Recording apparatus

A recording apparatus includes a containing portion that contains a rolled sheet obtained by winding a sheet and a recording portion that records an image on the sheet fed from the rolled sheet contained in the containing portion and further includes an opening/closing member that can be movable between an open position at which the containing portion is opened and a closed position at which the containing portion is closed and a first guiding portion provided in the opening/closing member to guide the rolled sheet to the containing portion in a case where the opening/closing member is at the open position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that pulls a sheet out of a rolled sheet in a form, in which a sheet serving as a recording sheet is wound in the form of a roll, and feeds the pulled-out sheet in order to record an image on the fed sheet.

Description of the Related Art

In a recording apparatus that feeds a sheet as a recording material and records an image on the fed sheet, prior to the sheet feeding, a rolled sheet is set as the recording material in a contained form in the apparatus. As a method of setting the rolled sheet in the apparatus, a method is known which attaches a support member to both end portions of the rolled sheet and sets the rolled sheet in a sheet feed-out supporting portion of the apparatus via the support member. A recording apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-131434 temporarily places a rolled sheet, having a support member attached thereto, on a guiding portion protruding from a front side of the apparatus and slides the rolled sheet to a sheet feed-out supporting portion to set the rolled sheet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the recording apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-131434, an entire rolled sheet feeding portion is opened to the front side of the apparatus, and the guiding portion, on which the rolled sheet having the support member attached thereto is to be temporarily placed, is configured to protrude from the front side of the apparatus. This allows easy attachment of the rolled sheet, while the discharged sheet may easily enter the rolled sheet feeding portion and possibly cause a discharged sheet jam.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus in which attachability of a rolled sheet is ensured and a rolled sheet feeding portion is covered.

A recording apparatus of the present invention includes:

a containing portion that contains a rolled sheet obtained by winding a sheet;

a recording portion that records an image on the sheet fed from the rolled sheet contained in the containing portion;

an opening/closing member that can be movable between an open position at which the containing portion is opened and a closed position at which the containing portion is closed; and

a first guiding portion provided in the opening/closing member to guide the rolled sheet to the containing portion in a case where the opening/closing member is at the open position.

According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure the attachability of the rolled sheet and cover the rolled sheet feeding portion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a description will be given, with reference to the drawings, of embodiments (examples) of the present invention. However, the sizes, materials, shapes, their relative arrangements, or the like of constituents described in the embodiments may be appropriately changed according to the configurations, various conditions, or the like of apparatuses to which the invention is applied. Therefore, the sizes, materials, shapes, their relative arrangements, or the like of the constituents described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.

Basic Configuration of Apparatus

FIGS.1to4are illustrative views of a basic configuration of a recording apparatus of the present invention. The recording apparatus in the present embodiment is an example obtained by applying the present invention to an inkjet printing apparatus including a sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet as a recording material and a printing portion (recording portion) that prints (records) an image on the sheet.

FIG.1illustrates a printing apparatus100in which two rolled sheets (rolled paper) each obtained by winding a sheet1into the form of a roll as a contained form of the recording material can be set. On the sheet1selectively pulled out of either of the two rolled sheets, an image is printed. A user can input, using various switches included in an operation panel28or the like, various commands and the like to the printing apparatus100, such as a size specification for the sheet1or online/offline switching.

FIG.2is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main portion of the printing apparatus100. Two sheet feeding devices200corresponding to two rolled sheets R are vertically disposed. The sheet1pulled out of either of the rolled sheets R by the feeding device200is conveyed by a sheet conveyance portion (conveyance mechanism)300to a printing portion400capable of printing the image. The printing portion400causes an ink jet print head18to eject ink to print the image on the sheet1. The print head18uses an ejection energy generating element such as an electricity/heat conversion element (heater) or a piezoelectric element to cause the ink to be ejected from an ejection port. In the case of using the electricity/heat conversion element, the ink is foamed using heat generated therefrom to allow the ink to be ejected from the ejection port by using foaming energy of the foamed ink. The print head18is not limited only to an inkjet method, and a printing method for the printing portion400is also not limited. For example, a serial scanning method, a full line method, or the like may also be used. In the case of using the serial scanning method, image printing involving an operation of conveying the sheet1and scanning of the print head18in a direction crossing a direction of conveyance of the sheet1is performed. In the case of using the full line method, image printing is performed using the elongated print head18extending in the direction crossing the direction of conveyance of the sheet1, while the sheet1is continuously conveyed.

Each of the rolled sheets R has a form in which the sheet1is wound to have a hollowed space portion (hollow hole portion). Into the hollowed space portion of the rolled sheet R, a shaft-shaped spool member2is inserted (to extend therethrough), and the spool member2is driven by a roll drive motor (not shown) to normally or reversely rotate. As a result, the rolled sheet R is held at a center portion thereof to be normally and reversely rotated in directions indicated by arrows C1and C2. Each of the feeding devices200includes a drive portion3, an arm member (moving body)4, an arm rotation shaft5, a first sheet sensor6, a swinging member7, driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies)8and9, a separation flapper (upper guiding body)10, and a flapper rotation shaft11. In the present embodiment, the feeding devices200are provided in upper and lower two stages in the same configuration.

A conveyance guide12leads the sheet1pulled out of either of the feeding devices200to the printing portion400, while guiding top and back surfaces of the sheet1. A conveyance roller14is normally and reversely rotated by a conveyance roller drive motor in directions indicated by arrows D1and D2. A nip roller15is capable of driven rotation with the rotation of the conveyance roller14and can be brought closer to or further away from the conveyance roller14by a nip roller separation motor (not shown), while a nipping force thereof can be adjusted by the nip roller separation motor. The conveyance roller14is rotated when a second sheet sensor16senses a leading end of the sheet1. A speed at which the sheet1is conveyed by the conveyance roller14is set higher than a speed at which the sheet1is pulled out by the rotation of either of the rolled sheets R. Thus, it is possible to give back tension to the sheet1and convey the sheet1under tension. As a result, it is possible to prevent loosening of the sheet1and prevent formation of a fold line in the sheet1, while preventing occurrence of a conveyance error.

A platen17of the printing portion400sucks the back surface of the sheet1through a suction port17ausing a negative pressure generated by a suction fan19. Consequently, it is possible to restrict a position of the sheet1such that the sheet1is along an upper surface of the platen17and allow high-accuracy printing of the image by the print head18. A cutter20cuts the sheet1having the image printed thereon. The sheet1after being subjected to the printing is guided from a paper discharge port (discharge port)104provided in a front-side portion (front side surface)101aof a printing apparatus housing101to a discharged paper supporting portion (discharge portion)40to be discharged. A cover41of a rotary door portion500prevents the sheet1with the printed image discharged from the paper discharge port104from returning to the feeding device200(containing portion for the rolled sheet R) below the paper discharge port104.

FIGS.3A,3B, and3Care illustrative views of a procedure of setting, using the spool member2, each of the rolled sheets R in the containing portion of the feeding device200. The spool member2is an auxiliary member to be integrally attached to the rolled sheet R to assist holding of the rolled sheet R in the feeding device200, which is pivotally supported to be rotatable in the feeding device200. The spool member2includes a spool shaft21serving as a shaft portion, frictional members22, a reference-side spool flange23serving as a reference-side flange portion, a non-reference-side spool flange24serving as a non-reference-side flange portion, and a spool gear25. The reference-side spool flange23is provided at one end of the spool shaft21so as to be in contact therewith in a sheet width direction, while the spool gear25for rotating the spool shaft21is attached to the other end of the spool shaft21. The frictional members22are provided internally of the reference-side spool flange23and the non-reference-side spool flange24.

When the spool member2is to be set into the rolled sheet R, first, the non-reference-side spool flange24in which the spool shaft21is inserted is detached, and then the spool shaft21is inserted into the hollowed space portion of the rolled sheet R. Since an outer diameter of the spool shaft21is smaller than an inner diameter of the hollowed space portion of the rolled sheet R and a gap is formed therebetween, the user can insert the spool shaft21with small force. When a right end portion of the rolled sheet R inFIG.3Acomes into contact with the reference-side spool flange23in the sheet width direction, the frictional member22internal of the reference-side spool flange23is inserted into the hollowed space portion of the rolled sheet R. Consequently, the reference-side spool flange23comes into contact with the rolled sheet R in the sheet width direction to be fixed. Then, the spool shaft21is inserted through the non-reference-side spool flange24to insert the frictional member22internal of the non-reference-side spool flange24into the hollowed space portion of the rolled sheet R. As a result, the non-reference-side spool flange24comes into contact with the rolled sheet R in the sheet width direction to be fixed.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG.3B, the rolled sheet R is attached to the spool member2. Then, as illustrated inFIG.3C, both end portions of the spool member2are press-fitted into spool holders31of the feeding device200to complete the setting of the rolled sheet R.

In the present embodiment, outer diameters of the spool flanges23and24are assumed to be, e.g., about 170 mm. Meanwhile, a maximum outer diameter of the rolled sheet R is assumed to be, e.g., about 180 mm, while an inner diameter of the hollowed space portion is assumed to be 2 inches (50.8 mm) or 3 inches (76.2 mm). However, the outer diameters of the spool flanges23and24, the maximum outer diameter of the rolled sheet R, and the inner diameter of the hollowed space portion are not limited to these numerical values.

The spool holders31are provided at positions corresponding to both end portions of the spool shaft21. Each of the spool holders31has an inner surface formed into a U-shaped shape, and the end portion of the spool shaft21can be press-fitted into the spool holder31from an opening side thereof. In a state in which the spool member2is press-fitted in the spool holders31, the spool gear25is connected to the roll drive motor via the drive gear30on the feeding device200side. By the roll drive motor, the rolled sheet R is driven to normally and reversely rotate together with the spool member2to allow an operation of feeding the sheet1to be performed. Thus, the spool holders31function as a feed-out supporting portion that supports the spool member2to support the rolled sheet R, while allowing the rolled sheet R to be fed out. A roll sensor32senses the presence or absence of the rolled sheet R.

By thus using the spool shaft21to hold the rolled sheet R, the rolled sheet R is set in the feeding device200via the spool shaft21and the spool holders31irrespective of a width of the rolled sheet R. Accordingly, the spool shaft21is configured to allow the rolled sheet R having a width corresponding to various sizes not more than a length of the spool shaft21including large sizes such as, e.g., A0and A1and smaller sizes to be set. In addition, since the reference-side spool flange23fixed to the spool shaft21is attached the end portion of the rolled sheet R, the rolled sheet R is configured such that a position of the reference-side end portion thereof is constantly fixed relative to the feeding device200.

In the present configuration example, as the auxiliary member that supports the rolled sheet R and sets the rolled sheet R into the feeding device200, the spool member2provided with the spool shaft21and the spool flanges23and24is used. However, as long as a rolled-sheet supporting auxiliary member has a configuration that can rotationally hold the rolled sheet R with respect to the feeding device200, the rolled-sheet supporting auxiliary member is not limited to a configuration as described above. For example, as a simpler configuration, such a configuration that the spool shaft is not used, and the rolled sheet is rotationally held by a portion of each of flanges attached to both ends of the rolled sheet can be considered. Alternatively, such a configuration that the flanges are not used, and the rolled sheet is fixed by a fixing mechanism provided on the spool shaft can also be considered. However, the auxiliary member described above is limited to a configuration that allows the rolled sheet to be slide-set from a rotary door portion500(described later) to the feeding device200.

The rotary door portion500serving as the opening/closing member is provided with roll covers41each serving as an exterior surface (outer surface) forming a portion of the front-side apparatus side surface101a, a roll temporary placement table (temporary placement portion)42formed of an inner surface, a rotation mechanism43, and handles44(seeFIG.1). The roll covers41and the roll temporary placement table42are in a back-to-back (front-back) configuration. The rotary door portion500is also connected to the feeding device200via the rotation mechanism43and configured to be rotatable around a rotation shaft in the rotation mechanism43. This allows switching between a closed state in which the cover41covers the feeding device200and an open state in which the feeding device200is exposed (opened) in a direction toward a front side of the apparatus and the rolled sheet R can be temporarily placed (provisionally mounted) on the roll temporary placement table42. The position of the rotary door portion500being in the open state is an open position, and the position of the rotary door portion500being in the closed state is a closed position. In addition, in the rotation mechanism43, a torque limiter (not shown) is embedded to prevent the rotary door portion500from being swiftly opened under a weight thereof when the rotary door portion500is opened. The handles44are provided on the same side as the roll covers41and configured so as not to outwardly protrude from the roll covers41in a natural state (seeFIG.1). By manually holding the handles44and pushing/pulling the handles44, the user can open/close the rotary door portion500.

FIG.4is an illustrative view of a form of paper discharge in the printing apparatus100when the rotary door portion500is in the closed state. The sheet1after being subjected to the printing is discharged from the discharged paper supporting portion40provided in the paper discharge portion104provided in the apparatus side surface101aon the front side of the printing apparatus and downwardly guided along the roll covers41. The discharged paper supporting portion40and each of the roll covers41are configured to overlap each other in a Y-direction so as to prevent the leading end of the discharged sheet1from entering a gap between the discharged paper supporting portion40and the roll cover41. Each of the roll covers41is configured to have a surface which is continuous and gapless in a Z-direction when the rotary door portion500is in the closed state and prevent the leading end of the discharged sheet1from being caught on the cover41. In the closed state, the rotary door portion500is in a posture along the apparatus side surface101a, and the roll temporary placement table42formed of the inner surface is horizontally opposed to the rolled sheet R in the containing portion of the feeding device200.

First Embodiment

FIGS.5to7are illustrative views of a first embodiment illustrating a configuration in which the rolled sheet R is slide-set from a flange guide of the rotary door portion500to spool guides of the feeding device200.FIG.5is the illustrative view of a configuration of the rotary door portion500when the rolled sheet R is placed thereon. The roll temporary placement table42has a surface in the sheet width direction on which the rolled sheet R having any width not more than a width of the rotary door portion and the rolled sheet R to which the spool member2is attached can be placed. The surface is provided with a recessed portion42awhich is uniform in the sheet width direction, and the rolled sheet placed on the recessed portion42ais stabilized under the weight thereof. The roll temporary placement table42has a guiding portion42bdirected to the feeding device200. The guiding portion42bis continued from the recessed portion42adescribed above to support flange outer shapes of the spool member2when the rolled sheet R is set and thereby guide the rolled sheet R to the feeding device200. In the present embodiment, the recessed portion42aand the guiding portion42bcorrespond to a first guiding portion and a flange guiding portion of the present invention.

When the rotary door portion500is in the open state, the roll temporary placement table42is protruding from the front side of the apparatus. In other words, in the open state, the rotary door portion500is in a posture horizontally protruding from the apparatus side surface101a, and the roll temporary placement table42formed of the inner surface of the rotary door portion500is brought into an upwardly open state. Accordingly, into the rolled sheet R placed on the roll temporary placement table42, the spool member2can be inserted sideways. This allows the user to set the spool member2into the rolled sheet R without preparing a new setting space such as a desk to set the spool member2.

FIG.6is the illustrative view of an operation of slide-setting the rolled sheet R to which the spool member2is attached from the roll temporary placement table42to the spool holders31of the feeding device200when the rotary door portion500is in the open state in the first embodiment. An arrow T1indicates a trajectory of a center of the slide-set rolled sheet R. When the rotary door portion500is in the open state, the guiding portion42boverlaps spool guides13each serving as a second guiding portion in the Y-direction. Additionally, in the overlapping portions described above, a distance between the guiding portion42band each of the spool guides13in the Z-direction is substantially equal to a distance from each of outer shapes of the spool flanges23and24of the spool member2to an outer shape of the spool shaft21. In other words, a height of a shaft portion guiding surface of the guiding portion42bis substantially equal to a height from each of lower ends of the spool flanges23and24to a lower surface of the spool shaft21serving as the shaft portion. Moreover, each of the spool flanges23and24is configured to have the outer shape larger than a diameter of the rolled sheet R.

FIG.7is a front view of the entire apparatus when the upper rotary door portion500is in the open state in the first embodiment. InFIG.7, a right side of a front (a negative side along an X-axis) serves as a reference side, and the spool member2is set such that the reference-side spool flange23is on the right side of the front in the drawing. The spool guides13are configured to be disposed at both end portions of the feeding device200in the sheet width direction (X-axis direction) and support both ends of the spool shaft21. When the rolled sheet R is to be slide-set, the flanges23and24are configured to be inward of both end portions of the spool guides13.

When the rolled sheet R is to be slide-set, the rolled sheet R to which the spool member2is attached is placed on the recessed portion42aof the roll temporary placement table. At this time, lower portions of outer shapes of the spool flanges23and24are in contact with the recessed portion42a. Next, the rolled sheet R to which the spool member2is attached is slid in a direction indicated by the arrow T1. At this time, outer shape portions of the spool flanges23and24are slid, while being in contact with the guiding portion42bserving as the flange guiding portion (while being supported by the guiding portion42b). When the outer shape portions of the flanges23and24are slid to the vicinity of the end portion of the guiding portion42b, a lower portion of the spool shaft21comes into contact with the spool guides13each serving as a shaft portion guiding portion (is brought into a state in which the lower portion of the spool shaft21is supported by (placed on) the spool guides13). When the rolled sheet R is further slid, the spool flanges23and24move away from the guiding portion42b, but the lower portion of the outer shape of the spool shaft21is slid, while being in contact with (supported by) the spool guides13, to be guided to the spool holders31.

Thus, the guiding portion42band the spool guides13have respective portions overlapping each other in the Y-direction. By thus configuring the guiding portion42band the spool guides13, the rolled sheet R is slide-set, while a portion of the spool member2(any part of the spool member2) is constantly supported by the roll temporary placement table42or the spool guides13. As a result, the user can set the rolled sheet R by merely sliding the rolled sheet R without lifting up the rolled sheet R. Additionally, in the overlapping portions described above, the distance between the guiding portion42band each of the spool guides13in the Z-direction is substantially equal to the distance from each of the outer shapes of the spool flanges23and24of the spool member2to the outer shape of the spool shaft21. Therefore, it is possible to evenly and smoothly slide the rolled sheet R when the rolled sheet R is transferred from the guiding portion42bto the spool guides13.

In the present configuration, the spool member21is provided with the flanges23and24serving as a pair of flange portions to allow the rolled sheet R having any diameter smaller than that of each of the flange outer shapes to be slide-set. However, the flanges23and24are not indispensable for the spool member21, and the spool member21may also have a configuration without a flange having a diameter larger than that of the rolled sheet R. For example, by allowing an outer shape portion of the rolled sheet R to support the rolled sheet R in place of the flanges23and24described above, it is possible to set the rolled sheet R. In that case, the distance between the guiding portion42bserving as a rolled sheet guiding portion and each of the spool guides13in the Z-direction which is substantially equal to the distance from the outer diameter of the rolled sheet R to the outer shape of the spool shaft21allows the rolled sheet R to be evenly and smoothly slide-set. For example, when a size of the settable rolled sheet R is determined based on specifications or the like, such a configuration can be used.

According to the present embodiment, by closing the rotary door portion after the rolled sheet is set, while maintaining settability of the rolled sheet in the state in which the rotary door portion is open, it is possible to cover the feeding device200(a rolled sheet feeding portion) to prevent entrance of the discharged sheet and also save space.

Note that, in terms of preventing entrance of dust or the like into a feeding device200and deposition thereof, the roll covers41are preferably in such a shape as to form a wall completely covering the feeding device200from outside the apparatus, but the roll covers41are not limited to such a configuration. In other words, as long as it is possible to prevent entrance of the sheet discharged outside and above the roll covers41, the roll covers41may also be configured to be locally open without being completely covering the feeding device200. For example, the roll covers41may also have a configuration in which a plurality of ribs are provided in a grid-like pattern or provided to vertically extend in parallel to each other to prevent the entrance of the discharged sheet. Alternatively, the roll covers41may also have a configuration having a locally open portion such as an eye hole for checking states of the rolled sheets or the like.

Second Embodiment

FIGS.8to10are illustrative views of a second embodiment and illustrate a configuration in which a rolled sheet is slide-set from spool guides of the rotary guiding portion500to spool guides of the feeding device200. Note that items not particularly described in the second embodiment are the same as in the embodiment described above, and a description thereof is omitted.

FIG.8is the illustrative view of a configuration of the rotary door portion500when the rolled sheet R is placed thereon. The roll temporary placement table42has the surface in the sheet width direction on which the rolled sheet having any width not more than the width of the rotary door portion and the rolled sheet to which the spool member2is attached can be placed. The surface is provided with the recessed portion42awhich is uniform in the sheet width direction, and the rolled sheet placed on the recessed portion42ais stabilized under the weight thereof. The roll temporary placement table42has guiding portions42ceach serving as the shaft portion guiding portion that guides the spool shaft21of the spool member2toward the feeding device200. The guiding portions42csupport the spool shaft21of the spool member2when the rolled sheet R is set and thereby guide the setting of the rolled sheet R into the feeding device200.

FIG.9is the illustrative view of the operation of slide-setting the rolled sheet R to which the spool member2is attached from the roll temporary placement table42to the spool holders31of the feeding device200when the rotary door portion500is in the open state in the second embodiment. An arrow T2indicates a trajectory of the center of the slide-set rolled sheet R. When the rotary door portion500is the open state, the guiding portions42coverlap the spool guides13in the Y-direction. Additionally, in the overlapping portions described above, the guiding portions42cand the spool guides13have respective guiding surfaces at substantially equal heights in the Z-direction.FIG.10is a front view of the entire apparatus when the upper rotary door portion500is in the open state in the second embodiment. The spool guides13are configured to be disposed at both end portions of the feeding device200and support both ends of the spool shaft21. The guiding portions42cof the rotary door portion500are configured to be inward of the spool guides13in the sheet width direction (X-axis direction). Note that the spool guides13may also be disposed/configured to be inward of the guides42cin the sheet width direction.

When the rolled sheet R is to be slide-set, the rolled sheet R to which the spool member2is attached is placed on the recessed portion42aof the roll temporary placement table. At this time, the lower portion of the outer shape of the spool flange23are in contact with the recessed portion42a. Next, the rolled sheet R is lifted up to place the spool shaft21on the guiding portions42c. As a result, the rolled sheet R is supported by the guiding portions42cvia the spool shaft21. Then, the rolled sheet R is slid in a direction indicated by the arrow T2. At this time, the spool shaft21is slid, while being in contact with the guiding portions42c. When an outer shape portion of the spool shaft21is slid to the vicinity of end portions of the guiding portions42c, the lower portion of the spool shaft21comes into contact with the spool guides13(is brought into a state in which the lower portion of the spool shaft21is supported by (placed on) the spool guides13). When the rolled sheet R is further slid, the spool shaft21moves away from the guiding portions42c, but the lower portion of the outer shape of the spool shaft21is slid, while being in contact with the spool guides13, to be guided to the spool holders31.

Thus, the guiding portions42cand the spool guides13have respective portions overlapping each other in the Y-direction. By thus configuring the guiding portions42cand the spool guides13, the rolled sheet R is slide-set, while a portion of the spool member2(any part of the spool member2) is constantly supported by the roll temporary placement table42or the spool guides13. As a result, the user can set the rolled sheet R by merely sliding the rolled sheet R. Additionally, in the overlapping portions described above, the guiding portion42cand the spool guides13are at the substantially equal heights in the Z-direction. Therefore, it is possible to evenly and smoothly slide the rolled sheet R when the rolled sheet R is transferred from the guiding portions42cto the spool guides13.

Thus, in the present configuration, the spool shaft21is configured to be constantly supported by the guiding portions42cor by the spool guides13to allow the rolled sheet R to be slide-set. Accordingly, the flanges23and24of the spool member2are not indispensable components, and it is sufficient that the spool member2and the rolled sheet R are fixed by the frictional members22.

In the configuration described above in the first embodiment, the rolled sheet R is slide-set from the flange guide of the rotary door portion500to the spool guides of the feeding device200while, in the configuration described in the second embodiment, the rolled sheet R is slide-set from the spool guides of the rotary door portion500to the spool guides of the feeding device200. However, the portion of the rolled-sheet supporting auxiliary member (the spool member2in the second embodiment) to be supported when the rolled sheet R is slide-set from the rotary door portion500to the feeding device200is not limited. In other words, as long as the rolled sheet R is set while a portion of the member assisting the supporting of the rolled sheet R is constantly supported, any portion of the rolled-sheet supporting auxiliary member may be supported. For example, besides the forms in the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which the rolled sheet R is slide-set from the flange guide of the rotary door portion500to the flange guides of the feeding device200or the like can be considered.

Third Embodiment

The configuration in the prior art literature has a problem in that, when the sheet1is discharged from a front side, the sheet1enters a paper feeding path to cause a jam. Accordingly, in a third embodiment, a door41is provided to form a paper discharge path. A description is given herein of the paper discharge path formed of a lower door41(b) and an upper door41(a). Note that items not particularly described in the third embodiment are the same as in each of the embodiments described above, and a description thereof is omitted.

Referring toFIGS.11A,11B,11C,11D, and11E, a description will be given of paper discharge in the third embodiment.FIG.11Ais a side view of the printing apparatus100illustrating a state in which the leading end of the paper sheet1is conveyed to the vicinity of an upper portion of the upper door41(a) serving as a first opening/closing member. When there is no gap between a bottom portion of the upper door41(a) and an upper portion of the lower door41(b) when the lower door41(b) serving as a second opening/closing member is to be opened, a problem occurs in that the bottom portion of the upper door41(a) and the upper portion of the lower door41(b) are brought into contact with each other, and the lower door41(b) cannot be opened or is damaged. Accordingly, it is required to provide a gap610between the bottom portion of the upper door41(a) and the upper portion of the lower door41(b). However, the leading end of the discharged sheet1may enter the gap610between the bottom portion of the upper door41(a) and the upper portion of the lower door41(b). This phenomenon will be described with reference toFIG.11B.

FIG.11Bis a diagram illustrating a state in which the leading end of the sheet1has entered the gap610and even entered a paper feeding path620. This phenomenon is likely to be observed with rolled paper which is wound around a paper core and curled and unlikely to be observed with uncurled flat paper, i.e., so-called cut paper. An approach to prevent this phenomenon is erecting a wall in a direction of entrance of the sheet to provide a shape in which the wall overlaps each of the bottom portion of the upper door41(a) and the upper portion of the lower door41(b). At this time, when the wall is provided to extend in overlapping relation from over the lower door41(b) and it is attempted to open the lower door41(b), the lower door41(b) interferes with the upper door41(a) and cannot be opened.

FIG.11Cis a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a wall603is provided to cover the gap610between the upper door41(a) and the lower door41(b). For the reason described above, as illustrated inFIG.11C, the wall603that prevents the sheet1from entering the gap610is provided to extend in overlapping relation from over the upper door41(a) to over the lower door41(b) in the Z-direction. In addition, by providing the wall603such that the wall603is formed on the back side of the upper door41(a) in the Y-direction (in a direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow), it is possible to prevent the entrance of the sheet1into the gap610without preventing the lower door41(b) from being opened/closed.

FIG.11Dis a diagram illustrating a state in which the sheet1is discharged and the leading end thereof has collided with the wall603serving as a restricting portion. As illustrated inFIG.11D, the leading end of the sheet1has collided with the wall603, and the paper discharge can be continued without the entrance of the sheet1into the sheet feeding path620. In other words, the leading end of the sheet1having entered the gap610is restricted by the wall603from advancing in the gap.

FIG.11Eis a diagram illustrating a case when the paper discharge is continued in a state in which the leading end of the sheet1has collided with the wall603. As illustrated inFIG.11E, even after the leading end of the sheet1collided with the wall603, a portion of the sheet1discharged and conveyed is held in such a manner as to sag, thus allowing the paper discharge. When the paper discharge is further continued, the sheet1reaches the ground and, in this case, it may also be possible to place fabric (not shown) or the like on a floor and support the sheet1. By doing so, it is possible to further continue the sheet discharge without damaging the sheet1. By thus providing the wall603, the sheet discharge can be performed without the entrance of the leading end of the sheet1into the gap610or without further advancement of the leading end of the sheet1to the back of the gap even though the leading end of the sheet1has entered the gap.

The description has been given heretofore of a height direction (Z-direction) of the wall603and a depth direction (Y-direction) thereof. A description will be given hereinafter of a form in which consideration is given even to the settability of the sheet in a width direction (X-direction) of the wall603.

FIG.12Ais a front view when, in a configuration provided with the wall603, the lower door41(b) is opened and the rolled sheet R is set.FIG.12Bis a right side view when, in the configuration provided with the wall603, the lower door41(b) is opened and the rolled sheet R is set. As illustrated inFIG.12A,601denotes a left hand of the user who sets the rolled sheet R and denotes a right hand602of the person who sets the rolled sheet R. When the flange23is held with the right hand602and the flange24is held with the left hand601, the rolled sheet R is easily set. In addition, the wall603is provided along substantially the entire width of the door41(a) in a widthwise direction (X-direction) of a lower portion of the door41(a). As illustrated inFIG.12B, the door41(b) is opened, and the rolled sheet R is to be set in a main body. However, when the wall603is provided in an entire widthwise region, the right hand602and the left hand601hit the wall603, and the rolled sheet R is hard to set. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the wall603is provided only at each of widthwise portions where the wall603needs to be provided except for portions corresponding to the widths of the hands of the user holding both ends of the rolled sheet R, thereby preventing the right hand602and the left hand601from hitting the wall603when the rolled sheet R is to be set.

FIG.13Ais a front view when, in a configuration in which the wall603is provided at each of positions at which the hands do not hit the wall603when the sheet is to be set, the lower door41(b) is opened and the sheet is to be set.FIG.13Bis a right side view when, in the configuration in which the wall603is provided at each of the positions at which the hands do not hit the wall603when the sheet is to be set, the lower door41(b) is opened and the sheet is to be set.

As illustrated inFIG.13A, the wall603described above is provided as walls603(a),603(b), and603(c) in divided relation in the sheet width direction to serve as a plurality of the restricting portions partially closing the gap610. As illustrated in FIG.13B, by holding the flange23and the flange24with the right hand602and the left hand601, the rolled sheet R is to be set in the feeding device200. There are a reference-side end portion663for paper to be used at that time, a non-reference-side end portion660for the rolled sheet R having a maximum widthwise size that can be set in the present apparatus, and a non-reference-side end portion662for the rolled sheet R having a minimum widthwise size that can be set in the present apparatus. As illustrated inFIG.13A, a position of the flange24varies depending on the non-reference-side end portion for the size of the rolled sheet R to be used, and a position of the left hand601holding the flange24in the X-direction also varies depending on the position of the flange24. Since the hand enters the feeding device200while staying at the position in the X-direction, by not providing the wall603at the corresponding portion, it is possible to prevent the hand from hitting the wall603. The following is a configuration obtained by providing the wall603at each of positions spaced apart by distances corresponding to widths650of the hands when the flange23and the flange24are held with the hands. A left end of the wall603provided rightwardly adjacent to a space corresponding to the width650of the hand and extending on both sides of the non-reference-side end portion660for the rolled sheet R having the maximum widthwise size that can be set in the present apparatus corresponds to a left end of the wall603(a). At positions on both sides of a space corresponding to the width650of the hand and extending on both sides of the non-reference-side end portion662for the rolled sheet R having the minimum widthwise size that can be set in the present apparatus, the left and right two walls603are provided, and a right end of the left wall603and a left end of the right wall603correspond to a right end of the wall603(b) and a left end of the wall603(c). When the rolled sheet R having an intermediate size between the maximum size and the minimum size is to be used and it is intended to prevent the hand from hitting the wall603when the rolled sheet R is set, a right end of the wall603(a) and a left end of the wall603(b) are determined by providing a space corresponding to the width650of the hand and extending on both sides of an intermediate-size non-reference-side end portion661between the wall603(a) and the wall603(b). A right end of the wall603(c) is determined so as to be leftwardly adjacent to a space corresponding to the width650of the hand and extending on both sides of the reference-side end portion663for the rolled sheet R. By thus providing the walls603at the positions between which the spaces each corresponding to the width of the hand and extending on both sides of the reference-side and non-reference-side end portions for the sheet sizes to be used when the rolled sheet R is set are provided, the rolled sheet R can be set without entailing the hitting of the walls603by the hands when the sheet is set. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.13B, the hands602kept away from the wall603in the X-direction can set the rolled sheet R in the feeding device200without hitting the walls603.

In the third embodiment, the upper and lower two doors have been described as the door, but the door is not limited thereto. Even when two or more doors are provided, by providing the wall provided in the third embodiment to cover the gap between the door located on an upper side and the door located on a lower side, the same effect can be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS.14A and14Bare illustrative views of a fourth embodiment. A detailed description will be given of a positional relationship between the rolled sheet R and each of the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies)8and9and the arm member (moving body)4when the rolled sheet R is to be slide-set to the feeding device200, as described in the first embodiment. Note that items not particularly described in the fourth embodiment are the same as in each of the embodiments described above, and a description thereof is omitted.

FIG.14Aillustrates the rolled sheet R when a remaining amount thereof is small.FIG.14Billustrates the rolled sheet R when the remaining amount thereof is large. In the containing portion of the feeding device200for the rolled sheet R, the arm member4is configured to be rotatable around the arm rotation shaft5(seeFIG.2) and provided to be vertically movable (rotatable), together with the driven rotating bodies8and9, depending on the outer diameter of the rolled sheet R. The arm member4guides, as a lower guiding body, the lower surface of the sheet1fed (pulled) out of the rolled sheet R on a downstream side of positions on the driven rotating bodies8and9at which the driven rotating bodies8and9are in pressure contact with an outer peripheral surface of the rolled sheet R in a direction of rotation in which the sheet is fed out of the rolled sheet R. The driven rotating bodies8and9have rotatable members54forming inclined surfaces downwardly inclined to the upstream side, which are provided on upstream-side tip portions thereof in a guiding direction when the rolled sheet R is guided to the containing portion of the feeding device200.

InFIG.14A, when the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies)8and9are at initial positions and a rolled sheet R51the remaining amount of which is small is to be slide-set, the rolled sheet R51comes into contact with the rotatable members (movable members)54at the tip portions of the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies). Then, the rolled sheet R51moves to a set position, while pressing down the rotatable members54at the tip portions of the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies) and the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies)8and9.

InFIG.14B, when a rolled sheet R52the remaining amount of which is large is to be slide-set, the rolled sheet R52comes into contact with the rotatable members54at the tip portions of the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies). After the rotatable members54at the tip portions of the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies) rotate alone, the rotatable members54are pressed down together with the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies)8and9to move to positions at which the driven rotating bodies8and9are in pressure contact with the rolled sheet R. The members54are configured to be returned to initial positions (angles) by springs (not shown) or the like after guiding the rolled sheet. Note that the members54may also be configured to be fixed to the driven rotating bodies (pressure contact bodies)8and9.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS.15A to15D,FIGS.16A and16B, andFIGS.17A to17Dare illustrative view of a fifth embodiment. As described in the first embodiment, the user can set the spool member2into the rolled sheet R on the roll temporary placement table42in the printing apparatus, and a detailed description will be given of this portion. Note that items not particularly described in the fifth embodiment are the same as in each of the embodiments described above, and a description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.15A, the rolled sheet R is placed on the roll temporary placement table42when the rotary door portion500is in the open state, and the non-reference side of the spool member2is inserted into the reference side of the rolled sheet R. Since the roll temporary placement table42is in a state protruding from the front side of the apparatus, into the rolled sheet R placed on the roll temporary placement table42, the spool member2can be inserted sideways. Subsequently, as illustrated inFIG.15B, when the spool member2is inserted until the reference-side spool flange23passes over an abutment surface70located on the roll temporary placement table42, the rolled sheet R penetrated by the spool member2is then moved toward the reference-side spool flange23of the spool member2. When the moving rolled sheet R comes into contact with the reference-side spool flange23, the reference-side spool flange23also moves to the reference side but, when reaching the abutment surface70, the reference-side spool flange23can no longer move. As a result, the rolled sheet R moves to the reference-side spool flange23until the reference-side spool flange is attached thereto. When the penetrated rolled sheet R has moved until the reference-side end surface thereof abuts against the reference-side spool flange23, then, as illustrated inFIG.15C, the non-reference-side spool flange24is attached to the rolled sheet R. In the same manner as described previously, the reference-side spool flange23has abutted against the abutment surface70. Consequently, the rolled sheet R no longer moves and the non-reference-side spool flange24can move until abutting against the non-reference-side end surface of the rolled sheet R, as illustrated inFIG.15D.

Thus, the user can set the spool member2into the rolled sheet R on the roll temporary placement table42in the printing apparatus, and accordingly a new roll setting space such as a desk is unnecessary. In addition, a step of moving the rolled sheet R from a roll setting space such as a desk to the printer is also unnecessary. When the spool member2is inserted into the rolled sheet R on a desk or the like, it is necessary for the user to perform an operation, while pressing the rolled sheet R with his or her hand to prevent the rolled sheet R from moving. However, as described previously, by using the abutment surface70provided on the temporary placement table42, such an operation is unnecessary. This reduces an operation load.

With regard to the height of the abutment surface70, when a radius H of the rolled sheet is smaller than a radius h of the reference-side spool flange23as illustrated inFIG.16A, the reference-side spool flange23inevitably abuts against the abutment surface70. For instance, in a specific example, the abutment surface may be configured appropriately to have a height of 5 mm. Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIG.16Bwhen the radius H of the rolled sheet is larger than the radius h of the reference-side spool flange23, it is necessary to provide the abutment surface with a height of not less than H-h to allow the reference-side spool flange23to abut against the abutment surface70. For instance, in a specific example, when H=87.5 mm and h=83 mm are satisfied, the height of the abutment surface needs to be not less than 4.5 mm, and accordingly the abutment surface may be configured appropriately to have a height of 9.5 mm or the like in consideration of mechanical size variation.

After the spool member2is set into the rolled sheet R, the rolled sheet R is led to the printing apparatus, while the spool flanges or the bottom of the rolled sheet R is slid along the guiding surface42, as described previously. As illustrated inFIG.17A, the abutment surface70extends in a negative Y-axis direction. In addition, each of spool guides13serving as spool supporting portions of a printing apparatus main body includes a guiding surface71serving as a flange guiding surface capable of coming into contact with the spool holders31that support the spool during printing and the reference-side spool flange23.FIGS.17B to17Dare diagrams obtained whenFIG.15Ais viewed in an arrow Z direction. The abutment surface70forms a surface substantially flush with the guiding surface71. As illustrated inFIG.17B, the user performs an operation of sliding the rolled sheet R placed on the roll temporary placement table42to the main body, while bringing the rolled sheet R closer to the reference side as illustrated inFIG.17C. At this time, the abutment surface70and the guiding surface71serve as a guide for the reference-side spool flange23to be able to lead the rolled sheet R to the printing apparatus main body. Then, as illustrated inFIG.17D, the spool shaft end is engaged with the spool guide13to complete roll setting. The engagement of the spool shaft end with the spool guide13keeps the reference-side spool flange23from contact with the guiding surface71. After the roll is set in the main body, the rotary door portion500is brought into the closed state to complete the sheet setting. By thus providing the guiding surface71substantially flush with the abutment surface70, it is possible to easily lead the rolled sheet R to a main body set position.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-168383, filed on Oct. 5, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.