Paper tray and recording device

Abstract

A paper feed cassette and recording device are provided, capable of suppressing deflection of the extended portion constituting the feed cassette. The paper feed cassette includes a feed cassette, a side guide, and a lifting plate. The feed cassette is configured to be oscillating. The lifting plate rotates about one end as a pivot point, and supports the back of the feed cassette from below via its front end, moving it upwards. The feed cassette has a reinforcing drawing portion protruding inward at least in the extended portion. The reinforcing drawing portion includes a supporting drawing portion that contacts the back of the feed cassette when the front end of the lifting plate supports the back of the feed cassette within the oscillating range of the feed cassette. The supporting drawing portion includes a first drawing portion disposed at least partially in the extended portion along a path having a component of the paper feed direction. The lifting plate supports the first drawing portion at least a portion of the oscillating range of the feed cassette.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper feed cassette for storing the supplied medium in a stacked state, and a recording device having the paper feed cassette. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a paper feed cassette comprising a hopper that pushes stacked media upwards toward a paper feed roller disposed on the printer body. The paper feed cassette includes a side baffle (side guide) for limiting the position of the media in the width direction. The side baffle is movable in the width direction relative to the tray constituting the paper feed cassette for media such as sheets. The side baffle is moved in the width direction according to the size of the media, thereby positioning the stacked media in the paper feed cassette in the width direction. At the bottom of the tray of the paper feed cassette, a plate-shaped hopper is configured to rotate with one end as a pivot point. The front end of a rotating lifting member engages with the back end of the hopper. When feeding the uppermost layer of media in the stack, the lifting member rotates under the power of a drive source, causing the hopper to rotate with one end as a pivot point, moving it from a retracted position to a paper feed position. With the hopper in the paper feed position, the uppermost layer of media in the stack is pushed by the paper feed roller. In this state, the paper feed roller rotates and feeds the top layer of media from the media stack in the paper feed cassette toward the recording section.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-135712

[0004] However, in the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, in order to restrict media with narrower widths, the movement range of the side baffle (side guide) is expanded inward in the width direction, resulting in a narrower width in the central part of the cartridge and a decrease in the rigidity of the cartridge compared to the past. Alternatively, even when the cartridge thickness is made thinner to correspond to the thinning of the paper feed cassette, or when a material with lower rigidity is used for reasons such as cost, there is still a technical problem of reduced cartridge rigidity. When the rigidity of the cartridge is reduced, there is a possibility that when the cartridge containing multiple stacked sheets is moved upward, the extension portion extending in the width direction downstream of the cartridge in the paper feeding direction bends downward, causing it to collide with the wall of the paper feed cassette when the uppermost medium is fed toward the recording unit, resulting in poor paper feeding. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A paper feeder that solves the above-mentioned technical problems comprises: a box body configured to hold media in a stacked state; a feed hopper disposed within the box body for stacking the media and capable of swinging relative to the box body; a side guide restricting the position of the media in the width direction and configured to move in the width direction; and a lifting plate that rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction and about one end as a rotation fulcrum, for supporting the back of the feed hopper from below and moving it upward through the end opposite to the rotation fulcrum, i.e., the front end. The feed hopper has a central portion and an extended portion, the central portion being located at the center of the width direction, and the extended portion... The feed hopper extends from the downstream portion of the central portion to both sides in the width direction in the paper feeding direction of the medium. The feed hopper has at least one reinforcing drawing portion protruding inward in the extended portion. The reinforcing drawing portion includes a supporting drawing portion. The supporting drawing portion contacts the back of the feed hopper at the front end of the lifting plate within the swing range of the feed hopper. The supporting drawing portion includes a first drawing portion. The first drawing portion is at least partially provided in the extended portion on a path having a component of the paper feeding direction. The lifting plate supports the first drawing portion in at least a portion of the swing range of the feed hopper.

[0006] The recording apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: the aforementioned paper feed cassette; and a recording unit for recording on a medium supplied from the paper feed cassette. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the recording device in the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal structure of the recording device.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view showing the paper feeder.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a partial top view of the paper feed box when the hopper is in the first paper feeding position.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a partial side sectional view of the paper feed box when the hopper is in the first paper feeding position.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a partial top view of the paper feed box when the hopper is in the second paper feed position.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a partial side sectional view of the paper feed box when the hopper is in the second paper feed position.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a partial top view of the paper feed box when the hopper is in the first paper feed position in the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a partial top view of the paper feed box when the hopper is in the second paper feed position.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a partial top view showing the paper feed box when the hopper is in the first paper feed position in the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a partial top view of the paper feed box when the hopper is in the second paper feed position.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0019] 11: Recording device; 12: Main body of the device; 12A: Casters; 12S: Side; 12W: Window; 13: Printer section; 14: Operation section; 14A: Display section; 15: Paper tray; 15A: Handle; 16: First cover; 17: Second cover; 18: Paper supply tray; 18A: Handle; 19: Ink supply source; 20: Scanner section; 21: Original document table; 22: Automatic original document feeding section; 23: Original document table cover; 24: Original document tray; 25: Paper feeding mechanism; 26: Discharge tray; 30: Conveying mechanism; 31: Paper feeding roller; 32: Separating roller pair; 33: Conveying roller; 34: Conveying unit; 34A: Conveyor belt; 35: Conveying roller pair; 36: Loose piece; 37: Roller; 38: Discharge roller pair; 38A: Drive roller; 38B: Driven roller; 39: Discharge roller pair; 40: Recording section; 41: Recording head; 45: Discharge tray; 50: Box body; 50A: Receiving recess; 51: Cover; 52, 53: Side wall; 54: Rear wall; 55: Bottom; 56: Extension; 57: Roller; 58: Pin; 59: Separating plate; 60: Hopper mechanism; 61: Hopper; 61A: First recess; 61B: Second recess; 61C: Third recess; 6 2: Central section; 63: Base end; 64: Extension section; 65: Friction member; 71: Lifting plate; 71A: Front end; 72: Rotating shaft; 73: Arm; 74: Wide section; 75: Gear; 80: Medium positioning mechanism; 81: First side guide; 81A: Guide surface; 81B: Operating section; 82: Second side guide; 82A: Guide surface; 82B: Operating section; 83: Rear guide; 83A: Guide surface; 83B: Operating section; 84: Guide section; 85: Rack and pinion mechanism; 85A: Rack section; 85B: Rack section; 86: Guide section; 90 91: Reinforcing drawing section; 92: Support drawing section; 93: First drawing section; 94: Longitudinal drawing section; 95: Second drawing section; 96: Inner end; 97: Third drawing section; 98: Downstream end; 99: First drawing section; 100: Control section; 101: Motor; X: Width direction; Y: Feeding direction; Z: Vertical direction; FD: Paper feeding direction; F: Ground; D: Original; M: Media; M1: Uppermost media; MB: Media stack; P1: First paper feeding position; P2: Second paper feeding position. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The recording device 11 is, for example, a multifunction printer. In addition to the recording function, the recording device 11 also includes, for example, scanning and copying functions. The recording device 11 includes a medium M (see figure) configured to accommodate the recording object. Figure 2 The paper feed cassette 15 has multiple media M (refer to) that will be used as recording objects when the recording device 11 records on a medium. Figure 2 The recording device 11 has a function of sequentially feeding the top layer of media from a media stack MB consisting of multiple media M stored in the paper feed cassette 15.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, the recording device 11 is placed on a horizontal surface F (see reference). Figure 2 The virtual axis orthogonal to the ground F of the recording device 11 is designated as the Z-axis. Within the Z-axis, the side of the recording device 11 relative to the ground F is designated as the +Z side, and the opposite side as the -Z side. Furthermore, two mutually orthogonal virtual axes parallel to the ground F are designated as the X-axis and Y-axis, respectively. The directions parallel to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are referred to as the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction, respectively. The X-direction includes both +X and -X directions. The Y-direction includes both +Y and -Y directions. The Z-direction includes both +Z and -Z directions. The direction parallel to the Z-axis, i.e., the Z-direction, is also referred to as the vertical direction Z. The X-axis is parallel to the depth direction of the recording device 11. Furthermore, the X-direction is parallel to the media stack MB (refer to...) that constitutes the media stack MB housed within the paper feed cassette 15. Figure 2 The width direction of medium M is parallel to the width direction. Therefore, the width direction of medium M is also called the width direction X.

[0022] Furthermore, since the Y direction is the direction in which the medium M stored in the paper feed cassette 15 is fed out, it is also called the feed direction Y. Additionally, the hopper 61, which holds the stack of media MB within the paper feed cassette 15 (described later), tilts at an angle corresponding to the amount of media stacked, thereby changing the feed direction FD of the medium M fed from the paper feed cassette 15 according to the amount of media stacked within the paper feed cassette 15. Therefore, the feed direction of the medium M, which changes according to the amount of media stacked within the paper feed cassette 15, is called the feed direction FD. The feed direction Y corresponds to the direction in which the feed direction FD is projected onto a horizontal plane. Here, the front of the recording device 11 refers to the side where the operation section 14, which is operated to instruct the user on the recording device 11, is located.

[0023] <Structure of Recording Device 11>

[0024] Figure 1 The recording device 11 shown has multiple functions, including: an image reading function (scanning function) that reads the original document D and outputs image data; a copying function that records the image of the original document D onto the medium M; and a recording function that records text and images on the medium M. Additionally, the recording device 11 may also have a fax function.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, the recording device 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body 12 and a scanner unit 20 disposed on the upper part of the main body 12. The recording device 11 has multiple casters 12A at the bottom of the main body 12. Figure 1 In the recording apparatus 11 shown, a printer section 13 is formed by the apparatus body 12. The recording apparatus 11 includes the printer section 13 and the scanner section 20 sequentially from the bottom in the vertical direction Z.

[0026] The scanner unit 20 has the function of reading the image of the original document D. The scanner unit 20 includes an original document table 21 for holding the original document D and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 22 for automatically feeding the original document D. The automatic document feeder 22 is mounted on the upper part of the original document table cover 23, which opens and closes relative to the original document table 21.

[0027] As a method for reading original documents, the scanner unit 20 has both a paper feeding method and a flatbed method. The automatic original document feed unit 22 includes: an original document tray 24; and a paper feeding mechanism 25 for feeding documents placed on the original document tray 24. Figure 1 The original document D, indicated by a double-dotted line, is ejected from the ejection tray 26, which reads the original document D via a paper feeding method. The paper feeding method reads the original document D fed by the automatic original document feed unit 22. On the other hand, the flatbed method reads the original document D placed on a glass surface (not shown) on the upper surface of the original document tray 21, which is exposed when the automatic original document feed unit 22 is opened, with the original document tray cover 23 closed.

[0028] Furthermore, an operation unit 14, which is operated when instructions are given to the recording device 11, is provided on the upper part of the front of the main body 12. The operation unit 14 may also be an operation panel with a display unit 14A. The display unit 14A may, for example, have a screen composed of a touch panel. A touch panel refers to a display panel that allows instructions to be given to the recording device 11 by touching the screen. In addition, the operation unit 14 may have operation buttons or may be a structure composed only of operation buttons.

[0029] The recording device 11 includes a paper tray 15 configured to hold multiple media M. Multiple media M are stacked in the paper tray 15 (see reference 15). Figure 2 The recording device 11 has multiple (e.g., two) paper feed trays 15 at the lower part of the device body 12. The multiple paper feed trays 15 are arranged to overlap in the vertical direction Z. The multiple paper feed trays 15 are inserted relative to the device body 12 in a detachable manner.

[0030] The paper feed tray 15 has a handle 15A for the user to pull out. The user can insert the paper feed tray 15 into the device body 12 by moving it in the +X direction, and can pull it out of the device body 12 by moving it in the -X direction. When the user replenishes the media M in the paper feed tray 15, or changes the type of media M to be placed in the paper feed tray 15, the user pulls the paper feed tray 15 out of the device body 12 to replenish or replace (change) the media M. In addition, the number of layers in the paper feed tray 15 is not limited to two layers, but can also be one, three, four, five, etc. Furthermore, a multi-layer paper feed tray 15 can also be an optional addition unit, either partially or entirely.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 has a first cover 16 and a second cover 17 on the side 12S of the device body 12. Each cover 16, 17 is used to open and close to eliminate paper jams when a paper jam occurs in the medium M supplied from the paper tray 15. The first cover 16 has an openable / closable paper tray 18. The user can open the paper tray 18 using the handle 18A to place the medium M in the paper tray 18. That is, in addition to supplying the medium M from the paper tray 15, the recording device 11 can also place the medium M in the paper tray 18 and set it as the object of recording.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a recording unit 40 disposed within the device body 12. The recording unit 40 records the medium M (refer to...) supplied from the paper feed cassette 15. Figure 2 Recording is performed on the medium M supplied from the paper tray 18. The recording unit 40 has a recording head 41 that records by ejecting ink onto the medium M. Ink is supplied to the recording head 41 from an ink supply source 19 disposed within the device body 12. A window 12W is provided on the front of the device body 12, allowing the user to visually check the remaining amount of ink in the ink supply source 19. Furthermore, the ink supply source 19 may consist of, for example, multiple ink cans or multiple ink cartridges.

[0033] A concave space is formed between the device body 12 and the scanner section 20, and a discharge tray 45 is disposed at the bottom of the concave space. Recorded media M discharged from the printer section 13 are stacked on the discharge tray 45.

[0034] <Structure of Printer Section 13>

[0035] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of the printer section 13 will be explained.

[0036] The recording device 11 includes a paper feed cassette 15 that is detachable from the main body 12. Multiple sheets of media M are stored in the paper feed cassette 15. The recording device 11 includes a conveying mechanism 30 for conveying the media M stored in the paper feed cassette 15. The media M stored in the paper feed cassette 15 are fed one sheet at a time to the main body 12 by a paper feed roller 31. Figure 2 The medium M is conveyed out via the conveying path T shown by the dashed line. The medium M supplied from the paper supply box 15 by the paper supply roller 31 is conveyed along the conveying path T by the separation roller pair 32 and the conveying roller 33. In the conveying path T, the conveying path T1, which carries the medium M from an external device (not shown) such as a large-capacity paper stacking device, and the conveying path T2, which carries the medium M from the paper supply tray 18, merge.

[0037] Furthermore, the transport path T includes a transport unit 34, multiple pairs of transport rollers 35 for transporting the medium M, multiple flaps 36 for switching the transport path, and a medium width sensor 47 for detecting the width of the medium M. The transport unit 34 is positioned opposite the recording head 41. The transport unit 34 includes, for example, a pair of rollers 37 and a transport belt 34A wound around the outer periphery of the pair of rollers 37. The transport belt 34A supports the portion of the medium M that is being recorded by the recording head 41. Alternatively, instead of the transport unit 34, a structure could be used where the portion of the medium M being recorded is supported by a support platform such as an impression plate.

[0038] The transport path T bends in the area opposite the media width sensor 47 and extends obliquely upward from the media width sensor 47. Further downstream of the transport unit 34 in the transport path T, there are transport paths T3 and T4 facing the discharge tray 45, and a reversing path T5 for flipping the media M. The transport mechanism 30 includes a discharge roller pair 38 that discharges the media M from the transport path T3 and a discharge roller pair 39 that discharges the media M from the transport path T4. The recorded media M discharged from the transport path T3 via the discharge roller pair 38 is stacked on the discharge tray 45. Thus, the transport mechanism 30 is composed of a feed roller 31, a separation roller pair 32, a transport roller 33, a transport unit 34, a transport roller pair 35, a loose sheet 36, a discharge roller pair 38, and a discharge roller pair 39.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the ink supply source 19 and the recording unit 40 described above, the recording device 11 also includes a control unit 100 responsible for the overall control of the device within the main body 12. The control unit 100 controls the printer unit 13 and the scanner unit 20. The control unit 100 controls the conveying mechanism 30, the recording unit 40, the ink supply system, and the display system that constitute the printer unit 13.

[0040] The recording unit 40 can also be configured to be accessible and separable from the transport unit 34. The recording unit 40 is positioned for recording on the medium M. Figure 2 The recording position is shown. When the recording unit 40 is positioned at the recording position, the recording head 41 is opposite to the position midway through the transport path T and the position where recording is performed on the medium M, i.e., the recording position.

[0041] The media width sensor 47 is located upstream of the transport path T, further than the recording position. The control unit 100 controls the recording range (width direction X) of the recording unit 40 on the media M based on the width of the media M detected by the media width sensor 47. In this example, the recording head 41 is an inkjet recording type. The recording head 41 has a nozzle (not shown) capable of ejecting ink. The recording head 41 ejects ink supplied from the ink supply source 19 through a tube (not shown) from the nozzle toward the media M. However, the recording head 41 is not limited to inkjet recording.

[0042] Furthermore, the recording unit 40 in this embodiment employs a line recording method. The recording head 41 is a line head capable of line recording. The recording head 41 is an elongated line head that is longer in the width direction X of the medium M. On the ejection surface of the recording head 41, a plurality of nozzles (not shown) are arranged at a predetermined nozzle spacing over a range wider than the maximum width of the medium M. The recording head 41 ejects ink from the nozzles onto the medium M, which is conveyed at a constant speed via the conveyor belt 34A of the conveying unit 34, thereby recording text or images on the medium M. Alternatively, the recording unit 40 can also be a serial recording method. In this case, the recording unit 40 is equipped with a carriage (not shown) that can move in the width direction X. As the recording head 41 moves together with the carriage in the width direction X, ink is ejected from the nozzles, and recording is performed on the medium M. In the case of serial recording, the medium M is conveyed intermittently, and the recording performed by the recording head 41 and the conveying of the medium M are alternately performed, thereby recording text or images on the medium M.

[0043] The control unit 100 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and memory (not shown). The control unit 100 controls the transport of the medium M by the transport mechanism 30 and the recording operation of the medium M by the recording unit 40 in the recording apparatus 11. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the transport of the original document D by the scanner unit 20 and the reading operation of the original document D. The control unit 100 is not limited to performing software processing for all processes it executes. For example, the control unit 100 may also have dedicated hardware circuitry (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that performs hardware processing for at least a portion of the processes it executes. That is, the control unit 100 may be configured to include one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a portion of various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, the memory storing program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0044] <Structure of Paper Feeder 15>

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 3 The detailed structure of the paper feed box 15 is described below. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the paper feed box 15 includes a box body 50, a feed hopper mechanism 60, and a media positioning mechanism 80. The feed hopper mechanism 60 and the media positioning mechanism 80 are assembled inside the box body 50.

[0046] The cartridge body 50 is configured to store media M in a stacked state. The feed mechanism 60 moves the stack of media MB stored in the cartridge body 50 to the top layer of media M1 and the feed roller 31 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 5 The paper feed position is abutted. The hopper mechanism 60 includes a hopper 61 disposed within the cassette body 50 and on which the media M is stacked, and a lifting plate 71 for supporting the back of the hopper 61 from below and moving it upward. The hopper 61 is configured to swing relative to the cassette body 50. The lifting plate 71 is supported so that it can rotate around a rotation axis 72 parallel to the width direction X, with its long side (paper feed direction FD) as the pivot point, and the hopper 61 is supported by the end opposite to the pivot point, i.e., the front end 71A.

[0047] The feed hopper 61 has a central portion 62 located at the center in the width direction X, and an extension portion 64 extending from the downstream portion of the central portion 62 in the paper feeding direction FD of the feeding medium M to both sides in the width direction X. The feed hopper 61 may also have a base portion 63 extending from the upstream portion of the central portion 62 in the paper feeding direction FD to both sides in the width direction X. The feed hopper 61 is capable of rotating about a pivot point on the base portion 63 side.

[0048] Furthermore, the media positioning mechanism 80 is operated to position the media stack MB stored within the cartridge body 50 by a user. The media positioning mechanism 80 includes side guides 81 and 82 that limit the position of the media M in the width direction X and are configured to move in the width direction X. Additionally, the media positioning mechanism 80 may also include a rear guide 83 that limits the position of the media M in the paper feed direction FD and is configured to move in the paper feed direction FD.

[0049] The following is a detailed description of the structure of the box body 50, the hopper mechanism 60, and the medium positioning mechanism 80.

[0050] <Structure of Box Body 50>

[0051] First, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the box body 50 will be described. The box body 50 is a four-cornered box-shaped storage shell with an open top. The box body 50 has a storage recess 50A for storing media M. The box body 50 has a plate-shaped cover 51 forming its front, a pair of left and right sidewalls 52 and 53, a rear wall 54 extending parallel to the cover 51, and a generally four-cornered plate-shaped bottom 55 forming the bottom surface of the storage recess 50A. The box body 50 has a pair of extensions 56 extending further into the interior from the rear wall 54, and a pair of rollers 57 rotatably disposed at the front ends of the pair of extensions 56. The pair of rollers 57 roll on a track (not shown) within the device body 12, thereby allowing the paper feed box 15 to be detached and reattached with a lighter operating force relative to the device body 12.

[0052] <Structure of Medium Positioning Mechanism 80>

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the medium positioning mechanism 80 is described below. For example... Figure 3As shown, in the receiving recess 50A of the box body 50, a pair of side guides 81 and 82 constituting the media positioning mechanism 80 are configured to slide in the width direction X. The pair of side guides 81 and 82 are assembled to move in the width direction X along the guide portion 84 provided at the bottom 55 of the box body 50. The pair of side guides 81 and 82 can approach and separate in the width direction X by the same amount. The pair of side guides 81 and 82 have a pair of guide surfaces 81A and 82A that guide the side ends of the media M on both sides in the width direction. The side guide 81 has an operation part 81B that can be locked and unlocked by the user. When the user operates the operation part 81B, in the unlocked state, one of the side guides 81 moves, thereby moving the pair of side guides 81 and 82 in conjunction to position the media stack MB in the width direction X. If the user stops operating the operation part 81B after positioning, the pair of side guides 81 and 82 are locked in that position.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the medium positioning mechanism 80 includes a rack and pinion mechanism 85 that causes a pair of side guides 81 and 82 to slide in conjunction. The rack and pinion mechanism 85 includes a first rack 85A, a second rack 85B, and a pinion (not shown).

[0055] The first rack 85A is fixed to the bottom of the first side guide 81 and extends toward the second guide 82 in the width direction X. The second rack 85B is fixed to the bottom of the second side guide 82 and extends toward the first guide 81 in the width direction X. The first rack 85A and the second rack 85B have rows of teeth on their opposing edges. The pinion is located at the width center between the first side guide 81 and the second guide 82 in the width direction X, and meshes with the teeth of the first rack 85A and the second rack 85B.

[0056] In the recording apparatus 11 of this embodiment, central paper feeding is performed such that, regardless of the size of the medium M, the medium M is fed in such a way that the width center of the medium M passes through the width center position of the paper feed path. Therefore, if the first side guide 81 is moved in the +X direction, the second side guide 82 moves in the -X direction via the rack and pinion mechanism 85 in conjunction with it. Furthermore, if the first side guide 81 is moved in the -X direction, the second side guide 82 moves in the +X direction via the rack and pinion mechanism 85 in conjunction with it. That is, the pair of side guides 81 and 82 position the medium M of any width size at the width center position within the paper feed cassette 15, allowing for central paper feeding in the width direction X.

[0057] Furthermore, the rear guide 83 is assembled to move along the guide portion 86 provided at the bottom 55 of the cartridge body 50 in the delivery direction Y. The rear guide 83 has a guide surface 83A that guides the upstream end (rear end) of the medium M in the delivery direction Y. The rear guide 83 has an operation portion 83B capable of locking and unlocking operations performed by the user. When the user operates the operation portion 83B, the rear guide 83 moves in the unlocked state, thereby positioning the medium M at the delivery direction Y. If the user stops operating the operation portion 83B, the rear guide 83 is locked at that position.

[0058] <Structure of hopper mechanism 60>

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the hopper mechanism 60 is described. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the hopper mechanism 60 is assembled in the receiving recess 50A of the box body 50. The hopper mechanism 60 includes: a hopper 61 for loading media M into a stacked state; and a lifting plate 71 for pushing the hopper 61 upward at a predetermined angle corresponding to the stacking amount of media M, so that the hopper 61 rotates to a paper feeding position where the uppermost media M1 is pressed against the paper feeding roller 31.

[0060] The hopper 61 is disposed in the receiving recess 50A at a position slightly downstream in the delivery direction Y within the stacking area of ​​the medium M. The hopper 61 has recesses 61A and 61B that avoid the movement areas of a pair of side guides 81 and 82, and a recess 61C that avoids the movement area of ​​the rear guide 83. That is, the hopper 61 has a first recess 61A that avoids the movement area of ​​the first side guide 81, a second recess 61B that avoids the movement area of ​​the second side guide 82, and a third recess 61C that avoids the movement area of ​​the rear guide 83.

[0061] One end (base end) of the lifting plate 71 along its long side is fixed to the rotating shaft 72. The lifting plate 71, through the rotation of the rotating shaft 72, is raised to a retracted position where it tilts to a roughly horizontal orientation, and to a feeding position where the uppermost medium M1 in the medium stack MB on the hopper 61 abuts against the paper feed roller 31. Therefore, the front end 71A on the opposite side of the rotating shaft 72 of the lifting plate 71 is engaged relative to the back of the hopper 61 while being able to move in the paper feed direction FD.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the rotating shaft 72 extends within the cartridge body 50 in the width direction X, with one end protruding outward from the cartridge body 50. A gear 75 is fixed to this protruding end. This gear 75 can mesh with a gear (not shown) constituting the power transmission mechanism provided on the side of the device body 12. That is, when the paper feed cartridge 15 is inserted into the device body 12, the gear 75 meshes with the gear on the side of the device body 12; when it is removed from the device body 12, the meshing of the gear 75 with the gear on the side of the device body 12 is disengaged. The device body 12 is provided with a drive source for the hopper mechanism 60, namely a motor 101. The rotating shaft 72 rotates by power transmitted from the motor 101 via the power transmission mechanism and the gear 75. In addition, the hopper mechanism 60 may also have an elastic member sandwiched between the lifting plate 71 and the hopper 61. The elastic member may be, for example, a spring. The elastic member may also be in a direction that returns the hopper 61, which is in the paper feed position, to the retracted position.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, with the paper feed cassette 15 removed from the main body 12, the hopper 61 is configured to hold the media stack MB (see reference 12). Figure 2 The paper feed tray 15 is stacked horizontally in a horizontally retreating posture. When the paper feed tray 15 is inserted into the main body 12 of the device, the insertion is detected by a sensor (not shown). When the control unit 100 detects the insertion of the paper feed tray 15 via the sensor's detection signal, it drives the motor 101 in the forward rotation direction. As a result, the lifting plate 71 moves in a horizontally retreating posture via the rotation of the rotating shaft 72. Figure 5 The material hopper 61, supported from below by the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, rotates from the retracted position to the forward position via the rotation of the lifting plate 71. Figure 5 The paper feeding position P1 is shown. At this paper feeding position P1, the uppermost medium M1 in the medium stack MB on the hopper 61 comes into contact with the paper feeding roller 31.

[0064] When the media stack MB with the maximum stacking capacity is stacked on the hopper 61, the hopper 61 rotates to... Figure 5 The lowest paper feeding position P1 is shown. On the other hand, when the minimum stacking quantity, i.e., only one sheet of media M, is stacked on the hopper 61, the hopper 61 rotates to... Figure 7 The highest paper feeding position P2 is shown. Thus, the feed hopper 61 is in the retraction position (…). Figure 3 The lowest paper feed position P1 Figure 5 ), the highest paper feeding position P2 ( Figure 7 The material bin 61 rotates within the specified angle range. When the material bin 61 rotates within the specified angle range, the engagement position of the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 and the back of the material bin 61 changes in the paper feeding direction FD.

[0065] like Figure 5 , Figure 7As shown, an inclined separation plate 59 is installed at the upper end of the side wall portion 52 located downstream of the paper feeding direction FD in the cartridge body 50. This inclined separation plate 59 slopes upwards, becoming higher the further downstream it is in the paper feeding direction FD. When the hopper 61 is in the paper feeding position, the paper feed roller 31 rotates, feeding the uppermost layer of media M1 into the paper feeding direction FD. The height positions of the paper feed roller 31 and the separation plate 59 are set such that the front end of the fed media M1 in the paper feeding direction FD contacts the separation plate 59. For example, if the media M fed by the paper feed roller 31 is stacked, the lower layer of media M that is stacked experiences greater friction from the separation plate 59 and separates from the uppermost layer of media M1. That is, even if the media M is stacked, only the uppermost layer of media M is separated and fed out.

[0066] <Structure of hopper 61>

[0067] Figure 3 The illustrated hopper mechanism 60 indicates that the hopper 61, with media M stacked at maximum stacking quantity, is in the paper feeding position. The hopper 61, having the aforementioned recesses 61A and 61B, is, for example, in... Figure 3 When viewed from above, it presents a horizontal H-shape.

[0068] The hopper 61, which is H-shaped, has a central portion 62 extending along the feeding direction Y, a pair of base portions 63 extending from the upstream end of the central portion 62 in the paper feeding direction FD to both sides in the width direction X, and a pair of extension portions 64 extending from the downstream end of the central portion 62 in the paper feeding direction FD to both sides in the width direction X.

[0069] The central portion 62 is located at the width center extending between a pair of side guides 81 and 82 in the paper feeding direction FD. A pair of pins 58, protruding inwards from a set of inner wall surfaces opposite to the width direction X of the cartridge body 50, are inserted through holes (not shown) in a pair of plate portions extending from both ends of a pair of base portions 63 in the width direction X. The cartridge 61 is supported relative to the cartridge body 50 with the pair of pins 58 supporting its upstream end in the paper feeding direction FD as pivot points, and is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction X.

[0070] Here, the approximately H-shaped hopper 61 has a pair of recesses 61A and 61B on both sides in the width direction X, which are provided to ensure the movement area of ​​a pair of side guides 81 and 82. That is, in order to enable the pair of side guides 81 and 82 to position the medium M from the maximum width to the minimum width in the width direction X, the pair of recesses 61A and 61B are set to avoid interference between the hopper 61 and the pair of side guides 81 and 82. When it is desired to set a shorter minimum width dimension of the medium M that can be placed in the paper feed tray 15, and to also be able to record on medium M with a shorter width dimension, it is necessary to configure the pair of side guides 81 and 82 to be able to approach to a shorter interval.

[0071] Therefore, the depth dimension in the width direction X of the pair of recesses 61A, 61B, which are provided to avoid interference with the pair of side guides 81, 82, needs to be longer. In this embodiment, since the minimum width of the medium M that can be disposed in the paper feed tray 15 is set to be shorter, the depth dimension in the width direction X of the pair of recesses 61A, 61B becomes relatively longer, resulting in a relatively shorter width dimension of the central portion 62. That is, the width of the central portion 62 becomes relatively thin. The thinning of the central portion 62 causes a decrease in the rigidity of the central portion 62.

[0072] Furthermore, media M with a shorter minimum width typically have a shorter dimension in the paper feed direction FD. Therefore, the recess 61C, which is provided in the central portion 62 to avoid interference between the rear guide 83 and the feed hopper 61, also becomes relatively long in the paper feed direction FD. This increased depth of the recess 61C results in a decrease in the rigidity of the central portion 62.

[0073] The hopper 61 rotates near the outer ends of a pair of bases 63, using a pair of pins 58 as pivot points, so that the T-shaped portion formed by the central portion 62 and a pair of extended portions 64 is shifted upwards. In particular, when large-sized media M are stacked in the hopper 61 at or near the maximum stacking amount, the downstream portion of the hopper 61 in the paper feeding direction FD may bend or deform downwards in the vertical direction Z due to the weight of the media stack MB. Since the downstream end of the central portion 62 is supported from its back by the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, it is less prone to bending or other deformation. However, the portion of the pair of extended portions 64 that extends away from the central portion 62 in the width direction X is not supported by the lifting plate 71. Therefore, the portion of the pair of extended portions 64 that is further out in the width direction X due to the weight of the stacked media stack MB is more prone to deforming downwards in the vertical direction Z.

[0074] Here, as a countermeasure to suppress the deflection of such an extension portion 64, it is possible to consider widening the overall width dimension of the lifting plate 71 and widening the area in the width direction X that supports the pair of extension portions 64 from the back. However, the front end portion 71A of the lifting plate 71 moves in the paper feeding direction FD while engaged with the back of the hopper 61. When a part of the lifting plate 71 extends outward from the central portion 62 in the width direction X, it may interfere with the pair of side guides 81, 82. Therefore, if the countermeasure is to widen the overall width dimension of the lifting plate 71 more than the width dimension of the central portion 62, it is necessary to narrow the range in which the front end portion 71A of the lifting plate 71 can move relative to the back of the hopper 61 in the paper feeding direction FD to the range of the extension portion 64. In this case, the rotatable range of the hopper 61 is limited. On the other hand, if the range in which the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 can move relative to the back of the hopper 61 in the paper feeding direction FD is set to exceed the range of the extension portion 64 in the paper feeding direction FD, then the rotatable range of the hopper 61 can be ensured to be wider. In this case, in order to avoid interference between the lifting plate 71 and the pair of side guides 81, 82, it is necessary to narrow the width dimension of the lifting plate 71 to below the width dimension of the central portion 62. When the width dimension of the lifting plate 71 becomes shorter, the range in the width direction X that the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 can support the back of the hopper 61 becomes narrower, causing the pair of extension portions 64 to be more prone to bending.

[0075] Furthermore, if the media stack MB can be guided as far downstream as possible in the paper feed direction FD by the pair of side guides 81 and 82, then when feeding the media M positioned by the pair of side guides 81 and 82, positional deviation in the width direction X of the media M is less likely to occur. In other words, if the media stack MB can be guided as far downstream as possible in the paper feed direction by the pair of side guides 81 and 82, the transport deviation of the media M is suppressed, ensuring high transport accuracy of the media M. To ensure such transport accuracy, the downstream ends of the pair of side guides 81 and 82 can also be positioned relatively downstream of the hopper 61 in the paper feed direction FD. In this case, the dimension of the pair of extended portions 64 in the paper feed direction FD becomes relatively short. That is, since the extended portions 64 become relatively thin, the rigidity of the extended portions 64 is reduced.

[0076] like Figure 3As shown, a reinforcing drawn section (twisted section) 90 is formed in the roughly H-shaped hopper 61. A linear drawn section 90 extending along a predetermined path is formed in the hopper 61 by drawing a roughly H-shaped sheet metal. The drawn section 90 protrudes towards the back side of the hopper 61. The drawn section 90 strengthens the hopper 61. The drawn section 90 is formed in a manner that draws a path that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the width centerline of the hopper 61. When viewed from the mounting surface side of the mounting medium M in both the front and back of the hopper 61 (that is, at...), the drawn section 90... Figure 4 From a top view, it is trough-shaped, and when viewed from the opposite side, i.e., the back, it is a part that has been drawn into a protruding strip that extends towards the back side. In the hopper 61, a reinforcing drawn section 90 is formed along a predetermined path that extends through the central section 62, the base 63, and the extension section 64.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, a friction plate 65 is attached to the downstream end of the central portion 62 of the hopper 61 in the paper feeding direction FD. The friction plate 65 has the following function: when the last sheet of media M stacked on the hopper 61 is fed out, it assists the feeding of the media M by the paper feed roller 31 by imparting a specified frictional resistance between the media M and the stacking surface of the hopper 61.

[0078] The lifting plate 71 has: a wrist portion 73, which is a four-cornered plate-shaped portion including its base end; and a wide portion 74, which is formed with a wider width in the portion further forward than the wrist portion 73. Furthermore, the portion of the wide portion 74 that engages with the back of the hopper 61 is the front end portion 71A. The wide portion 74 has a width dimension longer in the width direction X than the width dimension of the central portion 62 of the hopper 61. The two ends of the wide portion 74 in the width direction X are located further outward in the width direction X than the central portion 62 of the hopper 61, enabling engagement with the back of a pair of extended portions 64.

[0079] <Structure of the deep drawing section 90>

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 4 The structure of the deep-drawn section 90 is explained.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the hopper 61 has an inwardly protruding reinforcing drawn portion 90. The reinforcing drawn portion 90 is provided at least in the extension portion 64. Figure 4 In the example shown, the reinforcing drawing portion 90 is provided along all predetermined paths covering the central portion 62, the base 63, and the extension portion 64. For example, as Figure 4As shown, the hopper 61 has a reinforcing drawing section 90, which is provided throughout the extension section 64, the central section 62 and the base 63, and a reinforcing drawing section 90B provided in the extension section 64.

[0082] The reinforcing drawing portion 90 includes a support drawing portion 91 that contacts the back of the hopper 61 at the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 when the hopper 61 is in a swingable range. The front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 slides along the support drawing portion 91 relative to the back of the hopper 61, thereby reducing the sliding resistance with the back of the hopper 61. As a result, smooth rotation of the hopper 61 is achieved without jamming between the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 and the back of the hopper 61.

[0083] When the hopper 61 rotates, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 moves relative to the back of the hopper 61 in the paper feeding direction FD. Therefore, a support drawing portion 91, which slides with the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, is provided on a path having a component in the paper feeding direction FD. The support drawing portion 91 includes a first drawing portion 92 provided on the path having a component in the paper feeding direction FD. At least a portion of the first drawing portion 92 is provided in the extension portion 64. Figure 4 In the example shown, a portion of the first drawing portion 92 is formed in the extension section 64, and the remaining portion is formed in the central section 62. In this example, the first drawing portion 92 extends linearly in an oblique direction intersecting the paper feed direction FD at a predetermined acute angle. In other words, the first drawing portion 92 in this example extends along a path that has components in both the width direction X and the paper feed direction FD. Thus, the first drawing portion 92 is a drawing portion that extends linearly.

[0084] The lifting plate 71 supports the first drawing portion 92 at least a portion of the swing range of the hopper 61. By forming the first drawing portion 92 in the extension portion 64, the front end portion 71A of the lifting plate 71 can also support the back of the hopper 61 through a portion of the extension portion 64.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, when the hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1, tilted at the smallest angle within its swing range, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 contacts the first drawing portion 92 in the width direction X, at a position further outward than the range of the central portion 62. In other words, the supporting drawing portion 91 contacts the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 in the width direction X, at a position further outward than the range of the central portion 62, when the hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1.

[0086] Furthermore, the support drawing section 91 includes a longitudinal drawing section 93 disposed in the central section 62 along a path having a component of the paper feed direction FD. That is, the support drawing section 91 includes: a first drawing section 92 extending linearly in the oblique direction; and a longitudinal drawing section 93 connected to the upstream end of the first drawing section 92 in the paper feed direction FD, and part of a third drawing section 95 extending in the central section 62 in the paper feed direction FD. Here, when viewed from above with the paper feed cassette 15 as the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal drawing section 93 extends straight in the paper feed direction FD (longitudinal direction).

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2 with its maximum tilt angle, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 contacts the longitudinal drawing portion 93 at a position within the central portion 62 in the width direction X. In other words, the drawing portion 91 for support contacts the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 at a position within the central portion 62 in the width direction X when the hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2.

[0088] Thus, the drawn portion 91 for support is formed on the following predetermined path: when the hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1, it contacts the lifting plate 71 at a position further outward than the range of the central portion 62, and when the hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2, it can contact the lifting plate 71 at a position within the range of the central portion 62 in the width direction X.

[0089] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the reinforcing drawing section 90 has a second drawing section 94, which is connected to the first drawing section 92 in the extension section 64 and extends along a path including a component in the width direction X. The feed hopper 61 has a third drawing section 95, which extends in the paper feed direction FD in the central section 62 as a reinforcing drawing section 90. The first drawing section 92 is connected to the third drawing section 95 extending in the central section 62 of the feed hopper 61.

[0090] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, in the paper feeding direction FD, the inner end 94A of the second drawing section 94 is located further downstream than the downstream end 95A of the third drawing section 95. The first drawing section 92 is a drawing section that connects the inner end 94A of the second drawing section 94 and the downstream end 95A of the third drawing section 95.

[0091] like Figure 4As shown, a pair of drawing sections 91 for support are provided on both sides of the center of the width of the hopper 61, and each includes a portion of the first drawing section 92 and the third drawing section 95 respectively. When the hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1 with the maximum stacking amount, the distance between the pair of drawing sections 91 supported by the lifting plate 71 in the width direction X is the widest.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotation axis 72 of the lifting plate 71 is positioned upstream of the extension section 64 in the paper feeding direction FD. The lifting plate 71 is covered by the feed hopper 61 at its maximum rising and maximum falling positions. In this embodiment, the front end portion 74 of the lifting plate 71 is formed to be wider than the central portion 62. However, when the lifting plate 71 rotates within the range between its maximum falling position when the feed hopper 61 is in the retracted position and its maximum rising position when the feed hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2, its front end portion 71A... Figure 4 As shown in the top view, it moves within the range of the extension setting 64 in the paper feeding direction FD. That is, the rotatable range between the retraction position of the material bin 61 and the second paper feeding position P2 is set in such a way that the lifting plate 71 is covered by the material bin 61 at the maximum rising position and the maximum falling position.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the first drawing section 92 is formed along the following path: within the swing range of the hopper 61, the interval between the first positions (i.e., the first interval) is narrower than the interval between the first positions when supported at the first position on the first drawing section 92, i.e., the second interval when supported at the second position on the first drawing section 92, which is located upstream of the first position in the paper feeding direction FD. Therefore, within the interval supported by the second drawing section 92, the closer the hopper 61 is to the first paper feeding position P1, the more effectively the lifting plate 71 can support the back of the hopper 61 at two locations with a wider interval in the width direction X.

[0094] <The Role of the Implementation Method>

[0095] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0096] When the user stores the media M in the paper feed cassette 15, the side guides 81 and 82 move in the width direction X, thereby clamping the media stack MB in the width direction X and positioning the media stack MB within the storage recess 50A in the width direction X. With the paper feed cassette 15 removed from the device body 12, the hopper 61 is in a retracted position. In this retracted position, both the hopper 61 and the lifting plate 71 are in a roughly horizontal posture, with the hopper 61 overlapping the upper side of the lifting plate 71. Furthermore, the user inserts the paper feed cassette 15 containing the media stack MB into the device body 12.

[0097] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, when the paper feed tray 15 is inserted into the device body 12 by the user, the control unit 100 drives the motor 101 based on the detection signal from a sensor (not shown) that detects the insertion of the paper feed tray 15. As a result, with the paper feed tray 15 inserted into the device body 12, the lifting plate 71 retracts from the approximately horizontal position of the hopper 61. Figure 5 The material is rotated counterclockwise, thereby pushing the feed bin 61 upward. The feed bin 61 is positioned at an angle that raises the downstream side of the paper feeding direction FD. Figure 5 or Figure 7 The paper feeding position is shown. That is, the hopper 61 is pushed up to the paper feeding position where the uppermost medium M1 in the medium stack MB stacked in the hopper 61 abuts against the paper feeding roller 31.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, when the media stack MB in the hopper 61 is at its maximum stacking capacity, the lifting plate 71 rotates counterclockwise from its maximum descent position to... Figure 5 The angle shown allows the hopper 61 to be positioned at... Figure 5 The first paper feeding position P1 is shown. Thus, when the hopper 61 is at or near its maximum stacking capacity, as... Figure 4 As shown, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 supports the back of the hopper 61 via the first drawing portion 92. That is, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 supports the back of the hopper 61 via an extension portion 64 located further outward in the width direction X than the central portion 62. Therefore, for example, even when large media M are stacked in the hopper 61 at the maximum stacking amount or a stacking amount close to that in the width direction X, and the stacking weight is relatively large, the downward deflection of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 can be suppressed to a relatively small extent. Therefore, feeding errors that may occur due to the media M supplied by the feed roller 31 contacting the inner wall surface of the cartridge body 50 caused by the deflection of the extension portion 64 can be effectively reduced.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, the feed roller 31 rotates, thereby feeding the media stack MB in the paper tray 15 one sheet at a time from the top layer of media M1. The fed media M is conveyed along the conveying path T, and at the recording position in the middle of the conveying path T, text or images are recorded by the recording head 41. The recorded media M is then discharged onto the discharge tray 45.

[0100] In this way, in the recording device 11, as recording progresses, the amount of media M in the paper feed cassette 15 is reduced one sheet at a time. The feed hopper 61 and the lifting plate 71 decrease as the stack of media MB decreases, maintaining the uppermost media M1 in contact with the paper feed roller 31. Figure 5 The material hopper 61 and the lifting plate 71 rotate counterclockwise. Figure 5 The first paper feeding position P1 shown faces the direction Figure 7 The second paper feeding position P2 shown rotates. During this rotation, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, which engages with the back of the hopper 61, moves upstream of the paper feeding direction FD along the back of the hopper 61.

[0101] That is, such as Figure 4 As shown, the portion of the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 that supports the first drawing section 92 moves upstream in the paper feeding direction FD and inward in the width direction X along the straight path of the first drawing section 92. As a result, within the section where the lifting plate 71 supports the first drawing section 92, as the stacking amount of the media stack MB on the hopper 61 decreases, the portion of the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 that supports the back of the hopper 61 moves inward in the width direction X.

[0102] Furthermore, when the section supporting the longitudinal drawing portion 93 in the drawing portion 91 for support is transferred to the lifting plate 71, the front end portion 71A of the lifting plate 71 supports the hopper 61 within the range of the central portion 62 in the width direction X. In this range, since the amount of medium M stacked on the hopper 61 is less than a predetermined threshold, the weight of the medium stack on the hopper 61 becomes relatively small. Therefore, even though the front end portion 71A of the lifting plate 71 supports the central portion 62 via a pair of longitudinal drawing portions 93, the deflection of the pair of extended portions 64 can be minimized.

[0103] Therefore, regardless of the amount of media stacked on the hopper 61, the pair of extended portions 64 constituting the hopper 61 are not prone to bending. As a result, paper feeding errors that may be caused by the pair of extended portions 64 bending downwards due to the weight of the media stack MB on the hopper 61 can be suppressed.

[0104] Furthermore, the support drawing section 91 is connected to the second drawing section 94 and the third drawing section 95 to form a single drawing section 90B. Therefore, for example, compared to a structure that divides the reinforcing drawing section 90 into multiple sections, the hopper 61 can be strengthened more effectively.

[0105] When the paper feed box 15 is pulled out of the device body 12, the engagement between the gear 75 and the gear on the side of the device body 12 is disengaged, allowing the feed hopper 61 and the lifting plate 71 to fall almost freely. In other words, the feed hopper 61 and the lifting plate 71 return to their original position from the paper feed position by their own weight. Furthermore, in the case of a structure with an elastic member, the force exerted by the elastic member acts as part of the force that causes the feed hopper 61 and the lifting plate 71 to fall to the retracted position.

[0106] <Effects of the Implementation Method>

[0107] The effects of the implementation method are explained.

[0108] (1) The paper feed cassette 15 includes a cassette body 50, a feed hopper 61, side guides 81 and 82, and a lifting plate 71. The cassette body 50 is configured to hold media M in a stacked state. The feed hopper 61 is disposed within the cassette body 50, stacking the media M, and is configured to swing relative to the cassette body 50. The side guides 81 and 82 restrict the position of the media M in the width direction X and are configured to move in the width direction X. The lifting plate 71 rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction X, with one end as the pivot point, and supports the back of the feed hopper 61 from below and moves it upward through the end opposite to the pivot point, i.e., the front end 71A. The feed hopper 61 has: a central portion 62 located at the center in the width direction X; and an extension portion 64 extending from the downstream portion of the central portion 62 in the paper feed direction FD of the feed media M to both sides in the width direction X. The feed hopper 61 has at least one inwardly protruding reinforcing drawing portion 90 in the extension portion 64. The reinforcing drawing section 90 includes a supporting drawing section 91, which contacts the back of the hopper 61 when the hopper 61 is supported at the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 within its swingable range. The supporting drawing section 91 includes a first drawing section 92, which is at least partially disposed on the extension section 64 along a path having a component in the paper feeding direction FD. The lifting plate 71 supports the first drawing section 92 at least a portion of the swingable range of the hopper 61.

[0109] According to this structure, firstly, since the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 has a reinforcing drawing portion 90, the rigidity of the extension portion 64 can be improved. Secondly, since the first drawing portion 92 is a path having a component in the paper feed direction FD, the lifting plate 71 can support the extension portion 64 via at least a portion of the first drawing portion 92 provided in the extension portion 64 in the paper feed direction FD, depending on the range where the support position of the hopper 61 changes in the rising and falling positions. Based on these advantages, compared to the case where the lifting plate 71 only supports the central portion 62 of the hopper 61, downward deflection of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 can be suppressed. Therefore, poor paper feeding of the medium M can be suppressed.

[0110] (2) The reinforcing drawing portion 90 has a second drawing portion 94, which is connected to the first drawing portion 92 in the extension portion 64 and extends along a path including a component in the width direction X. According to this structure, the second drawing portion 94 is provided as the reinforcing drawing portion 90, thereby further improving the rigidity of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61.

[0111] (3) The feed hopper 61 has a third drawing portion 95, which extends in the paper feeding direction FD as a reinforcing drawing portion 90 in the central portion 62. According to this structure, by having the third drawing portion 95, the rigidity of the central portion 62 of the feed hopper 61 can be improved. As a result, deformation of the feed hopper 61 in the paper feeding direction FD can be suppressed.

[0112] (4) The first drawing section 92 is connected to the third drawing section 95, which extends to the central section 62 of the hopper 61. According to this structure, since it is formed by a single drawing section that connects two or more drawing sections, the rigidity of the periphery where the drawing section is formed in the hopper 61 can be improved.

[0113] (5) In the paper feeding direction FD, the inner end 94A of the second drawing section 94 is located further downstream than the downstream end 95A of the third drawing section 95. The first drawing section 92 is a drawing section that connects the inner end 94A of the second drawing section 94 and the downstream end 95A of the third drawing section 95. According to this structure, by connecting the three drawing sections 92, 94, 95 (93) in one strip, it can be arranged in a small space. For example, since the drawing process is easy to perform, the product cost can also be reduced by reducing the processing cost.

[0114] (6) The first drawing portion 92 is a drawing portion that extends in a straight line. According to this structure, the more media is stacked in the hopper 61, the more the lifting plate 71 can support the extension portion 64 by two points spaced apart by a wider interval. Therefore, the deflection of the extension portion 64 caused by the weight of the media can be effectively suppressed.

[0115] (7) A pair of drawing sections 91 for support are provided on both sides of the center of the width of the hopper 61, and each includes a portion of the first drawing section 92 and the third drawing section 95. When the hopper 61 is at the first paper feeding position P1 with the maximum stacking amount, the distance between the pair of drawing sections supported by the lifting plate 71 in the width direction X is the widest. According to this structure, when the hopper 61 is at the maximum stacking amount, the lifting plate 71 can support a pair of first drawing sections 92 with the widest distance in the width direction X. Therefore, even when the hopper 61 is at the maximum stacking amount or a large stacking amount close to it, the total weight of the stacked media M is large, and the deflection of the extension section 64 can be effectively suppressed. On the other hand, thereafter, as the lifting plate 71 moves to the highest position, the number of sheets of media M stacked in the hopper 61 gradually decreases. Therefore, even if the support position of the lifting plate 71 is switched to the third drawing section 95 located in the central section 62, the total weight of the stacked medium M is small, so deformation such as deflection of the extension section 64 of the hopper 61 can be suppressed.

[0116] (8) The rotation axis of the lifting plate 71 is positioned upstream of the extension section 64 in the paper feeding direction FD. In a top view perpendicular to the stacking surface when the hopper 61 is in its lowest retracted position, the lifting plate 71 is covered by the hopper 61 at its maximum rising and maximum falling positions. With this structure, the side guides 81 and 82 can be positioned close to the extension section 64 and the central section 62 of the hopper 61. That is, since the side guides 81 and 82 can be positioned downstream of the paper feeding direction FD, it is possible to prevent the medium M from being fed skewed.

[0117] (9) The recording device 11 includes a paper feed tray 15 and a recording unit 40 for recording on a medium M supplied from the paper feed tray 15. According to this structure, the same effect as that of the paper feed tray 15 can be obtained in the recording device 11.

[0118] (Second Implementation)

[0119] Next, refer to Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The paper feed tray 15 of the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the first drawing portion 92 is an oblique drawing portion that extends in a straight line in an oblique direction intersecting the paper feed direction FD at an acute angle, but it is not limited to this. As in this second embodiment, the first drawing portion 96 may also be a drawing portion that extends in a curved shape. In addition, the structures other than the structure of the drawing portion 90, namely the structures of the recording device 11 and the paper feed tray 15, are the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the structures in the drawing portion 90 that differ from those in the first embodiment will be described.

[0120] (Structure of the deep-drawn section 90)

[0121] For example, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the support drawing section 91 includes: a first drawing section 96, at least a portion of which is disposed in the extension section 64 along a path having a component of the paper feeding direction FD; and a longitudinal drawing section 93, which is part of the third drawing section 95. In this example, the first drawing section 96 is composed of a curved drawing section. That is, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first drawing section 96 can also be a curved and extended drawing section. When the feed hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1, tilted at the smallest angle within the range of possible swing, it contacts the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 in the width direction X at a position further outward than the range of the central section 62. That is, the lifting plate 71 supports the first drawing section 96 by the back side of the extended setting section 64 at a position further outward than the range of the width direction X of the central section 62. Furthermore, as Figure 9 As shown, when the feed hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2 with the maximum angle of inclination, the first drawing section 96 contacts the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 at a position within the central section 62 in the width direction X. That is, the lifting plate 71 supports a part of the third drawing section 95, namely the longitudinal drawing section 93, through the back of the central section 62.

[0122] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, in the paper feeding direction FD, the inner end 94A of the second drawing section 94 is located further downstream than the downstream end 95A of the third drawing section 95. The first drawing section 96 is a drawing section that connects the inner end 94A of the second drawing section 94 and the downstream end 95A of the third drawing section 95.

[0123] (The function of the second embodiment)

[0124] like Figure 8 As shown, when the hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1 with maximum stacking, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, located further outward in the width direction X than the area of ​​the central portion 62, can support the back of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 via the first drawing portion 96. Compared to the case where the lifting plate 71 supports the hopper 61 in the first paper feeding position P1 at a position within the area of ​​the central portion 62 in the width direction X, downward deflection of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 can be suppressed. Therefore, poor paper feeding can be suppressed. Furthermore, as Figure 9As shown, when the hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2 with the minimum stacking amount, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, within the width direction X and within the range of the central portion 62, can support the back of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 via a portion of the third drawing portion 95, namely the longitudinal drawing portion 93. Compared to the case where the lifting plate 71 supports the hopper 61 in the second paper feeding position P2 at a position further outward in the width direction X than the range of the central portion 62, a larger range of swing of the hopper 61, that is, the maximum tilt angle of the hopper 61, can be ensured. Therefore, a larger maximum number of media M that can be stored in the paper feed cassette 15 can be ensured.

[0125] (Third Implementation)

[0126] Next, refer to Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The paper feed box 15 of the third embodiment will be described. In the first and second embodiments, the first drawing portion extending along a path having a component of the paper feed direction FD is either an oblique first drawing portion 92 extending in a straight line in an oblique direction intersecting the paper feed direction FD at an acute angle, or a curved first drawing portion 96, but is not limited to these. As shown in the first drawing portion 97 in the third embodiment, it may also be a longitudinal drawing portion extending in a straight line along a path having only a component of the paper feed direction FD. That is, the first drawing portion 97 may also be a longitudinal drawing portion provided in the extension provision portion 64. In addition, the structure other than the structure of the drawing portion 90 is the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the structure of the drawing portion 90 that differs from that in the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0127] (Structure of the deep drawing portion 90 in the third embodiment)

[0128] For example, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the hopper 61 has a reinforcing drawing section 90 provided in the extension section 64 and a reinforcing drawing section 90D provided in the central section 62.

[0129] like Figure 10 , Figure 11As shown, the support drawing section 91 may also include a first drawing section 97 provided in the extension section 64 and a longitudinal drawing section 98 provided in the central section 62. The first drawing section 97 is provided in the extension section 64 and is a drawing section extending in the paper feeding direction FD. The longitudinal drawing section 98 is provided in the central section 62 and is a drawing section extending in the paper feeding direction FD. The support drawing section 91 has two drawing sections 97 and 98 extending in the paper feeding direction FD at different positions in the width direction X. Thus, the support drawing section 91 may also be composed of multiple drawing sections 97 and 98. The support drawing section 91 may also be constructed on a predetermined path including multiple separate paths.

[0130] like Figure 10 As shown, the support drawing section 91 includes a first drawing section 97, which, when the feed hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1 tilted at the minimum angle within its swing range, contacts the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 in the width direction X at a position further outward than the range of the central section 62. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the support drawing section 91 includes a second drawing section 98, which contacts the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71 at a position within the central section 62 in the width direction X when the feed hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2 with the maximum angle of inclination. Both drawing sections 97 and 98 are formed along a path extending along the paper feeding direction FD. That is, the two drawing sections 97 and 98 are longitudinal drawing sections where the directional component of the path is only the paper feeding direction FD.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the upstream end of the first drawing section 97 is connected to the inner end of the second drawing section 99. Additionally, in Figure 10 In the example shown, the connection between the first drawing section 97 and the second drawing section 99 is at a right angle, but they can also be connected via a drawing section with an oblique path that intersects the paper feeding direction FD at an acute angle. Furthermore, the connection between the first drawing section 97 and the second drawing section 99 can also be connected via a drawing section with an arc-shaped (R-shaped) path.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the longitudinal drawing section 98 and the third drawing section 95 are connected as one. Alternatively, the longitudinal drawing section 98 may extend in the paper feed direction FD at a different position in the width direction X than the third drawing section 95. In this case, the longitudinal drawing section 98 may also be connected to the third drawing section 95 via a drawing section with an oblique path intersecting the paper feed direction FD at an acute angle. Furthermore, the longitudinal drawing section 98 and the third drawing section 95 may also be connected via a drawing section with an arc-shaped (R-shaped) path.

[0133] (The function of the third embodiment)

[0134] When the hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1 at maximum stacking capacity, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, located further outward in the width direction X than the central portion 62, can support the back of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 via the first drawing portion 97. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, when the hopper 61 is in the first paper feeding position P1, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, located within the central portion 62 in the width direction X, can also support the back of the extended mounting portion 64 via the longitudinally drawn depth 98. Compared to the case where the lifting plate 71 only supports the hopper 61 in the width direction X within the central portion 62 when it is in the first paper feeding position P1, downward deflection of the extended mounting portion 64 of the hopper 61 can be suppressed. Therefore, poor paper feeding can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the hopper 61 is in the second paper feeding position P2 with the minimum stacking amount, as... Figure 11 As shown, the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71, located within the width direction X and within the central portion 62, can support the back of the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61 via the longitudinally drawn depth 98. Compared to the case where the lifting plate 71 supports the hopper 61 at a position further outward in the width direction X than the central portion 62, a larger range of motion of the hopper 61, i.e., the maximum tilt angle of the hopper 61, can be ensured. Therefore, a larger number of sheets can be stored in the paper feed tray 15 (maximum stacking capacity).

[0135] Alternatively, the two drawing sections 97 and 98 can also be provided on the path supporting either of the front end 71A of the lifting plate 71. In this case, when there is a step difference between the two drawing sections 97 and 98 due to processing errors, vibration or impact may occur in the hopper 61 during the switching process between the state supported by the first drawing section 97 and the state supported by the longitudinal drawing section 98, due to jamming caused by the step difference. Therefore, jamming that may occur during the switching process of the drawing section supported by the lifting plate 71 can be suppressed by forming a portion of the switching process with an inclined surface on at least one of the two drawing sections 97 and 98. When the inclined surface is provided at the upstream end of the first drawing section 97, it is sufficient to provide an inclined surface with a lower downward protrusion height as it moves upstream in the paper feeding direction FD. Furthermore, when the inclined surface is provided at the downstream end of the longitudinal drawing section 98, it is sufficient to provide an inclined surface with a lower downward protrusion height as it moves downstream in the paper feeding direction FD.

[0136] (Example of Change)

[0137] This embodiment can be modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of their non-contradictory aspects.

[0138] • The drawing portion 91 for support can also be a structure formed only in the extension portion 64 of the hopper 61.

[0139] In the first and second embodiments, the first drawing portions 92 and 96 may also be formed on a path that includes both straight and curved sections.

[0140] In the first and second embodiments, the inner end of the second drawing portion 94 is located further downstream than the downstream end of the third drawing portion 95. The inner end of the second drawing portion 94 connects the first drawing portions 92 and 96 to the downstream end of the third drawing portion 95. However, they can also be connected via other paths different from those in these embodiments. For example, the first drawing portion connecting the inner end of the second drawing portion 94 to the downstream end of the third drawing portion 95 can also be formed on a crank-shaped path. That is, after the first drawing portion bends at a right angle from the inner end of the second drawing portion 94 to form a longitudinal drawing portion extending in the paper feeding direction FD, it bends again at a right angle to form a transverse drawing portion extending inward in the width direction X, and further bends at a right angle to form a longitudinal drawing portion extending in the paper feeding direction FD, thereby connecting to the downstream end of the third drawing portion 95. In addition, the number of longitudinal drawing portions constituting the first drawing portion is not limited to two, but can be three or more.

[0141] In the first embodiment, the first drawing section 92 is a straight drawing section, but it can also be formed on a zigzag path connecting two or more straight drawing sections. In this case, the path can also be configured such that the distance between the two outermost points of the lifting plate 71 supporting the feed hopper 61 becomes narrower as it moves upstream in the paper feeding direction FD.

[0142] In the first embodiment, the support drawing portion 91 may be a structure consisting only of a straight first drawing portion 92 without including a portion of the third drawing portion 95, i.e., a longitudinal drawing portion 93. In this case, the lifting plate 71 may also be configured as a plate with the same width from the base end to the front end 71A on the pivot point side.

[0143] In the second embodiment, the drawn portion 91 for support may be a structure consisting only of a curved first drawn portion 96 without including a portion of the third drawn portion 95, i.e., the longitudinal drawn portion 93. In this case, the lifting plate 71 may also be configured as a plate with the same width from the base end to the front end 71A on the pivot point side.

[0144] In the third embodiment, the lifting plate 71 may also support only the first drawing portion 97 of the longitudinal drawing portion 97 and the first drawing portion 98. According to this structure, the angle of the hopper's swing range is narrowed, and the number of media M that can be stored at maximum stacking is relatively smaller, but the deflection of the extension section 64 can be suppressed.

[0145] • In the third embodiment, the number of longitudinal drawing sections is not limited to two, and may be three or more. For example, two or more longitudinal drawing sections may be provided on the outer side of the width direction X, further than the third drawing section 95 used for reinforcement.

[0146] • The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer; it can also be an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer. Furthermore, the recording device 11 can also be a dot-matrix printer or a thermal transfer printer. That is, the recording method of the recording unit 40 is not limited to inkjet recording; for example, it can also be an electrophotographic method such as laser recording using toner, a dot-matrix recording method, a thermal recording method, or a structure that records using other recording methods.

[0147] • The recording device 11 is not limited to a line printer or a serial printer, but can also be a page printer.

[0148] • The recording device 11 may also be a printer that does not have a scanner 20 (image reading unit) but only has a recording function.

[0149] <Definition>

[0150] The drawing section for support in this specification includes the following two structures: a structure formed only in the extension section of the hopper; and a structure formed in both the extension section and the central section of the hopper.

[0151] The following describes the technical ideas and effects derived from the described embodiments and their modifications.

[0152] (A) The paper feeder comprises: a body configured to hold media in a stacked state; a hopper disposed within the body for stacking the media and capable of swinging relative to the body; a side guide restricting the position of the media in the width direction and configured to move in the width direction; and a lifting plate rotatable about one end of a rotation axis parallel to the width direction, for supporting the back of the hopper from below and moving it upward via the front end opposite to the rotation axis, the hopper having a central portion located at the center of the width direction and for feeding the media... An extension portion extends from the downstream portion of the central portion in the paper feeding direction of the medium to both sides in the width direction. The hopper has at least one reinforcing drawing portion protruding inward in the extension portion. The reinforcing drawing portion includes a supporting drawing portion that contacts the back of the hopper when the front end of the lifting plate supports the back of the hopper in the swing range of the hopper. The supporting drawing portion includes a first drawing portion that is at least partially disposed in the extension portion on a path having a component in the paper feeding direction. The lifting plate supports the first drawing portion in at least a portion of the swing range of the hopper.

[0153] According to this structure, firstly, since the extension section of the hopper has a reinforcing drawing section, the rigidity of the extension section can be improved. Secondly, since the first drawing section is a path with a component in the paper feeding direction, the lifting plate can support the extension section via at least a portion of the first drawing section provided in the extension section, within the range where the support position of the hopper changes in the paper feeding direction between the rising and falling positions of the lifting plate. Based on these advantages, compared to the case where the lifting plate only supports the central portion of the hopper, downward deflection of the extension section of the hopper can be suppressed. Therefore, poor paper feeding of the medium can be prevented.

[0154] (B) In the paper feed box described above, the reinforcing drawing portion may also have a second drawing portion, which is connected to the first drawing portion in the extension setting portion and extends in a path including the component of the width direction.

[0155] According to this structure, a second drawing section is provided as a reinforcing drawing section, thereby further improving the rigidity of the extension section of the hopper.

[0156] (C) In the above-mentioned paper feed box, the hopper may also have a third drawing section, which extends in the paper feed direction as the reinforcing drawing section in the central part.

[0157] This structure includes a third drawing section, which improves the rigidity of the central part of the hopper. This, in turn, suppresses deformation of the hopper in the paper feeding direction.

[0158] (D) In ​​the above-described paper feed box, the first drawing portion may also be connected to the third drawing portion that extends from the central portion of the hopper.

[0159] According to this structure, since it is formed by connecting two or more drawing sections in one drawing section, the rigidity of the periphery of the drawing section formed in the hopper can be improved.

[0160] (E) In the paper feed box described above, the inner end of the second drawing portion may be located further downstream than the downstream end of the third drawing portion in the paper feed direction, and the first drawing portion is a drawing portion that connects the inner end of the second drawing portion and the downstream end of the third drawing portion.

[0161] This structure, consisting of a single strip connecting three drawing sections, allows for compact placement within a small space. For example, the ease of deep drawing facilitates lower processing costs, thus reducing product costs.

[0162] (F) In the above-mentioned paper feeding box, the first drawing portion may also be a drawing portion that extends in a straight line or a drawing portion that extends in a curved shape.

[0163] According to this structure, the greater the amount of media stacked in the hopper, the more the lifting plate can support the extension section by two points spaced wider apart. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the deflection of the extension section caused by the weight of the media.

[0164] (G) In the above-mentioned paper feed box, the support drawing portion may also be provided on both sides of the width center of the hopper, and the range includes a portion of the first drawing portion and the third drawing portion respectively. When the hopper is in the first paper feed position with the maximum stacking amount, the width direction spacing of the pair of drawing portions supported by the lifting plate is the widest.

[0165] According to this structure, when the hopper is at its maximum stacking capacity, the lifting plate can support a pair of first drawing sections with the widest possible spacing in the width direction. Therefore, even when the total weight of the stacked media is large, whether or not the hopper is at its maximum stacking capacity, deflection of the extension section can be effectively suppressed. On the other hand, thereafter, as the lifting plate moves to its highest position, the number of sheets of media stacked in the hopper gradually decreases. Therefore, even when the support position of the lifting plate switches to the third drawing section in the center, the total weight of the stacked media is small, thus suppressing deformation such as deflection of the extension section of the hopper.

[0166] (H) In the above-described paper feed box, the rotation axis of the lifting plate can also be configured on the upstream side of the paper feed direction, which is closer to the extension setting. When viewed from a top view perpendicular to the stacking surface when the hopper is in the lowest retreat position, the lifting plate is covered by the hopper at the maximum rising position and the maximum falling position.

[0167] According to this structure, the side guide can be arranged close to the extension and central portion of the hopper. That is, since the side guide can be arranged biased towards the downstream side in the paper feeding direction, it is possible to prevent the medium from being fed skewed.

[0168] (I) The recording device includes the aforementioned paper feed cassette and a recording unit that records on a medium supplied from the paper feed cassette.

[0169] Based on this structure, the same effect as the aforementioned paper feeder can be achieved in the recording device.

Claims

1. A paper feeding box, characterized in that, have: The main body of the box is designed to store media in a stackable manner; A hopper, configured inside the box body, is used to stack the medium and is able to swing relative to the box body; A side guide restricts the position of the medium in the width direction and is configured to be movable in the width direction; as well as The lifting plate rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the width direction, with one end as the pivot point. It supports the back of the hopper from below and moves the hopper upwards via the opposite end (the front end) of the pivot point. The hopper has a central portion and extended portions. The central portion is located at the center of the width direction, and the extended portions extend from the downstream portion of the central portion to both sides of the width direction in the paper feeding direction for feeding the medium. The hopper has at least one inwardly projecting, reinforcing, drawn section in the extended portion. The reinforcing drawing portion includes a supporting drawing portion, which contacts the back of the hopper when the front end of the lifting plate supports the back of the hopper within the swing range of the hopper. The support drawing section includes a first drawing section, which is at least partially disposed on the extension section along a path having a component of the paper feeding direction. The lifting plate supports the first drawing section in at least a portion of the swing range of the hopper. The lifting plate has a wide section, which is wider than the central section. The rotation axis of the lifting plate is located upstream of the paper feeding direction, which is further upstream than the extended portion. From a top-down view, perpendicular to the stacked surface when the hopper is in its lowest retreat position, the lifting plate is covered by the hopper at both the maximum rising and maximum falling positions.

2. The paper feeding box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing drawing portion has a second drawing portion, which is connected to the first drawing portion in the extension portion and extends along a path including the width direction component.

3. The paper feeding box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hopper has a third drawing section, which extends in the paper feeding direction as a reinforcing drawing section in the central portion.

4. The paper feeding box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first drawing portion is connected to the third drawing portion, which extends from the central portion of the hopper.

5. The paper feeding box according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the paper feeding direction, the inner end of the second drawing section is located further downstream than the downstream end of the third drawing section. The first drawing portion is a drawing portion that connects the inner end of the second drawing portion to the downstream end of the third drawing portion.

6. The paper feeding box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first drawing portion is either a drawing portion that extends in a straight line or a drawing portion that extends in a curved line.

7. The paper feeding box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support drawing section is provided in pairs on both sides of the width center of the hopper, and each includes a portion of the first drawing section and the third drawing section respectively. When the hopper is in the first paper feeding position with maximum stacking, the width-direction spacing of the pair of drawn portions supported by the lifting plate is at its widest.

8. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The paper feeding box according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The recording unit records on the medium supplied from the paper feed cassette.

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