U.S. patent application number 14/797975 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-14 for printer and paper guide.
This patent application is currently assigned to Funai Electric Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Funai Electric Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Toshiro Tani.
Application Number | 20160009514 14/797975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53546539 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160009514 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tani; Toshiro |
January 14, 2016 |
PRINTER AND PAPER GUIDE
Abstract
A printer includes: a placement section including a placement
surface; a fixed guide that regulates a position of one end of a
paper placed on the placement surface; and a moveable guide that
slides in a first direction along the placement surface and
regulates a position on the other end of the paper, wherein the
placement section includes a plurality of recessed parts aligned in
the first direction in a region where the moveable guide slides on
the placement surface, the moveable guide includes a wall section;
and a raised part that engages with one of the plurality of
recessed parts, the raised part engages with the one recessed part
more firmly when the raised part moves to the other side in the
first direction.
Inventors: |
Tani; Toshiro; (Osaka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Funai Electric Co., Ltd. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
53546539 |
Appl. No.: |
14/797975 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/234 ;
271/240 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2402/5151 20130101;
B65H 1/04 20130101; B65H 2402/46 20130101; B65H 2511/12 20130101;
B65H 2511/22 20130101; B65H 2220/01 20130101; B65H 2220/04
20130101; B65H 2511/22 20130101; B65H 1/02 20130101; B41J 13/103
20130101; B65H 2405/1142 20130101; B65H 2511/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65H 9/04 20060101
B65H009/04; B65H 9/06 20060101 B65H009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 14, 2014 |
JP |
2014-144125 |
Claims
1. A printer comprising: a placement section comprising a placement
surface where a media is placed; a fixed guide that regulates a
position of one end of the media; and a movable guide that slides
in a first direction along the placement surface and regulates a
position on the other end of the media, wherein the placement
section includes a plurality of recessed parts aligned in the first
direction in a region where the movable guide slides on the
placement surface, the movable guide comprises: a wall section that
faces the fixed guide in the first direction and regulates the
other end of the media; and a raised part that engages with one of
the plurality of recessed parts, and the raised part engages with
the one recessed part more firmly when the raised part moves to the
other side in the first direction than when the raised part moves
to one side in the first direction.
2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the movable guide
comprises a lever that extends in a second direction, the raised
part crosses over the one recessed part when a force is applied to
the lever to the one side in the first direction, and the
engagement of the raised part to the one recessed part is released
when a force is applied to the lever to the other side in the first
direction.
3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the raised part is
formed on one side in the first direction, the raised part releases
the engagement with the one recessed part when the raised part is
turned by a force applied to the lever to the other side in the
first direction, and the raised part turns by using an end part of
the placement surface side of the lever as a fulcrum.
4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of recessed parts is a groove having a V shaped cross section that
comprises a first surface on the one side in the first direction
and a second surface on the other side in the first direction, an
angle formed between the first direction and the first surface is
smaller than an angle formed between the first direction and the
second surface, the raised part is a rib having a V shaped cross
section that comprises a third surface and a fourth surface, and
when the raised part is engaged with the one recessed part, the
third surface contacts the first surface and the fourth surface
contacts the second surface.
5. The printer according to claim 3, wherein the raised part and
the fulcrum on the movable guide are formed in different positions
in a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the
plurality of recessed parts is formed on the placement surface
except in a region where the fulcrum slides.
6. The printer according to claim 5, wherein the movable guide
further comprises: a catching section continuous to the lever and
that extends to the one side in the first direction from the lever;
and a base section continuous to the lever and that extends at
least in the first direction from a position that differs in the
third direction from the catching section of the lever, wherein the
raised part is formed on the catching section on the one side in
the first direction from the lever.
7. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the lever is connected
to the base section and the catching section, and is elastically
deformed in a direction approaching the base section and causes the
catching section to turn according to an inclination of the lever
when a force is applied to the other side in the first
direction.
8. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the lever comprises a
protrusion that projects from the lever to the placement surface,
the fulcrum is the lever, the catching section and the base section
have a gap between the placement surface, and the protrusion and
the raised part supports the moveable guide on the placement
surface.
9. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the placement section
comprises a slit that extends in the first direction, the base
section comprises a hook that passes through the slit, and the hook
slides in the first direction on the slit and prevents the base
section from separating from the placement surface, and is disposed
closer to the one side in the first direction than to the
fulcrum.
10. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the raised part is
disposed more to the other side in the first direction than the
wall section.
11. The printer according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality
of recessed parts is a groove having a V shaped cross section that
comprises a first surface on the one side in the first direction
and a second surface on the other side in the first direction, an
angle formed between the first direction and the first surface is
smaller than an angle formed between the first direction and the
second surface, the raised part is a rib having a V shaped cross
section that comprises a third surface and a fourth surface, and
when the raised part is engaged with the one recessed part, the
third surface contacts the first surface and the fourth surface
contacts the second surface.
12. The printer according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality
of recessed parts is a groove having a V shaped cross section that
comprises a first surface on the one side in the first direction
and a second surface on the other side in the first direction, an
angle formed between the first direction and the first surface is
smaller than an angle formed between the first direction and the
second surface, the raised part is a rib having a V shaped cross
section that comprises a third surface and a fourth surface, and
when the raised part is engaged with the one recessed part, the
third surface contacts the first surface and the fourth surface
contacts the second surface.
13. The printer according to claim 12, wherein the raised part and
the fulcrum on the movable guide are formed in different positions
in a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the
plurality of recessed parts is formed on the placement surface
except in a region where the fulcrum slides.
14. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the lever comprises a
protrusion that projects from the lever to the placement surface,
the fulcrum is the lever, the catching section and the base section
have a gap between the placement surface, and the protrusion and
the raised part supports the moveable guide on the placement
surface.
15. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the placement section
comprises a slit that extends in the first direction, the base
section comprises a hook that passes through the slit, and the hook
slides in the first direction on the slit and prevents the base
section from separating from the placement surface, and is disposed
closer to the one side in the first direction than to the
fulcrum.
16. The printer according to claim 8, wherein the placement section
comprises a slit that extends in the first direction, the base
section comprises a hook that passes through the slit, and the hook
slides in the first direction on the slit and prevents the base
section from separating from the placement surface, and is disposed
closer to the one side in the first direction than to the
fulcrum.
17. A paper guide comprising: a placement section comprising a
placement surface where a paper is placed; a fixed guide that
regulates a position of one end of the paper; and a movable guide
that slides in a first direction along the placement surface and
regulates a position on the other end of the paper, wherein the
placement section includes a plurality of recessed parts aligned in
the first direction in a region where the movable guide slides on
the placement surface, the movable guide comprises: a wall section
that faces the fixed guide in the first direction and regulates the
other end of the paper; and a raised part that engages with one of
the plurality of recessed parts, and the raised part engages with
the one recessed part more firmly when the raised part moves to the
other side in the first direction than when the raised part moves
to one side in the first direction.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a printer and a
paper guide.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventional sheet feeding devices to supply paper to a
printer and the like, comprise a paper guide member that can
perform positioning to accommodate each of a plurality of paper
sizes by sliding in the width direction of the paper to perform
positioning of an end portion of one size of paper among a
plurality of sizes (see Patent Literature 1). With this paper guide
member, a locking projection for determining a position in the
width direction of the paper is provided, and the locking of the
locking projection in a locking groove regulates so that the paper
guide is unable to move in the width direction. Further, the user
releases the lock between the locking projection and the locking
groove by pressing a pressure lever of the paper guide and performs
positioning of the paper guide member by sliding the paper guide
member to both sides in the width direction.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0003] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 1995-285681
[0004] However, the user must press the pressure lever when sliding
the paper guide member, and when sliding to one side in the width
direction, and also when sliding to the other side. Therefore, it
is necessary to slide while pressing the pressure member of the
paper guide member when sliding the paper guide member, and there
are times when the direction to press the pressure lever and the
direction to move the paper guide member do not match. Therefore,
the user must move the paper guide member using two or more
fingers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A printer in accordance with one or more embodiments can
perform the positioning of the moveable guide without imposing a
burden on the user, and a printer.
[0006] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, a paper guide may comprise: a placement section
comprising a placement surface where a paper is placed; a fixed
guide that regulates a position of one end of the paper placed on
the placement surface; and a moveable guide that slides in a first
direction along the placement surface and regulates a position on
the other end of the paper, wherein the placement section may
include a plurality of recessed parts aligned in the first
direction in a region where the moveable guide slides on the
placement surface, the moveable guide may comprise: a wall section
that faces the fixed guide in the first direction and regulates the
other end of the paper; a lever that extends in a second direction;
and a raised part that engages with one of the plurality of
recessed parts, the raised part may engage with the one recessed
part more firmly when the raised part moves to the other side in
the first direction than when the raised part moves to one side in
the first direction, the raised part may be formed on one side in
the first direction, the raised part may release the engagement
with the one recessed part when the raised part is turned by a
force applied to the lever to the other side in the first
direction, and the raised part may turn by using an end part of the
placement surface side of the lever as a fulcrum.
[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the moveable guide may cause the raised part to cross
over the one recessed part when a force is applied to the lever to
the one side in the first direction and move to the one side in the
first direction, and may cause the engagement of the raised part to
the one recessed part to be released when a force is applied to the
lever to the other side in the first direction and moves to the
other side in the first direction.
[0008] As a result, because the raised part moves more easily when
moving to one side in the first direction on the plurality of
recessed parts than when moving to the other side, if, for example,
a force of a predetermined size is applied to the raised part
toward one side in the first direction, it can move to one side in
the first direction. That is, if a force of a predetermined size is
applied to the lever towards one side in the first direction, the
moveable guide moves to the one side in the first direction.
However, the raised part is inhibited from moving to the other side
in the first direction even if a force of the same predetermined
size is applied because the raised part is more firmly caught on
the plurality of recessed parts to the other side in the first
direction than when moving to the one side.
[0009] According to this configuration, because the engagement
between the raised part and the predetermined recessed part is
released by the raised part being turned using an end part of the
placement surface side of the lever as a fulcrum when the force to
the other side in the first direction is applied to the lever, the
moveable guide can be moved to the other side in the first
direction even if a force to the other side in the first direction
is applied to the moveable guide.
[0010] That is, when a pressure toward one side in the first
direction is applied to the lever, the user can move the moveable
guide to the one side in the first direction. Moreover, when a
pressure toward the other side in the first direction is applied to
the lever, the user can also move the moveable guide to the other
side in the first direction. In this manner, because the moveable
guide causes the direction of the applied force by the user to
match the direction for moving, the user can move the moveable
guide by applying a force on the moveable guide in only one
direction. Therefore, the user can move the guide without a
burden.
[0011] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, each of the plurality of recessed parts may be a groove
having a V shaped cross section that comprises a first surface on
the one side in the first direction and a second surface on the
other side in the first direction, an angle formed between the
first direction and the first surface may be smaller than an angle
formed between the first direction and the second surface, the
raised part may be a rib having a V shaped cross section that
comprises a third surface and a fourth surface, and when the raised
part is engaged with the one recessed part, the third surface may
contact the first surface and the fourth surface contacts the
second surface.
[0012] As a result, a simple configuration can be implemented where
at least one of the plurality of recessed parts or the raised part
is formed so that the raised part is caught into the predetermined
recessed part to the plurality of recessed parts more firmly when
moving to the other side in the first direction than when moving to
the one side in the first direction.
[0013] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the raised part and the fulcrum on the movable guide may
be formed in different positions in the third direction
intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of recessed
parts may be formed on the placement surface except in a region
where the fulcrum slides.
[0014] As a result, because the fulcrum is formed to be in a
different position in the third direction than the plurality of
recessed parts, the distance from the placement surface of the
fulcrum can be fixed. That is, fixing the distance from the
placement surface of the fulcrum slightly to the position of the
moveable guide in the first direction allows the engagement between
the raised part and the predetermined recessed part to be released
if the size of the force applied to the lever is applied toward the
other side in the first direction is always a predetermined size
regardless of the position on the moveable guide. That is, the
engagement between the raised part and the predetermined recessed
part can be prevented from releasing even if the user applies a
force in a predetermined size. As a result, if the user applied a
fixed force regardless of the position on the moveable guide, the
guide can be moved to the other side in the first direction.
[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the movable guide further may comprise: a catching
section continuous to the lever and that extends to the one side in
the first direction from the lever; and a base section continuous
to the lever and that extends at least in the first direction from
a position that differs in the third direction from the catching
section of the lever, wherein the raised part may be formed on the
catching section on the one side in the first direction from the
lever.
[0016] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the lever may be connected to the base section and the
catching section, and may be elastically deformed in a direction
approaching the base section and causes the catching section to
turn according to an inclination of the lever when a force is
applied to the other side in the first direction.
[0017] As a result, because the lever and the base section
elastically deform when a force is applied to the lever, and the
catching section turns according to the inclination of the lever,
when the force applied to the lever is gone, the elastic
deformation returns to the original position. Therefore, releasing
the hand of the user returns the inclination of the lever to the
original position. As a result, the catching section returns to the
original position from the turned state. Therefore, the raised part
of the catching section and the recessed part are engaged again.
Accordingly, the movement of the movable guide is regulated at the
predetermined position when the force applied to the lever at the
predetermined position in the first direction is gone.
[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the lever may comprise a protrusion that projects from
the lever to the placement surface, the fulcrum may be the lever,
the catching section and the base section may have a gap between
the placement surface, and the protrusion and the raised part may
support the moveable guide on the placement surface.
[0019] As a result, because a gap is provided between the placement
surface and the catching section as well as the base section, and
because the catching section turns using the protrusion as the
fulcrum, the distance for the turning of the catching section can
be large even with a small deformation amount of elastic
deformation between the lever and the base section. For this
reason, the engagement between the raised part and the
predetermined recessed part can be released by a small force, and a
large burden applied between the lever and the base section can be
reduced. Thereby, it can prevent the movable guide from damage.
[0020] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the placement section may comprise a slit that extends
in the first direction, the base section may comprise a hook that
passes through the slit, and the hook may slide in the first
direction on the slit and the hook may prevent the base section
from separating from the placement surface, and the hook may be
disposed closer to the one side in the first direction than to the
fulcrum.
[0021] As a result, because the hook is positioned more to one side
in the first direction than the fulcrum of the lever, the base
section can be prevented from floating in a direction away from the
placement surface even if a force is applied on the lever towards
the other side in the first direction.
[0022] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the raised part may be disposed more to the other side
in the first direction than the wall section.
[0023] Therefore, the paper can be prevented from being placed over
the raised part. Accordingly, for example, the turning of the
raised part can be performed without interference from the paper
even if the paper is placed over the base section.
[0024] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, a printer may comprise a placement section comprising a
placement surface where a media is placed; a fixed guide that
regulates a position of one end of the media; and a movable guide
that slides in a first direction along the placement surface and
regulates a position on the other end of the media, wherein the
placement section may include a plurality of recessed parts aligned
in the first direction in a region where the movable guide slides
on the placement surface, the movable guide may comprise a wall
section that faces the fixed guide in the first direction and
regulates the other end of the media; and a raised part that
engages with one of the plurality of recessed parts, and the raised
part may engage with the one recessed part more firmly when the
raised part moves to the other side in the first direction than
when the raised part moves to one side in the first direction.
[0025] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, a paper guide may comprise a placement section
comprising a placement surface where a paper is placed; a fixed
guide that regulates a position of one end of the paper; and a
movable guide that slides in a first direction along the placement
surface and regulates a position on the other end of the paper,
wherein the placement section may include a plurality of recessed
parts aligned in the first direction in a region where the movable
guide slides on the placement surface, the movable guide may
comprise a wall section that faces the fixed guide in the first
direction and regulates the other end of the paper; and a raised
part that engages with one of the plurality of recessed parts, and
the raised part may engage with the one recessed part more firmly
when the raised part moves to the other side in the first direction
than when the raised part moves to one side in the first
direction.
[0026] The printer according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention can perform the positioning of the movable guide
without imposing a burden on the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external
appearance of the printer according to one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external
appearance of the printer according to one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the printer removing the top
surface of the printer and the internal structure of the printer
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4A is an enlarged diagram of the paper guide without
paper placed therein according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4B is an enlarged diagram of the paper guide with paper
placed therein according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the movable guide when
viewing from the front side according to one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the movable guide when
viewing from the rear side according to one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in a region A1 of FIG. 5B
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of A-A in FIG. 4A according
to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagram viewing from the rear surface side, a
section where the movable guide is disposed within the placement
section according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of B-B in FIG. 4A
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of B-B in FIG. 4A
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of B-B in FIG. 4A
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the region A2 in FIG. 9B
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail hereinafter with reference to drawings. In embodiments of
the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it
will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to
avoid obscuring the invention.
An Example
[0042] (Printer External Structure)
[0043] First, an external structure of a printer 2 according to one
or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views
respectively illustrating an appearance of the printer according to
one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer 2 may be an
inkjet printer that prints, for example, by ejecting ink onto a
paper 4. That is, the printer 2 may comprise a printing unit not
shown for printing by ejecting ink. The paper 4 is an example of a
recording media (media). The paper 4 may be, for example, a regular
paper, a photo paper, a post card, or the like.
[0045] The printer 2 may comprise a casing 6. A feed port 8 is
provided at an upper end part of a rear surface 6a of the casing 6
to feed the paper 4 to be printed into the casing 6. The paper 4 is
inserted into the feed port 6 from above. A feed tray 10 is further
fixed to the upper end part of the rear surface 6a of the casing 6
so as to support the paper 4, inserted into the feed port 8, from
the rear side. The feed tray 10 extends obliquely upward from the
feed port 8.
[0046] A substantially rectangular discharge port 13 is provided on
a front surface 6b of the casing 6 to discharge the paper 4 printed
to the outside of the casing 6. A substantially rectangular cover
member 11 is provided on the discharge port 13 such that it can be
opened and closed.
[0047] The cover member 11 is a plate-like member that can block
the discharge port 13 and is disposed at a lower end part of the
discharge port 13 while also being rotatable in the open direction
that opens the discharge port 13 as well as in the closed direction
that closes the discharge port 13 centering around a rotation axis
extending in a substantially horizontal direction (X axis
direction). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover member 11 extends
slightly inclined in the vertical direction when closed. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover member 11 extends in a
substantially horizontal direction from the lower end part of the
discharge port 13 when open, and functions as a discharge tray to
support the paper 4 discharged from the discharge port 13 from
below. An operation panel 21 is provided on a top surface 6c of the
casing 6 to execute the operation of the printer 2 (e.g., turning
on and off, initiating printing, and the like).
[0048] (Paper Guide)
[0049] Next, a description of a paper guide 1 in the printer 2 will
be given.
[0050] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the printer 2 removing the top
surface 6c of the printer 2 and the internal structure of the
printer 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing the paper guide 1 for
placing the paper 4 to feed into the printer 2. FIG. 4A is an
enlarged diagram of the paper guide without paper placed therein.
FIG. 4B is an enlarged diagram of the paper guide with paper placed
therein.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the paper guide 1 is provided on
the rear surface side of the printer 2. The paper guide 1 has a
movable guide 100 for placing the paper 4 in a predetermined
position in a first direction (X axis direction). The paper guide 1
may comprise a placement section 12, a fixed guide 18, and a
movable guide 100.
[0052] The placement section 12 has a placement surface S1 (see
FIG. 4A described below) where the paper is placed. The placement
section 12 is provided on the rear surface 6a of the casing 6, and
a surface where the paper 4 of the feed tray 10 is placed, and the
placement surface S1 of the placement section 12 are connected so
as to be flush. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a plurality of
recessed parts 14 that are aligned in the X axis direction is
formed in a region where the movable guide 100 slides on the
placement surface S1. A slit 16 extending in the X axis direction
is provided in the placement section 12.
[0053] The fixed guide 18 regulates a position of one end (an end
part of the positive side in the X axis direction) of the paper 4
placed on the placement surface S1 as illustrated in FIG. 4B.
Specifically, the fixed guide 18 is provided on the rear surface 6a
of the casing 6 and is a plate-like member provided erect in a
perpendicular direction to the X axis direction from the rear
surface 6a (placement surface S1). The fixed guide 18 is formed
continuous on the rear surface 6a of the casing 6.
[0054] The movable guide 100 is provided so as to be slidable in
the X axis direction with respect to the placement surface S1. The
movable guide 100 regulates the position of the other end of the
paper 4 (an end part of the negative side in the X axis
direction).
[0055] Next, a configuration of the movable guide 100 will be
described.
[0056] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the movable guide when
viewing from the front side. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the
movable guide when viewing from the rear side. FIG. 6 is an
enlarged view in a region A1 of FIG. 5B.
[0057] The movable guide 100 specifically has a wall section 101, a
lever 102, and a base section 103. The wall section 101, lever 102,
and base section 103 in the movable guide 100 according to the
present embodiment are integrally formed.
[0058] The wall section 101 faces the fixed guide 18 in the X axis
direction and regulates the other end of the paper 4 (see FIG. 4).
The wall section 101 extends more to the positive side in the Y
axis direction than the base section 103 and forms a Y-Z surface.
The wall section 101 regulates the other end of the paper 4 by the
Y-Z surface.
[0059] The lever 102 extends in a second direction (Z axis
direction) intersecting with the placement surface S1.
Specifically, the lever 102 is a plate-like member extending in the
Z axis direction from a region along the Y axis direction of the
base section 103. The lever 102 is parallel to the Y-Z surface that
intersects in the X axis direction and is formed continuous from
the base section 103. Further, with the lever 102, a catching
section 104 extending towards the positive side from the lever 102
in the X axis direction is formed continuous on the lever 102.
Although a detailed description is provided below, the lever 102
has a function to turn the catching section 104 towards the
positive side in the Z axis direction by being inclined to the
negative side in the X axis direction in relation to the base
section 103.
[0060] The catching section 104 extends towards the positive side
in the X axis direction from both positions of the ends in the Y
axis direction of the end part of the placement surface S1 of the
lever 102. In other words, two catching sections 104 are provided
on the lever 102. Further, a raised part 104a is formed on the
catching section 104 as illustrated in FIG. 5B at a position apart
from the lever 102 to the positive side in the X axis direction.
The raised part 104a is provided in a position that is more to the
negative side in the X axis direction than the wall section
101.
[0061] The base section 103 is provided so as to be slidable in the
slit 16 of the placement section 12. The base section 103 is
continuous to the lever 102 and extends towards both sides in a
first direction (X axis direction) from a different position in a
third direction (Y axis direction) from the catching section 104 of
the lever 102. Further, the base section 103 is formed so as to
surround the periphery of the catching section 104. That is, as
illustrated in FIG. 6, the slit 108 is formed in a region between
the catching section 104 and the base section 103 except a region
that is connected to the lever 102. In other words, the catching
section 104 and the base section 103 are formed so as to be
separated from each other. Accordingly, the catching section 104 is
configured so as to turn independently from the base section 103
according to the inclination of the lever 102.
[0062] Furthermore, a protrusion 105 projecting towards the
placement surface S1 on the extension of the lever 102 is formed on
the rear side (side of the placement surface S1) of the base
section 103 as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 6, and functions as the
fulcrum when the catching section 104 turns at the time the lever
102 is inclined. In other words, it can be even said that the
protrusion 105 is formed on the end part of the placement surface
S1 side of the lever 102. Also, the raised part 104a and the
protrusion 105 formed on the catching section 104 is formed with a
region R1 and a region R2 that are different in the Y axis
direction respectively. In addition, a hooks 106, 107, and
projections 109, 110 are formed on the rear side of the base
section 103 so as to be slidable in the X axis direction with
respect to the placement section 12.
[0063] Next, the hooks 106, 107, and the projections 109, 110 will
be described.
[0064] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of A-A in FIG. 4A. FIG. 8
is a diagram viewing from the rear surface side, a section where
the movable guide is disposed within the placement section.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the slit 16 and the hook 106 are
formed on the rear side of the base section 103 so that the base
section 103 is not separated from the placement surface S1 while
passing through the slit 16 and movable in the X axis direction
with respect to the slit 16. The hook 106 is located in the
positive side in the X axis direction more to the protrusion 105
functioning as the fulcrum of the lever 102 (see FIG. 6). Further,
the hook 107 is formed on the rear side of the base section 103 so
as to be slidable in the X axis direction with respect to the upper
end of the placement section 12 while hooking the upper end of the
placement section 12. Furthermore, the projections 109 and 110 are
formed on the rear side of the base section 103 so as to be movable
in the X axis direction with respect to the slit 16 while
interposing into the slit 16 (see FIG. 8). The hook 106 and the
projections 109, 110 are formed in a region R3 differing in the Y
axis direction from the regions R1 and R2 (see FIG. 6). In other
words, the hook 106, and projections 109, 110 are formed lining
alongside in the X axis direction so as to function as the guide
that is movable in the X axis direction with respect to the slit
16.
[0066] The movable guide 100 is regulated a position with respect
to the X axis direction of the placement section 12 at the
predetermined position by engaging the raised part 104a provided at
the catching section 104 into a predetermined recessed part within
a plurality of recessed parts 14 formed on the placement surface S1
of the placement section 12. Next, a relationship between the
raised part 104a and the plurality of recessed parts 14 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C, and FIG. 10.
[0067] FIGS. 9A to 9C are a cross-sectional view of B-B in FIG. 4A.
More specifically, FIG. 9A is a diagram to describe when applying a
load onto the positive side in the X axis direction with respect to
the lever 102. FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are diagrams to describe when
applying a load onto the negative side in the X axis direction with
respect to the lever 102. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the region
A2 in FIG. 9B. More specifically, FIG. 10 (a) is an enlarged view
of the region A2 in FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10(b) is a further enlarged
portion of FIG. 10(a).
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C and 10, the raised part
104a contacts the predetermined recessed part at both sides in the
X axis direction while the raised part 104a is engaged with the
predetermined recessed part within the plurality of recessed parts
14. Further, each of the plurality of recessed parts 14 is a
V-shaped groove in the cross-section having a first surface S21 of
the positive side in the X axis direction and a second surface S22
of the negative side in the X axis direction as illustrated in FIG.
10. Further, the angle .theta.1 between the X axis direction and
the first surface S21 is smaller than the angle .theta.2 between
the X axis direction and the second surface S22. The raised part
104a is a V-shaped rib in the cross-section having a third surface
S11 contacting the first surface S21 and a fourth surface S12
contacting the second surface S22 while engaging with the
predetermined recessed part. In other words, the plurality of
recessed parts 14 and the raised part 14a are formed so that the
raised part 104a is caught into the predetermined recessed part
with respect to the plurality of recessed parts 14 more firmly when
moving to the negative side in the X axis direction than when
moving to the positive side in the X axis direction.
[0069] Because the raised part 104a and the plurality of recessed
parts 14 are formed as described above, when a force is applied
onto the positive side in the X axis direction with respect to the
lever 102, the movable guide 100 can be moved to the positive side
in the X axis direction when the raised part 104a crosses over the
predetermined recessed part as illustrated in 9A.
[0070] Meanwhile, the raised part 104a and the plurality of
recessed parts 14 are formed so that the raised part 104a while
being engaged is caught firmly into the plurality of recessed parts
14 when moving to the negative side in the X axis direction as
described above. Therefore, when the raised part 104a is engaged
with the predetermined recessed part, the movable guide 100 is less
movable to the negative side in the X axis direction. That is, for
example, even when a load of the wall section 101 of the movable
guide 100 is applied onto the negative side in the X axis direction
by the paper 4 placed, the movable guide 100 is less movable to the
negative side in the X axis direction because the raised part 104a
is firmly engaged to the predetermined recessed part.
[0071] Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, when a force is
applied towards the negative side in the X axis direction with
respect to the lever 102, the raised part 104a turns by using the
protrusion 105 of the end part of the placement surface S1 side of
the lever 102 as a fulcrum. In other words, the catching section
104 is able to turn independently from the base section 103, and
turn in a direction away from the recessed part by using the
protrusion 105 as the fulcrum. Accordingly, the engagement between
the raised part 104a and the predetermined recessed part is
released. That is, the raised part 104a is formed in a position
apart from the positive side in the X axis direction of the lever
102 so as to be released the engagement with the predetermined
recessed part by turning in the direction to be away from the
predetermined recessed part. In other words, the movable guide 100
can be moved to the negative side in the X axis direction due to
the release of the engagement between the raised part 104a and the
predetermined recessed part when a force is applied towards the
negative side in the X axis direction with respect to the lever
102.
[0072] Further, when a force is applied towards the negative side
in the X axis direction, the lever 102 is elastically deformed in a
direction where the lever 102 and the base section 103 mutually
approach, and also the base section 103 and the catching section
104 are continuous so that the catching section 104 is turned
according to the inclination of the lever 102. In other words, when
the force applied to the lever 102 is gone, the elastic deformation
returns to the original position, and therefore, the inclination of
the lever 102 returns to the original position. Accordingly, the
catching section 104 returns to the original position from the
turning state. Therefore, the raised part 104a of the catching
section 104 and the recessed part are engaged again. Accordingly,
the movement of the movable guide 100 is regulated at the
predetermined position when the force applied on the lever 102 at
the predetermined position in the X axis direction is gone.
[0073] Further, the movable guide 100 is provided with a gap
between the placement surface S1 and the catching section 104 as
well as the base section 103 by being supported on the placement
surface S1 by the protrusion 105 and the raised part 104a.
Therefore, even if the amount of elastic deformation between the
lever 102 and the base section 103 is small, the distance for
turning the catching section 104 can be increased. For this reason,
the engagement between the raised part 104a and the predetermined
recessed part can be released by a small force, and a large burden
applied between the lever 102 and the base section 103 can be
reduced. Thereby, it can prevent the movable guide 100 from
damage.
[0074] [Effect]
[0075] According to the printer 2 described in this embodiment,
because the raised part 104a moves more easily when moving to plus
side in the X axis direction with respect to the plurality of
recessed parts 14 than when moving to the negative side, if, for
example, a force of a predetermined size is applied to the raised
part 104a toward the plus side in the X axis direction, it can move
to the positive side in the X axis direction. That is, if a force
of a predetermined size is applied to the lever 102 towards the
positive side in the X axis direction, the moveable guide 100 moves
to the positive side in the X axis direction. However, the raised
part 104a is inhibited from moving to the negative side in the X
axis direction even if a force of the same predetermined size is
applied because the raised part is more firmly caught on the
plurality of recessed parts 14 to the negative side in the X axis
direction than when moving to the positive side.
[0076] With this type of configuration, when a force is applied to
the lever 102 toward the negative side in the X axis direction, the
raised part 104a turns using the end part of the placement surface
S1 side of the lever 102 as a fulcrum, and the engagement between
only the raised part 104a and the predetermined recessed part is
released. Therefore, even if a force is applied to the lever 102
toward the negative side in the X axis direction, the user can move
the moveable guide 100 to the negative side in the X axis
direction.
[0077] That is, when a pressure toward the positive side in the X
axis direction is applied to the lever 102, the user can move the
moveable guide 100 to the positive side in the X axis direction.
Further, when a pressure toward the negative side in the X axis
direction is applied to the lever 102, the user can also move the
moveable guide 100 to the negative side in the X axis direction. In
this manner, because the moveable guide 100 is configured so that
the direction of the applied force by the user matches the
direction for moving, the user can move the moveable guide by
applying a force on the moveable guide in only one direction.
Therefore, the user can move the guide without a burden.
[0078] Further, according to the printer 2 described in this
embodiment, each of the plurality of recessed parts 14 have a first
surface S21 and a second surface S22 and is a groove having a
V-shaped cross section. The angle .theta.1 formed by the X axis
direction and the first surface S21 is smaller than the angle
.theta.2 formed by the X axis direction and the second surface S22.
Further, the raised part 104a is a V-shaped rib in the
cross-section having a third surface S11 contacting the first
surface S21 and a fourth surface S12 contacting the second surface
S22 while engaging with the predetermined recessed part. Therefore,
a simple configuration can be implemented where the plurality of
recessed parts 14 and the raised part 14a are formed so that the
raised part 104a is caught into the predetermined recessed part
with respect to the plurality of recessed parts 14 more firmly when
moving to the negative side in the X axis direction than that of
when moving to the positive side in the X axis direction.
[0079] Further, according to the printer 2 described in this
embodiment, because the fulcrum is formed to be in a different
position in the Y axis direction than the plurality of recessed
parts 14, the distance from the placement surface S1 of the fulcrum
can be fixed. Therefore, if the force applied to the lever 102
toward the negative side in the X axis direction is always a fixed
size, the engagement between the raised part 104a and the
predetermined recessed part can be released. That is, the
engagement between the raised part 104a and the predetermined
recessed part can be prevented from releasing even if the user
applies a force in a predetermined size. By this, if the user
applies a fixed force regardless of the position on the moveable
guide 100, the moveable guide 100 can be moved to the negative side
in the X axis direction.
[0080] Further, according to the paper guide 1 described in this
embodiment, because the hook 106 is positioned more to positive
side in the X axis direction than the fulcrum of the lever 102, the
base section 103 can be prevented from floating in a direction away
from the placement surface S1 even if a force is applied on the
lever 102 towards the negative side in the X axis direction.
[0081] Further, according to the printer 2 described in this
embodiment, because the raised part 104a is provided more to the
negative side in the X axis direction than the wall section 101,
the paper 4 can be prevented from being placed over the raised part
104a. Therefore, for example, the turning of the raised part 104a
can be performed without interference from the paper 4 even if the
paper 4 is placed over the base section 103.
Modified Example
[0082] (1)
[0083] The printer 2 according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention described above, the paper guide 1 is formed so
as to be provided on the rear surface 6a of the casing 6 which is
provided continuously to the feed tray 10; however, it is not
limited thereto. For example, the paper guide may be provided in
the paper cassette as a feed tray for placing papers to be fed.
[0084] (2)
[0085] In the printer 2 according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention described above, a plurality of recessed parts 14
is a groove having a V-shape in the cross section while having the
first surface S21 and the second surface S22 respectively; however
it is not limited thereto. That is, it may be sufficient if
satisfying that the raised part contacts the predetermined recessed
part at both sides in the X axis direction, and also the angle
between the X axis direction and normal direction at the contact in
the positive side in the X axis direction of the raised part is
smaller than the angle between the X axis direction and the normal
direction at the contact in the negative side in the X axis
direction of the raised part. For this reason, at least one of the
plurality of recessed parts or the raised part is formed so that
the raised part is caught into the predetermined recessed part with
respect to the plurality of recessed parts more firmly when moving
to the other side in the first direction than when moving to one
side in the first direction.
[0086] Further more, the embodiment described above and the
modified examples may be combined respectively.
[0087] Although the disclosure has been described with respect to
only a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art,
having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various
other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention
should be limited only by the attached claims.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES
[0088] 1 paper guide
[0089] 2 printer
[0090] 4 paper
[0091] 6 casing
[0092] 6a rear surface
[0093] 6b front surface
[0094] 6c top surface
[0095] 8 feed port
[0096] 10 feed tray
[0097] 11 cover member
[0098] 12 placement section
[0099] 13 discharge port
[0100] 14 a plurality of recessed parts
[0101] 15 rotation axis
[0102] 16 slit
[0103] 18 fixed guide
[0104] 21 operation panel
[0105] 100 movable guide
[0106] 101 wall section
[0107] 102 lever
[0108] 103 base section
[0109] 104 catching section
[0110] 104a raised part
[0111] 105 protrusion
[0112] 106, 107 hook
[0113] 108 slit
[0114] 109, 110 projection
[0115] S11 third surface
[0116] S12 fourth surface
[0117] S21 first surface
[0118] S22 second surface
* * * * *