Medium discharge apparatus and recording apparatus

Abstract

A medium discharge apparatus and a recording apparatus express a state related to discharge of a sheet in better visual recognition in order to improve usability. The medium discharge apparatus includes a medium discharge section that discharges a medium; a medium receiving tray that receives the medium discharged by the medium discharge section; a light emitting section that emits light toward the medium receiving tray; and a control section that controls the light emitting section, the medium receiving tray being switchable between a first state in which the medium receiving tray is housed in a device main body provided with the medium discharge section and a second state in which the medium receiving tray is most protruded from the device main body, the control section controlling the light emitting section according to a state or an action of the medium receiving tray.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on July 13, 2021, with application number 202110790057.6 and title "Media Discharge Device and Recording Device". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a media discharge device for discharging media and a recording device having the media discharge device. Background Technology

[0003] In the discharge mechanism for discharging the medium, the discharge space for discharging the medium is set in the frame of the device, and the discharge space is relatively dark and has poor visual visibility. In view of this, it is known that a structure is provided with a lamp to illuminate the discharge space, as shown in Patent Document 1.

[0004] According to the structure described in Patent Document 1, when paper, as an example of a medium, is discharged onto the tray, a light installed on the top plate of the paper discharge space is illuminated. This makes it easy to identify and remove the discharged paper, and also allows for easy monitoring of the paper discharge process.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which a discharge tray for receiving discharged sheets moves between an unfolded position and a stored position by means of a motor.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-339107

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-016480

[0008] In the structure described in Patent Document 2, it is configured such that when a recording command is issued while the discharge tray is in the retracted position, the discharge roller rotates, and this rotation is transmitted to the discharge tray, causing the discharge tray to move from the retracted position to the unfolded position. Therefore, the unfolding action of the discharge tray can be considered as a sign from the user's perspective that the sheet is being discharged. Furthermore, the action of the discharge tray can be said to function as a unit indicating the state related to the discharge of the sheet.

[0009] However, from the perspective of improving usability, it is preferable to represent the state related to the extrusion of the sheet with better visual recognizability. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The media discharge device of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a media discharge section for discharging media; and a media receiving tray for receiving the media discharged by the media discharge section, the media receiving tray being switchable to a first state in which it is housed in a device body having the media discharge section and a second state in which it protrudes most from the device body, a light-emitting section for emitting light toward the media receiving tray is provided at a position downstream of the media discharge section in the media discharge direction, and a control section for controlling the light-emitting section controls the light-emitting section according to the state or operation of the media receiving tray.

[0011] Furthermore, the recording device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording section for recording a medium; a medium discharge section for discharging the medium recorded by the recording section; and a medium receiving tray for receiving the medium discharged by the medium discharge section; the medium receiving tray is switchable between a first state in which it is housed within a device body having the medium discharge section and a second state in which it protrudes most from the device body; a light-emitting section is provided downstream of the medium discharge section in the medium discharge direction for emitting light toward the medium receiving tray; the medium receiving tray is switchable between the first state and the second state by the power of a motor; and a control section that controls the light-emitting section, when the medium receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting section is off, if it receives an instruction to start recording, causes the light-emitting section to emit light in accordance with the control of the motor for causing the medium receiving tray to protrude from the device body.

[0012] Furthermore, the recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording unit for recording a medium; a medium discharge unit for discharging the medium recorded by the recording unit; and a medium receiving tray for receiving the medium discharged by the medium discharge unit; the medium receiving tray is switchable to a first state in which it is housed within a device body having the medium discharge unit and a second state in which it protrudes most from the device body; a light-emitting unit is provided downstream of the medium discharge unit in the medium discharge direction to emit light toward the medium receiving tray; a control unit controlling the light-emitting unit is at least capable of detecting whether the medium receiving tray is in the first state; and when the medium receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if an instruction to start recording is received, the light-emitting unit is not made to emit light; and when the medium receiving tray is in a state other than the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if an instruction to start recording is received, the light-emitting unit is made to emit light. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of a printer with the paper receiving tray set to the first state.

[0014] Figure 2This is a 3D view of a printer with the paper receiving tray set to the third state.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of a printer with the paper receiving tray set to the second state.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the paper feed path of the printer.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a block diagram representing the printer's control system.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a magnified 3D view of the front surface of the printer, showing the substrate exposed after the front cover has been removed.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the illumination range of the light-emitting part as viewed from the direction the paper is ejected.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the illumination range of the light-emitting part as viewed from the width of the paper.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the control of the light-emitting part.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 1…Inkjet printer, 2…Main unit, 3…Scanner section, 4…Front surface cover, 5…Paper tray, 6…Operation panel, 7…Paper holder, 8…Reversing roller, 9…Upper cover, 10…Feed roller, 11…Feed roller, 12…Receiver, 13…Conveyor roller pair, 14…Carriage, 15…Recording head, 16…Exit roller pair, 17…Exit outlet, 18…Paper receiving tray, 19…Front surface panel, 20…Opposing section, 21…Optical components, 21a…Opposing surface, 23…Emitting… Light section, 24…substrate, 27…reflector, 28…light shield, 30…frame, 34…paper ejector, 49…power button, 50…control section, 51…carriage motor, 52…feed motor, 53…conveyor motor, 54…CPU, 55…flash memory ROM, 56…RAM, 57…position detection section, 58…rotation detection section, 59…media detection section, 60…tray drive motor, 61…tray detection section, 62…interface, P…paper, R…optical disc. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in general terms.

[0025] The medium discharge device according to the first method is characterized by comprising: a medium discharge section for discharging medium; a medium receiving tray for receiving medium discharged by the medium discharge section; a light-emitting section for emitting light toward the medium receiving tray; and a control section for controlling the light-emitting section, wherein the medium receiving tray is switchable between a first state in which it is housed in the main body of the device having the medium discharge section and a second state in which it protrudes most from the main body of the device, and the control section controls the light-emitting section according to the state or action of the medium receiving tray.

[0026] According to this method, the control unit that controls the light-emitting part controls the light-emitting part according to the state or action of the medium receiving tray, thus enabling the display of the state related to the discharge of the medium with good visual recognizability and improving usability.

[0027] The second method is characterized in that, in the first method, the medium receiving tray can switch between the first state and the second state by the power of a motor controlled by the control unit, and the light-emitting part emits light when the medium receiving tray in the first state protrudes from the main body of the device.

[0028] According to this method, when the control unit causes the media receiving tray in the first state to protrude from the main body of the device, the light-emitting part emits light, so that the user can know the state switching of the media receiving tray by the illumination of the light-emitting part.

[0029] It should be noted that in this specification, the term "light emission" for the light-emitting part includes both the meaning of lighting up and flashing. When referred to simply as "light emission," it means either lighting up or flashing.

[0030] The third method is characterized in that, in the first method, the medium receiving tray can switch between the first state and the second state by the power of the motor controlled by the control unit, and the control unit changes the light emission state of the light-emitting part when the motor is driven at a predetermined amount and the medium receiving tray is not switched to the target state.

[0031] According to this method, if the control unit fails to switch the media receiving tray to the target state even when the motor is driven at a predetermined amount, it changes the light emission state of the light-emitting part. Therefore, the user can detect that the operation of the media receiving tray has malfunctioned by observing the change in the light emission state of the light-emitting part.

[0032] The fourth method is characterized in that, in the second or third method, when the control unit switches from the state where the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light to a power-saving mode that suppresses power consumption, the light-emitting part is turned off.

[0033] According to this method, when the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device, and the light-emitting part switches from the light-emitting state to a power-saving mode that suppresses power consumption, the control unit turns off the light-emitting part, thus avoiding power waste.

[0034] The fifth method is characterized in that, in any of the second to fourth methods, when the power button is pressed while the media receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the device body and the light-emitting part is emitting light, the control unit extinguishes the light-emitting part.

[0035] According to this method, when the power button is pressed while the media receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protruding from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light, the control unit turns off the light-emitting part, so that the user can visually perceive that the device has switched to the power-off state.

[0036] The recording apparatus according to the sixth method is characterized by comprising: a recording unit for recording a medium; and a medium discharge device according to any one of the first to fifth methods for discharging the medium recorded by the recording unit.

[0037] According to this method, in a recording device that records on a medium, the effects of any of the first to fifth methods described above can be obtained.

[0038] The recording apparatus according to the seventh method is characterized by comprising: a recording unit for recording a medium; a medium discharge unit for discharging the medium recorded by the recording unit; a medium receiving tray for receiving the medium discharged by the medium discharge unit; a light-emitting unit for emitting light toward the medium receiving tray; and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit, wherein the medium receiving tray is switchable between a first state in which it is housed in a device body having the medium discharge unit and a second state in which it protrudes most from the device body, the medium receiving tray being switchable between the first state and the second state by the power of a motor, and wherein, when the medium receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if the control unit receives an instruction to start recording, it causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in accordance with the control of the motor for causing the medium receiving tray to protrude from the device body.

[0039] According to this method, when an instruction to start recording is received while the media receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting part is off, the control unit that controls the light-emitting part and the control of the motor that causes the media receiving tray to protrude from the main body of the device correspond to the control of the light-emitting part. Therefore, the user can visually grasp the state switching of the media receiving tray by the light-emitting part, thus improving usability.

[0040] The eighth method is characterized by comprising: a recording unit for recording on a medium; a medium discharge unit for discharging the medium recorded by the recording unit; a medium receiving tray for receiving the medium discharged by the medium discharge unit; a light-emitting unit for emitting light toward the medium receiving tray; and a control unit for controlling the light-emitting unit. The medium receiving tray is switchable between a first state in which it is housed within a device body having the medium discharge unit and a second state in which it protrudes most from the device body. The control unit is at least capable of detecting whether the medium receiving tray is in the first state, and when the medium receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if an instruction to start recording is received, the light-emitting unit is not made to emit light. When the medium receiving tray is in a state other than the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if an instruction to start recording is received, the light-emitting unit is made to emit light.

[0041] According to this method, the control unit that controls the light-emitting part can detect whether the media receiving tray is at least in the first state. When the media receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting part is off, if an instruction to start recording is received, the light-emitting part is not made to emit light. When the media receiving tray is in a state other than the first state and the light-emitting part is off, if an instruction to start recording is received, the light-emitting part is made to emit light. Therefore, the user can visually grasp the state of the media receiving tray through the state of the light-emitting part, thus improving usability.

[0042] The ninth method is characterized in that, in the eighth method, the control unit causes the light-emitting unit to emit light when the medium receiving tray, which was in the first state, is deactivated from the first state.

[0043] According to this method, when the media receiving tray in the first state is deactivated, the control unit causes the light-emitting part to emit light, so that the user can visually grasp the state switching of the media receiving tray by the light emitting part.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0045] It should be noted that in each figure, the direction along the X-axis is the width direction of the device, which is the direction intersecting with the paper feeding direction of paper, which is used as a medium in one example; that is, the paper width direction. The -X direction is the right direction as seen from the user when the front surface of the device faces the user, and the +X direction is the left direction in the same case.

[0046] Additionally, the direction along the Y-axis is the device depth direction, the +Y direction is the direction from the back of the device toward the front surface, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front surface of the device toward the back. The +Y direction is the paper discharge direction from the discharge port 17, where the recorded paper is discharged. In this embodiment, the side of the device surrounding the device that has the front surface cover 4 is the front surface of the device.

[0047] Additionally, the direction along the Z-axis is the vertical direction, the +Z direction is vertically upward, and the -Z direction is vertically downward.

[0048] It should be noted that the direction in which the paper is fed is sometimes referred to as "downstream," and its opposite direction as "upstream."

[0049] exist Figures 1-3 In this example, inkjet printer 1, as a recording device, is a so-called multifunction printer that has a scanner unit 3 on the upper part of the main body 2. Hereinafter, inkjet printer 1 will be simply referred to as printer 1.

[0050] The scanner unit 3 is configured to rotate relative to the device body 2, and by rotating, it can take... Figure 1 The diagram shows the closed state and the open state (not shown). The scanner unit 3 is equipped with a document tray 3b (see reference 3b). Figure 4 The original manuscript cover 3a is used for opening and closing.

[0051] An upper cover 9 is provided on the upper part of the main body 2, facing the back side relative to the original document cover 3a. When the upper cover 9 is opened, it can be opened to the receiving member 12 (see reference). Figure 4 Place the paper.

[0052] The main body 2 has an operation panel 6 on its front surface for setting various operations. In this embodiment, the operation panel 6 is a touch panel. Furthermore, the operation panel 6 is designed to tilt about a rotation axis (not shown).

[0053] A front surface cover 4 is provided below the front surface of the device body 2. The front surface cover 4 is configured to rotate relative to the paper feed tray 5 located at the lower part of the device body 2. By rotating, it can perform actions such as... Figure 1 The closed state as shown and as Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 It is opened as shown.

[0054] When the front cover 4 is opened, the discharge port 17 for discharging the recorded paper is exposed, and the paper receiving tray 18, which serves as a media receiving tray for receiving the paper discharged from the discharge port 17, is also exposed.

[0055] The paper receiving tray 18 can be stored inside the main body 2 in a first state as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the transition occurs between the second state and the state most prominent in the +Y direction. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The state of the paper receiving tray 18 shown represents a third state between the first state and the second state.

[0056] By driving the pallet motor 60 (see reference) Figure 5 The paper receiving tray 18 is switched in state by transmitting power to it via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). Control unit 50 (see reference) Figure 5 The paper receiving tray 18 is switched from the first state to the second state or the third state based on the paper size information contained in the printing information.

[0057] It should be noted that the paper receiving tray 18 can not only switch from the first state to the second state, but also drive the tray motor 60 (see reference). Figure 5 The power of the paper receiving tray 18 can be used to switch from the second state to the first state. However, the switching of the paper receiving tray 18 from the second state to the third state can also be delegated to the user, and the switching from the third state to the first state can be performed by the power of the tray drive motor 60. Alternatively, the entire state switching of the paper receiving tray 18 from the second state to the first state can be delegated to the user.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the paper receiving tray 18 can be in a third state in addition to the second state, and can receive paper in the third state in addition to the second state. However, the third state can also be omitted, that is, paper can be received only in the second state. Conversely, the paper receiving tray 18 can also receive paper in other states besides the second and third states.

[0059] In this embodiment, Figure 2 In the third state shown, for example, when an A4-sized sheet of paper is ejected with its long side along the Y-axis, the paper can be received. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the second state shown, for example, when an A3-sized sheet of paper is extended along the Y-axis, the paper can be received.

[0060] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the paper receiving tray 18 is configured to include a first tray 18c, a second tray 18b, and a third tray 18a.

[0061] Paper receiving tray 18 from Figure 1 The storage state, i.e., the first state, switches to Figure 2 In the third state, the first tray 18c, the second tray 18b, and the third tray 18a become a single unit and shift in the +Y direction.

[0062] In addition, from Figure 2 The third state is switched to Figure 3 In the second state, the second tray 18b and the third tray 18a are displaced relative to the first tray 18c in the +Y direction. When the paper receiving tray 18 is switched to the second state, as... Figure 3 As shown, the second tray 18b is located in the +Y direction relative to the first tray 18c, and the third tray 18a is located in the +Y direction relative to the second tray 18b.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the paper receiving tray 18 is configured as a multi-stage type, but the paper receiving tray 18 can also be configured as a single tray. In this case, a rack can be formed on the tray along the Y-axis direction, and a pinion meshing with the rack can be provided to form a rack and pinion mechanism, which can be moved in the Y-axis direction by the power of a motor. In such a structure, it is also possible to switch between a first state housed inside the device body 2 and a second state in which the device body 2 protrudes most from the +Y direction compared to the first state.

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 4 Further explanation of the paper transport path of printer 1. Paper contained in the paper tray 5 located at the lower part of the main body 2 is transported by the feed motor 52 (see reference). Figure 5 The feed roller 10 driven by the paper feed roller 10 feeds the paper in the -Y direction. The symbol T1 indicates the feeding path of the paper fed from the paper feed tray 5.

[0065] Additionally, the paper placed on the receiving member 12 comes into contact with the feed roller 11 due to the rise of the receiving member 12, and is then fed by the feed motor 52 (see reference). Figure 5 The paper is fed downstream by the rotation of the driven feed roller 11. The symbol T2 indicates the feeding path of the paper fed from the receiving member 12.

[0066] Above the feed roller 10 is a feed motor 52 (see reference). Figure 5 The reverse roller 8 is driven by the paper feed tray 5 or the receiving member 12. The paper is fed from the paper feed tray 5 or the receiving member 12 and receives the conveying force from the reverse roller 8 and is conveyed toward the conveying roller pair 13 located in the +Y direction relative to the reverse roller 8.

[0067] In addition, the paper is conveyed by the conveyor motor 53 (see reference). Figure 5The driven conveyor rollers 13 are conveyed to the area opposite the recording head 15, i.e., the recording area.

[0068] As an example of a recording unit, the recording head 15 is mounted on the carriage 14, and the carriage 14 is connected to the carriage motor 51 (see reference). Figure 5 The recording head 15 moves back and forth along the X-axis due to the power of the slide 14. As the slide 14 moves, the recording head 15 sprays ink onto the paper.

[0069] Then, by means of the conveyor motor 53 (reference) Figure 5 The driven discharge roller pair 16 discharges the recorded paper toward the paper receiving tray 18.

[0070] It should be noted that the discharge roller pair 16 is an example of a paper discharge section that discharges recorded paper. Additionally, the discharge roller pair 16, the paper receiving tray 18, and the light-emitting unit 23 (described later) (see...) Figure 5 Paper discharge device 34 is an example of a media discharge device.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 5 The control system in printer 1 will be described.

[0072] The control unit 50 performs various controls, including paper feeding, conveying, ejection, and recording, as well as other controls of the printer 1.

[0073] Signals from the operation panel 6 are input to the control unit 50. In addition, signals for displaying the operation panel 6, particularly the user interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI"), are sent from the control unit 50 to the operation panel 6.

[0074] The control unit 50 controls the carriage motor 51, the feed motor 52, the conveyor motor 53, and the pallet drive motor 60. In this embodiment, each motor is a DC motor.

[0075] The detection signals from the position detection unit 57, rotation detection unit 58, media detection unit 59, and pallet detection unit 61 are also input to the control unit 50.

[0076] The position detection unit 57 is a linear encoder used to detect the position of the carriage 14 in the X-axis direction. The rotation detection unit 58 is a rotary encoder used to detect the amount of rotation and the rotational speed of the roller driven by the conveyor motor 53.

[0077] The media detection unit 59 is located near the upstream of the conveyor roller pair 13 and detects the passage of the front and rear ends of the paper. The media detection unit 59 can be composed of a contact or non-contact sensor. Based on the detection information from the media detection unit 59, the control unit 50 can determine whether the paper feeding has been performed correctly, and specifically, whether a no-feed event has occurred.

[0078] In this embodiment, the tray detection unit 61 is used to detect when the paper receiving tray 18 is switched to... Figure 2 The detection unit for the third state shown can, for example, be composed of a contact sensor. It should be noted that the control unit 50 can detect when the paper receiving tray 18 switches to the first state by detecting an increase in the driving direction and driving current value of the tray drive motor 60, and can also detect when it switches to the second state.

[0079] However, it is also possible to set up separate sensors for detecting the first state and sensors for detecting the second state.

[0080] It should be noted that a rotary encoder (not shown) is also provided with the pallet drive motor 60. The control unit 50 can determine the rotation direction and rotation amount of the pallet drive motor 60 based on the signal output from the rotary encoder.

[0081] The control unit 50 includes a CPU 54, a flash memory ROM 55, and a RAM 56. The CPU 54 performs various calculations based on the program stored in the flash memory ROM 55 and controls the overall operation of the printer 1. The program for controlling the light-emitting unit 23 (described later) is also stored in the flash memory ROM 55. The flash memory ROM 55 is a non-volatile memory capable of being read and written. Furthermore, various setting information input by the user via the operation panel 6 is also stored in the flash memory ROM 55. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM 56, which serves as a storage unit.

[0082] In addition, the control unit 50 has an interface 62, which enables communication with an external computer 90.

[0083] Next, the discharge port 17 will be further explained. The discharge port 17 is the discharge position in the Y-axis direction for discharging the paper recorded by the recording head 15.

[0084] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the upper edge of the outlet 17 is formed by an opposing portion 20 that faces the paper receiving tray 18 and the recording surface of the paper that has been recorded.

[0085] like Figures 6-8As shown, the opposing portion 20 is configured to include an optical component 21. The optical component 21 is mounted on the frame 30 in such a way that it is located at the center of the area through which the paper passes in the X-axis direction, i.e., the paper width direction. In other words, the center position of the discharged paper in the paper width direction is approximately the same as the center position of the optical component 21 in the X-axis direction.

[0086] The optical component 21 is formed of a light-transmitting material and functions as a lens. In this embodiment, the optical component 21 is formed of a colorless and transparent resin material, and the opposing surface 21a, which faces the recording surface of the paper, is formed as frosted glass.

[0087] A light-emitting portion 23 is provided in the +Z direction of the optical component 21. In this embodiment, the light-emitting portion 23 is composed of a white LED. In addition, in this embodiment, two light-emitting portions 23 are provided on the substrate 24 at intervals in the X-axis direction, i.e., the paper width direction. The two light-emitting portions 23 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center position of the optical component 21 in the X-axis direction, i.e., the paper width direction.

[0088] The light-emitting part 23 is directed relative to the optical component 21. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The light emits light in the direction indicated by arrow Q. In other words, the optical component 21 is located at the point where the light emitted from the light-emitting part 23 is incident. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the diagram, the symbol P represents the ejected paper. Optical component 21 directs incident light toward the recording surface of the paper P. Visible light emitted from optical component 21 toward the recording surface of the paper P is as follows: Figure 7 Expanding in the width direction of the paper as shown, and as Figure 8 It extends in the paper transport direction as shown.

[0089] like Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, reflective sheets 27 are provided upstream and downstream of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 in the paper transport direction. In other words, a pair of reflective sheets 27 are provided in a manner that sandwiches the light path emitted from the light-emitting unit 23. The reflective sheets 27 extend from the position of the light-emitting unit 23 to the upper surface position of the optical component 21 in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the reflective sheets 27 cover almost the entire area of ​​the optical component 21 in the X-axis direction. The reflective sheets 27 can be made of, for example, a white sheet material.

[0090] Additionally, a light-shielding sheet 28 is provided between the reflective sheet 27 and the front surface panel 19 on the side closest to the front surface panel 19. In this embodiment, the size of the light-shielding sheet 28 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions is the same as that of the reflective sheet 27. The light-shielding sheet 28 can, for example, be made of a black sheet material.

[0091] Figure 7as well as Figure 8 This indicates that the paper receiving tray 18 is in position. Figure 2 The third state shown is an example of an A4-sized sheet of paper being discharged into the paper receiving tray 18 along the long side direction of the paper transport. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the diagram, the symbol S represents the irradiation range of light emitted from the optical component 21 toward the recording surface of the paper P.

[0092] Light emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 and incident on the optical component 21 diffuses within the optical component 21 in the paper-width direction through the frosted glass-like surface 21a, and then radiates toward the recording surface of the paper. In this embodiment, the radiating range has a width covering the entire area of ​​the short side of an A4-sized sheet of paper.

[0093] It should be noted that, in Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In this diagram, the symbol H1 represents the distance between the paper receiving tray 18 and the optical component 21 in the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the recording surface of the paper. The distance H1 can be set to 30 mm or less, for example. Thus, the distance between the recording surface of the paper P and the optical component 21 is 30 mm or less.

[0094] As explained above, the opposing part 20, which is located at the discharge position where the paper recorded by the recording head 15 is discharged and faces the recording surface of the paper, is equipped with an optical component 21. The optical component 21 is located at the point where light emitted from the light-emitting part 23 is incident and is arranged facing the recording surface of the paper. It radiates the incident light at least in the direction toward the recording surface of the paper. Therefore, the recording result can be quickly and clearly visually identified before the recording is completed, and the user's needs can be appropriately met.

[0095] Furthermore, the illumination range of the optical component 21 on the recording surface of the paper has a width that covers the entire recording surface of the first-size paper in the paper width direction, thus enabling more appropriate visual recognition of the recording results. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first-size paper is set to A4 size paper, but it is not limited to this.

[0096] It should be noted that if the first size of paper is the largest size that can be transported, then all sizes of paper can be irradiated across the entire width direction.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the optical component 21 is a light-transmitting component with a frosted glass-like opposing surface 21a that faces the recording surface of the paper, thus enabling the light emitted from the light-emitting part 23 to diffuse over a wider area.

[0098] It should be noted that, as a method to diffuse the light emitted from the light-emitting part 23 over a wider range, the opposing surface 21a can be made into a frosted glass shape instead, or, in addition to being made into a frosted glass shape, the optical component 21 can be formed from a light-transmitting component containing a light diffusing agent.

[0099] As light diffusing agents, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, synthetic silica, glass beads, etc. can be used.

[0100] Furthermore, the method of diffusing the light emitted from the light-emitting part 23 to a wider range is of course not limited to making the opposing surface 21a into a frosted glass shape or using a diffusing agent.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the distance between the recording surface and the optical component 21 in the direction orthogonal to the recording surface of the paper is set to 30 mm or less, the recording result can be clearly visually identified at the paper ejection position.

[0102] It should be noted that if the amount of light reaching the recording surface is sufficient, the distance between the recording surface and the optical component 21 can also be greater than 30 mm.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a pair of reflective sheets 27 are provided to sandwich the light path emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 to the optical component 21, the amount of light illuminating the recording surface of the paper from the optical component 21 can be ensured. It should be noted that if sufficient light can be ensured even without using the reflective sheets 27, the reflective sheets 27 can be omitted.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a light-shielding sheet 28 is provided between the reflective sheet 27 and the front surface panel 19 near the wall portion of the front surface panel 19, which serves as the front surface of the forming apparatus, light leakage from the front surface panel 19 to the front of the device can be suppressed. It should be noted that if the light-shielding rate of the front surface panel 19 is high and it is difficult to visually identify light leakage from the front surface panel 19 to the outside of the device, the light-shielding sheet 28 may be omitted.

[0105] Next, the control unit 50 ( Figure 5 The control of the light-emitting part 23 will be explained.

[0106] When the control unit 50 is recording on the paper and ejecting the recorded paper, it causes the light-emitting unit 23 to emit light at least from the moment the front end of the paper reaches the position opposite the opposing unit 20 until the rear end of the paper leaves the position opposite the opposing unit 20. That is, the recording surface of the paper is illuminated from the front end to the rear end.

[0107] This constitutes the most basic light emission of the light-emitting part 23. It should be noted that the light emission of the light-emitting part 23 includes both on-state and flickering. In this embodiment, the light emission during the period from when the front end of the paper reaches the position opposite to the opposing part 20 until the rear end of the paper leaves the position opposite to the opposing part 20 is on-state.

[0108] Based on the light emission of the light-emitting part 23 described above, the control unit 50 controls the light emission and extinguishing of the light-emitting part 23 as described below. Figure 9 This describes the control process of the light-emitting unit 23 based on the control unit 50. When the control unit 50 receives a recording start instruction ("Yes" in step S101), it performs a timing judgment on whether to switch the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 23 (step S102).

[0109] If the control unit 50 determines that it is time to switch the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 23 ("Yes" in step S102), then it switches the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 23 (step S103). It should be noted that the switching of the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 23 includes switching between the states of the light-emitting unit 23 being off, on, and flashing, as well as maintaining each state.

[0110] Then, it is determined whether the rear end of the paper has passed the position of the light-emitting part 23 (step S104). More specifically, the affirmative condition of step S104 is that the rear end of the paper has moved away from the position opposite to the opposing part 20, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the paper moved away from the position opposite to the opposing part 20, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the paper recording operation, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the paper ejection operation. Then, if the rear end of the paper has passed the position of the light-emitting part 23 (yes in step S104), it is determined whether the subsequent extinguishing time is (step S105). Before the rear end of the paper passes the position of the light-emitting part 23 (no in step S104), steps S102 to S104 are repeatedly executed.

[0111] Then, if the control unit 50 determines that it is time to turn off ("yes" in step S105), it turns off the light-emitting unit 23 (step S106).

[0112] The details of steps S102 and S103 will be explained below. In this embodiment, the switching of the light-emitting state of the light-emitting part 23 in steps S102 and S103 corresponds to the operation of the paper receiving tray 18.

[0113] In this embodiment, the switching of the light-emitting state of the light-emitting part 23 based on steps S102 and S103 is performed using the following (1) and (2). The light-emitting state of the light-emitting part 23 is switched if either (1) or (2) is met. It should be noted that, of course, only either (1) or (2) can be used.

[0114] (1) When the paper receiving tray 18 in the first state protrudes from the device body 2, the affirmative condition of step S102 is considered satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S103. That is, the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled according to the operation of the paper receiving tray 18. It should be noted that when the paper receiving tray 18 is in the first state, the light-emitting unit 23 is usually in the off state.

[0115] More specifically, it is considered to be related to the tray drive motor 60 (refer to...) Figure 5 If the drive of the paper receiving tray 18 starts simultaneously, or if the timing before and after it satisfies the affirmative condition of step S102, the process proceeds to step S103. That is, the light-emitting part 23 is made to emit light in accordance with the control of the tray drive motor 60 for protruding the paper receiving tray 18 from the device body 2. In this case, the light emission of the light-emitting part 23 in step S103 can be either on or flashing.

[0116] Thus, when an instruction to start recording is received while the paper receiving tray 18 is in the first state and the light-emitting part 23 is off, the control unit 50, in accordance with the control of the tray drive motor 60 for protruding the paper receiving tray 18 from the device body 2, causes the light-emitting part 23 to emit light.

[0117] By emitting light from the light-emitting part 23, the user can visually monitor the status switching of the paper receiving tray 18.

[0118] (2) Even when the tray drive motor 60 is driven at a specified amount (refer to) Figure 5 If the paper receiving tray 18 is not switched to the target state, the affirmative condition of step S102 is considered met, and the process proceeds to step S103. That is, the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled according to the operation of the paper receiving tray 18. Then, in step S103, the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 23 is switched. For example, the light-emitting unit 23 is made to flash.

[0119] As an example of the target state of the paper receiving tray 18, the following can be cited: Figure 2 The third state. More specifically, even when the control unit 50 drives the tray drive motor 60 with the first drive amount, the tray detection unit 61 (refer to...) Figure 5If the detection signal of the light-emitting part 23 does not change, it is considered that the affirmative condition of step S102 is met, and the process proceeds to step S103 to make the light-emitting part 23 flash. The first driving amount is the amount obtained by adding a certain margin to the theoretical driving amount of the tray drive motor 60 used to switch the paper receiving tray 18 from the first state to the third state.

[0120] Thus, the user can visually perceive any abnormalities in the movement of the paper receiving tray 18 by the flashing of the light-emitting part 23.

[0121] It should be noted that, for example, if an obstacle exists in the operating area of ​​the paper receiving tray 18, and an malfunction occurs due to the paper receiving tray 18 coming into contact with the obstacle, the user can perform an error clearance operation via the operation panel 6 after removing the obstacle. After such an error clearance operation is performed, the control unit 50 can resume control of the tray drive motor 60.

[0122] It should be noted that when the error is cleared, the preferred control unit 50 changes the illumination state of the light-emitting unit 23 from flashing to off, and then turns it back on when the control of the tray drive motor 60 is restarted. This allows the user to visually confirm that the abnormal state has been cleared.

[0123] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, as described above, when the paper receiving tray 18 in the first state is protruded from the device body 2 in the state of receiving a recording execution instruction, the light-emitting part 23 emits light. However, for example, if an operation button for switching the state of the paper receiving tray 18 is provided in the UI of the operation panel 6, the control after step S102 can be performed regardless of whether there is a recording execution instruction or not, when switching from the first state to the second or third state of the paper receiving tray 18 according to the user's intention.

[0124] Next, the details of step S105 will be explained. In this embodiment, the extinguishing of the light-emitting part 23 based on steps S105 and S106 does not substantially correspond to the state or operation of the paper receiving tray 18, although it may correspond to the state or operation of the paper receiving tray 18.

[0125] In this embodiment, the extinguishing of the light-emitting part 23 based on steps S105 and S106 can be achieved by any one of the following (3) to (7). Of course, multiple of the following (3) to (7) can also be used, or all of them can be used.

[0126] (3) When the rear end of the paper is detached from the position opposite to the opposing part 20, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the paper detached from the position opposite to the opposing part 20, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the paper recording operation, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the paper ejection operation, the affirmative condition of step S105 is considered satisfied, and the light-emitting part 23 is turned off in step S106. In this way, by turning off the light-emitting part 23, power waste can be suppressed. It should be noted that when the light-emitting part 23 is turned off based on the paper recording operation and the paper ejection operation, as described above, it is preferable to control the light to illuminate at least from the front end of the ejected paper to the rear end.

[0127] (4) When an operation button for switching the state of the paper receiving tray 18 is provided in the UI of the operation panel 6, if the user instructs the paper receiving tray 18 to be stored through the operation panel 6, it is considered that the affirmative condition of step S105 is met, and the light-emitting part 23 is turned off in step S106.

[0128] (5) When the light-emitting part 23 switches to a power-saving mode that suppresses power consumption while it is emitting light, it is considered that the affirmative condition of step S105 is met, and the light-emitting part 23 is turned off in step S106.

[0129] It should be noted that when switching to power-saving mode, if the paper receiving tray 18 is in a state other than the first state, the switch back to the first state can also be performed. In this case, the extinguishing timing of the light-emitting unit 23 can, for example, be set to coincide with the tray drive motor 60 (see reference...). Figure 5 The timing of the start of the drive of the paper receiving tray 18 or the timing before or after it is adjusted, or the timing of the stop of the drive of the tray drive motor 60 or the timing before or after it is adjusted. In this case, the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled according to the movement of the paper receiving tray 18. As a result, power waste can be suppressed.

[0130] (6) Press the power button 49 (see reference) while the light-emitting part 23 is emitting light. Figures 1-3 When the condition is met, it is considered that the affirmative condition of step S105 is satisfied, and the light-emitting part 23 is turned off in step S106.

[0131] It should be noted that when switching to the power-off state, if the paper receiving tray 18 is in a state other than the first state, the switch back to the first state can also be performed. In this case, the extinguishing timing of the light-emitting unit 23 can, for example, be set to coincide with the tray drive motor 60 (see reference...). Figure 5 The timing of the start of the drive of the paper receiving tray 18 or the timing before or after it occurs, or the timing of the stop of the drive of the tray drive motor 60 or the timing before or after it occurs. In this case, the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled according to the movement of the paper receiving tray 18. Thus, the user can visually perceive that the device has correctly switched to the power-off state.

[0132] (7) After the recording operation begins, if an error occurs, it is considered that the affirmative condition of step S105 has been met, and the light-emitting part 23 is turned off in step S106. Errors include paper jams and ink depletion. In this way, by turning off the light-emitting part 23, power waste can be suppressed. It should be noted that when the error is resolved, it is preferable to turn the light-emitting part 23 back on.

[0133] Furthermore, in a structure where the paper receiving tray 18 is not motor-driven but can be switched solely by user operation, and which includes a unit for detecting whether the paper receiving tray 18 is at least in a first state, the light-emitting unit 23 can be controlled in the following manner: When a recording execution instruction is received while the paper receiving tray 18 is in the first state and the light-emitting unit 23 is off, the control unit 50 does not activate the light-emitting unit 23 and keeps it off. In other words, the timing of receiving the recording execution instruction is used as the timing for controlling the illumination state of the light-emitting unit 23, and the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled according to the state of the paper receiving tray 18. Through such control of the light-emitting unit 23, the user can determine whether the state of the paper receiving tray 18 should be switched.

[0134] It should be noted that, in this case, the control unit 50 preferably retains the start of the recording operation before the paper receiving tray 18 is released from the first state.

[0135] Furthermore, when a recording execution instruction is received while the paper receiving tray 18 is in a state other than the first state and the light-emitting unit 23 is off, the control unit 50 causes the light-emitting unit 23 to illuminate. In this case, the timing of receiving the recording execution instruction is also used as the timing for controlling the illumination state of the light-emitting unit 23, and the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled according to the state of the paper receiving tray 18. It should be noted that the light-emitting unit 23 is lit in this case. By controlling the light-emitting unit 23 in this way, the user can know whether the recording state is available.

[0136] Alternatively, as described above, if the paper receiving tray 18 is not driven by a motor but is switched only by user operation, and if it has a unit for detecting whether the paper receiving tray 18 is in the first state, the control unit 50 can also cause the light-emitting unit 23 to illuminate when the paper receiving tray 18 in the first state is de-activated. That is, the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled based on the movement of the paper receiving tray 18. It should be noted that in this case, the light-emitting unit 23 is simply lit. Through such control of the light-emitting unit 23, the user can know when the state of the paper receiving tray 18 has been switched to a state where recording is possible.

[0137] Alternatively, the control unit 50 can, as described above, turn off the light-emitting unit 23 when the paper receiving tray 18 is in a state other than the first state and the light-emitting unit 23 is emitting light, and the paper receiving tray 18 is switched to the first state by user operation, even if the paper receiving tray 18 is not driven by a motor. In other words, the light-emitting unit 23 is controlled based on the operation of the paper receiving tray 18. By controlling the light-emitting unit 23 in this way, power waste can be suppressed.

[0138] As described above, the control unit 50 that controls the light-emitting unit 23 controls the light-emitting unit 23 based on the state or operation of the paper receiving tray 18, thus enabling the display of the state related to paper discharge with good visual recognition and improving usability.

[0139] For example, when the paper receiving tray 18 switches from the first state to the second or third state, that is, when it protrudes from the main body 2 of the device, this action can be communicated to the user. Especially in dark environments where the protrusion of the paper receiving tray 18 is difficult to see, the light-emitting unit 23 illuminates the area, making the movement of the paper receiving tray 18 visible even in low light. As a result, for example, if there is an obstacle in the area where the paper receiving tray 18 operates, collisions between the paper receiving tray 18 and the obstacle can be prevented.

[0140] It should be noted that the control of the light-emitting unit 23 corresponding to the state of the paper receiving tray 18 means that the control of the light-emitting unit 23 is based on the state of the paper receiving tray 18. Furthermore, the control of the light-emitting unit 23 corresponding to the operation of the paper receiving tray 18 means establishing a correlation between the control of the light-emitting unit 23 and the operation of the paper receiving tray 18. The operation of the paper receiving tray 18 includes the operation powered by the receiving tray drive motor 60 and the operation when moved by the user.

[0141] Furthermore, the control of the light-emitting unit 23 includes, as described above, switching between the states of the light-emitting unit 23 being off, on, and flashing, and maintaining each state.

[0142] In addition, the switching of the light emission state of the light-emitting part 23 can also be done by any one or more of the following (8) to (10), or all of them.

[0143] (8) A unit is provided to detect the opening and closing of the front surface cover 4, and the light-emitting part 23 emits light when the front surface cover 4 is detected to be open. This is because when the front surface cover 4 is open, the paper receiving tray 18 may switch from the first state to the third state or the second state and discharge paper. It should be noted that this control can, for example, replace the control described in (1) above.

[0144] (9) Set up a unit to detect the posture of the operation panel 6, and when the operation panel 6 is detected to be moving from... Figures 1-3 When the fully closed state is tilted upwards, the light-emitting part 23 emits light. This is because, when the operation panel 6 is tilted upwards, the paper receiving tray 18 may switch from the first state to the third state or the second state and discharge paper. It should be noted that this control can, for example, replace the control described in (1) above.

[0145] (10) When the control unit 50 is capable of executing a silent mode that suppresses noise by performing paper feeding and recording operations at low speed, the light-emitting unit 23 is illuminated when this silent mode is selected. In silent mode, the paper feed speed is low, but in this case, by illuminating the light-emitting unit 23, it is possible to spend more time to reliably confirm the recording results. It should be noted that this control can, for example, replace the control described in (1) above.

[0146] The extinguishing timer in step S105 can also be set to any one of the following (11) to (14). Of course, multiple of the following (11) to (14) can be used, or all of them can be used.

[0147] (11) Based on the unit that detects whether there is paper on the paper receiving tray 18, the light-emitting part 23 is turned off when the paper on the paper receiving tray 18 is removed. This can suppress power waste. It should be noted that this control can, for example, replace the control in (3) above.

[0148] (12) A unit is provided to detect the opening and closing of the front surface cover 4, and the light-emitting part 23 is turned off when the front surface cover 4 is detected to be closed. This is because when the front surface cover 4 is closed, paper is not discharged to the paper receiving tray 18. It should be noted that this control can, for example, replace the control described in (3) above.

[0149] (13) A unit is set up to detect the posture of the operation panel 6. When the operation panel 6 is detected to be tilted from an upward position (not shown), the unit will detect the tilt of the operation panel 6. Figures 1-3 When the control panel 6 is in the fully closed state as shown, the light-emitting part 23 is turned off. This is because the user may have stopped using the device when the control panel 6 is in the fully closed state. It should be noted that this control can, for example, replace the control described in (3) above.

[0150] (14) A unit is provided to detect the installation status of the paper feed tray 5, and the light-emitting part 23 is turned off when the paper feed tray 5 is removed from the main body 2. Since no paper recording operation is performed when the paper feed tray 5 is removed from the main body 2, power waste can be suppressed by turning off the light-emitting part 23 in this state. It should be noted that if the paper feed tray 5 is reinstalled, the light-emitting part 23 can also be returned to its original light-emitting state.

[0151] Alternatively, the light-emitting unit 23 can be controlled as follows: For example, when A4-sized paper is ejected with its long side along the Y-axis, the light-emitting unit 23 is illuminated; when A3-sized paper is ejected with its long side along the Y-axis, the light-emitting unit 23 flashes. Thus, the user can visually distinguish whether the ejected paper is A4 or A3 size.

[0152] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, which are of course also included within the scope of this invention.

[0153] For example, in the above embodiment, the paper ejection device 34, which is an example of a media ejection device, is applied to the printer 1, which is an example of a recording device. However, it is not limited to this; for example, it can also be applied to an image reading device that has a reading unit for reading original images. As an example of an image reading device, a document scanner that reads original images while conveying the original is an example.

Claims

1. A medium discharge device, characterized in that, have: The medium discharge section discharges the medium. A media receiving tray receives the media discharged from the media discharge section; The light-emitting part emits light toward the medium receiving tray; and The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. The media receiving tray can be switched between a first state, where it is housed within the main body of the device having the media discharge section, and a second state, where it protrudes most from the main body of the device. The control unit controls the light-emitting unit according to the state or operation of the media receiving tray. When the media receiving tray is in the first state, the light-emitting unit is turned off; when the media receiving tray is in the second state, the light-emitting unit is turned on. The media receiving tray can switch between the first state and the second state via the power of a motor controlled by the control unit. When the control unit switches from the state where the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light to a power-saving mode that suppresses power consumption, the light-emitting part is turned off.

2. A medium discharge device, characterized in that, have: The medium discharge section discharges the medium. A media receiving tray receives the media discharged from the media discharge section; The light-emitting part emits light toward the medium receiving tray; and The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. The media receiving tray can be switched between a first state, where it is housed within the main body of the device having the media discharge section, and a second state, where it protrudes most from the main body of the device. The control unit controls the light-emitting unit according to the state or operation of the media receiving tray. When the media receiving tray is in the first state, the light-emitting unit is turned off; when the media receiving tray is in the second state, the light-emitting unit is turned on. The media receiving tray can switch between the first state and the second state via the power of a motor controlled by the control unit. When the control unit switches from the state where the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light to the power-off state, the light-emitting part is turned off.

3. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The recording department records the media; and The media discharge device according to claim 1 or 2 discharges the media recorded by the recording unit.

4. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The recording department records information from the medium. The medium discharge section discharges the medium that has been recorded by the recording section; A media receiving tray receives the media discharged from the media discharge section; The light-emitting part emits light toward the medium receiving tray; and The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. The media receiving tray can be switched between a first state, where it is housed within the main body of the device having the media discharge section, and a second state, where it protrudes most from the main body of the device. The control unit controls the light-emitting unit according to the state or operation of the media receiving tray. When the media receiving tray is in the first state, the light-emitting unit is turned off; when the media receiving tray is in the second state, the light-emitting unit is turned on. The media receiving tray can switch between the first state and the second state via the power of a motor controlled by the control unit. When the control unit switches from the state where the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light to a power-saving mode that suppresses power consumption, the light-emitting part is turned off.

5. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The recording department records information from the medium. The medium discharge section discharges the medium that has been recorded by the recording section; A media receiving tray receives the media discharged from the media discharge section; The light-emitting part emits light toward the medium receiving tray; and The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. The media receiving tray can be switched between a first state, where it is housed within the main body of the device having the media discharge section, and a second state, where it protrudes most from the main body of the device. The control unit controls the light-emitting unit according to the state or operation of the media receiving tray. When the media receiving tray is in the first state, the light-emitting unit is turned off; when the media receiving tray is in the second state, the light-emitting unit is turned on. The media receiving tray can switch between the first state and the second state via the power of a motor controlled by the control unit. When the control unit switches from the state where the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light to the power-off state, the light-emitting part is turned off.

6. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The recording department records information from the medium. The medium discharge section discharges the medium that has been recorded by the recording section; A media receiving tray receives the media discharged from the media discharge section; The light-emitting part emits light toward the medium receiving tray; and The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. The media receiving tray can be switched between a first state, where it is housed within the main body of the device having the media discharge section, and a second state, where it protrudes most from the main body of the device. The control unit is at least capable of detecting whether the media receiving tray is in the first state. Furthermore, when the media receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if the control unit receives a recording start instruction, it will not activate the light-emitting unit. Conversely, when the media receiving tray is in a state other than the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if the control unit receives a recording start instruction, it will activate the light-emitting unit. When the control unit switches from the state where the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light to a power-saving mode that suppresses power consumption, the light-emitting part is turned off.

7. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The recording department records information from the medium. The medium discharge section discharges the medium that has been recorded by the recording section; A media receiving tray receives the media discharged from the media discharge section; The light-emitting part emits light toward the medium receiving tray; and The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. The media receiving tray can be switched between a first state, where it is housed within the main body of the device having the media discharge section, and a second state, where it protrudes most from the main body of the device. The control unit is at least capable of detecting whether the media receiving tray is in the first state. Furthermore, when the media receiving tray is in the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if the control unit receives a recording start instruction, it will not activate the light-emitting unit. Conversely, when the media receiving tray is in a state other than the first state and the light-emitting unit is off, if the control unit receives a recording start instruction, it will activate the light-emitting unit. When the control unit switches from the state where the medium receiving tray is de-energized from the first state and protrudes from the main body of the device and the light-emitting part is emitting light to the power-off state, the light-emitting part is turned off.

Images