Media loading unit, conveying device and printing device

Abstract

A medium placement unit, a conveying device, and a printing device capable of suppressing skewing, paper feed failure, and the like in conveying of a predetermined size medium among media placed on a placement surface. The medium placement unit includes: a placement surface that places media; and a restriction portion that is relatively movable toward a first direction and a second direction with respect to the placement surface, restricts movement of the media, and has a first portion and a second portion, the placement surface is provided with a fourth portion that engages with the restriction portion and a plurality of third portions that are arranged in parallel with the first direction, the plurality of third portions restrict movement of the restriction portion toward the first direction and the second direction when each engages with the first portion, and the fourth portion is provided at a position corresponding to the predetermined size medium, and the restriction portion is capable of changing the third portion that engages with the first portion while maintaining a state in which the second portion engages with the fourth portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media loading unit, a conveying device, and a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Research and development are underway on units that hold paper-feeding media, such as printing apparatuses that hold images on printing media.

[0003] In this regard, a paper feeder is known, which can hold media of various standard and non-standard sizes. The paper feeder includes: a guide member capable of reciprocating for placing the media in a predetermined position; a first locking claw and a second locking claw disposed on the guide member; a plurality of first recesses spaced apart from each other at positions corresponding to a plurality of standard sizes for restricting the movement of the guide member relative to at least one of the reciprocating directions by engaging with the first locking claws; and a plurality of second recesses corresponding to non-standard sizes and spaced apart at intervals narrower than the interval between adjacent first recesses for restricting the movement of the guide member relative to at least one of the reciprocating directions by engaging with the second locking claws (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-041646

[0005] In the paper feed cassette described in Patent Document 1, when standard-sized media are placed, the guide member can be moved by engaging the first locking claw with the first recess. However, even if multiple media are of the same standard size, their dimensions may differ due to cutting errors. Therefore, in this paper feed cassette, the first recess is positioned such that it restricts the movement of media slightly larger than the standard size. As a result, even when the guide member is moved by engaging the first locking claw with the first recess, the position of the guide member may deviate from the position of the end of the media. This deviation can lead to skew during media transport and poor paper feeding, which is undesirable. Furthermore, in this paper feed cassette, since the first recess restricts the movement of the guide member with the same shape as the second recess, it is difficult to fine-tune the position of the guide member to accommodate cutting errors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one aspect of this application is a medium placement unit comprising: a placement surface, a medium placement surface; and a limiting portion capable of moving relative to the placement surface toward a first direction approaching the medium placed on the placement surface and a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby limiting the movement of the medium placed on the placement surface by engaging with the placement surface. The limiting portion has a first portion and a second portion, and is capable of engaging with the placement surface via at least one of the first portion and the second portion. The placement surface has a fourth portion and a plurality of third portions arranged parallel to the first direction. The first portion is capable of engaging with each of the plurality of third portions. When the first portion engages with the third portion, the movement of the limiting portion toward the first direction and the second direction is limited. The second portion is capable of engaging with the fourth portion, and the fourth portion is positioned corresponding to a medium of a predetermined size. When the second portion engages with the fourth portion, and the first portion engages with the third portion, the limiting portion is capable of maintaining the engagement of the second portion with the fourth portion while changing the engagement of the third portion with the first portion.

[0007] In addition, one aspect of this application is a conveying device comprising: the medium placement unit described above; and a conveying section for conveying the medium placed on the placement surface of the medium placement unit along a conveying direction, wherein the first direction is the conveying direction.

[0008] In addition, one aspect of this application is a conveying device comprising: the medium placement unit described above; and a conveying section for conveying the medium placed on the placement surface of the medium placement unit along the conveying direction, wherein the first direction is a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

[0009] Another aspect of this application is a printing apparatus comprising: a media placement unit as described above; a transport unit for transporting the media placed on the placement surface of the media placement unit as a printing medium; and a printing unit for printing the printing medium transported by the transport unit. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of printing apparatus 1.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of each of the transport section CR and the printing section PR located within the printing apparatus 1.

[0012] Figure 3This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a medium-carrying unit ST.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the media carrier unit ST.

[0014] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 A perspective view of an example of the structure of the first limiting part RG1 shown.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The side view of the first limiting part RG1 shown.

[0016] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 The diagram shows an example of the state of the first part F1 when the operating part LV of the first limiting part RG1 is operated in a direction close to the first plate member M2.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the mounting surface M1 shown.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a side view of multiple third parts F3 arranged in the direction A11.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The side views of the fourth part F41 and the fourth part F42 are shown.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a side view of an example of the first limiting part RG1 on the mounting surface M1, showing the state in which the first part F1 is not engaged with the third part F3 and the second part F2 is not engaged with the fourth part F41.

[0021] Figure 12 It is Figure 11 An enlarged side view of the area surrounding the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 shown.

[0022] Figure 13 It shows that Figure 11 A side view of an example of the first limiting part RG1 after it has moved to engage with the second part F2 and the fourth part F41.

[0023] Figure 14 It is Figure 13 An enlarged side view of the area surrounding the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 shown.

[0024] Figure 15This shows the state in which the second part F2 and the fourth part F43 are engaged. Figure 13 A side view of an example of the first limiting part RG1 after it has moved further toward direction A11.

[0025] Figure 16 It is Figure 15 An enlarged side view of the area surrounding the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 shown.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the structure with mounting surface M1.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of a first limiting part RG1 having a leaf spring as a second force-applying member SP2.

[0028] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relative positional relationship between the printing medium PP placed on the mounting surface M1 and the first limiting part RG1, the second limiting part RG2, and the third limiting part RG3.

[0029] Figure 20 This is another example of a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the printing medium PP placed on the mounting surface M1 and the first limiting part RG1, the second limiting part RG2, and the third limiting part RG3.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 1, Printing apparatus; BX, Housing; CR, Conveying section; F1, First part; F2, F2A, F2B, Second part; F3, F31, F32, Third part; F4, F41, F41A, F41B, F42, F42A, F42B, F43, F43A, F43B, Fourth part; LV, Operating section; M1, Placement surface; M2, First plate-shaped member; M3, Second plate-shaped member; M4, Contact surface; M41, Flat surface; M42, First inclined surface; M43, Vertical surface; M44, Second inclined surface; MK1, First mark; MK2, Second mark; MK3, Third mark; PP, Printing medium; PR, Printing section; RG1, First limiting section; RG2, Second limiting section; RG3, Third limiting section; RL, Conveying roller; SP1, First force-applying member; SP2, Second force-applying member; ST, Medium placement unit; TC, Three-dimensional coordinate system. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Overview of the printing apparatus

[0034] First, an overview of the printing apparatus involved in the implementation method will be described.

[0035] The printing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a media placement unit, a transport unit, and a printing unit. The media placement unit includes a placement surface and a limiting part. The placement surface is the surface on which the media is placed. The limiting part is movable relative to the placement surface in a first direction and a second direction, respectively. The first direction is the direction that approaches the media placed on the placement surface. The second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction. Furthermore, the limiting part restricts the movement of the media placed on the placement surface by engaging with the placement surface. In addition, the limiting part has a first portion and a second portion, and can engage with the placement surface via at least one of the first portion and the second portion. Here, the placement surface is provided with a fourth portion and a plurality of third portions arranged parallel to the first direction. Furthermore, each of the plurality of third portions can engage with the first portion, and when engaged with the first portion, the movement of the limiting part in the first direction and the second direction is restricted. The fourth portion can engage with the second portion and is provided at a position corresponding to a media of a predetermined size. Furthermore, when the second and fourth parts are engaged, if one of the third parts engages with the first part, the limiting part can maintain the engagement of the second and fourth parts while changing the third part engaged with the first part to the third part adjacent to that first part. The transport unit transports the medium placed on the mounting surface of the medium mounting unit as the printing medium. The printing unit prints on the printing medium transported by the transport unit. Thus, the printing apparatus and the medium mounting unit of the printing apparatus can finely adjust the position of the limiting part by engaging the first part with any of the third parts, and can notify the user by sound or the like that the fourth part and the second part are engaged at a position corresponding to a predetermined size of medium. As a result, it is possible to prompt fine adjustment of the position of the limiting part relative to the medium by engaging the first part with any of the third parts. That is, the printing apparatus and the medium mounting unit of the printing apparatus can suppress skewing, poor paper feeding, etc., during the transport of a predetermined size of medium placed on the mounting surface.

[0036] The structure of the printing apparatus according to the embodiments and the structure of the media carrying unit included in the printing apparatus will be described in detail below. Furthermore, as described later, the media carrying unit included in the printing apparatus may be provided in other electronic devices that perform various processes using the media carried in the media carrying unit, instead of the printing apparatus.

[0037] Structure of printing apparatus

[0038] Hereinafter, the structure of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described using printing apparatus 1 as an example.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of printing apparatus 1.

[0040] Here, the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system showing the orientation of the diagram depicting the three-dimensional coordinate system TC. For ease of explanation, the X-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the X-axis. Similarly, for ease of explanation, the Y-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the Y-axis. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the Z-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the Z-axis. Additionally, as an example, the case where the negative direction of the Z-axis coincides with the direction of gravity will be explained below. Therefore, for ease of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis will be referred to as the upward direction or simply upward, and the negative direction of the Z-axis will be referred to as the downward direction or simply downward.

[0041] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the surface of the printing apparatus 1 with the positive X-axis direction will be referred to as the front surface of the printing apparatus 1, and the surface with the negative X-axis direction will be referred to as the rear surface of the printing apparatus 1. For ease of explanation, the surface of the printing apparatus 1 with the positive Y-axis direction will be referred to as the right surface of the printing apparatus 1, and the surface with the negative Y-axis direction will be referred to as the left surface of the printing apparatus 1. For ease of explanation, the surface of the printing apparatus 1 with the positive Z-axis direction will be referred to as the upper surface of the printing apparatus 1, and the surface with the negative Z-axis direction will be referred to as the lower surface of the printing apparatus 1.

[0042] The printing apparatus 1 prints an image onto a medium. The printing apparatus 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the medium on which the image is printed in the printing apparatus 1 will be referred to as the printing medium. The printing medium can be any medium, such as sheet material like printing paper or label backing paper. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 1 can also be another type of printer, such as a laser printer or a multifunction printer.

[0043] Printing apparatus 1, for example, includes a media loading unit ST, a transport unit CR, and a printing unit PR. Furthermore, printing apparatus 1 can also be configured to include other components and devices in addition to the media loading unit ST, the transport unit CR, and the printing unit PR. Figure 1 In order to avoid complicating the drawings, the transport unit CR and the printing unit PR are each shown as a cuboid-shaped object. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 1 may also be a structure without the media placement unit ST.

[0044] The media loading unit ST is, for example, the paper feed tray of the printing apparatus 1. The media loading unit ST is capable of being installed toward and removed from the printing apparatus 1. In other words, the media loading unit ST is detachable from the printing apparatus 1. The media loading unit ST holds the printing media. The printing media placed in the media loading unit ST is supplied toward the printing unit PR via a conveying unit CR.

[0045] Here, Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of each of the transport section CR and the printing section PR located within the printing apparatus 1. Figure 2 The ○ symbols shown represent rollers used for conveying printing media within the printing apparatus 1. The conveying unit CR comprises these rollers, a motor (not shown) that rotates the rollers, and gears (not shown) that transmit the driving force of the motor to the rollers. The conveying unit CR, for example, conveys printing media placed on the mounting surface M1 of the media mounting unit ST along the conveying direction. Furthermore, as one of these rollers, the conveying unit CR includes a conveyor roller RL that picks up the printing media from the media mounting unit ST and conveys it in the conveying direction. The structure of the conveying unit CR can be arbitrary if it includes the conveyor roller RL and is capable of conveying printing media placed on the mounting surface M1 of the media mounting unit ST along the conveying direction. Furthermore, in Figure 1 To simplify the accompanying drawings, the conveyor roller RL has been omitted. Figure 2 The dashed line shown illustrates an example of the transport path of the printing medium by the transport unit CR. Additionally, the printing unit PR, for example, has an inkjet printhead that prints on the printing medium transported by the transport unit CR. Figure 2 In this illustration, to avoid complicating the diagram, the printing unit PR is depicted as a rectangular object. Even without an inkjet printhead, the structure of the printing unit PR can be arbitrary as long as it is capable of printing on the printing medium transported by the transport unit CR. The printing unit PR in... Figure 2 The image is printed onto the printing medium passing through the predetermined position on the transport path indicated by the dashed line.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a medium-carrying unit ST. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the media carrier unit ST.

[0047] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 4In the example shown, the media placement unit ST has a housing BX shaped like a drawer, allowing printing media to be stored inside the housing BX from the top. In this example, the media placement unit ST has a placement surface M1, a first limiting portion RG1, a second limiting portion RG2, and a third limiting portion RG3 inside the housing BX. Alternatively, the media placement unit ST may be structured without any of the first limiting portions RG1 to the third limiting portions RG3. Furthermore, the media placement unit ST may also be structured without the housing BX. In this case, the media placement unit ST may, for example, have the placement surface M1 and the first to third limiting portions RG1 on a plate-like component. In this case, the plate-like component and the placement surface M1 may be integrally formed or separately formed.

[0048] The mounting surface M1 is the surface on which the printing medium is mounted.

[0049] The first limiting part RG1 is a member that limits the movement of a printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 by moving on the mounting surface M1. In other words, the first limiting part RG1 is a member that limits the movement of a printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 by sliding on the mounting surface M1. The first limiting part RG1 is sometimes also referred to as an edge guide. The first limiting part RG1 is capable of moving parallel to a first axis parallel to the mounting surface M1. The first axis is a virtual axis, and if the first axis is parallel to the mounting surface M1, it can be an axis extending in any direction. Hereinafter, as an example, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the case where the first axis is parallel to the X-axis will be explained. In this case, the first limiting part RG1 can move relative to the mounting surface M1 in two directions: A11, which is parallel to the X-axis and approaches the printing medium mounted on the mounting surface M1, and A12, which is parallel to the X-axis and opposite to direction A11. Therefore, by moving the first limiting part RG1 parallel to the X-axis on the mounting surface M1, the user can bring the first limiting part RG1 closer to the printing medium mounted on the mounting surface M1. That is, in this example, the first limiting part RG1 is a member that restricts the movement of the printing medium in the direction parallel to the X-axis on the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, direction A11 is an example of a first direction. Direction A12 is an example of a second direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the first limiting part RG1 can engage with the mounting surface M1 via at least one of the two components of the first limiting part RG1. One of these two components is a component that can limit the movement of the first limiting part RG1 on the mounting surface M1 by engaging with it. That is, after the user moves the first limiting part RG1 toward the printing medium on the mounting surface M1, the first limiting part RG1 is engaged with the mounting surface M1 by this component, thereby preventing the printing medium from moving parallel to the first axis at a predetermined mounting position on the mounting surface M1. The mounting position is a predetermined position where the printing medium should be placed when the printing medium is transported by the transport unit CR. Moreover, the mounting position is different for each size of the printing medium. Here, the position of the printing medium on the mounting surface M1 is indicated, for example, by the position of the four corners of the printing medium on the mounting surface M1, but it can also be indicated by the position of other parts of the printing medium on the mounting surface M1. On the other hand, the other of these two components is a component that, by engaging with the mounting surface M1, notifies the user that the position of the first limiting portion RG1 on the mounting surface M1 is included within the engagement range, including the position corresponding to a printing medium of a predetermined size. This component can notify the user, through sounds or the like generated when engaging with the mounting surface M1, that the position of the first limiting portion RG1 on the mounting surface M1 is included within the engagement range, including the position corresponding to a printing medium of a predetermined size. Details of these two components will be described later.

[0051] The second limiting part RG2 is a member that limits the movement of the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 by moving on the mounting surface M1. In other words, the second limiting part RG2 is a member that limits the movement of the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 by sliding on the mounting surface M1. The structure of the second limiting part RG2 is substantially the same as that of the first limiting part RG1. However, the second limiting part RG2 can move parallel to a second axis parallel to the mounting surface M1. The second axis is also a virtual axis, and if the second axis is parallel to the mounting surface M1, it can be an axis extending in any direction. Hereinafter, as an example, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the case where the second axis is parallel to the Y-axis will be explained. In this case, the second limiting part RG2 can move relative to the mounting surface M1 in two directions: A21, which is parallel to the Y-axis and approaches the printing medium mounted on the mounting surface M1, and A22, which is parallel to the Y-axis and opposite to direction A21. Therefore, by moving the second limiting part RG2 parallel to the Y-axis on the mounting surface M1, the user can bring the second limiting part RG2 closer to the printing medium mounted on the mounting surface M1. That is, in this example, the second limiting part RG2 is a member that restricts the movement of the printing medium in the direction parallel to the Y-axis on the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, direction A21 is an example of a first direction. Direction A22 is an example of a second direction.

[0052] The third limiting part RG3 is a member that limits the movement of the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 by moving on the mounting surface M1. In other words, the third limiting part RG3 is a member that limits the movement of the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 by sliding on the mounting surface M1. The structure of the third limiting part RG3 is substantially the same as that of the first limiting part RG1. However, the third limiting part RG3 can move parallel to a third axis parallel to the mounting surface M1. The third axis is also a virtual axis, and if the third axis is parallel to the mounting surface M1, it can be an axis extending in any direction. Hereinafter, as an example, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the case where the third axis is parallel to the Y-axis will be explained. In this case, the third limiting part RG3 can move relative to the mounting surface M1 in two directions: A31, which is parallel to the Y-axis and approaches the printing medium mounted on the mounting surface M1, and A32, which is parallel to the Y-axis and opposite to direction A31. Therefore, by moving the third limiting part RG3 parallel to the Y-axis on the mounting surface M1, the user can bring the third limiting part RG3 closer to the printing medium mounted on the mounting surface M1. Here, direction A31 is the opposite of direction A21. In addition, direction A32 is the opposite of direction A22. That is, the third limiting part RG3 can approach the printing medium on the mounting surface M1 from the direction opposite to the second limiting part RG2. Furthermore, direction A31 is an example of a first direction. Direction A32 is an example of a second direction.

[0053] Here, by moving both the second limiting part RG2 and the third limiting part RG3 parallel to the Y-axis on the mounting surface M1, the user can bring both the second limiting part RG2 and the third limiting part RG3 closer to the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1. Therefore, the media mounting unit ST can be a structure having a mechanism (not shown) that, when the second limiting part RG2 is moved, causes the third limiting part RG3 to move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second limiting part RG2 moves by the same amount. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the media mounting unit ST has this mechanism will be described.

[0054] Furthermore, as long as the function of the medium carrier unit ST described in this application is not impaired, some or all of the first restricting parts RG1 to the third restricting parts RG3 may have different structures. Hereinafter, as an example, we will describe the case where all of the first restricting parts RG1 to the third restricting parts RG3 have the same structure. Therefore, we will describe the structure of each of the first restricting parts RG1 to the third restricting parts RG3 using the structure of the first restricting part RG1 as an example.

[0055] Structure of the limiting part

[0056] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 A perspective view of an example of the structure of the first limiting part RG1 shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The side view of the first limiting part RG1 shown.

[0057] The first limiting part RG1 includes a first plate-shaped member M2, a second plate-shaped member M3, a first part F1, a second part F2, and an operating part LV.

[0058] The first plate-shaped member M2 is a plate-shaped member having a plane orthogonal to the first axis. In this example, the first axis is an axis parallel to the X-axis. In this case, the first plate-shaped member M2 is a plate-shaped member having a plane orthogonal to the X-axis. The plane of the first plate-shaped member M2 faces the positive direction of the X-axis, i.e., the front surface side of the printing apparatus 1. Therefore, the plane of the first plate-shaped member M2 faces the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the plane of the first plate-shaped member M2 can be a plane of any shape.

[0059] The second plate-shaped member M3 is a rectangular plate-shaped member parallel to the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the second plate-shaped member M3 is capable of sliding relative to the mounting surface M1. A first plate-shaped member M2 is provided on the second plate-shaped member M3. The first plate-shaped member M2 and the second plate-shaped member M3 can be integrally formed or separately formed. The second plate-shaped member M3 has an opening for the insertion of the first portion F1 (described later) and an opening for the insertion of the second portion F2.

[0060] The first part F1 is an example of one of the two parts of the first limiting part RG1 described above, and is capable of limiting the movement of the first limiting part RG1. The first part F1 is inserted through an opening formed in the second plate-shaped member M3, protruding from the lower surface of the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the first part F1 can engage with a portion of the portion provided in the mounting surface M1 that can engage with the first part F1. When the portion of the portion provided in the portion of the mounting surface M1 that can engage with the first part F1 engages with the first part F1, the movement of the first part F1 on the mounting surface M1 is limited by this portion. Additionally, the first part F1 has a flange FG1 that contacts the upper surface of the second plate-shaped member M3. Therefore, the maximum length by which the first part F1 can protrude from the lower surface of the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1 is predetermined. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example shown, the first part F1 is a convex portion protruding from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, besides being convex, the shape of the first part F1 can be any shape if it is capable of engaging with the mounting surface M1.

[0061] exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6In the example shown, the surface F11 on the A11 side of the end of the convex first portion F1 is orthogonal to the XZ plane and is inclined in a manner that moves away from the mounting surface M1 in the direction A11. Here, the XZ plane is a virtual surface established by the X-axis and Z-axis. On the other hand, in this example, the surface F12 on the A12 side of the end of the convex first portion F1 is orthogonal to the XZ plane and also to the mounting surface M1. That is, in this example, when viewed in the positive direction toward the Y-axis, the shape of the end of the first portion F1 is a sawtooth wave shape with its vertex facing the mounting surface M1. Thus, the dielectric mounting unit ST can restrict the movement of the first limiting part RG1 on the mounting surface M1 by engaging the first portion F1 with the mounting surface M1. However, in the medium loading unit ST, since the end of the first part F1 has a surface F11, by increasing the force applied by the user to the first limiting part RG1, the first limiting part RG1, whose movement is restricted, can move in the direction A11 while the first part F1 is engaged with the loading surface M1. On the other hand, in the medium loading unit ST, since the end of the first part F1 has a surface F12, even if the user increases the force applied to the first limiting part RG1, it is difficult to move the first limiting part RG1 in the direction A12 while the first part F1 is engaged with the loading surface M1.

[0062] In addition, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example shown, the first part F1 is force-applied by the first force-appliing member SP1 in the direction protruding from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. Thus, the medium mounting unit ST can more reliably engage the first part F1 with the mounting surface M1. The first force-appliing member SP1 is, for example, a coil-type spring. Alternatively, the first force-appliing member SP1 can replace the coil-type spring with other members capable of applying force to the first part F1 in the direction protruding from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the first limiting part RG1 may also be structured without the first force-appliing member SP1. In this case, the user, for example, manually causes the first part F1 to protrude from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1, thereby engaging the first part F1 with the mounting surface M1. Additionally, if the first limiting part RG1 does not have the first force-appliing member SP1, the first part F1 may also be structured to protrude from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1 by its own weight.

[0063] Furthermore, the first part F1 can rise relative to the second plate-shaped member M3 according to the user's operation of the operating unit LV. In other words, the first part F1 can change the amount of protrusion from the second plate-shaped member M3 according to the operation. Therefore, the user can switch between the state in which the first part F1 is engaged with the mounting surface M1 and the state in which the first part F1 is not engaged with the mounting surface M1 by operating the operating unit LV.

[0064] The second part F2 is an example of one of the two parts of the first limiting part RG1, capable of informing the user that the position of the first limiting part RG1 on the mounting surface M1 is included within the engagement range, including the position corresponding to a printing medium of a predetermined size. The second part F2 is inserted through an opening formed in the second plate-shaped member M3, protruding from the lower surface of the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the second part F2 can engage with a portion of the portion provided on the mounting surface M1 that can engage with the second part F2. When the second part F2 engages with the portion of the portion provided on the mounting surface M1 that can engage with the second part F2, the second part F2 generates a sound or the like by colliding with that portion, thereby informing the user that the position of the first limiting part RG1 on the mounting surface M1 is included within the engagement range, including the position corresponding to a printing medium of a predetermined size. Additionally, the second part F2 has a flange FG2 that contacts the upper surface of the second plate-shaped member M3. Therefore, the maximum length by which the second part F2 can protrude from the lower surface of the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1 is predetermined. exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example shown, the second part F2 is a convex portion protruding from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, besides being convex, the shape of the second part F2 can be any shape if it is capable of engaging with the mounting surface M1.

[0065] exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6In the example shown, the surface F21 on the A11 side of the end of the convex second portion F2 is orthogonal to the XZ plane and is inclined in a direction away from the mounting surface M1. On the other hand, in this example, the surface F22 on the A12 side of the end of the convex second portion F2 is orthogonal to the XZ plane and is inclined in a direction away from the mounting surface M1. That is, in this example, when viewed in the positive direction of the Y-axis, the shape of the end of the second portion F2 is a triangular wave shape with its vertex facing the mounting surface M1. Therefore, the dielectric mounting unit ST allows the first limiting part RG1 to be easily moved in either direction A11 or direction A12 while the second portion F2 is engaged with the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, surface F22 is an example of a third inclined surface.

[0066] In addition, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example shown, the second part F2 is force-applied by the second force-appliing member SP2 in the direction protruding from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. This allows the medium mounting unit ST to more reliably engage the second part F2 with the mounting surface M1. The second force-appliing member SP2 is, for example, a coil-type spring. Alternatively, the second force-appliing member SP2 can replace the coil-type spring with other members capable of applying force to the second part F2 in the direction protruding from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the first limiting part RG1 may also be structured without the second force-appliing member SP2. In this case, the user, for example, applies force to the second part F2 by manually causing it to protrude from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1 while simultaneously moving the first limiting part RG1. Additionally, if the first limiting part RG1 does not have the second force-appliing member SP2, the second part F2 may also be structured to protrude from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1 by its own weight.

[0067] The operating unit LV is a component that raises the first part F1 relative to the second plate-shaped member M3 based on an operation received from the user. In other words, the operating unit LV is a component that changes the amount of protrusion of the first part F1 from the second plate-shaped member M3 based on an operation received from the user. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6In the example shown, the operating unit LV is a lever with a mechanism for raising the first part F1 relative to the second plate-shaped member M3, and is located on the surface of the first plate-shaped member M2 in the direction A12. For example, if the operating unit LV is operated in a direction closer to the first plate-shaped member M2, the first part F1 will rise relative to the second plate-shaped member M3. Furthermore, for example, since the first part F1 is subjected to force from the second plate-shaped member M3 toward the mounting surface M1 by the first force-applying member SP1, if the user releases their hand, the operating unit LV will move away from the first plate-shaped member M2 without receiving any input from the user, causing the first part F1 to fall relative to the second plate-shaped member M3.

[0068] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 The diagram shows an example of the state of the first part F1 when the operating part LV of the first limiting part RG1 is operated in a direction approaching the first plate-shaped member M2. By comparison... Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be seen that when the operating part LV is operated in this direction, the first part F1 rises relative to the second plate member M3.

[0069] Here, in Figures 5-7 In the example shown, the first part F1 is located further A11 than the second part F2. Therefore, the medium placement unit ST can suppress the first limiting part RG1 from increasing by an amount corresponding to the operation part LV in the negative X-axis direction. Furthermore, the first part F1 can be located either further A12 than the second part F2, or it can be located at a position overlapping the second part F2 when the first limiting part RG1 is viewed in the positive Y-axis direction.

[0070] As described above, the first limiting part RG1 of the structure engages with the mounting surface M1 via two parts, a first part F1 and a second part F2. Hereinafter, the structure of the mounting surface M1, which includes parts capable of engaging with the first part F1 and the second part F2, will be described.

[0071] Structure of the mounting surface

[0072] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The enlarged view shows a portion of the mounting surface M1. Multiple third parts F3 and one or more fourth parts F4 are provided on the mounting surface M1. As follows... Figure 8 As shown, the case where three fourth parts F4 are provided on the mounting surface M1 will be described. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, these three fourth parts F4 will be referred to as fourth part F41, fourth part F42, and fourth part F43 sequentially from the rear surface side to the front surface side of the printing apparatus 1.

[0073] Each of the multiple third parts F3 is an example of a part that can engage with the first part F1. For example, if the first part F1 is a convex shape, the multiple third parts F3 are concave shapes that engage with the first part F1. More specifically, as... Figures 5-7 As shown, when the end of the first part F1 is sawtooth-shaped, the plurality of third parts F3 are sawtooth-shaped portions that engage with the first part F1. Therefore, when the plurality of third parts F3 are engaged with the first part F1 respectively, they restrict the movement of the first limiting part RG1 toward directions A11 and A12. Figure 8 In order to avoid complicating the accompanying drawings, three of the multiple third portions F3 are shown as representatives of each of the multiple third portions F3. The multiple third portions F3 are arranged on the mounting surface M1 in a manner parallel to the direction A11. That is, in this example, the multiple third portions F3 are portions with sawtooth-shaped teeth formed on their surfaces, similar to the rack of a rack and pinion, that engage with the first portion F1. Figure 9 It is a side view of multiple third parts F3 arranged in the direction A11. For example... Figure 9 As shown, when any one of the plurality of third portions F3 arranged in direction A11 engages with the first portion F1, the movement of the first restricting portion RG1 toward both direction A11 and direction A12 is restricted. However, when the user operates the operating portion LV toward the direction approaching the first plate-shaped member M2, the first portion F1 rises relative to the second plate-shaped member M3, thus releasing the engagement between the first portion F1 and the third portion F3. With the engagement between the first portion F1 and the third portion F3 released, the user can move the first restricting portion RG1 toward either direction A11 or direction A12 on the mounting surface M1.

[0074] Such a plurality of third parts F3 are arranged continuously parallel to the direction A11. Furthermore, the distance between adjacent third parts F3 is represented, for example, by the distance between adjacent vertices of the vertices of the teeth of the sawtooth waves of the plurality of third parts F3 arranged toward the direction A11. Figure 9 The vertex PK1 shown is an example of such a sawtooth wave vertex. Additionally, Figure 9The vertex PK2 shown is an example of the vertex of a sawtooth wave adjacent to the tooth of the sawtooth wave with vertex PK1. Furthermore, the distance X1 between vertex PK1 and vertex PK2 in direction A11 is an example of the distance between adjacent third parts F3 among a plurality of third parts F3. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the distance between adjacent third parts F3 among a plurality of third parts F3 will be referred to as the spacing. In other words, the spacing can be described as the distance between adjacent positions of the first part F1 that can engage with the mounting surface M1 on the mounting surface M1. That is, in the medium mounting unit ST, the movement of the first limiting part RG1 can be restricted whenever it is moved parallel to the first axis by a spacing on the mounting surface M1. Therefore, the shorter the spacing, the shorter the distance between the positions that can restrict the movement of the first limiting part RG1. In other words, the shorter the spacing, the more precisely the position of the first limiting part RG1 can be adjusted; the longer the spacing, the less precisely the position of the first limiting part RG1 can be adjusted. In printing media loading units different from the media loading unit ST, the spacing is longer due to the higher precision required for adjusting the position of the first limiting part RG1. As a result, skewing and poor paper feeding sometimes occur when conveying printing media. Printing media loading units different from the media loading unit ST are, for example, conventional printing media loading units.

[0075] Therefore, in the media mounting unit ST, multiple third parts F3 are provided on the mounting surface M1 with a spacing equal to or less than the cutting error of the printing medium. Thus, in the media mounting unit ST, on the mounting surface M1, the first limiting part RG1 can be limited whenever it moves a distance less than or equal to the cutting error of the printing medium parallel to the first axis. Here, the cutting error of the printing medium is defined, for example, in the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) standard as ±1.5mm for cuts with a length (dimension) of 150mm or less, ±2mm for cuts with a length greater than 150mm and less than 600mm, and ±3mm for cuts with a length greater than 600mm. However, for example, the typical cutting error of printing media in Japan is around ±1mm. Thus, the cutting error of the printing medium varies depending on the country, region, and convention. Therefore, the value used as the cutting error of the printing medium for determining the spacing can be determined according to the specifications of each country, the specifications of each region, customs, etc., or it can be determined by its own standard. However, from the viewpoint of improving the versatility of the media mounting unit ST, the smaller the value, the better. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the cutting error of the printing medium is ±1mm will be explained. In addition, hereinafter, as an example, the case where the spacing is 0.5mm will be explained.

[0076] The fourth part F4 is an example of a part that can engage with the second part F2. Furthermore, the fourth part F4 is a portion located on the mounting surface M1 at a position corresponding to a printing medium of a predetermined size. Figure 8 In the example shown, the fourth part F41 is located at a position corresponding to an A4-sized printing medium. Additionally, in this example, the fourth part F42 is located at a position corresponding to a letter-sized printing medium. Furthermore, in this example, the fourth part F43 is located at a position corresponding to a B5-sized printing medium. Moreover, in the case where the media loading unit ST has multiple fourth parts F4, each of these multiple fourth parts F4 is as follows... Figure 8 As shown, they are arranged intermittently towards direction A11. Figure 9 In order to clearly show the relative positions of the multiple third parts F3 and the fourth parts F41 and F42 of the three fourth parts F4, the outlines of the fourth parts F41 and F42 located behind the multiple third parts F3 are shown by dashed lines.

[0077] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The side views of the fourth parts F41 and F42 are shown. The fourth parts F41 through F43 each have the same structure as each other. Therefore, as... Figure 10 As shown, when viewed in the positive direction towards the Y-axis, the fourth parts F41 to F43 each have the same shape. Therefore, the structure of each of the fourth parts F41 to F43 will be described below using the structure of the fourth part F41 as an example. Furthermore, as long as the function of the medium carrier unit ST described in this application is not impaired, the fourth parts F41 to F43 may each have different structures.

[0078] The fourth part F41 is a concave portion extending parallel to direction A11 and capable of being inserted into the second part F2. Furthermore, the length of the fourth part F41 in direction A11 is longer than the length of the second part F2 in direction A11. Therefore, when viewing the mounting surface M1 from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, the position corresponding to the A4-sized printing medium is included in the fourth part F41. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the position corresponding to the A4-sized printing medium will be referred to as the A4-sized position X2. Here, position X2 is the position of the end of the second part F2 when viewing the mounting surface M1 from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, and when the end of the A4-sized printing medium on the direction A12 side of the mounting position of the A4-sized printing medium contacts the first plate-shaped member M2. Additionally, position X3 is the position of the end of the fourth part F41 on the direction A12 side when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive direction toward the Y-axis. Furthermore, position X3 also refers to the position of the end of the second part F2 on the A12 side when the end of the second part F2 is located at a distance greater than or equal to the absolute value X4 of the cutting error of the A4-sized printing medium from position X2 in the A4-size direction toward A12. Hereinafter, as an example, the position of the end of the second part F2 on the A12 side will be explained. Figure 10 In the example shown, the center CTR on direction A11 of the flat surface M41, described later, coincides with the position X2 of dimension A4. Therefore, the length on direction A11 between positions X3 and X2 is the length obtained by adding the absolute value X4 to half the length on direction A11 of the second part F2 when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive direction toward the Y-axis. Additionally, position X6 is the position of the end of the fourth part F41 on the direction A11 side when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive direction toward the Y-axis. Furthermore, position X6 is also the position of a portion of the second part F2 when the end of the second part F2 is located at a distance greater than the absolute value X4 from position X2 towards the direction A11 side. Figure 10 In this example, when the end of the second part F2 is located at a position that deviates from position X2 towards direction A11 by a predetermined length X7 greater than the absolute value X4, position X6 becomes the position of the end of the second part F2. That is, the predetermined length X7 is the length obtained by adding a predetermined length X8 to the absolute value X4. The length X8 can be any length. Figure 10In the example shown, it is approximately six times the absolute value X4, but it is not limited to this. Furthermore, position X6 could also be the position where the end of the second part F2 is located at a distance offset from position X2 towards direction A11 by the absolute value X4. That is, the predetermined length X7 could also be equal to the absolute value X4. With this structure, even when the second part F2 is engaged with the fourth part F41 located at position X2, the movement of the second part F2 towards directions A11 and A12 is not restricted. In other words, without engaging the first part F1 with the third part F3, the user can engage the second part F2 with the fourth part F41, causing the first limiting part RG1 to move towards directions A11 and A12 respectively. The length X9 of the fourth part F41 when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive direction of the Y-axis is an example of an engagement range that includes the position corresponding to the aforementioned predetermined size of the printing medium.

[0079] Furthermore, as described above, the fourth part F41 produces a sound when the second part F2 engages with the fourth part F41. This is because, since the second part F2 is subjected to force towards the mounting surface M1, when the second part F2 engages with the fourth part F41, the second part F2 drops sharply from the mounting surface M1 towards the bottom of the fourth part F41 and collides with the bottom of the fourth part F41. To perform this operation efficiently, the fourth part F41 has a contact surface M4 that contacts the second part F2 when engaged with it. Furthermore, the contact surface M4 is constructed to include a flat surface M41 parallel to the mounting surface M1. This flat surface M41 forms the bottom of the fourth part F41 and creates clearance for the movement of the first limiting part RG1 when the second part F2 engages with the fourth part F41. Figure 10In the example shown, the flat surface M41 is set such that the center CTR on the direction A11 of the flat surface M41 coincides with the position X2 of the A4 size. In this case, with the first limiting part RG1 positioned to restrict the movement of the A4-sized printing medium placed on the mounting position, the end of the second part F2 contacts the center CTR. Thus, since the center CTR coincides with position X2, the media mounting unit ST can engage the second part F2 with the fourth part F41 to finely adjust the position of the first limiting part RG1 even if the size of the printing medium deviates from the A4 size to any other size due to cutting errors. As a result, the media mounting unit ST can precisely restrict the movement of the printing medium by means of the first limiting part RG1. In other words, the media mounting unit ST can allow the movement of the printing medium to be similarly restricted regardless of whether the deviation of the size of the printing medium from the A4 size due to cutting errors is large or small. On the other hand, in this case, when the first limiting part RG1 is positioned to restrict the printing medium placed at this position, and the printing medium is larger than the A4 size due to cutting errors, the end of the second part F2 contacts the position on the contact surface M4 further towards the center CTR at position A12. Therefore, even if the size of the printing medium is larger than the A4 size due to cutting errors, the media loading unit ST can notify the user, via sound or the like, that the fourth part F41 and the second part F2 are engaged, and then allow the user to make a fine adjustment to the position of the first limiting part RG1. That is, the media loading unit ST can prompt the user to make a fine adjustment to the position of the first limiting part RG1 via sound or the like. Furthermore, there is a tendency for users who recognize the A4 size position to not make such a fine adjustment due to habit. Therefore, in order to suppress skewing and poor paper feeding during printing medium delivery, it is also important to prompt the user to make such a fine adjustment via sound or the like.

[0080] exist Figure 10In the example shown, the contact surface M4 includes a first inclined surface M42 connecting the flat surface M41 and the mounting surface M1 in direction A11, a vertical surface M43 extending vertically from the mounting surface M1 toward the contact surface M4, and a second inclined surface M44 connecting the flat surface M41 and the vertical surface M43 in direction A12. Alternatively, the contact surface M4 may be a structure that does not include part or all of the first inclined surface M42, the vertical surface M43, and the second inclined surface M44. For example, if the contact surface M4 does not include the first inclined surface M42, the end of the flat surface M41 on the direction A11 side is connected to the mounting surface M1 via a surface that connects to the mounting surface M1 in a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1. For example, if the contact surface M4 does not include the vertical surface M43, the end of the flat surface M41 on the direction A12 side is connected to the mounting surface M1 via the second inclined surface M44. For example, if the contact surface M4 does not include the second inclined surface M44, the end of the flat surface M41 on the A12 side is connected to the mounting surface M1 via the vertical surface M43. Alternatively, the contact surface M4 may include the first inclined surface M42, the vertical surface M43, and the second inclined surface M44, but not the flat surface M41. In this case, the end of the first inclined surface M42 on the A12 side is connected to the end of the second inclined surface M44 on the A11 side. Furthermore, if the contact surface M4 includes the first inclined surface M42, the vertical surface M43, and the second inclined surface M44, but does not include the flat surface M41, the contact surface M4 may also be a structure that does not include the vertical surface M43.

[0081] like Figure 10As shown, when the contact surface M4 includes a vertical surface M43, the fourth part F41 allows the second part F2 to easily descend from the mounting surface M1 towards the bottom of the fourth part F41. In other words, this means that sound can be easily generated when the second part F2 is engaged with the fourth part F41. Furthermore, when the fourth part F41 includes a first inclined surface M42, the user can release the engagement between the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 by moving the first limiting part RG1 in the direction A11 without separating the first limiting part RG1 from the mounting surface M1 upwards. In this case, the fourth part F41 can change the force required to move the first limiting part RG1 when engaged with the second part F2, and inform the user that the current position of the first limiting part RG1 is within the engagement range, including the position of dimension A4. Furthermore, when the fourth part F41 includes the second inclined surface M44, the user can release the engagement between the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 by moving the first limiting part RG1 toward direction A12 without separating the first limiting part RG1 from the mounting surface M1 upwards. In this case, the fourth part F41 can change the force required to move the first limiting part RG1 while engaged with the second part F2, and inform the user that the current position of the first limiting part RG1 is within the engagement range, including the position of dimension A4.

[0082] With this structure, the fourth part F41 can notify the user, through sound and changes in the force required to move the first limiting part RG1, that the current position of the first limiting part RG1 is within the engagement range, including the position of dimension A4. Furthermore, since this fourth part F41 does not restrict the movement of the second part F2, the first limiting part RG1 can remain engaged with the second part F2 within the engagement range, including the position of dimension A4, and move in directions A11 and A12 respectively. This means that even if the size of the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 differs from the predetermined size due to cutting errors, the movement of the printing medium can be precisely restricted by the first limiting part RG1.

[0083] Here, when viewing the mounting surface M1 from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, while maintaining the engagement of the second part F2 and the fourth part F41, the range within which the first part F1 can move includes two or more of the multiple third parts F3. This is because, as described above, the spacing is a distance less than or equal to the cutting error of the printing medium. Therefore, the user can maintain the engagement of the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 in this situation, thus restricting the movement of the first limiting part RG1 toward directions A11 and A12 at multiple locations. In other words, while the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 are engaged, if one of the multiple third parts F3, F31, engages with the first part F1, the first limiting part RG1 can maintain the engagement of the second part F2 and the fourth part F41, changing the third part F3 engaged with the first part F1 to a third part F32 located next to the third part F31. Therefore, even if the size of the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 differs from the A4 size due to cutting errors, the user can move the first limiting part RG1 to the appropriate position according to the size of the printing medium and restrict the movement of the first limiting part RG1 at that position. As a result, the media loading unit ST can suppress skewing, poor paper feeding, etc., during the transport of A4-sized printing media placed on the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the media loading unit ST is preferably structured such that, when viewing the mounting surface M1 from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, while maintaining the second part F2 in contact with the flat surface M41, it includes two or more third parts F3 within the range where the first part F1 can move. Figure 9 In the example shown, there are more than two third parts F3 within this range. The purpose is to increase the number of positions that restrict the movement of the first limiting part RG1 while keeping the second part F2 in contact with the flat surface M41, and to allow for more precise adjustment of the position that restricts the movement of the first limiting part RG1.

[0084] Regarding the movement of the second part when the second and fourth parts are engaged.

[0085] The movement of the second part F2 when the second part F2 and the fourth part F4 are engaged will be explained below. Figure 11 This is a side view of an example of the first limiting part RG1 on the mounting surface M1, showing the state in which the first part F1 is not engaged with the third part F3 and the second part F2 is not engaged with the fourth part F41. Figure 12 It is Figure 11 An enlarged side view of the area surrounding the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 is shown. However, in Figure 11In order to clearly show the movement of the second part F2, it is depicted as the mounting surface M1 being separated from the second plate-like member M3. Additionally, Figure 11 The position of the first limiting part RG1 shown is further towards direction A12 than the fourth part F41.

[0086] exist Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 In the example shown, since the operating part LV is operated in a manner close to the first plate-shaped member M2, the height of the end of the first part F1 relative to the second plate-shaped member M3 rises to the height of the mounting surface M1. Therefore, the first part F1 does not engage with any of the plurality of third parts F3. In this case, the user can move the first limiting part RG1 in either direction A11 or direction A12. Furthermore, in this example, the second part F2 is located at a position on the mounting surface M1 where the fourth part F4 is not present. Therefore, the end of the second part F2 contacts the mounting surface M1 due to the contraction of the second force-applying member SP2.

[0087] on the other hand, Figure 13 It shows that Figure 11 A side view of an example of the first limiting part RG1 after it has moved to engage with the second part F2 and the fourth part F41. Figure 14 It is Figure 13 An enlarged side view of the area surrounding the second part F2 and the fourth part F41, as shown. Figure 13 In order to clearly show the movement of the second part F2, it is also depicted in a way that the mounting surface M1 is separated from the second plate-shaped member M3.

[0088] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, when viewing the mounting surface M1 from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, during the stage where the end of the second part F2 enters the outline of the fourth part F41, the second part F2 begins to descend towards the bottom of the fourth part F41 by the elastic force based on the second force-applying member SP2. This is because the end of the second part F2 has the aforementioned surfaces F21 and F22, which are sharp. Furthermore, if the second part F2 contacts the bottom of the fourth part F41, a collision sound is generated between the second part F2 and the fourth part F41, indicating that they have engaged. Additionally, at this time, the user holding the first limiting part RG1 feels the vibration generated by this contact. Therefore, the user can know that the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 have engaged without visual confirmation. Furthermore, in Figure 13In the example shown, the user removes their hand from the operating part LV. Therefore, due to the elastic force of the first force-applying member SP1, the operating part LV moves in the direction away from the first plate-shaped member M2 of the first limiting part RG1, and the first part F1 descends and engages with the third part F3. As a result, in this example, the movement of the first limiting part RG1 in both directions A11 and A12 is restricted.

[0089] Here, as described above, when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive direction of the Y-axis, the position of the end of the fourth part F41 on the A12 side is the position of the end of the second part F2 on the A12 side, located at a distance from the position of the A4 size towards the A12 side that deviates from the absolute value of the cutting error of the A4 size printing medium. Therefore, Figure 13 The first plate-shaped member M2 of the first limiting part RG1 shown may, depending on the size of the cutting error, not contact the end of the printing medium placed in the A4-sized mounting position, specifically the end facing direction A12. In this case, the user can perform an operation to bring the operating part LV closer to the first plate-shaped member M2 again, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the first limiting part RG1 can be moved further toward direction A11 while the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 are engaged. As described above, the medium loading unit ST makes a fine adjustment to the position of the first limiting part RG1 to prompt the user to make such a movement, thereby generating a collision sound between the second part F2 and the fourth part F41.

[0090] Figure 15 This shows the state in which the second part F2 and the fourth part F43 are engaged. Figure 13 A side view of an example of the first limiting part RG1 after it has moved further toward direction A11. Figure 16 It is Figure 15 An enlarged side view of the area surrounding the second part F2 and the fourth part F41, as shown. Figure 14 In order to clearly show the movement of the second part F2, it is also depicted in a way that the mounting surface M1 is separated from the second plate-shaped member M3.

[0091] exist Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 In the example shown, with the second part F2 engaged with the fourth part F41, the first limiting part RG1 moves the end of the second part F2 to the end on the A11 side of the flat surface M41 of the fourth part F41. Additionally, in Figure 15In the example shown, the user also removes their hand from the operating part LV. Therefore, the operating part LV moves away from the first plate-shaped member M2 of the first limiting part RG1 by the elastic force of the first force-applying member SP1, and the first part F1 descends and engages with the third part F3. As a result, in this example, the movement of the first limiting part RG1 in both directions A11 and A12 is also restricted. Thus, in the media mounting unit ST, even if the user moves the first limiting part RG1 while the second part F2 is engaged with the fourth part F41, the movement of the first limiting part RG1 relative to the mounting surface M1 can be restricted. The reason for this is that the spacing is below the cutting error of the printing medium and is shorter than the length of the fourth part F41 in direction A11. In other words, the reason is that, when viewing the mounting surface M1 from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, while maintaining the engagement of the second part F2 with the fourth part F41, the range of movement of the first part F1 includes more than two of the multiple third parts F3. Therefore, even if the size of the printing medium placed on the mounting surface M1 differs from the A4 size due to cutting errors, the user can move the first limiting part RG1 to the appropriate position according to the size of the printing medium and restrict the movement of the first limiting part RG1 at that position. That is, the user can make fine adjustments to the position of the first limiting part RG1. As a result, the media mounting unit ST can suppress skewing, poor paper feeding, etc., during the transport of A4-sized printing media placed on the mounting surface M1. Furthermore, the user can make such fine adjustments to the position of the first limiting part RG1 while keeping their hand on the operating part LV, that is, while keeping the first part F1 raised relative to the second plate member M3, or while keeping their hand off the operating part LV, that is, while keeping the first part F1 lower relative to the second plate member M3.

[0092] In addition, Figure 16 In the example shown, in the fourth part F41 described above, the tilt angle θ1 of the first inclined surface M42 relative to the flat surface M41 is smaller than the tilt angle θ2 of the second inclined surface M44 relative to the flat surface M41. That is, θ1 < θ2. Therefore, when the user moves the first limiting part RG1 towards direction A11, the user can move the first limiting part RG1 with a smaller force than the force required to move it towards direction A12. The purpose is to increase the frequency at which the user moves the first limiting part RG1 closer to the printing medium compared to the frequency at which the user moves the first limiting part RG1 away from the printing medium during fine adjustments to its position, thus improving user convenience. Furthermore, the tilt angle of the first inclined surface M42 relative to the flat surface M41 can also be greater than or equal to the tilt angle of the second inclined surface M44 relative to the flat surface M41.

[0093] In addition, Figure 16 In the example shown, excluding deviations caused by manufacturing errors, the tilt angle θ3 of the surface F22 on the A12 side of the end of the second part F2 described above, relative to the flat surface M41, is approximately equal to the tilt angle θ2. Therefore, the medium mounting unit ST can increase the sound generated when the second part F2 and the fourth part F41 are engaged, the vibration felt by the user's hand in that situation, and can achieve a balance between the sound, the vibration, etc., and the load when the second part F2 rises from the flat surface M41 to the mounting surface M1.

[0094] Alternatively, the mounting surface M1 described above may have a marking section indicating predetermined dimensions such as A4 size, letter paper size, and B5 size. Here, the letter paper size position corresponds to the printing medium of that letter paper size. The B5 size position corresponds to the printing medium of that B5 size. The predetermined size position corresponds to the printing medium of that predetermined size. Figure 8 The first mark MK1 shown is an example of a marker indicating the location of an A4 size. Figure 8 The second mark MK2 shown is an example of a marker indicating the location of the letter paper size. Figure 8 The third mark MK3 shown is an example of a marker indicating the position of dimension B5. Thus, the media mounting unit ST can visually confirm whether the size of the printing medium deviates from the predetermined size, thereby enabling the user to make fine adjustments to the position of the first limiting part RG1. Alternatively, the structure may not include some or all of these markers on the mounting surface M1.

[0095] Furthermore, as described above, in this example, the structure of the second restricting part RG2 is the same as that of the first restricting part RG1. In this case, the mounting surface M1 is provided with a plurality of third parts F3 that engage with the first part F1 of the second restricting part RG2, and three fourth parts F4 that engage with the second part F2 of the second restricting part RG2. The plurality of third parts F3 engaging with the first part F1 of the second restricting part RG2 and the three fourth parts F4 engaging with the second part F2 of the second restricting part RG2 are each arranged facing direction A21. Furthermore, the position of the end of the fourth part F4 on the direction A22 side when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1 varies depending on whether the printing medium is positioned in an offset manner or a centrally located manner. In an offset manner, the printing medium is placed on the mounting surface M1 with either the left or right end of the end of the mounting position of the printing medium as a reference, while aligning the end of the printing medium with this reference. The central arrangement is as follows: the printing medium is placed on the mounting surface M1 while aligning the centerline of the mounting surface M1 in the width direction with the centerline of the printing medium in the width direction. Furthermore, the width direction is orthogonal to direction A11. For example, when the printing medium is mounted in an offset manner towards the mounting position, similar to the fourth portion F41 of the first limiting part RG1, the position of the end of the fourth portion F41 on the direction A22 side, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, is a position deviating from the position of dimension A4 towards the direction A22 by a distance greater than or equal to the cutting error of the printing medium. On the other hand, for example, when the printing medium is mounted in a central arrangement towards the mounting position, since the tolerance is distributed left and right, the position of the end of the fourth portion F41 on the direction A22 side, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1, is a position deviating from the position of dimension A4 towards the direction A22 by a distance greater than half the cutting error of the printing medium. Alternatively, the mounting surface M1 may not have a plurality of third portions F3 that engage with the first portion F1 of the second restricting part RG2, nor three fourth portions F4 that engage with the second portion F2 of the second restricting part RG2. In this case, the mounting surface M1 has a plurality of third portions F3 that engage with the first portion F1 of the third restricting part RG3, and three fourth portions F4 that engage with the second portion F2 of the third restricting part RG3. Furthermore, in this case, the second restricting part RG2 differs from the first restricting part RG1 in that it does not have a first portion F1 or a second portion F2.

[0096] Furthermore, as described above, in this example, the structure of the third limiting part RG3 is the same as that of the first limiting part RG1. In this case, the mounting surface M1 is provided with a plurality of third parts F3 that engage with the first part F1 of the third limiting part RG3, and three fourth parts F4 that engage with the second part F2 of the third limiting part RG3. The plurality of third parts F3 engaging with the first part F1 of the third limiting part RG3 and the three fourth parts F4 engaging with the second part F2 of the third limiting part RG3 are each arranged in a direction A31. Furthermore, the position of the end of the fourth part F4 in the direction A32 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface M1 varies depending on whether the printing medium is mounted in an offset or centrally positioned manner towards the mounting position. For example, when the printing medium is placed in an offset manner toward the placement position, similar to the fourth portion F41 of the first limiting part RG1, the position of the end of the fourth portion F41 on the A32 side when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the placement surface M1 is a distance deviating from the position of dimension A4 toward direction A32 by more than half the cutting error of the printing medium. On the other hand, for example, when the printing medium is placed in a centrally positioned manner toward the placement position, since the tolerance is distributed left and right, the position of the end of the fourth portion F41 on the A32 side when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the placement surface M1 is a distance deviating from the position of dimension A4 toward direction A32 by more than half the cutting error of the printing medium. Furthermore, it is also possible to have a structure in which multiple third portions F3 that engage with the first portion F1 of the third limiting part RG3 are not provided on the placement surface M1, and three fourth portions F4 that engage with the second portion F2 of the third limiting part RG3. In this case, the mounting surface M1 is provided with a plurality of third portions F3 that engage with the first portion F1 of the second restricting portion RG2, and three fourth portions F4 that engage with the second portion F2 of the second restricting portion RG2. Furthermore, in this case, the third restricting portion RG3 differs from the first restricting portion RG1 in that it does not have the first portion F1 or the second portion F2.

[0097] Variations of the implementation method

[0098] The following describes variations of the implementation method.

[0099] exist Figure 8 In the shown mounting surface M1, three fourth parts F4 are arranged facing direction A11 on one side of one of the multiple third parts F3. However, as Figure 17 As shown, the fourth part F4 can also be a structure in which multiple third parts F3 are arranged on both sides facing direction A11. Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the structure with mounting surface M1.

[0100] exist Figure 17 In the example shown, on the positive Y-axis side of the plurality of third parts F3, the fourth parts F41, F42, and F43 are arranged in direction A11 as fourth parts F41A, F42A, and F43A, respectively. On the other hand, in this example, on the negative Y-axis side of the plurality of third parts F3, the fourth parts F41, F42, and F43 are arranged in direction A11 as fourth parts F41B, F42B, and F43B, respectively. Here, when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive Y-axis direction, fourth parts F41A and F41B overlap. Furthermore, when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive Y-axis direction, fourth parts F42A and F42B overlap. Additionally, when viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive Y-axis direction, fourth parts F43A and F43B overlap. Therefore, the first limiting part RG1 has a second part F2A that engages with each of the fourth parts F41A, F42A, and F43A, and a second part F2B that engages with each of the fourth parts F41B, F42B, and F43B. This allows the media loading unit ST to increase the sound and vibration generated when the second part F2 engages with the fourth part F4. As a result, the media loading unit ST can more reliably notify the user that the first limiting part RG1 has reached a predetermined position without requiring visual confirmation from the user. Furthermore, in this case, the media loading unit ST can increase the force required to move the first limiting part RG1 when engaged with the second part F2. As a result, the media loading unit ST can more reliably notify the user that the first limiting part RG1 has reached a predetermined position without requiring visual confirmation from the user. Moreover, Figure 17 The relationship between the multiple third parts F3 and the fourth part F4 shown can also be reversed. That is, multiple third parts F3 can also be arranged on both sides of the fourth part F4 arranged in the direction A11.

[0101] Furthermore, as the second force-applying member SP2, the first limiting part RG1 described above can also replace the structure with a coil-type spring, and as... Figure 18 The structure shown employs a leaf spring. Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of a first limiting part RG1 having a leaf spring as a second force-applying member SP2.

[0102] In addition, Figure 8In the example shown, multiple third parts F3 are located at the center of the mounting surface M1 in the width direction. Here, "center" refers to the area including the center, for example, a range at least a few millimeters plus or minus the center. In this case, as... Figure 19 As shown, the first limiting part RG1 can restrict the movement of the printing medium PP at the center of the width direction of the end of the printing medium PP on the A12 side of the end of the printing medium PP placed on the mounting surface M1. Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relative positional relationship between the printing medium PP, placed on the mounting surface M1, and the first limiting part RG1, the second limiting part RG2, and the third limiting part RG3. Figure 19 In the example shown, the first limiting part RG1 restricts the movement of the printing medium PP at its center in the width direction. The reason for this is that, as... Figure 19 As shown, the conveying roller RL of the conveying section CR, which conveys the printing medium PP from the media loading unit ST, is located at the center in the width direction of the end of the printing medium PP on the side of direction A11. In this case, the printing medium PP is conveyed approximately perpendicularly in the conveying direction, i.e., direction A11. The reason for this is that, in this case, the conveying roller RL applies a conveying force in the conveying direction at the center of the printing medium PP in the width direction.

[0103] Here, with multiple third portions F3 positioned at the center of the mounting surface M1 in the width direction, the first portion F1 of the first limiting portion RG1 is also located at the center of the printing medium PP in the width direction. Therefore, the fulcrum of the first limiting portion RG1 is located at the center of the printing medium PP in the width direction, resulting in the suppression of slant in the printing medium PP. Furthermore, in this case, the second portion F2 of the first limiting portion RG1 is located at a position offset in the width direction from the center of the printing medium PP. Furthermore, in... Figure 19 In order to clearly show the relative positions of the first portion F1 and the second portion F2 of the first limiting part RG1 with respect to the printing medium PP, the first portion F1 and the second portion F2 are each shown as quadrilateral objects.

[0104] Furthermore, when the printing medium PP is conveyed approximately vertically in the conveying direction via the conveyor roller RL, it is difficult to apply a torque to the printing medium PP to cause it to rotate around the Z-axis. However, even when such a torque is applied to the printing medium PP, rotation around the Z-axis can be suppressed by the second limiting portion RG2 and the third limiting portion RG3 located on both sides of the printing medium PP in the width direction. As a result, the media loading unit ST can suppress skewing, poor paper feeding, etc., during the conveying of the printing medium PP. Furthermore, in this case, when viewing the loading surface M1 in the positive direction towards the Y-axis, it is desirable for the second limiting portion RG2 and the third limiting portion RG3 to overlap. In this case, it is desirable that multiple third portions F3 and fourth portions F4 for the second limiting portion RG2 and the third limiting portion RG3 are each provided on the loading surface M1, such that the second limiting portion RG2 and the third limiting portion RG3 are located closer to the conveyor roller RL than the first limiting portion RG1. Thus, the media loading unit ST can suppress rotation of the printing medium PP around the Z-axis near the conveyor roller RL. As a result, the media loading unit ST can more reliably suppress skewing, poor paper feeding, and other issues during the transport of printing media PP.

[0105] On the other hand, such as Figure 20 As shown, when the conveyor roller RL is located near the left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the direction A11 side, it is desirable that the first limiting part RG1 is located near the right end of the end of the printing medium PP on the direction A12 side. Figure 20This diagram illustrates another example of the relative positional relationship between the printing medium PP, placed on the mounting surface M1, and the first limiting part RG1, the second limiting part RG2, and the third limiting part RG3. Here, the left end of the end of the printing medium PP in direction A11 is the end in the negative Y-axis direction of the two ends in the width direction of that end. Conversely, the right end of the end of the printing medium PP in direction A12 is the end in the positive Y-axis direction of the two ends in the width direction of that end. This is because when the transport roller RL is near the left end, a torque is applied to the printing medium PP, which would cause it to rotate to the left about the Z-axis when viewed from the negative Z-axis direction towards the mounting surface M1. When the first limiting part RG1 is near the right end, the rotation of the printing medium PP caused by this torque can be suppressed. Similarly, when the conveyor roller RL is located near the left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the A11 side, it is desirable that the second limiting part RG2 be located near the left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the A22 side. The left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the A22 side is the end on the negative X-axis side of the two ends in the conveying direction of that end. Thus, the second limiting part RG2 can suppress the rotation of the printing medium PP caused by this torque. Furthermore, when the conveyor roller RL is located near the left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the A11 side, it is desirable that the third limiting part RG3 be located near the left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the A32 side. The left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the A32 side is the end on the positive X-axis side of the two ends in the conveying direction of that end. Thus, the third limiting part RG3 can suppress the rotation of the printing medium PP caused by this torque. With this structure, even when the conveyor roller RL is located near the left end of the end of the printing medium PP on the A11 side, the media loading unit ST can suppress the printing medium PP from rotating around the Z-axis near the conveyor roller RL. As a result, the media loading unit ST can more reliably suppress skewing, poor paper feeding, and other issues during the transport of the printing medium PP.

[0106] Alternatively, the first part F1 can also be a concave shape. In this case, the multiple third parts F3 are each a convex shape.

[0107] Alternatively, the second part F2 can also be a concave shape. In this case, the fourth part F4 is a convex shape.

[0108] Alternatively, the plurality of third portions F3 can also be structures located on the mounting surface M1 in the case of viewing the mounting surface M1 in the positive direction toward the Y-axis, within a region overlapping with or around the fourth portion F4, but not located outside that region or its periphery. In this case, for example, the region on the mounting surface M1 where the plurality of third portions F3 are arranged has a surface where the third portions F3 are intermittently not provided. This surface is, for example, a flat surface, but is not limited to this.

[0109] Furthermore, the items described above can be combined in any way.

[0110] Furthermore, the combination of the first limiting part RG1 and the mounting surface M1 in the media loading unit ST described above can replace the structure used as a paper feed tray in the printing apparatus 1. This combination can be used in the manual feed path of the printing apparatus, or in the automatic document feeder of a scanner, or in other devices for transporting media. When this combination is used in the automatic document feeder of a scanner, the media placed on the mounting surface M1 of the media loading unit ST can be original documents for image reading, but it is not limited to this.

[0111] Alternatively, the media placement unit ST described above can also be configured as a transport device together with the transport section CR that performs the transport. Then, instead of installing this transport device in the printing apparatus 1, it can be installed in other electronic devices such as scanners that perform various processes using media placed in the media placement unit ST.

[0112] As explained above, the media placement unit ST according to the embodiment includes: a placement surface M1 for placing a printing medium; and a first limiting part RG1, which is movable relative to the placement surface M1 toward a direction A11 approaching the printing medium placed on the placement surface M1 and a direction A12 opposite to the direction A11, respectively, and restricts the movement of the printing medium placed on the placement surface M1 by engaging with the placement surface M1. The first limiting part RG1 has a first portion F1 and a second portion F2, and engages with the placement surface M1 via the first portion F1 and the second portion F2. The placement surface M1 is provided with a fourth portion F41 and a plurality of third portions F3 arranged parallel to the direction A11. Each of the three portions F3 engages with the first portion F1. When the third portion F3 engages with the first portion F1, the movement of the first limiting part RG1 towards directions A11 and A12 is restricted. The fourth portion F41 engages with the second portion F2 and is positioned at the A4 dimension. When the second portion F2 engages with the fourth portion F41, and the third portion F31 of the plurality of third portions F3 engages with the first portion F1, the first limiting part RG1 can maintain the engagement of the second portion F2 with the fourth portion F41 while changing the third portion F3 engaged with the first portion F1 to the third portion F32 located next to the third portion F31 among the plurality of third portions F3. Therefore, the media loading unit ST can suppress skewing, poor paper feeding, and other issues during the transport of an A4-sized printing medium placed on the loading surface M1.

[0113] Postscript

[0114] [1] A medium placement unit includes: a placement surface, a medium for placement; and a limiting portion, which is movable relative to the placement surface toward a first direction approaching the medium placed on the placement surface and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and restricts the movement of the medium placed on the placement surface by engaging with the placement surface. The limiting portion has a first portion and a second portion, and is movable relative to the placement surface via at least one of the first portion and the second portion. The placement surface has a fourth portion and a plurality of third portions arranged parallel to the first direction, the plurality of third portions being respectively movable relative to the medium placed on the placement surface. The first part engages, and when the third part engages with the first part, the movement of the limiting part toward the first direction and the second direction is restricted. The fourth part can engage with the second part and is positioned at a position corresponding to a medium of a predetermined size. When the second part engages with the fourth part, and when one of the plurality of third parts engages with the first part, the limiting part can maintain the state in which the second part engages with the fourth part and change the third part engaged with the first part to the third part adjacent to the first third part among the plurality of third parts.

[0115] [2] According to the printing medium placement unit of [1], the first part and the second part are convex-shaped parts protruding toward the placement surface, the plurality of third parts are each concave-shaped parts that fit into the convex first part, and the fourth part is a concave-shaped part that extends parallel to the first direction and is capable of being inserted into the second part.

[0116] [3] According to the printing medium placement unit of [1] or [2], wherein the distance between adjacent third portions of the plurality of third portions is less than or equal to the cutting error of the medium.

[0117] [4] The printing medium mounting unit according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the length of the fourth part in the first direction is longer than the length of the second part in the first direction, and when the mounting surface is viewed from a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface, while keeping the second part engaged with the fourth part, the first part is capable of moving within a range including two or more of the plurality of third parts.

[0118] [5] According to the printing medium placement unit of [4], the fourth part has a contact surface that contacts the second part when engaged with the second part, the contact surface including a flat surface parallel to the placement surface, and when the placement surface is viewed from a direction orthogonal to the placement surface, the second part is kept in contact with the flat surface, and the first part is within a range that can move, including the two or more third parts.

[0119] [6] According to the medium placement unit of [5], the contact surface includes a first inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the placement surface in the first direction and a second inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the placement surface in the second direction, wherein the inclination angle of the first inclined surface relative to the flat surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the flat surface.

[0120] [7] According to the printing medium placement unit of [5], wherein the second part is a convex shape portion protruding toward the placement surface, and the surface in the second direction of the end of the convex second part is a third inclined surface that is inclined away from the placement surface in the second direction, the contact surface includes a first inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the placement surface in the first direction, a vertical surface extending vertically from the placement surface toward the contact surface, and a second inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the vertical surface in the second direction, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface relative to the flat surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the flat surface, and the inclination angle of the third inclined surface relative to the flat surface is approximately equal to the inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the flat surface.

[0121] [8] The printing medium placement unit according to any one of [5] to [7], wherein, when the limiting portion is positioned to restrict the movement of the medium of the predetermined size, the end of the second portion contacts the center of the flat surface in the first direction.

[0122] [9] The printing medium placement unit according to any one of [5] to [8], wherein, when the limiting portion is positioned to limit a medium that is larger than the predetermined size due to cutting error, the end of the second portion contacts a position on the contact surface that is closer to the second direction side than the center of the first direction of the flat surface.

[0123]

[10] A printing medium mounting unit according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the first portion and the second portion are convex-shaped portions protruding toward the mounting surface, the surface in the first direction of the end of the convex first portion is inclined in a manner that moves away from the mounting surface in the first direction, the surface in the second direction of the end of the convex first portion is orthogonal to the mounting surface, the surface in the first direction of the end of the convex second portion is a third inclined surface that moves away from the mounting surface in the first direction, and the surface in the second direction of the end of the convex second portion is a fourth inclined surface that moves away from the mounting surface in the second direction.

[0124]

[11] The printing medium mounting unit according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the mounting surface has a marking portion indicating the position corresponding to the medium of the predetermined size.

[0125]

[12] The printing medium placement unit according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is subjected to force in a direction protruding toward the placement surface.

[0126]

[13] The printing medium placement unit according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the limiting part has an operating part that changes the amount of protrusion of the first part according to the accepted operation.

[0127]

[14] According to the printing medium placement unit of

[13] , the first portion is located further in the first direction than the second portion.

[0128]

[15] The printing medium placement unit according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the printing medium placement unit further comprises a housing that houses the medium placed on the placement surface as a printing medium, and the printing medium placement unit is detachable from the printing apparatus for printing the printing medium.

[0129]

[16] A conveying device comprising: a medium placement unit as described in any one of [1] to

[14] ; and a conveying unit for conveying the medium placed on the placement surface of the medium placement unit along a conveying direction, wherein the first direction is the conveying direction.

[0130]

[17] According to the conveying device of

[16] , the conveying part applies a conveying force to the center of the medium in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction, the first part is located at the center of the medium in the width direction, and the second part is located at a position offset from the center of the medium in the width direction towards the width direction.

[0131]

[18] A conveying device comprising: a medium placement unit as described in any one of [1] to

[14] ; and a conveying unit for conveying the medium placed on the placement surface of the medium placement unit along a conveying direction, wherein the first direction is a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

[0132]

[19] A printing apparatus comprising: a medium placement unit as described in any one of [1] to

[14] ; a conveying unit for conveying the medium placed on the placement surface of the medium placement unit as a printing medium; and a printing unit for printing the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit.

[0133] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of this application, changes, substitutions, deletions, etc., can be made.

Claims

1. A medium placement unit characterized by comprising: a placement surface on which a medium is placed; and a restriction portion that is movable relative to the placement surface in a first direction toward the medium placed on the placement surface and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and restricts movement of the medium placed on the placement surface by engaging with the placement surface, the restriction portion has a first portion and a second portion, the restriction portion is capable of engaging with the placement surface via at least one of the first portion and the second portion, a fourth portion and a plurality of third portions arranged in parallel with the first direction are provided on the placement surface, the first portion is capable of engaging with each of the plurality of third portions, in a case where the first portion and the third portion are engaged, movement of the restriction portion in the first direction and the second direction is restricted, the second portion is capable of engaging with the fourth portion, the fourth portion is provided at a position corresponding to a medium of a predetermined size, in a state where the second portion and the fourth portion are engaged, in a case where the first portion and the third portion are engaged, the restriction portion is capable of changing the third portion engaged with the first portion while maintaining the state where the second portion and the fourth portion are engaged, the fourth portion has a contact surface that contacts the second portion in a state where the second portion is engaged, the contact surface includes a flat surface parallel with the placement surface, a first inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the placement surface in the first direction, and a second inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the placement surface in the second direction, in a case where the placement surface is viewed from a direction orthogonal to the placement surface, two or more of the third portions are included in a range where the first portion is movable while maintaining a state where the second portion contacts the flat surface, an inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the flat surface is smaller than an inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the flat surface.

2. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, in a state where the second portion and the fourth portion are engaged, in a case where the first portion and one of the plurality of third portions are engaged, the restriction portion is capable of changing the third portion engaged with the first portion to a third portion adjacent to the one of the plurality of third portions while maintaining the state where the second portion and the fourth portion are engaged.

3. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first portion and the second portion are convex portions that protrude toward the placement surface, each of the plurality of third portions is a concave portion that fits with the convex first portion, the fourth portion is a concave portion that extends in parallel with the first direction and into which the second portion is capable of being inserted.

4. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, a distance between adjacent third portions of the plurality of third portions is equal to or less than a cutting error of the medium. ​ 5. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein a length of the first portion in the first direction is longer than a length of the second portion in the first direction.

6. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is a convex-shaped portion that protrudes toward the placement surface, an end of the convex-shaped second portion has a surface in the second direction that is a third inclined surface inclined away from the placement surface toward the second direction, the contact surface further includes a vertical surface that extends vertically from the placement surface, the second inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the vertical surface toward the second direction, an inclination angle of the third inclined surface with respect to the flat surface is equal to an inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the flat surface.

7. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein, in a case where the restriction portion is located at a position that restricts movement of the predetermined-size medium, an end of the second portion is in contact with a center of the flat surface in the first direction.

8. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein, in a case where the restriction portion is located at a position that restricts a medium that is larger than the predetermined-size medium due to a cutting error, an end of the second portion is in contact with a position on the contact surface that is closer to the second direction than a center of the flat surface in the first direction.

9. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are convex-shaped portions that protrude toward the placement surface, an end of the convex-shaped first portion has a surface in the first direction that is a surface inclined away from the placement surface toward the first direction, an end of the convex-shaped first portion has a surface in the second direction that is a surface orthogonal to the placement surface, an end of the convex-shaped second portion has a surface in the first direction that is a third inclined surface inclined away from the placement surface toward the first direction, an end of the convex-shaped second portion has a surface in the second direction that is a fourth inclined surface inclined away from the placement surface toward the second direction.

10. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein the placement surface has an indicator that indicates a position corresponding to the predetermined-size medium.

11. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is urged in a direction toward protrusion toward the placement surface.

12. The medium placement unit according to claim 1, wherein the restriction portion has an operation portion that changes a protrusion amount of the first portion in accordance with an operation received.

13. The medium placement unit according to claim 12, wherein the first portion is located closer to the first direction than the second portion. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 14. The medium placing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the medium placing unit further includes a housing that houses the medium placed on the placing surface as a print medium, the medium placing unit is detachable with respect to a printing device that performs printing on the print medium.

15. A delivery device characterized by, including: the medium placing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and a conveying section that conveys the medium placed on the placing surface of the medium placing unit in a conveying direction, the first direction is the conveying direction.

16. The conveying device according to claim 15, wherein the conveying section imparts a conveying force to a center of the medium in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction, the first section is located at the center of the medium in the width direction, the second section is located at a position deviated from the center of the medium in the width direction.

17. A delivery device characterized by, including: the medium placing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and a conveying section that conveys the medium placed on the placing surface of the medium placing unit in a conveying direction, the first direction is a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

18. A printing device characterized by comprising: including: the medium placing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a conveying section that conveys the medium placed on the placing surface of the medium placing unit as a print medium; and a printing section that performs printing on the print medium conveyed by the conveying section.

Images