main scanning direction is carried out by the positioning mechanism50. At this time, the main-body control unit400drives the pair of transporting rollers41such that the transporting velocity V1 of the paper P transported by the pair of transporting rollers41is slightly faster than a transporting velocity V2 of the paper P transported by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, or in other words, the relationship between V1 and V2 satisfies V1>V2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent defective transporting by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, and it is possible to feed obliquely the paper P, effectively, similarly as in the aforementioned embodiment. As a result, it is possible to transport to the recording area, the paper P for which the positioning in the main scanning direction has been carried out. Next, the paper P is transported from the second path to the recording area, or in other words, to an area between the platen5and the head2of the fourth path via the third path. When the paper P passes right beneath the head2, the head2is controlled by the main-body control unit400, and ink droplets are jetted from the head2. Accordingly, a desired image is recorded on a front surface of the paper P. The operation of jetting the ink, such as the timing of jetting the ink, is based on a detection signal from the paper sensor26. The paper sensor26is arranged at an upstream side in the transporting direction of the head2, and detects the front end of the paper P. Next, the paper P having the image recorded thereon is discharged from the fifth path to the paper discharge section4.

Moreover, in a case in which the main-body control unit400has received a recording command for recording on both surfaces of the paper P from an external device for example, the main-body control unit400drives the paper feeding roller22, the feeding roller31, the pairs of transporting rollers41to47, and the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, based on the recording command. Firstly, similarly as at the time of one-sided recording, the paper P, upon having an image formed on the front surface thereof, is transported toward the paper discharge section4. As shown inFIG. 6, the paper sensor27is arranged on the guide member318which is at some mid-point of transporting, near an upstream side of the pair of transporting rollers46. As the paper sensor27detects the rear end of the paper P, the pair of transporting rollers46is rotated in reverse direction under the control of the main-body control unit400, and the direction of transporting of the paper P is reversed. At this time, the main-body control unit400drives the pair of transporting rollers48. Accordingly, the path of the paper P is switched, and the paper P is transported along the paper re-feeding path shown by a white arrow mark in the diagram. The paper P which has been transported to the paper re-feeding path, similarly as at the time of one-sided recording, is subjected to positioning in the main-scanning direction, in the second path. At this time, the main-body control unit400drives the pair of transporting rollers48such that the transporting velocity V1 of the paper P transported by the pair of transporting rollers48is slightly faster than the transporting velocity V2 of the paper P transported by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52, or in other words, the relationship between V1 and V2 satisfies V1>V2. Accordingly, since there is no back-tension applied to the paper P by the pair of transporting rollers48even at the time of positioning in this case, it is possible to feed obliquely the paper P, effectively. Moreover, a recording surface of the paper P which has been re-fed from the paper re-feeding path to the second path is turned upside down. In other words, a recording surface (a surface on which an image is to be recorded) of the paper P when the paper P has been transported from the paper feeding tray324to the second path is directed downward. However, when the paper P has been re-fed from the paper re-feeding path to the second path, a recording surface of the paper P is directed to be facing upward. In other words, a surface, on which an image is to be recorded, of the paper P that has been transported from the paper feeding tray324to the second path is facing downward, but a surface on which an image has been recorded, of the paper P that has been re-fed from the paper re-feeding path to the second path is facing upward. Moreover, when the paper passes through the second path and the third path, the paper P is re-fed to the recording area after the paper P is turned upside down, and an image is recorded on a rear surface of the paper P. Prior to the image recording on the rear surface, as the leading end of the paper P is detected by the paper sensor26, the pair of transporting rollers46is returned to normal rotation. The paper P subjected to double-sided recording is discharged to the discharge section4via the fifth path.

In a case of supplying the paper P from the additional paper feeding unit101instead of the paper feeding section323, and recording an image on one side or both sides of the paper P, the additional control unit104drives the paper feeding roller105, the feeding roller106a, and the pair of transporting rollers107, based on a command from the main-body control unit400. At this time, the main-body control unit400does not drive the paper feeding roller22and the feeding roller31. For the rest of the operation, a control similar to the aforementioned control is carried out.

As it has been described above, according to the printer1of the present embodiment, even when the pair of inclined feeding rollers52and the guide surface51afor defining the second path are provided, the paper feeding section323, the second path, and the fourth path are arranged to be overlapped in a vertical direction. Or in other words, according to the printer1in the present embodiment, even when the positioning mechanism50is provided, the paper feeding section323, the guide member313, the guide members316and317, the platen5, and the head2are arranged to be overlapped in a vertical direction. Therefore, similarly as in the aforementioned embodiment, it is possible to suppress the installation area of the printer1from becoming large.

The fourth path, the second path, and the paper feeding section323are arranged in this order from the upper side. Accordingly, it is possible to share the paper feeding tray324and the paper feeding tray102commonly.

Moreover, the sixth path which is the paper re-feeding path, connects the fifth path and the second path. Therefore, it is possible to record an image on both surfaces of the paper P. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out positioning of the paper P in the main scanning direction also before recording an image on the rear surface of the paper P.

As a modified embodiment, a linear portion412bof the guide member312may be extended to be directed downward with moving closer to the second path as shown inFIG. 7. The guide member312is an example of the first defining portion according to the present teaching. In other words, a downstream end in the transporting direction of a portion which the curved portion312adefines, is arranged on an upper side of the second path, and the linear portion412bis extended in a straight line toward the second path which is in an inclined-right downward direction from the downstream end. Even in this case, the ink adhered to the paper re-feeding path or the second path, or in other words, the ink adhered to the upper guide13ais not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P. In other words, the paper P that has been transported from the paper feeding tray324and the additional paper feeding unit101is introduced to the second path after passing through the path defined by the linear portion412b. At this time, the leading end of the paper P, by passing through the path, is drawn forcibly toward the lower side. Therefore, when passing through the second path, the front end of the paper P comes closer to the lower guide13bthan to the upper guide13a, and the paper P is not susceptible to make a contact with the upper guide13a. Therefore, the dirt of the second path is not susceptible to be adhered to the paper P.

Next, a printer401as a third embodiment of the recording apparatus according to the present teaching will be described below while referring toFIG. 8. The printer401of the third embodiment is a printer in which the positioning mechanism50in the first embodiment is provided to the third path, and not to the second path as in the first embodiment. The printer401of the third embodiment has an arrangement similar to the printer1of the first embodiment except for an arrangement of the second path and the third path. Therefore, same reference numerals are assigned to components which are similar as in the first embodiment, and the description of such components is omitted.

The second path is a path that is defined by a guide member113, and is extended linearly along the sub-scanning direction. Moreover, a pair of transporting rollers140is provided at a site at some mid-point of the guide member113. The pair of transporting rollers140transports the paper P that has been transported to the second path, along the transporting direction. In the third embodiment, the pair of transporting rollers140transports the paper P that has been transported to the second path, toward a rightward direction inFIG. 8.

The third path is a path that is defined by three guide members114,115, and153, and has a path portion which is curved or bent from the second path toward the fourth path. The third path is a path that guides the paper P to be directed upward inFIG. 8, after transporting the paper P transported from the second path, to be directed rightward inFIG. 8, and thereafter, guides the paper P to be directed leftward inFIG. 8. In other words, the third path is a path which guides the paper P that has been transported from the second path, such that the paper P makes a U-turn. Moreover, the third path has a linear portion154which is extended linearly along the vertical direction. The linear portion154is a path that is defined by the guide member153, and a positioning mechanism150is provided to the linear portion154. The positioning mechanism150has a vertical portion151that is formed on a first guide153aof the guide member153, and a pair of inclined feeding rollers152. The guide member153has the first guide153aand a second guide153b, and the first guide153aand the second guide153bare arranged to be mutually isolated in the horizontal direction. The third path is defined between the first guide153aand the second guide153b. The first guide153aand the second guide153bare extended linearly along the vertical direction. Moreover, the third path is also defined by a guide surface151aof the vertical portion151. The positioning mechanism150transports the paper P that has been transported to the third path, while making abut one end in a width direction of the paper P with the guide surface151a. Accordingly, positioning of the paper P in the width direction is carried out. The width direction of the paper P is the main scanning direction which is a direction orthogonal to the transporting direction E of the paper P. Moreover, the one end in the width direction of the paper P in this case, is an end which is nearer to the guide surface151a, out of the two ends in the width direction of the paper P.

The vertical portion151is formed to be erected in the vertical direction from the main scanning direction of the first guide153a. The vertical portion151is extended linearly along the vertical direction. Since an arrangement of the guide member153is same as the arrangement of the guide member13in the first embodiment except for a point that an angle of installation is different, the description in detail thereof is omitted.

The pair of inclined feeding rollers152includes a drive roller155and a spur roller156which is facing the drive roller155. The pair of inclined feeding rollers152transports the paper P upward in the vertical direction.

In this arrangement, when the paper P is transported to the positioning mechanism150(second path) by the pair of transporting rollers42, and when the front end of the paper reaches the pair of inclined feeding rollers152, the paper P is pinched by the inclined feeding rollers152and transported. At this time, since the paper P is transported in the transporting direction while a side end of the paper P making a contact with the guide surface151a, it is possible to carry out positioning of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

As it has been described above, according to the printer401of the third embodiment, even in a case in which the pair of inclined feeding rollers152and the guide surface151afor defining the linear portion of the third path have been provided, or in other words, even in a case in which the positioning mechanism150has been provided, the linear portion154is extended along the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the installation area of the printer401from becoming large.

As a modified embodiment of the third embodiment, the positioning mechanism may be provided to the first path, and not to the third path. In this case, the first path has a linear portion that is extended linearly along the vertical direction, and the positioning mechanism is to be provided to the linear portion.

Next, a printer501as a fourth embodiment of the recording apparatus according to the present teaching will be described below while referring toFIG. 9. The printer501of the fourth embodiment is a printer in which the positioning mechanism50in the first embodiment is provided to the third path, and not to the second path as in the first embodiment. The printer501of the fourth embodiment has an arrangement similar to the printer1of the first embodiment except for an arrangement of the second path and the third path. Therefore, same reference numerals are assigned to components which are similar as in the first embodiment, and the description of such components is omitted.

The second path is a path that is defined by a guide member213, and is extended linearly along the sub-scanning direction. Moreover, a pair of transporting rollers240is provided at a site at some mid-point of the guide member213. The pair of transporting rollers240transports the paper P that has been transported to the second path, along the transporting direction. In the fourth embodiment, the pair of transporting rollers240transports the paper P that has been transported to the second path, toward a rightward direction inFIG. 9.

The third path is a path that is defined by three guide members214,215, and253, and has a path portion which is curved from the second path toward the fourth path. The third path is a path that guides the paper P to be directed upward inFIG. 9, after transporting the paper P transported form the second path, to be directed rightward inFIG. 9, and thereafter, guides the paper P to be directed leftward inFIG. 9. In other words, words, the third path is a path which guides the paper P, that has been transported from the second path, such that the paper P makes a U-turn. Moreover, the third path has a linear portion254which is extended linearly along the vertical direction. The linear portion254is a path that is defined by the guide member253, and a positioning mechanism250is provided to the linear portion254. The positioning mechanism250has a vertical portion251that is formed on a first guide253aof the guide member253, and a pair of inclined feeding rollers252. The guide member253has the first guide253aand a second guide253b, and the first guide253aand the second guide253bare arranged to be mutually isolated in the horizontal direction. The third path is defined between the first guide253aand the second guide253b. The first guide253aand the second guide253bare extended linearly along the vertical direction. Moreover, the third path is also defined by a guide surface251aof the vertical portion251. The positioning mechanism250transports the paper P that has been transported to the third path, while making abut one end in a width direction of the paper P with the guide surface251a. Accordingly, positioning of the paper P in the width direction is carried out. The width direction of the paper P is the main scanning direction, and is a direction orthogonal to the transporting direction E of the paper P. Moreover, the one end in the width direction of the paper P in this case, is an end which is nearer to the guide surface251a, out of the two ends in the width direction of the paper P.

The vertical portion251is formed to be erected in the vertical direction from the main scanning direction of the first guide253a. The vertical portion251is extended linearly along the vertical direction. Since an arrangement of the guide member253is same as the arrangement of the guide member313in the second embodiment except for a point that the angle of installation is different, the description in detail thereof is omitted.

The pair of inclined feeding rollers252includes a drive roller255and a spur roller256which is facing the drive roller255. The pair of inclined feeding rollers252transports the paper P upward in the vertical direction.

In this arrangement, when the paper P is transported to the positioning mechanism250(second path) by the pair of transporting rollers42, and when the front end of the paper reaches the pair of inclined feeding rollers252, the paper P is pinched by the inclined feeding rollers252and transported. At this time, since the paper P is transported in the transporting direction while a side end of the paper P making a contact with the guide surface251a, it is possible to carry out positioning of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

As it has been described above, according to the printer501of the fourth embodiment, even in a case in which the pair of inclined feeding rollers252and the guide surface251afor defining the linear portion of the third path have been provided, or in other words, even in a case in which the positioning mechanism250has been provided, the linear portion254is extended along the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the installation area of the printer501from becoming large.

As a modified embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the positioning mechanism may be provided to the first path, and not to the third path. In this case, the first path has a linear portion that is extended linearly along the vertical direction, and the positioning mechanism is to be provided to the linear portion.

The exemplary embodiments of the present teaching have been described heretofore. However, the present invention is not restricted to the aforementioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the range of the patent claims. For instance, in the printers1and301of the embodiments, the paper re-feeding path has been provided. However, the paper re-feeding path may not be provided. Moreover, in the printers1and301of the embodiments, the holes1band301bwhich receive the paper P from the additional paper feeding unit101, and the connecting paths which are connected to the holes1band301brespectively may not be provided. In this case, to use the absence of the connecting paths effectively, an installation area of the printers1and301may be made smaller. Moreover, the linear portions21b,221b,312b, and412bmay not be provided. Furthermore, the separating mechanism30may not be provided. The separating mechanism may be provided with a retard roller instead of the friction member. Moreover, the pair of transporting rollers41as an intermediate roller may not be provided between the inclined feeding roller and the separating mechanism in the transporting direction. Furthermore, the transporting velocity V1 of the paper P transported by the pair of transporting rollers41may be slower than or same as the transporting velocity V2 of the paper P transported by the pair of inclined feeding rollers52. Moreover, the part of the guide member11, the part of the guide member12, and the upper guide13amay not be provided integrally to the paper feeding tray24. Furthermore, the paper feeding tray24may have been provided to the housing1a, to be detachable in the main scanning direction.

In each of the aforementioned embodiments and the modified embodiments, the spur roller56has been used. However, it may be a rubber roller or a resin roller without a protrusion. Moreover, a bead roller having a plurality of protrusions on an outer peripheral side surface thereof may be used. The abovementioned guide surface51ais a vertical surface which is parallel to the sub-scanning direction. However, the guide surface51amay be inclined with respect to the vertical surface in a direction which is orthogonal to the transporting direction E.

The embodiments and the modified embodiments described heretofore can be combined appropriately according to the requirement.

The present teaching is applicable to both of a line head and a serial head. Moreover, the present invention is not restricted to a printer and is also applicable to apparatuses such as a facsimile and a copy machine. Furthermore, the present teaching is also applicable to a recording apparatus such as of a laser type, provided that it is a recording apparatus that records an image. The recording medium is not restricted to the paper P, and may be various recordable media such as an OHP (overhead projector) sheet.