Recording apparatus

A recording apparatus includes: a first transporting path which is a transporting path that transports a medium, passes along a recording portion that performs recording on the medium, and extends to an upstream side and a downstream side of the recording portion; a second transporting path which is a transporting path that is connected to the first transporting path, and switches back and transports the medium in a direction reverse to a feeding direction after the medium which passes along the recording portion is fed; and a third transporting path which is a transporting path that is connected to the second transporting path, makes the medium transported in the reverse direction detour an upper side of the recording portion, reverses the medium, and makes the medium merge at a position on the upstream side of the recording portion in the first transporting path.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a recording apparatus which performs recording on a medium.

2. Related Art

In a recording apparatus which is represented by a facsimile or a printer, particularly in a recording apparatus which can perform recording on both surfaces of a medium, a medium transporting path for reversing the medium is necessary. There are various types of medium transporting paths for reversing the medium, and for example, there is a case where a configuration in which a reversing path for bending and reversing the medium and a path for switching back the medium are combined is employed.

If the medium transporting path is complicated in this manner, when a paper jam occurs in the medium transporting path, an operation for removing the jammed paper becomes a problem. In JP-A-2002-274727, a configuration in which a part of a paper transporting path is opened by opening a manual feeding paper supplying stand is disclosed. In addition, in JP-A-2008-214020, a configuration in which a part of a paper transporting path is opened by opening a manual feeding tray is disclosed. Furthermore, in JP-A-2010-253754, a configuration in which a part of a paper transporting path is opened by detaching a bending and reversing unit is disclosed.

In addition, as one type of the recording apparatus, an ink jet type printer, which performs printing (recording) by ejecting ink with respect to the medium, such as a paper sheet, from a line head (recording portion) which has a fixed type head, is known (for example, refer to JP-A-2013-136242). In the printer, an apparatus casing, in which an upper casing provided with a paper discharging portion on an upper surface thereof can rotationally move around an axial line that extends in a horizontal direction with respect to a lower casing, is provided.

In other words, the upper casing is configured to be rotationally movable between a proximity position which is proximate to the lower casing and a separation position which is separated from the lower casing. Since a line type head is loaded on the upper casing, the printer can perform maintenance of the head by accessing the head of the upper casing from an opening on a front side which is formed when the upper casing rotationally moves to the separation position.

On an apparatus layout, when the reversing path for reversing the medium is formed to go around a recording head, the recording head becomes an obstacle when jam processing is performed, and particularly, it is not possible to move the recording head for a jam processing operation when the recording head is provided to be fixed, and it is difficult to perform the jam processing operation. However, in a configuration in which the recording head which is provided to be fixed is movable, a size of the apparatus becomes large, and the positional accuracy of the recording head deteriorates.

In addition, in the above-described printer, a head is attached to the upper casing. In other words, the head is provided in the upper casing which is different from the lower casing having the transported medium on which printing is performed by the head. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure accuracy of a hinge with respect to the lower casing in the upper casing, which is supposed to ensure the printing accuracy. However, since it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of the hinge, in some cases, there is a problem that the positional accuracy of the head cannot be ensured.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to more easily perform a jam processing operation in a recording apparatus provided with a reversing path which reverses a medium and a path for switching back the medium. In addition, the invention is to provide a recording apparatus which can easily perform a maintenance operation of a recording portion while ensuring the positional accuracy of the recording portion.

Application Example 1

According to this application example, there is provided a recording apparatus, including: a first transporting path which is a transporting path that transports a medium, passes along a recording portion that performs recording on the medium, and extends to an upstream side and a downstream side of the recording portion; a second transporting path which is a transporting path that is connected to the first transporting path, and switches back and transports the medium in a direction reverse to a feeding direction after the medium which passes along the recording portion is fed; a third transporting path which is a transporting path that is connected to the second transporting path, makes the medium transported in the reverse direction detour an upper side of the recording portion, reverses the medium, and makes the medium merge at a position on the upstream side of the recording portion in the first transporting path; and an upper member which is a path forming member that forms an upper section of the recording portion in the third transporting path, is positioned on an upper side of the upper section, and can open the upper section.

In this case, in the third transporting path, that is, in a path which makes the medium detour the upper side of the recording portion, reverses the medium, and makes the medium merge at the position on the upstream side of the recording portion in the first transporting path, since the upper section of the recording portion is formed of the upper member which can open the upper section, by opening the upper member, without moving the recording portion, and without making the recording portion an obstacle, it is possible to easily perform the jam processing operation for removing the jammed medium in the upper section.

Application Example 2

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the upper section may be provided with a roller pair which nips and transports the medium. As one roller which constitutes the roller pair is provided in the upper member and the upper member is opened, the one roller which constitutes the roller pair may be separated from the other roller.

In this case, as the upper section is provided with the roller pair which nips and transports the medium, one roller which constitutes the roller pair is provided in the upper member, and the upper member is opened, since the one roller which constitutes the roller pair is separated from the other roller, a nipped state of the medium by the roller pair is released, and thus, it is possible to more easily remove the jammed medium.

Application Example 3

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the one roller provided in the upper member may be a roller which can rotate in a driven manner, and the other roller may be a roller which is rotationally driven by a driving source.

In this case, since the one roller provided in the upper member is the roller which can rotate in a driven manner, it is not necessary to provide a power transmission mechanism in the upper member, and it is possible to avoid an increase in weight of the upper member, and to easily open and close the upper member with a low amount of force.

Application Example 4

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the one roller provided in the upper member may be a serrated roller which has a plurality of teeth on an outer circumference, and the serrated roller may be in contact with the one surface on which recording is already performed on the medium.

In this case, since the one roller provided in the upper member is the serrated roller which has the plurality of teeth on the outer circumference, and the serrated roller is in contact with the one surface on which recording is already performed on the medium, it is possible to suppress transfer omission or white spots on a recording surface.

Application Example 5

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, a medium receiving tray which is positioned above the upper section and receives the discharged medium and a fourth transporting path which is a transporting path that is connected to the first transporting path and transports the medium that passes along the recording portion together with the medium receiving tray, may be further provided. The medium receiving tray may be configured to be integrated with the upper member, and may be able to be opened and closed.

In this case, since the medium receiving tray is formed to be integrated with the upper member, and can be opened and closed, as the medium receiving tray in which an opening/closing region is ensured to be large and the upper member are configured to be integrated, it is possible to more easily perform the jam processing operation in a state where the upper member is opened.

Application Example 6

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the medium receiving tray may have an upwardly inclined posture toward a side far from an outlet of the fourth transporting path in a closed state. The medium receiving tray may be able to be opened and closed by rotational movement, and a rotational movement fulcrum thereof is positioned on an upstream side of the medium receiving tray during the rotational movement.

In this case, since the medium receiving tray has the upwardly inclined posture toward the side far from the outlet of the fourth transporting path in the closed state, can be opened and closed by the rotational movement, and the rotational movement fulcrum thereof is positioned on the upstream side of the medium receiving tray during the rotational movement, it is possible to ensure a large range of rotational movement of the medium receiving tray and the upper member, and to more easily perform the jam processing operation by opening the upper member.

Application Example 7

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, an accommodation unit which accommodates the recording portion and a discharging portion which discharges the medium on which recording is performed by the recording portion, may be further provided. The recording portion may include a fixed type head which performs recording on the transported medium. The upper member may receive and support the medium which is discharged by the discharging member, and be provided to be able to be opened and closed with respect to the accommodation unit. As the upper member performs an opening operation, an access path which makes it possible to access the recording portion from above may be formed.

In this case, as the upper member performs the opening operation, the access path which makes it possible to access the recording portion from above is formed. In addition, even when the upper member performs the opening operation, the recording portion does not move. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the maintenance operation of the recording portion while ensuring the positional accuracy of the recording portion.

Application Example 8

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the upper member may be configured to be able to be opened until a part which is overlapped with the recording portion when viewed from above becomes smaller than that when the upper member is in a closed state.

In this case, it is possible to easily access the recording portion from above.

Application Example 9

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the accommodation unit which accommodates the recording portion, the discharging portion which discharges the medium on which recording is performed by the recording portion, and a reversing path forming member which is disposed between the upper member and the recording portion and forms a reversing path that reverses the medium, may be further provided. The recording portion may include the fixed type head which performs recording on the transported medium. The upper member may receive and support the medium which is discharged by the discharging member, and be provided to be able to be opened and closed with respect to the accommodation unit. As the reversing path forming member performs an opening operation in a state where the upper member is opened, an access path which makes it possible to access the recording portion from above may be formed.

In this case, as the reversing path forming member performs the opening operation in a state where the upper member is opened, the access path which makes it possible to access the recording portion from above may be formed. In addition, even when the upper member and the reversing path forming member perform the opening operation, the recording portion does not move. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the maintenance operation of the recording portion while ensuring the positional accuracy of the recording portion.

Application Example 10

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the reversing path forming member may be inclined so that a height thereof increases towards a discharging direction in which the medium is discharged, and an opening/closing fulcrum when the reversing path forming member performs the opening/closing operation may be positioned on an upstream side of the discharging direction.

In this case, it is possible to easily open the reversing path forming member.

Application Example 11

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the reversing path forming member may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the accommodation unit.

In this case, by detaching the reversing path forming member from the accommodation unit, it is possible to more easily access the recording portion from above.

Application Example 12

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the upper member may be inclined so that the height thereof increases towards the discharging direction in which the medium is discharged, and an opening/closing fulcrum when the upper member performs the opening/closing operation may be positioned on the upstream side of the discharging direction.

In this case, it is possible to easily open the upper member.

Application Example 13

In the recording apparatus according to the application example, the upper member may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the accommodation unit.

In this case, by detaching the upper member from the accommodation unit, it is possible to more easily access the recording portion from above.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same configuration elements in each embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and only the first embodiment will be described, and the description about the configuration elements in the following embodiments will be omitted.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an external appearance of a printer according to the invention.FIG. 2is a view illustrating a medium transporting path in the printer according to the invention.FIG. 3is a perspective view illustrating a state of a flap which connects a first transporting path and a second transporting path when a medium is transported from the first transporting path to the second transporting path.FIG. 4is a perspective view illustrating a state of a flap which connects the second transporting path and a third transporting path when the medium is transported from the second transporting path to the third transporting path.FIG. 5is a perspective view in a state where an opening/closing body which constitutes a part of a transporting path is opened with respect to an apparatus main body in the printer according to the invention.

FIG. 6is a perspective view illustrating a medium receiving tray in the printer according to the invention.FIG. 7is a perspective view of a state where the medium receiving tray is opened with respect to the apparatus main body.FIG. 8is a perspective view illustrating a state where a unit body is drawn out in the apparatus main body.FIG. 9is a perspective view of the printer according to the invention.FIG. 10is a perspective view illustrating a state where a unit which constitutes a part of the medium transporting path is drawn out from the apparatus main body.

FIG. 11is a perspective view illustrating a state where a cover on a front side of the printer is opened.FIG. 12is a perspective view illustrating a state where the cover on the front side of the recording apparatus is opened, the unit is drawn out from the apparatus main body, and a transporting roller pair can be accessed from an opening.FIG. 13is a perspective view when the transporting roller pair which can be accessed from an opening portion is viewed.FIG. 14is a view illustrating a first state of the medium which is transported in the medium transporting path.FIG. 15is a view illustrating a second state of the medium which is transported in the medium transporting path.

FIG. 16is a view illustrating a third state of the medium which is transported in the medium transporting path.FIG. 17is a view illustrating a fourth state of the medium which is transported in the medium transporting path.FIG. 18is a view illustrating a fifth state of the medium which is transported in the medium transporting path.FIG. 19is a view illustrating a sixth state of the medium which is transported in the medium transporting path.FIG. 20is a view illustrating a state where an opening/closing unit is detached from the medium transporting path.FIG. 21is a view illustrating a state where an upper member is rotationally moved and an upper section is exposed in the medium transporting path.FIG. 22is a view illustrating the second state where a unit body opens the medium transporting path in the medium transporting path.

In each drawing, in an X-Y-Z coordinate system, an X direction means a depth direction of the recording apparatus and a width direction of the medium, a Y direction means a width direction of the recording apparatus and a transporting direction of the medium, and a Z direction means a height direction of the apparatus. In addition, in each drawing, a −X direction side is an apparatus front surface side, and a +X direction side is an apparatus rear surface side.

Overview of Printer and Transporting Path

An ink jet printer10(hereinafter, referred to as a printer10) will be described as an example of the recording apparatus with reference toFIGS. 1 to 2. The printer10is configured as a multifunction printer which is provided with an apparatus main body12and a scanner unit14. The apparatus main body12is provided with a plurality of medium accommodation cassettes16which accommodate the medium. Each medium accommodation cassette16is attached to be attachable to and detachable from a front surface side (−X-axis direction side inFIG. 1) of the apparatus main body12. In addition, a medium P in the present specification indicates a paper sheet, such as a plain paper sheet, a thick paper sheet, or a photographic paper sheet.

In addition, in an apparatus height direction (Z-axis direction) in the apparatus main body12, a medium receiving tray20which receives the medium P on which recording is performed in a recording portion18which will be described later is provided between the scanner unit14and the medium accommodation cassette16.

A transporting path of the medium P in the printer10will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 14. In addition, inFIG. 2, only main configuration elements of the transporting path of the medium P are given reference numerals, and in particular, a plurality of spurs is not given reference numerals. Meanwhile, inFIG. 14, the detailed configuration elements of the transporting path of the medium P are given reference numerals.

The printer10in the embodiment is provided with a medium transporting path21. The medium transporting path21is configured of a straight path22as a “first transporting path”, a switching-back path24as a “second transporting path”, a reversing path26as a “third transporting path”, a face-down discharging path28as a “fourth transporting path”, and a feeding path30which is connected to the straight path22from the medium accommodation cassette16.

In the feeding path30, a feeding roller32, a separating roller pair33, and a first transporting roller pair34are provided in order along the transporting direction of the medium P. The feeding roller32is rotationally driven by a driving source which is not illustrated. One roller33aof the separating roller pair33is a roller which rotates in a driven manner in a state where a predetermined rotational resistance is applied, and performs separation of the medium P by nipping the medium P between one roller33aand the other roller33b(roller which is rotationally driven).

One roller34aof the first transporting roller pair34is configured as a driven roller which rotates in a driven manner in accordance with rotational driving of the other roller34b, and the other roller34bis configured as a driving roller which is rotationally driven by the driving source which is not illustrated.

In addition, in the embodiment, one roller34aand the other roller34bof the first transporting roller pair34are configured of rubber rollers. In addition, each driving roller is controlled by a control portion (not illustrated) provided inside the apparatus main body12via the driving source which is not illustrated. In addition, a recording head48which will be described later is also controlled by the control portion. In other words, the control portion is configured to perform controls which are necessary for a recording operation in the printer10.

In addition, in the description below, one roller in each transporting roller pair mentioned in the present specification is configured as a driven roller, and the other roller is configured as a driving roller which is rotationally driven by the driving source which is not illustrated. In addition, in the embodiment, when there is no specific description, one roller is configured as a spur which is provided with a plurality of teeth on an outer circumference, and the driving roller which is the other roller is configured as a rubber roller as an example.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the medium P accommodated in the medium accommodation cassette16is supported on a hopper17which is provided inside the medium accommodation cassette16. The hopper17rotationally moves by considering a rotational moving axis17awhich is provided in the hopper17as a fulcrum, and the medium P is lifted up. At this time, the feeding roller32comes into contact with the uppermost medium P among the media P supported by the hopper17, and transports the medium P to a downstream side in the transporting direction. At this time, there is a case where the media P following the uppermost medium P is transported together with the uppermost medium P. However, the uppermost medium P and the media P following the uppermost medium P are separated from each other by the separating roller pair33, and only the uppermost medium P is transported to the downstream side in the transporting direction.

Hereinafter, the description will refer toFIG. 14. In addition, in the embodiment, a face-down discharge which makes a recording surface of the medium P face downward and discharges the medium P toward the medium receiving tray20is assumed. On the downstream side in the transporting direction of the first transporting roller pair34, a second transporting roller pair36is provided. The second transporting roller pair36is also provided with one roller36aand the other roller36b.

In the embodiment, the feeding path30and the straight path22are connected to each other at a position of the second transporting roller pair36. In other words, the feeding path30is set to be a path from the medium accommodation cassette16to the second transporting roller pair36.

The straight path22is configured as a path which extends in a straight line shape, and is provided with the second transporting roller pair36, a third transporting roller pair38, the recording portion18, a spur40, a fourth transporting roller pair42, a spur44, and a first flap46in order in the transporting direction. In addition, the straight path22in the embodiment is set to be a path from the second transporting roller pair36to the first flap46. In other words, the straight path22passes along the recording portion18, and is set to be a path which extends to an upstream side and a downstream side of the recording portion18.

The third transporting roller pair38is provided with one roller38aand the other roller38b. Next, the recording portion18is provided with the recording head48. In the embodiment, when the medium P is transported to a position which opposes the recording head48, the recording head48is configured to eject ink onto the recording surface of the medium P and perform recording. The recording head48according to the embodiment is a recording head which is provided so that nozzles which eject the ink cover the entire paper sheet in a width direction, and is configured as a recording head which can perform recording over the entire width of the paper sheet regardless of the movement of the paper sheet in the width direction.

In the transporting path on the downstream side of the recording head48, that is, the recording portion18, on a side which opposes the recording surface of the medium P, the spur40, one roller42a(spur) of the fourth transporting roller pair42, and the spur44are provided to be rotatable. In other words, as the paper sheet guidance on the recording surface of the medium P is performed by these spurs, it is possible to reduce a contact area on the recording surface, to suppress transfer omission or white spots on the recording surface, and to suppress deterioration of recording quality.

Next, the first flap46is positioned on the downstream side of the spur44in the transporting direction. The first flap46connects (state inFIG. 14) the straight path22and the switching-back path24to each other by a driving mechanism which is controlled by the control portion (not illustrated) provided inside the apparatus main body12, or is switchable so as to connect (state inFIG. 16) the straight path22and the face-down discharging path28to each other. In addition, in the embodiment, the driving mechanism which drives the first flap46is configured of a solenoid. In addition, a posture switching operation of the first flap46is controlled by the control portion (not illustrated).

In other words, when the straight path22and the switching-back path24are connected to each other by the first flap46, the medium P is sent to the switching-back path24from the straight path22by the fourth transporting roller pair42(refer toFIG. 3). In addition, when the straight path22and the face-down discharging path28are connected to each other, the medium P is sent to the face-down discharging path28from the straight path22by the fourth transporting roller pair42(refer toFIG. 19).

In addition, here, a second flap50will be described. The second flap50is provided above the first flap46in the apparatus height direction (Z-axis direction). The second flap50is linked to the operation of the first flap46and is driven by a linking mechanism which is not illustrated. In other words, the second flap50is controlled by the control portion via the first flap46and the linking mechanism.

To describe the operation in detail, in a state where the first flap46connects the straight path22and the switching-back path24to each other, the second flap50has a posture in which the connection between the switching-back path24and the reversing path26is blocked (FIG. 14). Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIG. 16, in a state where the first flap46connects the straight path22and the face-down discharging path28to each other, the second flap50has a posture in which the switching-back path24and the reversing path26are connected to each other.

The face-down discharging path28will be described with reference toFIG. 14again. The face-down discharging path28is bent and reversed while extending to an upper side from the straight path22in the apparatus height direction. The face-down discharging path28is provided with a fifth transporting roller pair52, a sixth transporting roller pair54, a seventh transporting roller pair56, an eighth transporting roller pair58, a ninth transporting roller pair60, a tenth transporting roller pair62, and a plurality of spurs64.

The face-down discharging path28is a path from the first flap46to an outlet28awhich is positioned on the downstream side of the tenth transporting roller pair62in the transporting direction. In other words, the face-down discharging path28is a transporting path which is connected to the straight path22, and is a path which bends, reverses, and discharges the medium P which passes along the recording portion18.

The medium P on which recording is performed on the recording surface by the recording portion18is sequentially nipped and transported by the fifth transporting roller pair52, the sixth transporting roller pair54, the seventh transporting roller pair56, the eighth transporting roller pair58, the ninth transporting roller pair60, and the tenth transporting roller pair62in order along the transporting direction from the first flap46in the face-down discharging path28. Then, the medium P is discharged toward the medium receiving tray20from the outlet28a.

Here, when the medium P is transported through the face-down discharging path28, the medium P is transported as the recording surface on which final recording is performed by the recording portion18faces upward, next, the medium P is transported as the recording surface is bent toward an inner side of a bent part of the face-down discharging path28, and then, the medium P is discharged toward the medium receiving tray20from the outlet28aas the recording surface faces downward.

In addition, one roller52aof the fifth transporting roller pair52, one roller54aof the sixth transporting roller pair54, one roller56aof the seventh transporting roller pair56, one roller58aof the eighth transporting roller pair58, one roller60aof the ninth transporting roller pair60, one roller62aof the tenth transporting roller pair62, and the plurality of spurs64are disposed on the inner side of the bent part of the face-down discharging path28, that is, on a side which opposes the recording surface on which final recording is performed in the recording portion18.

Furthermore, the other roller52bof the fifth transporting roller pair52, the other roller54bof the sixth transporting roller pair54, the other roller56bof the seventh transporting roller pair56, the other roller58bof the eighth transporting roller pair58, the other roller60bof the ninth transporting roller pair60, and the other roller62bof the tenth transporting roller pair62are disposed on an outer side of the bent part of the face-down discharging path28, that is, on a side which is opposite to a side opposing the recording surface on which final recording is performed in the recording portion18.

In other words, when the medium P is transported, since the plurality of spurs which is disposed on the inner side of the bent part of the face-down discharging path28comes into contact with the recording surface on which final recording is performed in the recording portion18, it is possible to minimize the contact between the spurs and the recording surface, and to suppress deterioration of the recording quality of the medium P.

Here, the medium receiving tray20will be described with reference toFIG. 2again. The medium receiving tray20has an upwardly (+Z-axis direction) inclined posture toward a side far from the outlet28aof the face-down discharging path28, that is, a −Y-axis direction side. The medium receiving tray20is configured to mount the medium P which is discharged from the face-down discharging path28thereon. In addition, the medium receiving tray20in the embodiment is positioned above the recording portion18in the Z-axis direction, that is, on the +Z-axis direction side.

Next, the switching-back path24will be described with reference toFIG. 14again. When recording is performed on a second surface after performing recording on a first surface on the medium P, that is, when recording is performed on both surfaces, the switching-back path24and the reversing path26are paths through which the medium P passes. In addition, similarly, in a case where recording is not performed on the first surface, but recording is performed on the second surface, the medium P passes through the switching-back path24and the reversing path26. In other words, recording on both surfaces in the present specification means that the medium P is reversed and recording is performed on the second surface regardless of whether or not recording is performed on the first surface.

The switching-back path24is positioned on the inner side of the face-down discharging path28which is bent and reversed upwardly in the apparatus height direction, and extends along the face-down discharging path28. The switching-back path24is provided with an eleventh transporting roller pair66and a plurality of spurs68. One roller66aof the eleventh transporting roller pair66and the plurality of spurs68are disposed on the inner side of the switching-back path24in a bending direction. In addition, the other roller66bof the eleventh transporting roller pair66is disposed on the outer side of the switching-back path24in the bending direction.

In addition, in the embodiment, a switching-back path is set to be a path from the second flap50to an opening24awhich is provided at a tip end of the switching-back path24. In the switching-back path24, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 14, when the switching-back path24and the straight path22are connected to each other by the first flap46, the medium P is fed to the switching-back path24via the first flap46from the recording portion18by the fourth transporting roller pair42. The medium P is fed to a position where a rear end portion of the medium P is nipped by the eleventh transporting roller pair66in the transporting direction in the switching-back path24.

Furthermore, at this time, according to a length of the medium P in the transporting direction, there is a case where a path length of the switching-back path24becomes longer. In this case, the tip end side of the medium P is in a state where the tip end part of the medium P is protruded from the opening24awhich is provided at the tip end of the switching-back path24, and is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body12. When the medium P is sent to the reversing path26, the tip end part of the medium P which is protruded from the opening24ais drawn into the switching-back path24from the opening24a. Therefore, it is possible to respond to a case where the length of the medium P in the transporting direction is longer than the path length of the switching-back path24.

In addition, when the posture in a state (refer toFIG. 14) where the first flap46connects the straight path22and the switching-back path24to each other is switched to a posture in a state (refer toFIG. 16) where the straight path22and the switching-back path24are disconnected from each other, a posture of the second flap50is switched to a posture (refer toFIGS. 4 and 16) in which the second flap50connects the switching-back path24and the reversing path26to each other.

Accordingly, the control unit rotates the eleventh transporting roller pair66in a direction reverse to a direction in which the medium P is fed to the switching-back path24, and sends out the medium P to the reversing path26by considering the rear end side of the medium P as the tip end side. In other words, the medium P is switched back. Therefore, the switching-back path24is a transporting path which is connected to the straight path22, and is a path which switches back and transports the medium P in the direction reverse to the feeding direction after the medium P which passes along the recording portion18is fed.

Next, the reversing path26will be described with reference toFIG. 14. The reversing path26is set to be a path from the second flap50to the second transporting roller pair36of the straight path22passing above the recording portion18.

The reversing path26is provided with a twelfth transporting roller pair70, a thirteenth transporting roller pair72, a fourteenth transporting roller pair74, and a plurality of spurs76. In the reversing path26, the other roller70bof the twelfth transporting roller pair70, the other roller72bof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72, the other roller74bof the fourteenth transporting roller pair74are provided on the inner side of transporting path with respect to the recording portion18, that is, to be close to the recording portion18. In addition, one roller70aof the twelfth transporting roller pair70, one roller72aof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72, and the spurs76are provided on the outer side of the transporting path.

In addition, in the embodiment, a section from a spur with a reference numeral76ato a spur with a reference numeral76bvia the twelfth transporting roller pair70and the thirteenth transporting roller pair72, is set as an upper section26a, and a portion from the spur with a reference numeral76bto the second transporting roller pair36is set as a reversing portion26b.

The upper section26ais provided with an upper member78(refer toFIG. 2) which is a path forming member that forms the upper section26a. The upper member78is positioned on the upper side of the upper section26a, and the medium receiving tray20is formed above the upper member78. In other words, an upper surface of the upper member78constitutes the medium receiving tray20, and the lower surface of the upper member78constitutes a part of the upper section26a. In other words, the upper member78is formed to be integrated with the medium receiving tray20.

In addition, in the reversing path26, the spurs76,76a, and76b, which are positioned inside the upper section26a, one roller70aof the twelfth transporting roller pair70, and one roller72aof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72, are attached to the upper member78to be rotatable.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 2, in the upper member78, a rotational movement fulcrum80is provided in an end portion on the +Y-axis direction side. Therefore, the upper member78obtains a closed posture (refer to a solid line portion inFIG. 2) which constitutes the upper section26a, and a posture (refer to a two-dot chain line portion inFIG. 2) in which the upper section26ais opened. In addition, the rotational movement of the upper member78will be described in more detail later.

InFIG. 14again, the upper section26ain the reversing path26is inclined upwardly (+Z-axis direction) and extends in the −Y-axis direction. In other words, the upper section26aextends along the medium receiving tray20(refer toFIG. 2). As a result, it is possible to reduce a curvature of a part which is bent and bends the medium in the reversing portion26b, that is, a reversing part, and to smoothly transport the medium P since the medium P is bent without difficulty.

The outlet side of the reversing portion26bis configured to be merged with the straight path22at an upstream position of the second transporting roller pair36in the straight path22. Then, the medium P is fed to the straight path22again. In other words, the reversing path26is a transporting path which is connected to the switching-back path24, and is set to be a path which makes the medium transported in the reverse direction, that is, the switched-back medium P, detour the upper side of the recording portion18, reverses the medium P, and makes the medium P merge by the second transporting roller pair36which is positioned on the upstream side of the recording portion18in the straight path22.

Here, when the medium P is merged from the reversing path26to the straight path22, skew-removing is performed. In the embodiment, the other roller74aof the fourteenth transporting roller pair74is configured as a resin roller. In addition, in a path between the second transporting roller pair36and the fourteenth transporting roller pair74, a spur82is provided on the inner side of the transporting path to be rotatable.

In other words, the medium P which is transported along the reversing path26is nipped by the fourteenth transporting roller pair74, the tip end of the medium P butts against the second transporting roller pair36, and accordingly, skew-removing is performed. At this time, the spur82prevents the bent medium from being rubbed with the path forming member inside the reversing path26during the skew-removing.

Above, an overview of the medium transporting path when the face-down discharge is performed with respect to the medium receiving tray20in the printer10, is described. In the embodiment, when recording is performed on both surfaces with respect to the medium P, that is, on the first surface and the second surface of the medium P, in the printer10, the transporting path of the medium P starts from the medium accommodation cassette16, goes through the straight path22, the recording portion18, the switching-back path24, and the reversing path26, passes along the straight path22and the recording portion18again, goes through the face-down discharging path28, and reaches the medium receiving tray20.

In addition, the printer10in the embodiment is also configured to be able to perform a face-up discharge. A part of the path forming member between the other roller54bof the sixth transporting roller pair54and the other roller56bof the seventh transporting roller pair56in the face-down discharging path28is configured as a third flap84. The third flap84is configured to be able to switch a posture (refer toFIGS. 2 and 14) which constitutes the transporting path of the face-down discharging path28and a face-up discharging posture (not illustrated) with each other. Furthermore, the third flap84in the embodiment is controlled by the control portion.

By switching the third flap84to the face-up discharging posture, the medium P which is sent to the face-down discharging path28from the straight path22is discharged to a face-up discharging tray86illustrated inFIG. 8via the third flap84, while the recording surface of the medium P faces upward.

In addition, a dashed line with a reference numeral88inFIG. 2illustrates a manual feeding path of the medium P which is supplied from a manual feeding tray90in a state where the manual feeding tray90(refer toFIG. 1) is rotationally moved with respect to the apparatus main body12and is opened. The manual feeding path88is configured to be merged with the feeding path30. Accordingly, both recording on one surface and recording on both surfaces can also be performed on the medium P which is supplied from the manual feeding path88in the printer10. A posture in which the manual feeding tray90is opened with respect to the apparatus main body12is not illustrated.

Regarding Transportation of Plurality of Media in Printer

Next, with reference toFIGS. 14 to 19, transportation of the media in the medium transporting path when recording on both surfaces is performed on a plurality of media Pn in the printer10will be described. In addition, inFIGS. 14 to 19, a dashed line with a reference numeral P1indicates a medium which is firstly transported in the transporting path, a dashed line with a reference numeral P2indicates a medium which is secondly transported, and a dashed line with a reference numeral P3indicates a medium which is thirdly transported.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the medium P1which is sent along the feeding path30by the feeding roller32(refer toFIG. 2) from the medium accommodation cassette16(refer toFIG. 2) is nipped by the second transporting roller pair36and the third transporting roller pair38in order, and is transported to the recording portion18, that is, a position which opposes the recording head48. Then, recording is performed on a first surface of the medium P1in the recording portion18. The medium P1on which recording is performed on the first surface is nipped by the fourth transporting roller pair42, and is transported toward the first flap46which is positioned on the downstream side of the transporting direction of the fourth transporting roller pair42in the transporting direction.

At this time, the first flap46has a posture in which the straight path22and the switching-back path24are connected to each other. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the medium P1is fed to the switching-back path24via the first flap46by the fourth transporting roller pair42.

Then, the medium P1is nipped by the eleventh transporting roller pair66and is sent along the switching-back path24up to a position where a rear end of the medium P1does not interfere with the second flap50. At this time, the second medium P2is sent out to the feeding path30from the medium accommodation cassette16by the feeding roller32.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the control portion (not illustrated) switches a posture of the first flap46, and connects the straight path22and the face-down discharging path28to each other. As a result, the second flap50is linked to the operation of the first flap46, and obtains a posture in which the switching-back path24and the reversing path26are connected to each other. Then, the eleventh transporting roller pair66is rotationally driven in a direction reverse to a direction in which the medium P1is fed to the switching-back path24, by the control of the control portion. As a result, the medium P1is sent out to the reversing path26by considering the rear end side in the transporting direction as a tip end side in the transporting direction when the medium P1is fed to the switching-back path24. In other words, the medium P1is switched back. At this time, recording is performed on a first surface of the medium P2in the recording portion18.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 17, the medium P1is nipped by the twelfth transporting roller pair70and the thirteenth transporting roller pair72in order, and is transported to the upper section26awhich is positioned above the recording portion18in the reversing path26. In addition, when the medium P1passes through the second flap50, the posture of the first flap46is switched, and the straight path22and the switching-back path24are connected to each other again.

Then, the medium P2on which recording on the first surface is completed in the recording portion18is transported to the switching-back path24via the fourth transporting roller pair42, the first flap46, and the eleventh transporting roller pair66. In addition, a posture of the second flap50is switched to a posture in a state where the switching-back path24and the reversing path26are disconnected from each other in accordance with switching of the posture of the first flap46.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 18, when the medium P1is transported along the reversing portion26bof the reversing path26, the first surface and the second surface of the medium P1are reversed, the medium P1is nipped by the fourteenth transporting roller pair74, and the medium P1is transported toward the straight path22. At this time, the tip end of the medium P butts against the second transporting roller pair36, and skew-removing is performed. Then, the medium P1is fed to the straight path22by making the second surface face the side which opposes the recording head48of the recording portion18. The medium P1which is fed to the straight path22is nipped by the second transporting roller pair36and the third transporting roller pair38in order, and is transported to the recording portion18.

Then, recording is performed on the second surface of the medium P1in the recording portion18. In addition, the first flap46is provided for discharging the medium P1, and switches the posture in which the straight path22and the switching-back path24are connected to each other to the posture in which the straight path22and the face-down discharging path28are connected to each other, by the control portion. In addition, the second flap50is also linked to the first flap46, and switches the posture in which the switching-back path24and the reversing path26are disconnected from each other to the posture in which the switching-back path24and the reversing path26are connected to each other.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 19, the medium P1on which recording is performed on the second surface in the recording portion18is sent out to the face-down discharging path28by the fourth transporting roller pair42. The medium P1is nipped by the fifth transporting roller pair52, the sixth transporting roller pair54, the seventh transporting roller pair56, the eighth transporting roller pair58, the ninth transporting roller pair60, and the tenth transporting roller pair62in order in the face-down discharging path28, is transported to the downstream side in the transporting direction, and is discharged toward the medium receiving tray20from the outlet28aof the face-down discharging path28while a surface on which final recording is performed, that is, the second surface, is a lower side.

Furthermore, at this time, the medium P2is fed to the reversing path26from the switching-back path24by the eleventh transporting roller pair66. Then, the third medium P3enters the straight path22, and is transported to the recording portion18. Then, recording on a first surface of the medium P3is performed in the recording portion18.

Then, the medium P3is fed to the switching-back path24by the fourth transporting roller pair42and the eleventh transporting roller pair66via the first flap46of which the posture in which the straight path22and the face-down discharging path28are connected to each other is switched to the posture in which the straight path22and the switching-back path24are connected to each other. Furthermore, when the medium P3passes through the first flap46, the posture is switched again. Then, recording on the second surface of the medium P2which is sent from the reversing path26is performed in the recording portion18, and the medium P2is discharged to the medium receiving tray20passing along the face-down discharging path28.

After this, until the recording operation is ended as recording on the second surfaces of a predetermined number of media Pn is performed and the media Pn are discharged to the medium receiving tray20, after recording on the first surface of a medium Pn−1 is performed in the recording portion18, recording on the first surface of the medium Pn is performed in the recording portion18while the medium Pn−1 is transported through the switching-back path24and the reversing path26. After this, the medium Pn is transported from the straight path22and the switching-back path24.

Then, after the medium Pn is transported to the switching-back path24, recording on the second surface of the medium Pn−1 is performed in the recording portion18, the operation of discharging the medium Pn−1 from the face-down discharging path28to the medium receiving tray20is repeated. Above, transportation of the medium in the medium transporting path21when recording on both surfaces of the plurality of media Pn is performed in the printer10, is described.

In other words, the medium transporting path21in the embodiment is provided with the switching-back path24along the face-down discharging path28, and the reversing path26which is connected to the switching-back path24is provided to go around the recording portion18. For this reason, three media P can be respectively transported at the same time inside the medium transporting path21, and recording can be performed in order. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the number of media which is in the middle of recording processing per unit time. In other words, it is possible to improve throughput in the printer10.

To summarize the description above, the printer10according to the embodiment includes: the straight path22which is the transporting path that transports the medium P, passes along the recording portion18that performs recording on the medium P, and extends to the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording portion18; the switching-back path24which is the transporting path that is connected to the straight path22, and switches back and transports the medium P in a direction reverse to the feeding direction after the medium P which passes along the recording portion18is fed; the reversing path26which is the transporting path that is connected to the switching-back path24, makes the medium P transported in the reverse direction detour the upper side of the recording portion18, reverses the medium P, and makes the medium P merge at the position on the upstream side of the recording portion18in the straight path22; and the face-down discharging path28which is the transporting path that is connected to the straight path22, bends the medium P which passes along the recording portion18, and reverses and discharges the medium P. The switching-back path24is formed along the face-down discharging path28.

In other words, after the medium P which passes along the recording portion18is fed, the switching-back path24, which switches back and transports the medium P in a direction reverse to the feeding direction, is formed along the face-down discharging path28which bends, reverses, and discharges the medium P which passes along the recording portion18. For this reason, the switching-back path24and the face-down discharging path28do not respectively occupy a region separately and independently inside the printer10, and it is possible to further reduce the size of the apparatus.

In addition, the switching-back path24and the face-down discharging path28in the embodiment are positioned on the reversing path26with respect to the straight path22.

Here, to summarize the positional relationship of the straight path22, the switching-back path24, the reversing path26, and the face-down discharging path28, the switching-back path24and the face-down discharging path28are positioned on the reversing path26side with respect to the straight path22in the apparatus height direction. Therefore, the switching-back path24, the reversing path26, and the face-down discharging path28use at least partially the same region in the apparatus height direction in the printer10, and it is possible to more efficiently suppress an increase in dimensions of the apparatus height direction.

In addition, in the embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the switching-back path24and the face-down discharging path28are in the occupied region of the face-down discharging path28in the height direction.

In other words, the switching-back path24and the reversing path26do not occupy the region independently in the apparatus height direction, and it is possible to further reduce the size of the apparatus.

In addition, in the embodiment, the switching-back path24is disposed inside the face-down discharging path28.

As a result, a path from the switching-back path24toward the reversing path26does not intersect a path from the straight path22toward the face-down discharging path28, and it is possible to improve a degree of freedom of control when recording is performed, and further, to improve throughput.

In the embodiment, the printer10is provided with the medium receiving tray20which receives the medium P discharged from the face-down discharging path28above the recording portion18. The medium receiving tray20has an upwardly inclined posture toward a side far from the outlet28aof the face-down discharging path28. In addition, the reversing path26is reversed after being inclined upwardly along the upwardly inclined posture of the medium receiving tray20, and is merged with the straight path22.

As a result, it is possible to reduce a curvature of the reversed part in the reversing path26, and to smoothly reverse the medium without difficulty.

In addition, the switching-back path24in the embodiment bends the medium P, by considering the first surface which opposes the recording head48that constitutes the recording portion18on the medium P which passes along the straight path22, as an inner side.

Here, when recording is performed on both surfaces (the first surface and the second surface) of the medium P, since the recording portion18is configured to perform recording by discharging the ink as the “liquid” onto the medium P, there is a tendency (curling tendency) that the medium P onto which the ink is discharged is bent by considering a surface (surface on which recording is performed) onto which the ink is discharged as an outer side. When the medium P is reversed and sent to the recording portion18again, since the medium P is bent by considering the surface which opposes the recording head48as the inner side, so-called head rubbing, that is, a case where a tip end or a rear end of the medium P is in contact with the recording head48, is likely to occur.

However, in the embodiment, since the switching-back path24bends the medium P by considering the first surface (surface on which recording is already performed) which opposes the recording head48that constitutes the recording portion18on the medium P which passes along the straight path22as the inner side, that is, the switching-back path24bends the medium P in a direction for correcting the curling tendency, it is possible to prevent or suppress the head rubbing.

Regarding Configuration for Paper Jam Processing in Apparatus Main Body

Next, a configuration for paper jam processing of the medium P which occurs in the transporting path in the apparatus main body12will be further described with reference toFIGS. 2,5to13, and20.

Jam Processing in Feeding Path and Reversing Portion26b

InFIG. 20, a one-dot chain line portion with a reference numeral92illustrates the opening/closing unit which can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body. Furthermore, inFIG. 20, an opening/closing unit92is illustrated in a state of being moved in the horizontal direction from the medium transporting path21, for convenience of description. The opening/closing unit92can be in a closed state with respect to the apparatus main body12as illustrated inFIG. 1, and in an opened state with respect to the apparatus main body12as illustrated inFIG. 5. The opening/closing unit92has a rotational movement fulcrum (not illustrated) in an end portion on the +X-axis direction side. The opening/closing unit92is configured to rotationally move with respect to the apparatus main body12around the rotational movement fulcrum (refer toFIGS. 1 and 5).

The opening/closing unit92is provided with the manual feeding tray90which can be opened and closed with respect to the opening/closing unit92. Furthermore, when the opening/closing unit92is in the closed state with respect to the apparatus main body12, the opening/closing unit92forms a path from the first transporting roller pair34to a merging position with the manual feeding path88in the feeding path30, and a part of the reversing portion26bof the reversing path26. In addition, the opening/closing unit92is provided with one roller of the fourteenth transporting roller pair74, that is, the roller74awhich can rotate in a driven manner.

Therefore, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 20, when the opening/closing unit92is in the opened state with respect to the apparatus main body12, the path from the first transporting roller pair34to the merging position with the manual feeding path88in the feeding path30and the part of the reversing portion26bof the reversing path26are exposed toward the outer side of the apparatus main body12. At this time, as illustrated inFIG. 20, one roller34aand the other roller34bof the first transporting roller pair34are separated from each other, and a nipped state in the first transporting roller pair34is released. Therefore, it is possible to easily remove the medium P jammed in the feeding path30. Therefore, it is possible to more easily perform the jam processing.

Similarly, since one roller74aand the other roller74bof the fourteenth transporting roller pair74are separated from each other, a nipped state in the fourteenth transporting roller pair74is released. Therefore, it is possible to easily remove the medium P jammed in the reversing portion26bof the reversing path26. Therefore, it is possible to more easily perform the jam processing.

Jam Processing in Upper Section26ain Reversing Path26

Next, the upper member78will be described with reference toFIGS. 6,7, and21. The upper member78can be rotationally moved to an upper side (+Z-axis direction side) from a closed state (refer toFIG. 6) with respect to the apparatus main body12to an opened state (refer toFIG. 7) with respect to the apparatus main body12by considering the rotational movement fulcrum80(refer toFIG. 21) provided in the end portion on the +Y-axis direction side as a fulcrum.

When the upper member78is in the opened state (refer toFIG. 21) with respect to the apparatus main body12, the upper section26aof the reversing path26is opened. In other words, the upper section26aof the reversing path26is in an exposed state toward the outer side of the apparatus main body12. In addition, one roller70a(spur) and the other roller70bof the twelfth transporting roller pair70which is disposed in the upper section26aare separated from each other, and a nipped state in the twelfth transporting roller pair70is released. Similarly, one roller72a(spur) and the other roller72bof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72which is disposed in the upper section26aare separated from each other, and a nipped state in the thirteenth transporting roller pair72is released.

In addition, since the spurs76,76a, and76bwhich are disposed in the upper section26aare provided in the upper member78, when the upper member78is rotationally moved, the rollers which remain in the upper section26aare only the other roller70b(rubber roller) of the twelfth transporting roller pair70and the other roller72b(rubber roller) of the thirteenth transporting roller pair72which support the lower side of the medium P in the apparatus height direction. Therefore, since there is no member which blocks the upper part of the upper section26a, it is possible to easily perform the jam processing of the medium P.

To summarize the description above, the printer10in the embodiment includes: the straight path22which is the transporting path that transports the medium P, passes along the recording portion18that performs recording on the medium P, and extends to the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording portion18; the switching-back path24which is the transporting path that is connected to the straight path22, and switches back and transports the medium P in the direction reverse to the feeding direction after the medium P which passes along the recording portion18is fed; the reversing path26which is the transporting path that is connected to the switching-back path24, makes the medium P transported in the reverse direction detour the upper side of the recording portion18, reverses the medium P, and makes the medium P merge at the position on the upstream side of the recording portion18in the straight path22; and the upper member78which is the path forming member that forms the upper section26aof the recording portion18in the reversing path26, is positioned on the upper side of the upper section26a, and can open the upper section26a.

In the embodiment, the reversing path26is configured as a path which makes the medium P detour the upper part of the recording portion18, reverses the medium P, and makes the medium P merge at the position on the upstream side of the recording portion18in the straight path22. In other words, the reversing path26is positioned above the recording portion18. Since the upper section26aof the recording portion18is formed of the upper member78which can open the upper section26a, by opening the upper member78, without moving the recording portion18or making the recording portion18an obstacle, it is possible to easily perform the jam processing operation for removing the jammed paper in the upper section26a.

The upper section26ais provided with the twelfth transporting roller pair70which nips and transports the medium P. As one roller70awhich constitutes the twelfth transporting roller pair70is provided in the upper member78, and the upper member78is opened, one roller70awhich constitutes the twelfth transporting roller pair70is separated from the other roller70b. Similarly, the upper section26ais also provided with the thirteenth transporting roller pair72which nips and transports the medium P. As one roller72awhich constitutes the thirteenth transporting roller pair72is provided in the upper member78, and the upper member78is opened, one roller72awhich constitutes the thirteenth transporting roller pair72is separated from the other roller72b.

As a result, the nipped state of the medium P by one roller70aand the other roller70bof the twelfth transporting roller pair70is released. In addition, similarly, the nipped state of the medium P by one roller72aand the other roller72bof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72is also released. According to this, it is possible to more easily remove the jammed medium P.

In the embodiment, one roller70aof the twelfth transporting roller pair70provided in the upper member78is a roller which can rotate in a driven manner, and the other roller70bis a roller which is rotationally driven by the driving source. In addition, similarly, one roller72aof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72provided in the upper member78is also a roller which can rotate in a driven manner, and the other roller72bis a roller which is rotationally driven by the driving source.

Therefore, as one roller70aof the twelfth transporting roller pair70and one roller72aof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72which are provided in the upper member78are rollers which can rotate in a driven manner, it is not necessary to provide a power transmission mechanism in the upper member78, and it is possible to avoid an increase in weight of the upper member78, and to easily open and close the upper member78with a low amount of force.

One roller70aof the twelfth transporting roller pair70and one roller72aof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72which are provided in the upper member78are serrated rollers (spurs) which have a plurality of teeth on the outer circumference, and the serrated roller is in contact with one surface of the medium P on which recording is already performed.

In other words, one roller70aof the twelfth transporting roller pair70and one roller72aof the thirteenth transporting roller pair72which are provided in the upper member78are spurs (serrated rollers) which have a plurality of teeth on the outer circumference, and since the spurs are in contact with one surface of the medium on which recording is already performed, it is possible to suppress transfer omission or white spots on the recording surface.

The printer10is provided with the medium receiving tray20which is positioned above the upper section26aand receives the discharged medium P, and the face-down discharging path28which is the transporting path that is connected to the straight path22and transports the medium which passes along the recording portion18to the medium receiving tray20. The medium receiving tray20is configured to be integrated with the upper member78, and can be opened and closed.

Therefore, as the medium receiving tray20in which the opening/closing region is ensured to be large and the upper member78are configured to be integrated with each other, it is possible to more easily perform the jam processing operation in a state where the upper member78is opened.

As the medium receiving tray20has the upwardly inclined posture toward the side far from the outlet28aof the face-down discharging path28in the closed state, and rotationally moves, the medium receiving tray20can be opened and closed, and the rotational movement fulcrum80is positioned on the upstream side of the medium receiving tray20during the rotational movement.

Therefore, it is possible to ensure a large range of rotational movement of the medium receiving tray20and the upper member78, and to more easily perform the jam processing operation by opening the upper member78.

Jam Processing in Switching-Back Path and Face-Down Discharging Path

InFIG. 22, a two-dot chain line portion with a reference numeral94inFIG. 22illustrates the unit body which can be in a first state where the medium transporting path21is formed with respect to the apparatus main body12and in a second state where the medium transporting path21is opened. Furthermore, inFIG. 22, only the spurs which are related to the unit body94among the plurality of spurs provided in the medium transporting path21are given reference numerals, and reference numerals of other spurs are omitted.

The unit body94includes a path from the downstream side of the fourth transporting roller pair42to the first flap46and the second flap50in the straight path22, and a path from the second flap50to the middle of the bent and reversed part via the eleventh transporting roller pair66in the switching-back path24. Furthermore, the unit body94includes a path from the first flap46in the face-down discharging path28, to the middle of a path from the eighth transporting roller pair58toward the ninth transporting roller pair60, via the fifth transporting roller pair52, the sixth transporting roller pair54, the seventh transporting roller pair56, and the eighth transporting roller pair58.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the unit body94is configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction with respect to a structure96which constitutes the medium transporting path21inside the apparatus main body12. In the embodiment, the unit body94is configured to be able to be put in and taken out of the structure96by one pair of rail members98provided in the structure96.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 9, a lever100is provided in an upper portion of the unit body94. The lever100is configured to be able to be engaged with a locking mechanism which is not illustrated and which is provided inside the apparatus main body12. In a state where the unit body94is closed with respect to the apparatus main body12(refer toFIG. 9), that is, in a state where the unit body94is in the first state where the medium transporting path21is formed, the lever100is in an engaged state with the locking mechanism. Accordingly, the unit body94is in a state where the movement of the unit body94is restricted with respect to the apparatus main body12.

Next, when the engaged state with the locking mechanism is released, for example, by pulling up the lever100, it is possible to draw out the unit body94from the apparatus main body12by pulling up the lever100, releasing a locked state, and pulling the lever100. In other words, in a state where the engagement between the lever100and the unit body94is released, when the lever100is pulled to the +Y-axis direction side inFIGS. 9and10, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the unit body94is in a state of being drawn out from the apparatus main body12, that is, the second state where the medium transporting path21is opened.

As illustrated inFIG. 22, when the unit body94is in a state of being drawn out from the apparatus main body (second state), a part of the straight path22, a part of the switching-back path24, and a part of the face-down discharging path28are exposed toward the outer side of the apparatus main body12. In particular, when a paper jam occurs in the switching-back path24and the face-down discharging path28, the switching-back path24and the face-down discharging path28can be visually confirmed, and it is possible to more easily perform the jam processing operation in the switching-back path24and the face-down discharging path28.

In addition, in the unit body94, an opening/closing cover102(refer toFIG. 9) is provided to be rotationally movable with respect to the unit body94. When the opening/closing cover102is in an opened state (not illustrated) with respect to the unit body94, the face-up discharging tray86provided in the unit body94is exposed toward the outer side of the apparatus main body12, and it is possible to take out the medium P discharged to the face-up discharging tray86from the apparatus main body12.

Jam Processing in Straight Path

Next, the jam processing in the straight path22and in the transporting path in the vicinity thereof will be described with reference toFIGS. 8,11to14, and22.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, a frame104is provided to stand on a front side of the apparatus in a depth direction of the recording apparatus which is a direction that intersects the transporting direction of the medium in the structure96. The frame104is a frame which constitutes a framework of the structure96. An opening106is formed in the frame104. When the unit body94is in the first state with respect to the structure96in the frame104, that is, when the unit body94constitutes the medium transporting path21, the opening106is formed at a position which corresponds to the fourth transporting roller pair42, the fifth transporting roller pair52, the sixth transporting roller pair54, the eleventh transporting roller pair66, the first flap46, and the second flap50, as illustrated inFIG. 14. Furthermore, inFIGS. 14 and 22, a two-dot chain line portion with the reference numeral106illustrates the opening.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 22, when the unit body94is in the second state with respect to the structure96, that is, when the unit body94is drawn out from the structure96and opens the medium transporting path21, a user can access the recording portion18, a part of the straight path22, for example, the fourth transporting roller pair42or the periphery thereof, in the medium transporting path21from a side of the medium transporting path21, that is, the front surface side of the apparatus, via the opening106. In addition, the user can also access an inlet of the switching-back path24or the face-down discharging path28.

Here, in consideration of a case where the opening106is provided in the frame104, in order to access the straight path22, for example, the fourth transporting roller pair42or the periphery thereof, which is at a position deep inside the structure96, it is necessary to gain access the straight path22from the unit body94side which is drawn out from the structure96. As a result, as an access distance proximate to the straight path22or the recording portion18from the unit body94side becomes longer, and it is difficult to visually confirm a state of the paper jam, operability of the jam processing operation extremely deteriorates.

In the embodiment, as the opening106is provided at a position which corresponds to the fourth transporting roller pair42, the fifth transporting roller pair52, the sixth transporting roller pair54, the eleventh transporting roller pair66, the first flap46, and the second flap50in the medium transporting path21in the frame104, that is, on the side of the medium transporting path21, when the unit body94is drawn out from the structure96, that is, when the unit body94is in the second state, it is possible to easily access and visually confirm the recording portion18, the straight path22, and further, the switching-back path24, and the inlet of the face-down discharging path28, which are at the position deep inside the apparatus main body12.

In addition, the jam processing operation in the periphery of the recording portion18and the straight path22by the opening106will be described in detail. As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 11, a front surface cover108which can rotationally move with respect to the apparatus main body12by considering a lower end portion as a rotational movement fulcrum is provided at a position which corresponds to the structure96in the apparatus height direction in the apparatus main body12, that is, on the front surface side (−X-axis direction side) of the apparatus of the frame104. As the front surface cover108is rotationally moved with respect to the apparatus main body12, the opening106is exposed toward the outer side of the apparatus main body12.

In this state, since the unit body94is accommodated in the structure96, and a part of the unit body94forms the medium transporting path21, the user cannot put their hand into the opening106, or the straight path22at the downstream side part of the recording portion18inside the medium transporting path21cannot be visually confirmed.

Next, inFIGS. 12 and 13, when the locked state of the unit body94with respect to the apparatus main body12is released by operating the lever100, and the unit body94is drawn out from the apparatus main body12, a part of the unit body94which closes the opening106moves in the +Y-axis direction. As a result, the straight path22which is at the position deep inside the apparatus main body12on the inner side of the opening106, for example, the fourth transporting roller pair42and the periphery thereof which are positioned on the downstream side of the recording portion18, can be visually confirmed. Then, the user can put their hand into the medium transporting path21via the opening106, and the jam processing can be performed.

In addition, when the unit body94is drawn out from the structure96, one roller (roller which can rotate in a driven manner)42ain the fourth transporting roller pair42is separated from the other roller (driving roller)42bby the linking mechanism which is not illustrated, and the nipped state in the fourth transporting roller pair42is released. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform the jam (paper jam) processing which occurs in the recording portion18.

To summarize the description above, the printer10in the embodiment includes the recording portion18which performs recording on the medium P, the medium transporting path21which transports the medium P, and the frame104which is provided to stand in the apparatus depth direction which is the direction that intersects the transporting direction of the medium with respect to the medium transporting path21and in which an opening106that makes it possible to access the medium transporting path21is formed.

In other words, according to the embodiment, it is possible to access the medium transporting path21from the side (−X-axis direction side) via the opening106. Accordingly, even when the jam occurs at the position deep inside the apparatus, it is possible to gain access from a location which is near the position where the jam occurs, and to easily perform the jam processing operation.

In the embodiment, the transporting direction of the medium P is the apparatus width direction in the printer10, and the frame104is provided to stand on the front surface side of the apparatus.

Therefore, in the embodiment, as the opening106is positioned on the front surface side of the apparatus, accordingly, it is possible to more easily perform the jam processing operation.

In the printer10in the embodiment, the unit body94which can be in the first state where the medium transporting path21is formed and the second state where the medium transporting path21is opened is provided in the frame104, that is, the structure96. As the unit body94is in the second state, a part of the medium transporting path21is exposed to the inner side of the opening106.

As a result, it is possible to expose the medium transporting path21to the inner side of the opening106in a larger manner, and thus, to more easily perform the jam processing operation.

In the printer10in the embodiment, the fourth transporting roller pair42which nips and transports the medium P to the inner side of the opening106is provided. In addition, as the unit body94is in the second state, one roller42awhich constitutes the fourth transporting roller pair42is separated from the other roller42b. In addition, the fourth transporting roller pair42is a roller pair which is initially positioned downstream of the recording portion18.

Then, as the unit body94is in a state of being drawn out from the apparatus main body12, one roller42awhich constitutes the fourth transporting roller pair42is separated from the other roller42b. Accordingly, restriction of the medium P in the fourth transporting roller pair42is released, and thus, it is possible to more easily perform the jam processing operation.

Modification Example of Embodiment

(1) The opening106in the embodiment is configured to be provided on the side of the position which corresponds to the fourth transporting roller pair42, the fifth transporting roller pair52, the sixth transporting roller pair54, the eleventh transporting roller pair66, the first flap46, and the second flap50, in the medium transporting path21. However, instead of this configuration, the opening106may be provided at a position which corresponds to that in other configurations of the medium transporting path21.

(2) In the embodiment, a configuration in which it is possible to access the inside of the opening106by sliding the unit body94with respect to the apparatus main body12is employed. However, instead of this configuration, a configuration in which it is possible to access the inside of the opening106without sliding the unit body94with respect to the apparatus main body12may be employed.

(3) In the embodiment, when the transporting direction of the medium P is the apparatus width direction, the opening106is provided in the frame104provided on the front side of the apparatus. However, instead of this configuration, when the transporting direction of the medium P is the apparatus depth direction, the opening106may be provided on the side surface of the apparatus. In other words, the opening106may be provided to be able to be accessed from the direction which intersects the transporting direction of the medium in the medium transporting path21.

As illustrated inFIG. 23, a recording apparatus211has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape which is long in a perpendicular direction Z on the whole, and includes a printer portion212which is an example of an accommodation unit, a scanner portion213which is disposed on the printer portion212, and an automatic paper supplying device214which is disposed on the scanner portion213. Next to the scanner portion213on the printer portion212, an operating portion215for performing various operations of the recording apparatus211is provided.

As illustrated inFIG. 24, inside the printer portion212, a medium transporting path220which is an example of the transporting path that transports a paper sheet P which is an example of the medium, and a transporting portion221which is configured of a plurality of rollers (roller pairs) and transports the paper sheet P along the medium transporting path220, are provided. In addition, inside the printer portion212, a supporting stand222which supports the paper sheet P from a lower side of a perpendicular direction Z, and a line type recording portion223which is provided with the recording head48across the width direction of the medium and in which the recording head48which prints (records) an image on the paper sheet P supported by the supporting stand222is a fixed type, are accommodated.

The printer portion212transports the paper sheet P above the supporting stand222and along the medium transporting path220by considering a direction which is perpendicular to the paper surface as a width direction X of the paper sheet P, and a direction which intersects the width direction X as the transporting direction, inFIG. 24. The recording portion223is provided with a line head in a lower portion thereof as the liquid ejecting head which crosses substantially the entire region in the width direction X which intersects the transporting direction of the paper sheet P, and can eject the ink at the same time. The recording portion223prints the image by ejecting the ink from the upper side of the perpendicular direction Z and adhering the ink to the paper sheet P transported above the supporting stand222.

The printed paper sheet P is transported to the medium transporting path220from the recording portion223by a paper discharging roller pair224or another plurality of transporting roller pairs225, and is discharged from a medium discharging port226which is an example of the discharging portion provided in the end portion on the downstream side of the medium transporting path220. The paper sheet P which is discharged from the medium discharging port226drops down and is mounted on a mounting stand (medium receiving tray)227which is an example of the supporting portion (upper member) disposed on the upper side of the recording portion223in the perpendicular direction Z, in a stacked state illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 24. In other words, the mounting stand227sequentially receives and supports the paper sheet P on which printing is done and which is discharged from the medium discharging port226and drops down.

As illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 24, the mounting stand227has a substantially rectangular shape, and is inclined so that a height thereof increases towards the discharging direction Y of the paper sheet P. An upper surface of the mounting stand227is an inclined mounting surface228, and the paper sheet P is mounted on the mounting surface228. At the substantial center of the paper sheet P in the width direction X on the mounting surface228, a convex portion229which extends in the discharging direction Y is formed.

Then, the paper sheet P which is mounted on the mounting surface228slides down in a direction opposite to the discharging direction Y along the inclination of the mounting surface228, and as illustrated by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 24, the end portion on a side opposite to the discharging direction Y side is positioned by abutting against a vertical side wall230which is provided on the lower side of the medium discharging port226in the printer portion212. In addition, the discharging direction Y of the paper sheet P is inclined in a larger manner than the mounting surface228with respect to a horizontal surface.

As illustrated inFIG. 24, in the embodiment, the medium transporting path220includes a medium discharging path234which transports the paper sheet P from the recording portion223to the medium discharging port226, and the medium supplying path which supplies the paper sheet P to the recording portion223. The medium supplying path is configured of a first medium supplying path231, a second medium supplying path232, and a third medium supplying path233which is an example of the reversing path.

The medium discharging path234includes a bending path234A in which the paper sheet P which is printed on by the recording portion223is bent by considering the recording surface of the paper sheet P printed on by the recording portion223as the inner side, and a straight line path234B through which the paper sheet P is transported in one direction toward the medium discharging port226from the bending path234A, while the paper sheet P printed on by the recording portion223is transported to the medium discharging port226.

Then, as the paper sheet P is transported through the bending path234A and the straight line path234B, the medium discharging path234functions as a bending and reversing path which reverses the paper sheet P from a state where the recording surface of the paper sheet P faces the upper side in the perpendicular direction to a state where the recording surface faces the lower side. Therefore, as the paper sheet P passes along the medium discharging path234which functions as the bending and reversing path, the recording surface is in a state where the recording surface confronts the mounting surface228of the mounting stand227, and the paper sheet P is discharged onto the mounting stand227which is positioned above the recording portion223from the medium discharging port226.

In addition, in the medium discharging path234which is provided in the medium transporting path220, the transporting direction of the paper sheet P which is transported through the straight line path234B is one direction of the straight line path234B, and in the embodiment, the one direction is an upwardly inclined direction which ascends toward the medium discharging port226. Therefore, the inclined direction (one direction) of the straight line path234B is the discharging direction Y of the paper sheet P discharged from the medium discharging port226.

In the first medium supplying path231, the paper sheet P inserted from an insertion port236which is exposed by opening a cover235provided on one side surface of the printer portion212, is transported to the recording portion223. In other words, the paper sheet P inserted to the insertion port236is transported toward the recording portion223as a first driving roller238ais rotationally driven, after the paper sheet P is pressed to the first driving roller238aby a hopper237, is transported as the first driving roller238ais rotationally driven, and is nipped between the first driving roller238aand a first driven roller238b.

In the second medium supplying path232, the paper sheet P, which is mounted to be stackable in a paper sheet cassette239provided to be insertable into a bottom portion which is the lower side of the printer portion212, is transported to the recording portion223. In other words, the paper sheet P which is mounted in a stacked state in the paper sheet cassette239is nipped between a second driving roller242aand a second driven roller242b, and is transported toward the recording portion223as the second driving roller242ais rotationally driven, after the uppermost paper sheet P is sent out by a pick-up roller240and the paper sheets P are separated one by one by a separating roller pair241.

In the third medium supplying path233, when printing on both surfaces is performed, in which printing on a sheet surface (paper surface) on both sides with respect to the paper sheet P is performed, the paper sheet P on which printing on one sheet surface side is done by the recording portion223is transported to the recording portion223again. In other words, further on the downstream side of the paper sheet P in the transporting direction than the recording portion223, a branch transporting path244which is branched from the medium discharging path234by an operation of a branching mechanism243provided in the middle of the medium discharging path234is provided. In the branch transporting path244, a branch transporting path roller pair245which can rotationally move both in a normal direction and in a reverse direction is provided on the downstream side of the branching mechanism243.

The paper sheet P on which one side sheet surface is printed is first transported to the branch transporting path244toward the mounting stand227side from the recording portion223side when printing on both surfaces is performed by the branch transporting path roller pair245which rotates in a normal direction. At this time, when a part Pe on the tip end side of the paper sheet P, which is transported to the branch transporting path244, in the transporting direction, jumps out from the medium discharging port226, the position of jumping out is set not to be in contact with the paper sheet P mounted in a stacked state in the mounting stand227.

After this, the paper sheet P transported to the branch transporting path244is transported in reverse to the recording portion223side from the mounting stand227side through the branch transporting path244by the branch transporting path roller pair245which rotates in a reverse direction. At this time, the reverse-transported paper sheet P is transported to the third medium supplying path233, and is transported toward the recording portion223by the plurality of transporting roller pairs225. As the paper sheet P is transported to the third medium supplying path233, the paper sheet P is reversed so that the sheet surface on which printing is not performed opposes the recording portion223, is nipped between a third driving roller246aand a third driven roller246b, and is transported toward the recording portion223as the third driving roller246ais rotationally driven.

The tip end of the paper sheet P transported toward the recording portion223through each medium supplying path butts against an aligned roller pair247which stops rotational movement after the paper sheet P is transported to the aligned roller pair247which is placed on the upstream side of the recording portion223in the transporting direction. The inclination of the paper sheet P with respect to the transporting direction is corrected (skew-removing) as the paper sheet P butts against the aligned roller pair247. Then, after this, as the aligned roller pair247is rotationally driven, the paper sheet P in which inclination is corrected is in an aligned state and is transported to the recording portion223side.

The paper sheet P transported to the recording portion223side by the aligned roller pair247is transported while opposing the recording portion223, by a paper feeding roller pair248which is placed on the upstream side of the paper sheet P in the transporting direction with respect to the recording portion223, or the paper discharging roller pair224and the transporting roller pairs225which are placed on the downstream side in the transporting direction. On the transported paper sheet P, the ink is ejected from the opposing recording portion223, and printing is performed.

As illustrated inFIG. 24, inside the printer portion212, a liquid storing portion250which stores the ink supplied to the recording portion223is provided. In other words, in the liquid storing portion250, the stored ink is supplied to the recording portion223via the ink supplying path which is not illustrated and which is configured of a tube or the like, the recording portion223ejects the supplied ink, and the image or the like is printed on the paper sheet P. In the embodiment, the liquid storing portion250is disposed further on the upper side of the perpendicular direction Z than the paper sheet P mounted on the mounting stand227. In addition, the liquid storing portion250is disposed to cover at least a part of the medium discharging path234when viewed from the upper side in the perpendicular direction Z.

In other words, the upper side of the medium discharging path234which is the bending and reversing path has a shape inclined in one direction by the straight line path234B continuously from the bending path234A. For this reason, inside the printer portion212, a space212S is formed on the upper side between the part on the upper side of the bending path234A to the medium discharging port226of the straight line path234B which has an inclined shape.

In the embodiment, the space212S is formed inside the printer portion212to cover the medium discharging path234when viewed from the upper side, in the width direction X. In the space212S, the liquid storing portion250is disposed to cover at least a part of the medium discharging path234when viewed from the upper side. In addition, in the embodiment, the liquid storing portion250is disposed to cover the entire medium discharging path234when viewed from the upper side in the width direction X.

In addition, in the space212S, a transporting roller pair225a, which is positioned on the most downstream side of the paper sheet P in the transporting direction in the medium discharging path234among the plurality of transporting roller pairs225which functions as the discharging roller provided in the medium discharging path234, is provided at a position overlapped with the liquid storing portion250when viewed from the horizontal direction.

Furthermore, in the space212S, an air blowing portion257, which is positioned inside the space excluding the space occupied by the liquid storing portion250, that is, further on the downstream side of the paper sheet P in the discharging direction Y than the medium discharging port226, and which blows the air in a direction in which the paper sheet P discharged from the medium discharging port226is pressed to the mounting surface228side, is provided. The air blowing portion257is configured to have a rotary fan258, and is provided at a position overlapped with the liquid storing portion250when viewed from the horizontal direction.

In addition, in the embodiment, one air blowing portion257is provided in the width direction X of the paper sheet P so that an air outlet opposes both end portions of the paper sheet P in the width direction X around the convex portion229of the mounting surface228. The air outlets may be provided consecutively in the width direction X of the paper sheet P while one air blowing portion257is provided.

The liquid storing portion250is configured to include ink cartridges251,252,253, and254as liquid storing bodies which respectively store plural types (here, four colors) of ink, and to include a frame body255which has each of the ink cartridges251,252,253, and254mounted thereon. Each of the ink cartridges251,252,253, and254has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in a longitudinal direction, and is mounted to be insertable and extractable by considering the longitudinal direction as an inserting and extracting direction, with respect to the frame body255of which one surface has an opened-box shape, via the opening.

In the embodiment, the inserting and extracting direction of each of the ink cartridges251,252,253, and254is considered as a direction along the width direction X. For this reason, in the printer portion212, an opening portion which is not illustrated and in which the opening of the frame body255is exposed when viewed from the width direction X is formed, and a storing portion cover256(refer toFIG. 23) which can open and close the opening portion is provided. For example, a user of the recording apparatus211can open the storing portion cover256(refer toFIG. 23), expose the opening portion which is not illustrated, and insert or extract each of the ink cartridges251,252,253, and254from the frame body255along the width direction X, via the exposed opening portion.

In addition, in the embodiment, when each of the ink cartridges251,252,253, and254is in a state of being mounted on the frame body255, a short direction thereof is considered as the perpendicular direction Z, a longitudinal direction thereof is considered as the width direction X, and a thickness direction thereof is considered as the horizontal direction along the discharging direction Y. Each of the ink cartridges251,252,253, and254has the same length in the short direction (perpendicular direction Z) as each other, and is mounted on the frame body255in a state of being aligned in the thickness direction.

In addition, the ink cartridge254among the ink cartridges251,252,253, and254is considered as an ink cartridge which stores the ink of a color (for example, black color) having the highest ejection frequency from the recording portion223, and is disposed at a position which is the most separated to the side opposite to the mounting stand227side with respect to the medium discharging port226. The ink cartridge254is thicker than other ink cartridges251,252, and253, and can store a larger amount of ink than a storing amount of ink of other ink cartridges251,252, and253.

As illustrated inFIG. 24, between the recording portion223and the mounting stand227at a part of the printer portion, a reversing path forming member261, which has a rectangular shape that forms a part of the third medium supplying path233which is a reversing path that reverses the paper sheet P at the mounting stand227, is disposed. In other words, the third medium supplying path233is formed on a lower surface of the mounting stand227and an upper surface of the reversing path forming member261. The reversing path forming member261is inclined so that a height thereof increases towards the discharging direction Y.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, axes262are provided on the lower side of the vertical side wall230in the printer portion212to be a pair in the width direction X, and this pair of axes262extends in the width direction X. A sector gear263having a sector shape is provided in one end portion in the width direction X in the end portion on the upstream side of the mounting stand227in the discharging direction Y, and a bearing portion which is not illustrated is provided in the other end portion. The sector gear263is linked to be rotatable as one body with one axis262, and the bearing portion is supported to be rotatable by the other axis262. Therefore, the mounting stand227is rotatable around the pair of axes262.

In other words, the mounting stand227is provided to be able to be opened and closed with respect to the printer portion212, and can rotationally move (opening/closing movement) between a closed position (position in a closed state illustrated inFIG. 23) at which the printer portion212is closed and an opened position (position in an opened state illustrated inFIG. 26) at which the printer portion212is opened. Therefore, an opening/closing fulcrum (center of rotational movement) when the mounting stand227performs the opening/closing operation (rotational movement) is positioned on the upstream side (left side inFIG. 25) of the discharging direction Y.

In this case, a part of the mounting stand227which is overlapped with the recording portion223when viewed from above is configured to be able to be opened until the overlapped part becomes smaller compared to a closed state. In other words, the part of the mounting stand227which is overlapped with the recording portion223when viewed from above is configured to be smaller at the opened position than at the closed position.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, on the side opposite to the mounting stand227in the vertical side wall230inside the printer portion212, a torque hinge264is provided. The torque hinge264is engaged with the sector gear263via a gear mechanism265which has a plurality of gears. In this case, the torque hinge264always biases the mounting stand227in a direction in which the mounting stand227rotationally moves toward the opened position side, via the gear mechanism265.

A biasing force of the torque hinge264is not so large as to automatically rotationally move the mounting stand227to the opened position from the closed position, and is set to be large enough as to assist the user when the user rotationally moves the mounting stand227to the opened position from the closed position. Furthermore, the biasing force of the torque hinge264is set to be slightly larger than a necessary force for holding the mounting stand227, which is rotationally moved to the opened position, at the opened position.

As illustrated inFIGS. 25 and 27, in both side portions in the width direction X in the mounting stand227, rotationally movable locking levers266are respectively provided around an axial member268which extends in the width direction X. Two locking levers266are respectively lockable with respect to pins267which are provided in both side portions in the width direction X in the reversing path forming member261.

In other words, when the mounting stand227is at the closed position, each locking lever266can rotationally move between a locked position (position illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 25) at which each pin267is locked and a released position (position illustrated by a solid line inFIG. 25) at which the locked state with each pin267is released. Each locking lever266is always biased in a direction (clockwise direction inFIG. 25) in which the locking lever266rotationally moves around the axial member268toward the locked position, by a biasing member which is not illustrated. Therefore, when the mounting stand227is at the closed position, as each locking lever266is locked with each pin267, the mounting stand227is held at the closed position against the biasing force of the torque hinge264.

As illustrated inFIGS. 27 and 28, the reversing path forming member261includes each supporting arm261ain both end portions in the width direction X in the end portion of the vertical side wall230. At a position which corresponds to a tip end portion of the two supporting arms261ainside the printer portion212, each axis portion269is provided to be protruded along the width direction X. In the tip end portion, each supporting arm261ais supported to freely rotationally move and to be freely attached and detached with respect to each axis portion269. Therefore, the reversing path forming member261can rotationally move around each axis portion269.

In other words, the reversing path forming member261is provided to be able to be opened and closed with respect to the printer portion212, and can rotationally move (opening/closing movement) between a closed position (position in a closed state illustrated inFIG. 27) at which the printer portion212is closed and an opened position (position in an opened state illustrated inFIG. 28) at which the printer portion212is opened. Therefore, an opening/closing fulcrum (center of rotational movement) when the reversing path forming member261performs the opening/closing operation (rotational movement) is positioned on the upstream side (left side inFIG. 27) of the discharging direction Y.

In this case, a part of the reversing path forming member261which is overlapped with the recording portion223when viewed from above is configured to be able to be opened until the overlapped part becomes smaller compared to a closed state. In other words, the part of the reversing path forming member261which is overlapped with the recording portion223when viewed from above is configured to be smaller at the opened position than at the closed position.

In general, the reversing path forming member261is screwed by a screw which is not illustrated with respect to the printer portion212when the reversing path forming member261is at the closed position. Therefore, after the screw is taken away and the screwed state with respect to the printer portion212is released, by taking away each supporting arm261afrom each axis portion269, the reversing path forming member261can be detached from the printer portion212. In other words, the reversing path forming member261is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the printer portion212.

Next, an operation when the maintenance operation of the recording portion223is performed in the recording apparatus211will be described.

When an exchanging operation which is one example of the maintenance operation of the recording portion223is performed, in a case where the recording portion223is detached from the recording apparatus211, first, as illustrated inFIG. 27, the scanner portion213, the automatic paper supplying device214, and the operating portion215are detached from the printer portion212. Next, in a state where the locking lever266is rotationally moved to the released position, the mounting stand227performs an opening operation, and is rotationally moved to the opened position. At this time, the mounting stand227is held at the opened position by the biasing force of the torque hinge264.

Next, after taking away the screw which fixes the reversing path forming member261to the printer portion212and releasing the screwed state of the reversing path forming member261with respect to the printer portion212, as illustrated inFIG. 28, the reversing path forming member261performs the opening operation and rotationally moves to the opened position. Accordingly, the recording portion223is exposed. In other words, as the mounting stand227makes the reversing path forming member261perform the opening operation in the opened state, an access path AK, which makes it possible to access the recording portion223from above from the outside of the printer portion212, is formed.

Next, by taking away each supporting arm261aof the reversing path forming member261from each axis portion269, as illustrated inFIG. 29, the reversing path forming member261is detached from the printer portion212. Next, as illustrated inFIG. 30, the recording portion223is accessed from above through the access path AK, and the recording portion223is taken out from the printer portion212. Then, the taken-out recording portion223is exchanged with a new recording portion, and the exchanged recording portion is assembled at a predetermined position inside the printer portion212.

Next, after attaching the reversing path forming member261to the original position in the printer portion212, the mounting stand227rotationally moves to the closed position. After this, by assembling the scanner portion213, the automatic paper supplying device214, and the operating portion215to the printer portion212, the operation is completed.

Next, a structure in which the recording portion223is attached to the printer portion212will be described.

As illustrated inFIG. 31, plate-shaped supporting pieces270which support the recording portion223are respectively provided to be protruded on both side surfaces in the width direction X inside the printer portion212, and pins271are provided to stand on each supporting piece270. In both end portions in the width direction X in the recording portion223, insertion holes223awhich can be inserted through the pins271are formed to penetrate in the perpendicular direction Z. As each pin271is inserted through each insertion hole223a, the recording portion223is supported by each supporting piece270. At this time, the recording portion223is positioned in the horizontal direction which is perpendicular to the perpendicular direction Z by each pin271.

Both end portions in the width direction X on the upper surface of the recording portion223are supported to be respectively pressed from the upper side by a fastening plate272which has a substantially rectangular shape. In other words, in each fastening plate272, tip end portions of the pins271are inserted through holes272aprovided in one end portion, and the other end portions are fixed to the printer portion212by a screw273. At this time, the recording portion223is positioned in the perpendicular direction Z by each fastening plate272.

When the recording portion223is taken out from the printer portion212, as illustrated inFIG. 32, first, each screw273is taken away, and each fastening plate272is detached. After this, as illustrated inFIG. 33, when the recording portion223is pulled up, each pin271is extracted from each insertion hole223a, and the recording portion223is taken out from the printer portion212.

Meanwhile, when the recording portion223is attached to the printer portion212, as illustrated inFIG. 32, first, each pin271is inserted through each insertion hole223a, and the recording portion223is supported by each supporting piece270. After this, as illustrated inFIG. 31, in a state where each pin271is inserted through the through holes272aof each fastening plate272, by fixing each fastening plate272by each screw273to the printer portion212, the recording portion223is attached to the printer portion212.

Above, it is possible to obtain the following effects according to the described embodiments.

(1) In the recording apparatus211, as the reversing path forming member261performs the opening operation in a state where the mounting stand227which is a part of the printer portion212is opened, the access path AK which makes it possible to access the recording portion223from above from the outside of the printer portion212is formed. For this reason, it is possible to access the recording portion223from above through the access path AK from the outside of the printer portion212. In addition, when the mounting stand227and the reversing path forming member261perform the opening operation, the recording portion223does not move. Therefore, while ensuring the positional accuracy of the recording portion223, it is possible to easily perform the maintenance operation, such as the exchanging operation of the recording portion223.

(2) In the recording apparatus211, the mounting stand227and the reversing path forming member261are configured to be able to be opened until the overlapped parts with the recording portion223when viewed from above respectively become smaller than the overlapped parts in the closed state. By opening the mounting stand227and the reversing path forming member261, it is possible to easily access the recording portion223from above.

(3) In the recording apparatus211, the mounting stand227is inclined so that the height thereof increases towards the discharging direction Y in which the paper sheet P is discharged, and the opening/closing fulcrum when the mounting stand227performs the opening/closing operation is positioned on the upstream side in the discharging direction Y. For this reason, it is possible to easily open the mounting stand227.

(4) In the recording apparatus211, the reversing path forming member261is inclined so that the height thereof increases towards the discharging direction Y in which the paper sheet P is discharged, and the opening/closing fulcrum when the reversing path forming member261performs the opening/closing operation is positioned on the upstream side in the discharging direction Y. For this reason, it is possible to easily open the reversing path forming member261.

(5) In the recording apparatus211, the reversing path forming member261is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the printer portion212. For this reason, by detaching the reversing path forming member261from the printer portion212, it is possible to more easily access the recording portion223from above.

Modification Example

In addition, the above-described embodiments may be modified as follows.

In the recording apparatus211, the mounting stand227may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the printer portion212. In this case, by detaching the mounting stand227from the printer portion212, it is possible to more easily access the recording portion223from above.

In the recording apparatus211, the reversing path forming member261is not necessarily configured to be attachable to and detachable from the printer portion212.

In the recording apparatus211, the reversing path forming member261is not necessarily inclined so that the height thereof increases towards the discharging direction Y in which the paper sheet P is discharged. In addition, when the reversing path forming member261performs the opening/closing operation, the opening/closing fulcrum is not necessarily positioned on the upstream side in the discharging direction Y.

In the recording apparatus211, the mounting stand227is not necessarily inclined so that the height thereof increases towards the discharging direction Y in which the paper sheet P is discharged. In addition, when the mounting stand227performs the opening/closing operation, the opening/closing fulcrum is not necessarily positioned on the upstream side in the discharging direction Y.

In the recording apparatus211, the mounting stand227and the reversing path forming member261are not necessarily configured to be able to be opened until the overlapped parts with the recording portion223when viewed from above respectively become smaller than the overlapped parts in the closed state.

In the recording apparatus211, without detaching the scanner portion213, the automatic paper supplying device214, and the operating portion215from the printer portion212, the exchanging operation (maintenance operation) of the recording portion223may be performed.

In the recording apparatus211, in a state where the reversing path forming member261is held at the opened position, the exchanging operation of the recording portion223may be performed. In this case, it is preferable to provide a hook or the like for holding the reversing path forming member261at the opened position.

In the recording apparatus211, in a state where the mounting stand227is detached from the printer portion212, the exchanging operation of the recording portion223may be performed.

In the recording apparatus211, the third medium supplying path233may be omitted. In other words, in the recording apparatus211, the reversing path forming member261may be omitted. In this case, only as the mounting stand227performs the opening operation, the access path AK which makes it possible to access the recording portion223from above from the outside of the printer portion212is formed.

In the recording apparatus211, the first transporting path (transporting path from the aligned roller pair247to the branching mechanism243) which extends on the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording portion223is provided, the second transporting path is configured of the branch transporting path244, the third transporting path is configured of the third medium supplying path233, and the fourth transporting path is configured of the medium discharging path234.

The medium may not only be the paper sheet P, but may also be a piece of cloth or a plastic film.

In the above-described embodiment, the recording apparatus211may be a fluid ejecting apparatus which performs recording by ejecting or discharging fluid (including liquid, a liquid body in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed, a flowing body, such as gel, or a solid which can flow as the fluid and can be ejected) other than the ink. For example, the recording apparatus211may be a liquid body ejecting apparatus which performs recording by ejecting the liquid body including materials, such as an electrode material or a coloring material (pixel material), which are used in manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an electro-luminescence (EL) display, and a surface light-emitting display, by dispersing or dissolving. In addition, the recording apparatus211may be a flowing body ejecting apparatus which ejects the flowing body, such as gel (for example, physical gel). It is possible to employ the invention in any one type of the fluid ejecting apparatus among these. In addition, in the present specification, the term “fluid” does not include a fluid which is only made of gas, and examples of the fluid include the liquid (including an inorganic solvent, an organic solvent, a solution, a liquid resin, or a liquid metal (molten metal)), the liquid body, or the flowing body.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.: 2014-065429, filed Mar. 27, 2014 and 2014-238088, filed Nov. 25, 2014 are expressly incorporated by reference herein.