Medium feeding device and recording device

Abstract

The present application provides a medium feeding device and a recording device capable of realizing space saving in the device. The medium feeding device includes: a storage section that stores a medium; a feeding section that feeds the medium stored in the storage section; a conveying roller that conveys the medium fed by the feeding section; a separation section that holds the medium together with the conveying roller and separates the medium; a lifting section that lifts the storage section; and a control section that controls the lifting section. The feeding section is lifted by abutting against the medium stored in the storage section in conjunction with lifting of the storage section by the lifting section. The control section lifts the storage section in a manner that the feeding section is disposed at a first position in a first state. The control section lifts the storage section in a manner that the feeding section is disposed at a second position that is upward of the first position in a second state in which it is inferred that a wear amount of the conveying roller is larger than in the first state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media feeding device and a recording device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet feeding device comprising a guide sheet and a position changing mechanism, wherein the guide sheet guides the tip of the sheet fed by the pick-up roller toward the feed roller, and the position changing mechanism moves the guide sheet in a manner of contacting and separating relative to the feed roller. In a sheet feeding device that is an example of a media feeding device, the guide sheet is disposed between the pick-up roller and the feed roller. Therefore, the position changing mechanism is disposed near the feed roller. Thus, the guide sheet can properly guide the sheet fed by the pick-up roller to the feed roller.

[0003] However, such a media feeding device requires space for a mechanism to change the position of the guide sheet. Therefore, space saving is desired.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-45242 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A media feeding device for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a loading section for loading media; a feeding section for feeding media loaded on the loading section; a conveying roller for conveying media fed through the feeding section; a separating section for clamping and separating media together with the conveying roller; a lifting section for lifting the loading section; and a control section for controlling the lifting section. The feeding section rises by contacting the media loaded on the loading section with the lifting section, and the control section, in a first state, raises the loading section by positioning the feeding section at a first position, and in a second state, raises the loading section by positioning the feeding section at a second position higher than the first position, wherein the second state is a state in which the wear of the conveying roller is presumed to be greater than that in the first state.

[0006] A recording apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: an accumulation section for accumulating a medium; a feeding section for feeding the medium accumulated on the accumulation section; a conveying roller for conveying the medium fed through the feeding section; a separating section for clamping and separating the medium together with the conveying roller; a lifting section for lifting the accumulation section; a recording section for recording the medium conveyed through the conveying roller; and a control section for controlling the recording section and the lifting section. The feeding section rises by contacting the medium accumulated on the accumulation section with the rising of the accumulation section carried out by the lifting section. In a first state, the control section raises the accumulation section by positioning the feeding section at a first position, and in a second state, it raises the accumulation section by positioning the feeding section at a second position higher than the first position. The second state is a state in which the wear of the conveying roller is presumed to be greater than that in the first state. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the medium feeding device of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the position adjustment control process of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the medium feeding device of the second embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the position adjustment control process of the third embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the position adjustment control process of the fourth embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the position adjustment control process of the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0014] First Implementation Method Hereinafter, an embodiment of the media feeding device and the recording device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the direction of gravity is represented by the Z-axis, which indicates that the recording device is placed on a horizontal plane. The directions along the horizontal plane are represented by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis intersect each other. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis will be represented as the width direction X. The direction along the Y-axis will be represented as the depth direction Y. The direction parallel to the Z-axis will be represented as the vertical direction Z. In the following description, when viewed from the front of the recording device, the near-front side will be represented as the front, and the depth side will be represented as the rear.

[0015] Structure of recording device 11 like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 is configured to record images on the medium 99. The recording device 11 may also be an inkjet printer that ejects ink, as an example of a liquid, onto the medium 99, such as paper, to perform recording.

[0016] The recording device 11 includes a media feeding device 12, a conveying unit 13, and a recording unit 14. The recording device 11 may also include a stacker 15 and an operation panel 16. The recording device 11 includes a control unit 17.

[0017] The media feeding device 12 is capable of collecting the media 99. The media feeding device 12 is configured to feed the collected media 99 to the conveying unit 13. The media feeding device 12 is configured to feed the uppermost media 99 to the conveying unit 13 one sheet at a time.

[0018] The conveying unit 13 conveys the medium 99. The conveying unit 13 conveys the medium 99 fed from the medium feeding device 12 along the conveying path 18. Figure 1 In the diagram, a dashed line is used to represent the conveying path 18. The conveying path 18 is the path connecting the medium feeding device 12 and the stacker 15. The conveying unit 13 conveys the medium 99 in the conveying direction Dc. The conveying direction Dc is the direction along the conveying path 18.

[0019] The conveying unit 13 transports the medium 99 fed from the medium feeding device 12 to the recording position along the recording unit 14. The conveying unit 13 transports the medium 99, which has been recorded by the recording unit 14, from the recording position along the conveying path 18 and discharges it to the stacker 15. The stacker 15 receives the transported medium 99.

[0020] The conveying unit 13 includes one or more drive rollers 30. The drive rollers 30 convey the medium 99 along the conveying path 18. The drive rollers 30 rotate according to the driving force from a roller drive unit (not shown) and convey the medium 99 along the conveying path 18. The roller drive unit may also be an electric motor.

[0021] The conveying unit 13 may also include a conveyor belt 33 and a pair of pulleys 34. The conveyor belt 33 may also be a seamless belt. The conveyor belt 33 is mounted on the pair of pulleys 34. The conveyor belt 33 is positioned opposite the recording unit 14 across the conveying path 18. The conveyor belt 33 supports a portion of the medium 99 in a flat state. The conveyor belt 33 conveys the medium 99 by rotating while adsorbing the medium 99.

[0022] The recording unit 14 records the medium 99 being transported by the transport unit 13. The recording unit 14 may also have multiple nozzles 40. The recording unit 14 may also have a nozzle surface 41. Multiple nozzles 40 are opened on the nozzle surface 41. The multiple nozzles 40 spray liquid. Although the recording unit 14 is arranged with the nozzle surface 41 inclined relative to the horizontal plane, it may also be arranged with the nozzle surface 41 horizontal.

[0023] The recording unit 14 records data on the medium 99 by spraying liquid onto the medium 99 supported by the conveyor belt 33. The recording unit 14 can also be a line-type unit. In the line-type unit, liquid is sprayed onto the conveyed medium 99 when the recording unit 14 is stopped. The recording unit 14 can also be a serial type unit. In the serial type unit, liquid is sprayed while the recording unit 14 is moving.

[0024] The operation panel 16 includes a display section and an operation section. The display section is configured to display information. The operation section allows input of user-issued instructions. The operation section can be either a button or a touch panel.

[0025] The control unit 17 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording device 11. The control unit 17 controls various actions performed using the recording device 11. For example, the control unit 17 controls the recording unit 14. The media feeding device 12 may also include the control unit 17.

[0026] The control unit 17 can be configured as a circuit, which includes: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a portion of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory), which store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes all readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0027] Structure of the medium feeding device 12 The media feeding device 12 may also include a housing 20. The housing 20 is capable of storing media 99. The housing 20 may also be capable of storing multiple media 99 in a stacked state. The housing 20 may also be capable of sliding relative to the media feeding device 12.

[0028] Box 20 may also have a base plate 20a and a side wall 20b. The side wall 20b is provided around the base plate 20a in a manner that protrudes upward from the base plate 20a.

[0029] The box 20 may also include a guide section 20c. The guide section 20c may also be provided at the upper end of the side wall section 20b. The guide section 20c has a guide surface that guides the medium 99 fed by the feed roller 23a (described later) to the separation section 26. The guide surface may also be a surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0030] The cartridge 20 includes an accumulation section 21. That is, the media feeding device 12 includes an accumulation section 21. The recording device 11 also includes an accumulation section 21. The accumulation section 21 is mounted on the base plate 20a. The accumulation section 21 is capable of accumulating the media 99. The accumulation section 21, together with the base plate 20a, can accumulate the media 99.

[0031] The stacking section 21 is capable of rotating about the rotation axis AL. The rotation axis AL is an axis along the depth direction Y. The rotation axis AL is an axis that intersects the feed direction FD of the medium 99, which will be described later, and the vertical direction Z.

[0032] The media feeding device 12 includes a lifting section 22. That is, the recording device 11 includes a lifting section 22. The lifting section 22 transmits driving force to the stacking section 21 via a power transmission section (not shown). The lifting section 22 raises and lowers the top end of the stacking section 21 by transmitting driving force to it. The top end of the stacking section 21 is the end on the separating roller 26a side, which will be described later, among the ends of the stacking section 21. In other words, the lifting section 22 raises and lowers the stacking section 21 by transmitting driving force to it. The lifting section 22 is controlled by a control section 17. That is, the control section 17 controls the lifting section 22.

[0033] In particular, the lifting unit 22 causes the stacking unit 21 to rise and fall by rotating it around the rotation axis AL. Thus, the stacking unit 21 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis AL by transmitting driving force from the lifting unit 22. The stacking unit 21 can rise and fall in the vertical direction Z. The lifting unit 22 causes the stacking unit 21 to rise and fall at a predetermined speed.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the media feeding device 12 includes a feeding section 23. The feeding section 23 feeds the media 99 stored in the box 20 one sheet at a time onto the transport path 18. The feeding section 23 also feeds the media 99 accumulated on the stacking section 21 one sheet at a time onto the transport path 18. The feeding section 23 feeds the media 99 one sheet at a time in the feeding direction FD. The feeding direction FD can also be a direction that is inclined upward relative to the width direction X.

[0035] The feeding unit 23 may also include a feeding roller 23a and an arm 23b. The feeding roller 23a is supported at the top end of the arm 23b in a rotatable manner. The arm 23b is rotatable about a rotation axis at its base end (not shown). The rotation axis of the arm 23b is an axis along the depth direction Y. In this way, the feeding unit 23 can oscillate in the vertical direction Z.

[0036] The feed roller 23a comes into contact with the uppermost medium 99 that is accumulated on the accumulation section 21. The feed roller 23a rises along with the accumulation section 21 by coming into contact with the uppermost medium 99 that is accumulated on the accumulation section 21.

[0037] The medium feeding device 12 may also include a detection unit 24. The detection unit 24 detects the position of the feeding unit 23. The detection unit 24 detects when the feeding unit 23 rises to the detection position DP. The detection unit 24 may be an optical sensor, but it may also be a contact sensor.

[0038] The feed unit 23 is initially positioned at an initial position (not shown). This initial position is lower than the detection position DP. The feed unit 23 is raised via the stacking unit 21 implemented by the lifting unit 22, allowing it to be positioned at a first position P1, a second position P2, and a third position P3. The first position P1 is higher than the detection position DP. The second position P2 is higher than the first position P1. The third position P3 is higher than the second position P2.

[0039] The media feeding device 12 includes a conveying roller 25 and a separating section 26. That is, the recording device 11 includes a conveying roller 25 and a separating section 26. The conveying roller 25 is positioned downstream of the feeding section 23 along the conveying path 18. The conveying roller 25 is capable of rotating about a rotation axis along the depth direction Y. The conveying roller 25 conveys the media 99 along the conveying path 18 by rotating in a state where it holds the media 99 fed by the media feeding device 12 between itself and the separating section 26. The conveying roller 25 can also be made of an elastic material, such as a rubber roller.

[0040] The separating section 26 is located downstream of the feeding section 23 on the conveying path 18. The separating section 26 is positioned relative to the conveying roller 25, separated by the conveying path 18. The separating section 26 is subjected to force on the conveying roller 25 by a force-applying part (not shown). The separating section 26 is capable of rotating about a rotation axis along the depth direction Y.

[0041] The separating section 26 may also include a separating roller 26a and a rotating shaft 26b. The separating roller 26a may also be an elastic material, such as a rubber roller. The rotating shaft 26b extends along the depth direction Y.

[0042] The separating section 26 separates the fed media 99 sheets one by one in an overlapping state. The separating section 26, together with the conveyor roller 25, clamps the media 99 to separate them. The separating section 26 blocks media 99 sheets from the second sheet onwards in the cartridge 20. The separating section 26 is a rotating body capable of being driven by the conveyor roller 25, and of being stopped or reversed relative to the conveyor roller 25.

[0043] The conveying roller 25 and the separating roller 26a are capable of clamping the medium 99 at the clamping position HP. The clamping position HP is the position where the medium 99 is clamped by the separating section 26 and the conveying roller 25. Clamping refers to the clamping of the medium 99 in the thickness direction.

[0044] The conveying roller 25 contacts the first surface 99a of the medium 99, thereby conveying the medium 99 in the feeding direction FD. The conveying roller 25 conveys the medium 99 by rotating in a state where it is clamped between itself and the separating roller 26a. The conveying roller 25 can rotate in the forward rotation direction R1 about the rotation axis 26b. The forward rotation direction R1 is the direction in which the medium 99 is fed in the feeding direction FD.

[0045] The separating roller 26a is in contact with the second surface 99b of the medium 99. The separating roller 26a can rotate about the rotation axis 26b in both the reverse direction R2 and the forward direction R3. The forward direction R3 is the direction that feeds the medium 99 in the feed direction FD. The reverse direction R2 is the opposite direction to the forward direction R3. The separating roller 26a is not fixed to the rotation axis 26b. Therefore, the separating roller 26a can rotate in a sliding manner relative to the rotation axis 26b.

[0046] The medium feeding device 12 may also include a drive unit 27 and a torque limiter 28. The drive unit 27 can transmit power to the separation unit 26 via the torque limiter 28. The drive unit 27 may also be an electric motor.

[0047] The drive unit 27 rotates the conveyor roller 25 in the forward direction R1. Specifically, the drive unit 27 rotates the rotating shaft 26b in the forward direction R1. The drive unit 27 also rotates the separating roller 26a in the reverse direction R2. Specifically, the drive unit 27 rotates the rotating shaft 26b in the reverse direction R2. On the other hand, when the separating roller 26a is in contact with the rotating conveyor roller 25, the separating roller 26a rotates in the forward direction R3 driven by the conveyor roller 25.

[0048] The torque limiter 28 switches the transmission of driving force to the separating roller 26a. The torque limiter 28 can apply a rotational load to the separating roller 26a even when the rotation directions of the separating roller 26a and the rotating shaft 26b are different. That is, when the rotating shaft 26b rotates in the reverse direction R2 and the separating roller 26a rotates in the forward direction R3, the torque limiter 28 can still apply a rotational load to the separating roller 26a. Conversely, the torque limiter 28 can also not apply a rotational load to the separating roller 26a when the rotation directions of the separating roller 26a and the rotating shaft 26b are the same. That is, when both the rotating shaft 26b and the separating roller 26a rotate in the reverse direction R2, the torque limiter 28 can also not apply a rotational load to the separating roller 26a.

[0049] Position adjustment control processing Reference Figure 3The position adjustment control process will now be explained. Although the position adjustment control process is executed by the control unit 17 when a recording start instruction is input, it can also be executed by the control unit 17 each time the medium 99 is fed.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S11, the control unit 17 performs a paper throughput acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 17 acquires the number of sheets of medium 99 that have been conveyed by the conveyor roller 25 as the paper throughput. That is, the paper throughput is the number of sheets of medium 99 that have been conveyed by the conveyor roller 25. The paper throughput can also be reset if the conveyor roller 25 is replaced.

[0051] In a process different from position adjustment control, the control unit 17 may also count the number of sheets of paper passed for each printed medium 99 based on a record start indication. Alternatively, the control unit 17 may count the number of sheets of paper passed based on the result of detection of the medium 99 transported by the transport unit 13 via a sensor (not shown).

[0052] In step S12, the control unit 17 determines whether the number of sheets of paper passing through is greater than or equal to the first number. In this process, if the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets of paper passing through is less than the first number, it determines that it is in the first state. The first state is the state in which it is inferred that the medium 99 is being normally fed to the clamping position HP by the feed unit 23. The first number of sheets may, for example, be 50,000 sheets.

[0053] If the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets of paper passing through is greater than the first number, the process moves to step S14. If the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets of paper passing through is less than the first number, the process moves to step S13.

[0054] In step S14, the control unit 17 determines whether the number of sheets of paper passed is greater than or equal to the second number. If the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets of paper passed is greater than or equal to the first number but less than the second number, it determines that the system is in a second state. The second state is inferred to be a state where the medium 99 has not been properly fed to the clamping position HP by the feed unit 23 compared to the first state. The second state is also inferred to be a state where the wear of the conveyor roller 25 is greater compared to the first state. The second number of sheets could, for example, be 100,000 sheets.

[0055] If the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets of paper passing through is more than the second number, it determines that the system is in a third state. The third state is inferred to be a state in which the medium 99 has not been properly fed to the clamping position HP by the feed unit 23 compared to the second state. The third state is inferred to be a state in which the wear of the conveyor rollers is greater compared to the second state.

[0056] If the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets of paper passing through is less than the second number, the process is transferred to step S15. If the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets of paper passing through is more than the second number, the process is transferred to step S16.

[0057] In step S13, the control unit 17 performs a first time setting process. In this process, the control unit 17 sets the first time to a rise time counter. The rise time counter is the time from when the feed unit 23 is positioned at the detection position DP and the lifting unit 22 causes the stacking unit 21 to rise. The rise time counter may also be allocated to a memory.

[0058] In step S15, the control unit 17 performs a second time setting process. In this process, the control unit 17 sets the second time to the rise time counter. The second time is a longer time compared to the first time.

[0059] In step S16, the control unit 17 performs a third time setting process. In this process, the control unit 17 sets the third time to the rise time counter. The third time is a longer time compared to the second time.

[0060] In step S17, the control unit 17 performs a lifting process. In this process, the control unit 17 obtains the set time as the time set to the lifting time counter in any of the steps S13, S15, and S16. The control unit 17 controls the lifting unit 22 to raise the stacking unit 21 at a predetermined speed.

[0061] In step S18, the control unit 17 checks whether a set time has elapsed since reaching the detection position DP. The control unit 17 determines whether the feed unit 23 has reached the detection position DP based on the detection signal from the detection unit 24. If the control unit 17 determines that the feed unit 23 has reached the detection position DP, it uses a rise time counter to determine whether the set time has elapsed. Alternatively, the control unit 17 may start a subtraction operation on the rise time counter when it determines that the feed unit 23 has reached the detection position DP, and determine that the set time has elapsed when the value of the rise time counter becomes 0.

[0062] If the control unit 17 determines that a set time has elapsed since reaching the detection position DP, it terminates the position adjustment control process. If the control unit 17 determines that no set time has elapsed since reaching the detection position DP, it transfers the process back to step S17.

[0063] Thus, when the first time is set to the rise time indicator, in the first state, the control unit 17 detects from the detection unit 24 that the feed unit 23 has risen to the detection position DP until the first time has elapsed, and causes the stacking unit 21 to rise. Therefore, in the first state, the control unit 17 causes the stacking unit 21 to rise by positioning the feed unit 23 at the first position P1.

[0064] When the second time is set to the rise time indicator, in the second state, the control unit 17 detects from the detection unit 24 that the feed unit 23 has risen to the detection position DP until the second time has elapsed, and causes the stacking unit 21 to rise. Thus, in the second state, the control unit 17 causes the stacking unit 21 to rise by positioning the feed unit 23 at the second position P2.

[0065] When the third time is set to the rise time indicator, the control unit 17, in the third state, raises the stacking section 21 from the time the feed section 23 is detected by the detection unit 24 to the detection position DP until the third time has elapsed. Thus, in the third state, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feed section 23 at the third position P3.

[0066] Thus, after adjusting the position of the feeding unit 23 in the position adjustment control process, the control unit 17 rotates the feeding roller 23a. As a result, the control unit 17 feeds the medium 99 such that the top tip of the uppermost medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation unit 21 is facing the clamping position HP.

[0067] The function and effects of the first implementation method The function and effects of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0068] (1-1) In the first state, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at the first position P1. In the second state, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at the second position P2.

[0069] According to this structure, in the second state, the feeding position of the medium 99 can be adjusted by raising the stacking section 21. Therefore, even without providing a separate structure for adjusting the feeding position of the medium 99 other than the lifting section 22, the medium 99 can be appropriately fed to the conveying roller 25 and the separating section 26. Thus, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0070] (1-2) When the number of sheets of medium 99 conveyed by the conveyor roller 25 is greater than or equal to the first number, the control unit 17 determines that it is in the second state. With this structure, even without a new structure for actually measuring the wear of the conveyor roller 25, the wear of the conveyor roller 25 can be inferred based on the number of sheets of medium 99 conveyed by the conveyor roller 25. Therefore, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0071] (1-3) In the first state, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by detecting from the detection unit 24 that the feeder 23 has risen to the detection position DP for a first time interval, thereby positioning the feeder 23 at the first position P1. In the second state, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by detecting from the detection unit 24 that the feeder 23 has risen to the detection position DP for a second time interval, thereby positioning the feeder 23 at the second position P2.

[0072] According to this structure, even without providing a separate structure for detecting whether the feed unit 23 has reached the first position P1 or the second position P2, other than the detection unit 24, the feed unit 23 can still be raised to the first position P1 or the second position P2. Specifically, the control unit 17 can raise the stacking unit 21 based on the elapsed time from when the feed unit 23 rises to the detection position DP until the stacking unit 21 rises, thereby raising the feed unit 23 to the first position P1 or the second position P2. Therefore, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0073] (1-4) The separation section 26 is a rotating body capable of being driven by the conveying roller 25, and of being stopped or reversed relative to the conveying roller 25. With this structure, the conveying of the fed medium 99 and the separation of multiple conveyed overlapping media 99 can be performed using the same structure. Therefore, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0074] (1-5) The lifting section 22 can also be raised or lowered by rotating the stacking section 21 around the rotation axis AL. According to this structure, even if the stacking angle of the medium 99 stacked on the stacking section 21 varies depending on the height of the medium 99 stacked on the stacking section 21, the medium 99 can be fed appropriately to the conveying roller 25 and the separating section 26.

[0075] Second Implementation Method Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, descriptions that are the same as those in the embodiments already described will be omitted or simplified, and descriptions that are different from those in the embodiments already described will be described.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second embodiment, the medium feeding device 12 may also include a second feed section 62. The second feed section 62 feeds the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation section 21. The feed section 23 in the first embodiment may also be a first feed section. The second feed section 62 may also be provided between the feed section 23 and the conveying roller 25.

[0077] When the feed section 23 is positioned at the first position P1, the second feed section 62 does not come into contact with the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation section 21. That is, when the feed section 23 is in the first position P1, it feeds the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation section 21 as a single unit. When the feed section 23 is positioned at the second position P2, the second feed section 62 comes into contact with the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation section 21. That is, as... Figure 4 As shown by the double-dotted line, when the feeding unit 23 is in the second position P2, it feeds the medium 99 that is accumulated on the stacking unit 21 together with the second feeding unit 62.

[0078] The function and effects of the second embodiment The function and effects of the second embodiment will be explained.

[0079] (2-1) The second feed section 62 does not come into contact with the medium 99 loaded on the accumulation section 21 when the feed section 23 is positioned at the first position P1, and comes into contact with the medium 99 loaded on the accumulation section 21 when the feed section 23 is positioned at the second position P2.

[0080] According to this structure, the second feeding section 62 is less prone to wear compared to the feeding section 23. Therefore, even if the feeding section 23 wears, by raising the stacking section 21 to the second position P2, the medium 99 can simultaneously come into contact with both the feeding section 23 and the second feeding section 62. This maintains the feeding accuracy of the medium 99.

[0081] Third Implementation Method Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, in the third embodiment, the media feeding device 12 may also include a measuring unit 52. That is, the recording device 11 may also include a measuring unit 52. The measuring unit 52 may also be located near the media 99 housed in the cartridge 20.

[0083] The measuring unit 52 measures the humidity. The measuring unit 52 can also output a detection signal indicating the humidity to the control unit 17. The measuring unit 52 can also output a detection signal indicating whether the humidity is above a specified level to the control unit 17. The control unit 17 can also determine the set time based on the humidity measured by the measuring unit 52.

[0084] Position adjustment control processing like Figure 5 As shown, after step S11 has ended, the control unit 17 transfers the processing to step S21. In step S21, the control unit 17 performs a humidity acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 17 acquires the humidity based on the detection signal from the measurement unit 52.

[0085] In step S22, the control unit 17 determines whether the humidity level is above a specified value. The specified humidity level may also be pre-stored in a memory. If the control unit 17 determines that the humidity level is above the specified value, it determines that the first correction condition is met. If the control unit 17 determines that the humidity level is below the specified value, it determines that the first correction condition is not met.

[0086] The first calibration condition includes the condition that the tip of the medium 99, which is presumed to be fed through the feed section 23, is lower than the clamping position HP. The first calibration condition also includes the condition that the humidity measured by the measuring section 52 is above a specified humidity.

[0087] If the control unit 17 determines that the humidity level is above the specified level, it transfers the processing to step S23. If the control unit 17 determines that the humidity level is below the specified level, it transfers the processing to step S12.

[0088] In step S23, the control unit 17 performs a fourth time setting process. In this process, the control unit 17 sets the fourth time to the rise time counter. The fourth time is a shorter time compared to the first time, but it can also be a longer time compared to the first time, or it can be the same as the first time.

[0089] In step S13, the control unit 17 increments the first time to the rise time counter. In step S15, the control unit 17 increments the second time to the rise time counter. In step S16, the control unit 17 increments the third time to the rise time counter.

[0090] Thus, if the fourth time is set to the rise time counter in step S23, the control unit 17 sets the total time of the fourth time and the first time, the second time, or the third time as the set time. If the fourth time is not set to the rise time counter in step S23, the control unit 17 sets the first time, the second time, or the third time as the set time.

[0091] A specific example will be described where the fourth time is set to the rise time counter in step S23, and the first time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S13. In this case, in the first state, if the control unit 17 determines that the first correction condition is met, it will configure the feed unit 23 to... Figure 2 The stacking section 21 is raised by means of the first correction position CP1. The first correction position CP1 may also be a position higher than the first position P1.

[0092] A specific example will be described where the fourth time is set to the rise time counter in step S23, and the second time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S15. In this case, in the second state, if the control unit 17 determines that the first correction condition is met, it will configure the feed unit 23 to... Figure 2 The stacking section 21 is raised by means of the second correction position CP2. The second correction position CP2 is a position higher than the first correction position CP1, or it can be a position higher than the second position P2.

[0093] A specific example will be described where the fourth time is not set to the rise time counter in step S23, and the first time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S13. In this case, if the control unit 17 determines that the first correction condition is not met in the first state, it raises the stacking unit 21 by positioning the feed unit 23 at the first position P1.

[0094] The role and effects of the third implementation method The function and effects of the third embodiment are explained.

[0095] (3-1) In the first state, if the first correction condition is not met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at the first position P1. If the first correction condition is met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at a first correction position CP1 that is higher than the first position P1.

[0096] According to this structure, even when the tip of the medium 99, which is presumed to be fed through the feeding section 23, is lower than the clamping position HP, the medium 99 can still be properly fed with its tip facing the clamping position HP by raising the stacking section 21. Therefore, even without providing a separate structure for adjusting the feeding position of the medium 99 other than the lifting section 22, the medium 99 can be properly fed to the conveying roller 25 and the separating section 26. Thus, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0097] (3-2) The medium feeding device 12 also includes a measuring unit 52 for measuring humidity, and the first calibration condition includes the condition that the humidity measured by the measuring unit 52 is above a specified humidity. According to this structure, even if the humidity is above the specified humidity, by raising the stacking unit 21, the medium 99 can be fed appropriately with the top of the medium 99 facing the clamping position HP.

[0098] Fourth Implementation Method Next, the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0099] In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 17 may also determine the setting time based on the type of medium 99. For example, the control unit 17 may also determine whether the first correction condition is met based on the type of medium 99.

[0100] Position adjustment control processing like Figure 6 As shown, after step S11 has ended, control unit 17 transfers the process to step S31. In step S31, control unit 17 performs a media type acquisition process. In this process, control unit 17 acquires the type of media 99 according to the user's instructions. The type of media 99 is determined according to the user's instructions. For example, control unit 17 can also acquire the type of media 99 based on information input using operation panel 16. Control unit 17 can also acquire the type of media 99 based on recording start indication information. Control unit 17 can also acquire the type of media 99 by controlling a media type detection unit (not shown).

[0101] In step S32, the control unit 17 determines whether the acquired medium 99 is a second medium type. The second medium type is a medium with lower bending rigidity compared to the first medium type. That is, the second medium type is easier to bend than the first medium type. In particular, in the second medium type, the top of the medium 99 fed by the feeding unit 23 is more likely to be positioned lower than the clamping position HP.

[0102] If the control unit 17 determines that the acquired medium 99 is a second type of medium, the process will proceed to step S33. If the control unit 17 determines that the acquired medium 99 is not a second type of medium, the process will proceed to step S12.

[0103] In step S33, the control unit 17 performs the fourth time setting process in the same manner as step S23 of the third embodiment. In this process, the control unit 17 sets the fourth time to the rise time counter.

[0104] The role and effects of the fourth implementation method The function and effects of the fourth embodiment will be explained.

[0105] (4-1) The control unit 17 determines whether the first correction condition is met based on the type of medium 99 fed by the feeding unit 23. According to this structure, it is possible to infer that the top of the medium 99 fed by the feeding unit 23 will become lower based on the type of medium 99.

[0106] Fifth Implementation Method Next, the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0107] In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 17 may also determine the setting time based on the type of medium 99 and its position on the stacking unit 21. The position on the stacking unit 21 may, for example, be the height of the medium 99 on the stacking unit 21. In particular, the control unit 17 may also determine the setting time based on whether it is a third type of medium. The third type of medium is one in which the medium 99 consists of at least two sheets of media. The third type of medium may, for example, be an envelope.

[0108] Position adjustment control processing like Figure 7 As shown, if step S31 has ended, the control unit 17 transfers the processing to step S34. In step S34, the control unit 17 performs a medium position acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 17 acquires the position of the medium 99 based on a detection signal from a medium position detection unit (not shown). The control unit 17 acquires the position of the medium 99 in the Z direction. The control unit 17 may also acquire the position of the medium 99 based on the amount of rise of the stacking unit 21 implemented by the lifting unit 22.

[0109] The medium feeding device 12 includes a medium position detection unit. The medium position detection unit can also output a detection signal to the control unit 17 indicating whether the position of the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation unit 21 is above a predetermined medium position. The medium position detection unit can also output a detection signal to the control unit 17 indicating the position of the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation unit 21. Although the medium position detection unit is, for example, an optical sensor, it can also be a contact sensor, and the thickness of the medium 99 can be detected by ultrasonic waves.

[0110] In step S35, the control unit 17 determines whether the acquired medium 99 is a third type of medium. If the control unit 17 determines that the medium 99 is a third type of medium, it determines that the second correction condition has been met. If the control unit 17 determines that the medium 99 is not a third type of medium, it determines that the second correction condition has not been met. The second correction condition includes the condition that the medium 99 is presumed to be a medium that is pressed down along with the feeding performed by the feeding unit 23.

[0111] In detail, when the feed roller 23a contacts the first surface 99a to convey the medium 99, a downward force acts on the feed section 23 in the direction toward the medium 99. If the medium 99 is a third type of medium, the gaps between the media constituting the medium 99 may be crushed. That is, if the medium 99 is a third type of medium, it may be pressed downwards during the feeding process performed by the feed section 23.

[0112] If the control unit 17 determines that the acquired medium 99 is a third type of medium, the process will proceed to step S36. If the control unit 17 determines that the acquired medium 99 is not a third type of medium, the process will proceed to step S12.

[0113] In step S36, the control unit 17 determines whether the detected position of the medium 99 is above a predetermined medium position. The predetermined medium position is simply the position where the medium 99, fed by the feeding unit 23, is held between the conveying roller 25 and the separating unit 26. The predetermined medium position can also be pre-stored in the memory.

[0114] If the control unit 17 determines that the position of the medium 99 is above the specified medium position, it determines that the third correction condition has been met. If the control unit 17 determines that the position of the medium 99 is below the specified medium position, it determines that the third correction condition has not been met. The third correction condition includes the condition that the height of the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation unit 21 is above the specified medium position.

[0115] When the position of the medium 99 of the third medium type is above the specified medium position, compared with the case where the position of the medium 99 of the third medium type is below the specified medium position, the height to which the medium 99 is pressed downward by the feeding unit 23 will be greater.

[0116] If the control unit 17 determines that the position of medium 99 is less than the specified medium position, the process will proceed to step S37. If the control unit 17 determines that the position of medium 99 is above the specified medium position, the process will proceed to step S38.

[0117] In step S37, the control unit 17 performs a fifth time setting process. In this process, the control unit 17 sets the fifth time to the rise time counter. The fifth time may also be longer than the first time.

[0118] In step S38, the control unit 17 performs a sixth time setting process. In this process, the control unit 17 sets the sixth time to the rise time counter. The sixth time may also be longer than the fifth time.

[0119] A specific example will be described where the fifth time is set to the rise time counter in step S37 and the first time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S13. In this case, in the first state, when the second correction condition is met but the third correction condition is not met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking unit 21 by positioning the feed unit 23 at the first correction position CP1.

[0120] A specific example will be described where the sixth time is set to the rise time counter in step S38 and the first time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S13. In this case, in the first state, when both the second and third correction conditions are met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking unit 21 by positioning the feed unit 23 at the second correction position CP2.

[0121] A specific example will be described where the fifth time is set to the rise time counter in step S37 and the second time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S15. In this case, in the second state, when the second correction condition is met but the third correction condition is not met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking unit 21 by positioning the feed unit 23 at the second correction position CP2.

[0122] A specific example will be described where the sixth time is set to the rise time counter in step S38, and the second time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S15. In this case, in the second state, when both the second and third correction conditions are met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking unit 21 by positioning the feed unit 23 at the third correction position CP3. The third correction position CP3 is a position higher than the second correction position CP2, or it can be a position higher than the third position P3.

[0123] A specific example will be described where the fifth time is not set to the rise time counter in step S37, the sixth time is not set to the rise time counter in step S38, and the first time is accumulated to the rise time counter in step S13. In this case, in the first state, when the second correction condition is not met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking unit 21 by positioning the feed unit 23 at the first position P1.

[0124] The role and effects of the fifth implementation method The function and effects of the fifth embodiment will be explained.

[0125] (5-1) In the first state, if the second correction condition is not met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at the first position P1. If the second correction condition is met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at the first correction position CP1 or the second correction position CP2.

[0126] According to this structure, even if it is assumed that the medium 99 will be pressed down along with the feeding performed by the feeding section 23, the medium 99 can be properly fed with the top of the medium 99 facing the clamping position HP by raising the stacking section 21.

[0127] (5-2) In the first state, when the second correction condition is met but the third correction condition is not met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at the first correction position CP1. When both the second and third correction conditions are met, the control unit 17 raises the stacking section 21 by positioning the feeder 23 at the second correction position CP2.

[0128] According to this structure, when the height of the medium 99 stacked on the stacking section 21 is above the specified medium position and it is inferred that the medium 99 will be pressed down, by raising the stacking section 21, the medium 99 can be properly fed with its top end facing the clamping position HP.

[0129] Change Example This embodiment can be implemented by modifications as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0130] • In the second embodiment, the second feed section 62 may not come into contact with the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation section 21 when the feed section 23 is disposed at the first position P1 and the second position P2, and may come into contact with the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation section 21 when the feed section 23 is disposed at the third position P3.

[0131] In the second embodiment, the second feeding unit 62 can also rotate in conjunction with the feeding unit 23. The second feeding unit 62 can also rotate in phase with the feeding unit 23. The second feeding unit 62 can rotate even when it is in contact with the medium 99 without conveying the medium 99. In the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the medium feeding device 12 may also include the second feeding unit 62.

[0132] In the third embodiment, multiple specified humidity levels can be set. The control unit 17 can also determine the setting time corresponding to the multiple specified humidity levels based on the humidity measured by the measuring unit 52.

[0133] In the third embodiment, the measuring unit 52 may also measure the temperature within the medium feeding device 12. The measuring unit 52 may also output a detection signal indicating the temperature to the control unit 17. The measuring unit 52 may also output a detection signal indicating whether the temperature is above a predetermined temperature to the control unit 17. The control unit 17 may also determine the set time based on the temperature measured by the measuring unit 52. The measuring unit 52 may also include a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature within the medium feeding device 12 and a humidity measuring unit for measuring the humidity within the medium feeding device 12.

[0134] In the third embodiment, the control unit 17 may also determine the setting time based on the detection signal from the measurement unit 52 and based on at least one of the parameters selected from the obtained humidity, the obtained temperature, and the type of medium 99. The control unit 17 may also allow the user to input this information from the operation panel 16.

[0135] • In the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, the type of medium 99 includes paper thickness, rigidity, basis weight and texture direction.

[0136] In the third and fourth embodiments, the first calibration condition can also be established when the type of medium 99 is the second type of medium and the humidity is above a specified level. Therefore, in the first state, when the type of medium 99 is the second type of medium and the humidity is above a specified level, the control unit 17 can raise the stacking unit 21 by positioning the feed unit 23 at the first calibration position CP1.

[0137] In the third and fourth embodiments, the first correction condition may also include the condition that the medium 99 fed by the feed section 23 contacts the separating roller 26a at an angle of 54 degrees or more. An angle of 54 degrees or more may be an example of the contact angle between the medium 99 fed by the feed section 23 and the separating roller 26a.

[0138] In the fifth embodiment, the third correction condition may not include the condition that the height of the medium 99 stacked in the stacking section 21 is above the predetermined medium position. In this case, the control unit 17 may also set the setting time corresponding to the type or number of media 99 input by the user to the rise time counter. In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 17 may also determine whether the second correction condition is met instead of determining whether the third correction condition is met.

[0139] In the fifth embodiment, the third medium type is simply a type in which medium 99 is composed of at least two media. The third medium type can also be a type in which medium 99 is composed of three or more media. For example, in addition to envelopes, the third medium type can also be a medicine bag or a paper bag.

[0140] In the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the first correction position CP1 may also be a position higher than the second position P2. The second correction position CP2 may also be a position higher than the third position P3.

[0141] In the third and fourth embodiments, the correction position of the feed unit 23 may have three or more stages. In the fifth embodiment, the correction position of the feed unit 23 may have two or four or more stages.

[0142] The media feeding device 12 may also include a wear measuring unit that measures the wear of the conveyor roller 25. The control unit 17 may also perform position adjustment control processing based on the wear of the conveyor roller 25 measured by the wear measuring unit. In this case, the control unit 17 may not perform the paper count processing in step S11. The control unit 17 may also infer the wear of the conveyor roller 25 based on the number of times a conveying error has occurred. The control unit 17 may also obtain the wear of the conveyor roller 25 by the user operating the operation panel 16.

[0143] The medium feeding device 12 may also include one or more sensors, in addition to the detection unit 24, to detect the position of the feeding unit 23. In this case, the control unit 17 may not set the set time to the rise time counter.

[0144] • The control unit 17 can also use the value obtained by multiplying the coefficient of the medium 99, which depends on the type of medium 99 and the conveying speed of the medium 99, by the actual number of sheets of paper passed as the new number of sheets of paper passed to infer the wear of the conveying roller 25.

[0145] • If the control unit 17 determines that the number of sheets is a third or more that is larger than the number of sheets in the second unit, it may also cause the stacking unit 21 to raise or lower the sheets over a longer period of time than the third unit. The number of sheets in the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit may or may not be equally spaced. That is, the number of sheets in the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit may or may not be proportional. The interval between the number of sheets in the first unit and the second unit may also be smaller than the interval between the number of sheets in the second unit and the third unit.

[0146] The lifting unit 22 can also raise and lower the stacking section 21 along the vertical direction Z while it is in a horizontal state. The lifting unit 22 can also raise and lower the stacking section 21, which is inclined upward relative to the width direction X, along the vertical direction Z.

[0147] The separating section 26 is not limited to a roller. The separating section 26 can also be a pad with a certain frictional force. The pad can also be provided on the guide section 20c. The separating section 26 can also be subjected to force by the conveying roller 25. In this case, if the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulating section 21 is a medium that is prone to overlapping during conveying, the control section 17 can also adjust the height of the accumulating section 21 by causing the top end of the medium 99 to abut against the pad provided on the guide section 20c. This suppresses overlapping conveying of the medium 99.

[0148] When the medium 99 being accumulated on the accumulation section 21 is the last medium, the control section 17 can also move the feed section 23 toward the medium 99. This increases the friction between the feed roller 23a and the medium 99, thereby suppressing non-feeding of the medium 99.

[0149] If the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation section 21 is a medium that is prone to overlapping during transport, the control section 17 can also move the feed section 23 away from the medium 99. This reduces the friction between the feed roller 23a and the medium 99, thereby suppressing overlapping transport of the medium 99.

[0150] The media feeding device 12 may also include a conveying unit 13. The media feeding device 12 may also be configured to feed the medium 99 accumulated on the accumulation unit 21 to the conveying unit 13, and convey the medium 99 to a recording device (not shown) via the conveying unit 13.

[0151] • Medium 99 can also be paper, resin film or sheet, resin and metal composite film, laminated film, fabric, non-woven fabric, metal foil, metal film, ceramic sheet, and clothing, etc.

[0152] • The liquid can be arbitrarily selected as long as it is a liquid that can be adhered to the medium 99 for recording on the medium 99. The liquid can also be a dye ink such as a disperse dye ink or a reactive dye ink. For example, inks also include substances formed by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments or metal particles in a solvent, including various compositions such as water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot melt inks.

[0153] • The recording device 11 can also be a landscape printer. A landscape printer is a printer whose carriage can move in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer; it can also be a dot-matrix printer. The recording device 11 can also be a laser printer.

[0154] The phrase "at least one" as used in this specification refers to one or more desired options. As an example, "at least one" as used in this specification means, if the number of options is two, that is, only one option or both of the two options. As another example, "at least one" as used in this specification means, if the number of options is three or more, that is, only one option or a combination of two or more arbitrary options.

[0155] Postscript The following text describes the technical concept and its effects derived from the implementation methods and modifications described above. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other within a technically compatible framework.

[0156] [1] A medium feeding device includes: a loading section for loading a medium; a feeding section for feeding a medium loaded on the loading section; a conveying roller for conveying a medium fed through the feeding section; a separating section for clamping and separating the medium together with the conveying roller; a lifting section for lifting the loading section; and a control section for controlling the lifting section. The feeding section rises by contacting the medium loaded on the loading section with the lifting section, and the control section raises the loading section in a first state by positioning the feeding section at a first position, and in a second state by positioning the feeding section at a second position higher than the first position. The second state is a state in which the wear of the conveying roller is inferred to be greater than that in the first state.

[0157] According to this structure, in the second state where the wear of the conveyor rollers is presumed to be large, the feeding position of the medium can be adjusted by raising the stacking section. Therefore, even without providing a separate structure for adjusting the feeding position of the medium outside the lifting section, the medium can be appropriately fed to the conveyor rollers and the separating section. Thus, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0158] [2] In the above-described medium feeding device, the control unit may determine that it is in the second state when the number of sheets of medium conveyed by the conveyor roller is a first number or more. With this structure, even without a new structure for actually measuring the wear of the conveyor roller, the wear of the conveyor roller can be inferred based on the number of sheets of medium conveyed by the conveyor roller. Therefore, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0159] [3] In the above-described medium feeding device, it may also be configured to further include a detection unit that detects when the feeding unit rises to the detection position. In the first state, the control unit raises the stacking unit by detecting from the detection unit that the feeding unit has risen to the detection position for a first time elapsed, thereby placing the feeding unit at the first position. In the second state, the control unit raises the stacking unit by detecting from the detection unit that the feeding unit has risen to the detection position for a second time elapsed, thereby placing the feeding unit at the second position. The second time is a longer time than the first time.

[0160] According to this structure, even if a separate structure is provided to detect whether the feed unit has reached the first or second position, without the detection unit, the feed unit can be raised to the first or second position based on the elapsed time from when the feed unit rises to the detection position until the stacking unit rises. Therefore, space saving within the device can be achieved.

[0161] [4] In the above-described medium feeding device, the separating part may also be configured to be a rotating body capable of being driven by the conveying roller and in a stopped or reversed state relative to the conveying roller.

[0162] Based on this structure, the same structure can be used to transport the fed medium and separate multiple layers of media that are transported in an overlapping manner. Therefore, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0163] [5] The above-mentioned medium feeding device may also be configured to further include a second feeding section, which feeds the medium accumulated on the accumulation section. When the feeding section is disposed at the first position, the second feeding section does not come into contact with the medium accumulated on the accumulation section, and when the feeding section is disposed at the second position, it comes into contact with the medium accumulated on the accumulation section.

[0164] According to this structure, the second feeding section is less prone to wear compared to the feeding section. Therefore, even if wear occurs in the feeding section, by raising the stacking section to the second position, the medium can simultaneously come into contact with both the feeding section and the second feeding section. This maintains the feeding accuracy of the medium.

[0165] [6] In the above-described medium feeding device, the control unit may also be configured such that, in the first state, if the first correction condition is not met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeding section at the first position, and if the first correction condition is met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeding section at a first correction position that is higher than the first position. The first correction condition includes the condition that the top of the medium being fed by the feeding section is lower than the clamping position where the medium is clamped by the conveying roller and the separating section.

[0166] According to this structure, even when the tip of the medium, presumably fed through the feeding section, is lower than the clamping position, the medium can still be properly fed with its tip facing the clamping position by raising the stacking section. Therefore, even without a separate structure for adjusting the feeding position of the medium other than the lifting section, the medium can be properly fed to the conveying rollers and the separating section. Thus, space-saving within the device can be achieved.

[0167] [7] In the above-described medium feeding device, the control unit may also determine whether the first correction condition is met based on the type of medium being fed through the feeding unit. According to this structure, it is possible to infer that the top of the medium being fed by the feeding unit will become lower based on the type of medium.

[0168] [8] The above-described medium feeding device may also include a measuring unit that measures humidity, and the first correction condition includes the condition that the humidity measured by the measuring unit is above a specified humidity. According to this structure, even if the humidity is above the specified humidity, by raising the stacking section, the medium can be fed appropriately with the top of the medium facing the clamping position.

[0169] [9] In the above-described medium feeding device, the control unit may also be configured such that, in the first state, if the second correction condition is not met, the control unit raises the stacking unit by positioning the feeding unit at the first position, and if the second correction condition is met, the control unit raises the stacking unit by positioning the feeding unit at a first correction position that is higher than the first position. The second correction condition includes the condition that the medium is inferred to be a medium that is pressed down along with the feeding performed by the feeding unit.

[0170] According to this structure, even if it is assumed that the medium will be pressed down along with the feeding performed by the feeding section, the medium can be properly fed with the top of the medium facing the clamping position by raising the stacking section.

[0171]

[10] In the above-described medium feeding device, the control unit may be configured such that, in the first state, when the second correction condition is met but the third correction condition is not met, the control unit raises the stacking unit by positioning the feeding unit at the first correction position, and when both the second correction condition and the third correction condition are met, the control unit raises the stacking unit by positioning the feeding unit at a second correction position that is higher than the first correction position, wherein the third correction condition includes the condition that the height of the medium stacked on the stacking unit is above a predetermined medium position.

[0172] According to this structure, when the height of the medium accumulated on the accumulator is above a specified medium position and it is inferred that the medium will be further pressed down, the medium can be properly fed with the top of the medium facing the clamping position by raising the accumulator.

[0173]

[11] In the above-mentioned medium feeding device, the feeding part can also be configured such that the feeding part feeds the medium along the feeding direction, the stacking part can rotate around the rotation axis, the rotation axis intersects the feeding direction and the vertical direction, and the lifting part lifts the stacking part by rotating the stacking part around the rotation axis.

[0174] According to this structure, even when the stacking angle of the medium stacked on the stacking section varies depending on the height of the medium stacked on the stacking section, the medium can be properly fed to the conveying roller and the separating section by arranging the feeding section at the first position or the second position.

[0175]

[12] The recording device includes: an accumulation section for accumulating a medium; a feeding section for feeding the medium accumulated on the accumulation section; a conveying roller for conveying the medium fed through the feeding section; a separating section for clamping the medium together with the conveying roller and separating the medium; a lifting section for lifting the accumulation section; a recording section for recording the medium conveyed through the conveying roller; and a control section for controlling the recording section and the lifting section. The feeding section rises by contacting the medium accumulated on the accumulation section with the rising of the accumulation section achieved by the lifting section. In a first state, the control section raises the accumulation section by positioning the feeding section at a first position, and in a second state, it raises the accumulation section by positioning the feeding section at a second position higher than the first position. The second state is a state in which the wear of the conveying roller is presumed to be greater than that in the first state. According to this structure, the same effect as [1] can be achieved.

[0176] Symbol Explanation 11…Recording device; 12…Media feeding device; 13…Conveying section; 14…Recording section; 15…Stacker; 16…Operation panel; 17…Control section; 18…Conveying path; 20…Box; 20a…Base plate; 20b…Side wall; 20c…Guide section; 21…Stacking section; 22…Lifting section; 23…Feeding section; 23a…Feeding roller; 23b…Arm; 24…Detection section; 25…Conveying roller; 26…Separation section; 26a…Separation roller; 26b…Rotating shaft; 27…Drive section; 28…Torque limiter; 30…Drive roller; 33…Conveyor belt; 34… Pulley; 40… Nozzle; 41… Nozzle face; 52… Measuring section; 62… Second feed section; 99… Medium; 99a… First surface; 99b… Second surface; AL… Rotation axis; CP1… First calibration position; CP2… Second calibration position; CP3… Third calibration position; Dc… Conveying direction; DP… Detection position; FD… Feeding direction; HP… Clamping position; P1… First position; P2… Second position; P3… Third position; R1… Forward rotation direction; R2… Reverse rotation direction; R3… Forward rotation direction; X… Width direction; Y… Depth direction; Z… Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A medium feeding device, characterized in that, have: The stowage section is used to stow the medium. A feeding section that feeds the medium accumulated on the accumulating section; A conveying roller that conveys the medium fed through the feeding section; The separation section, together with the conveying roller, clamps and separates the medium; A lifting unit that allows the stacking unit to be raised or lowered; The control unit controls the lifting unit. The feeding section rises by contacting the medium accumulated on the stacking section, which is raised by the lifting section. In a first state, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at a first position, and in a second state, it raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at a second position higher than the first position. The second state is inferred to be a state in which the wear of the conveyor roller is greater than that of the first state.

2. The medium feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the number of sheets of medium conveyed by the conveying roller is a first number or more, the control unit determines that it is in the second state.

3. The medium feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a detection unit that detects when the feed unit rises to the detection position. In the first state, the control unit raises the stacking section by detecting the feed section rising to the detection position from the detection unit until a first time has elapsed, thereby positioning the feed section at the first position. In the second state, the control unit raises the stacking section by detecting the feed section rising to the detection position from the detection unit until a second time has elapsed, thereby positioning the feed section at the second position. The second time is a longer time compared to the first time.

4. The medium feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The separating part is a rotating body capable of being driven by the conveyor roller, and of being stopped or reversed relative to the conveyor roller.

5. The medium feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second feeding unit, which feeds the medium accumulated on the accumulation unit. The second feed section does not come into contact with the medium accumulated on the accumulation section when the feed section is positioned at the first position, and comes into contact with the medium accumulated on the accumulation section when the feed section is positioned at the second position.

6. The medium feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the first state, if the first correction condition is not met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at the first position; and if the first correction condition is met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at a first correction position higher than the first position. The first correction condition includes the condition that the top of the medium being fed through the feed section is lowered relative to the clamping position where the medium is held by the conveying roller and the separating section.

7. The medium feeding device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit determines whether the first correction condition is met based on the type of medium fed through the feeding unit.

8. The medium feeding device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a measuring unit that measures humidity. The first correction condition includes the condition that the humidity measured by the measuring unit is above a specified humidity.

9. The medium feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the first state, if the second correction condition is not met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at the first position; and if the second correction condition is met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at a first correction position higher than the first position. The second correction condition includes the condition that the medium is inferred to be a medium that is pressed down along with the feeding performed by the feeding unit.

10. The medium feeding device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, In the first state, if the second correction condition is met but the third correction condition is not met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at the first correction position; and if both the second and third correction conditions are met, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at a second correction position higher than the first correction position. The third correction condition includes the condition that the height of the medium stacked on the stacking section is above the specified medium position.

11. The medium feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The feeding unit feeds the medium along the feeding direction. The stacking section is capable of rotating about the rotation axis. The rotation axis intersects the feeding direction and the vertical direction. The lifting unit raises and lowers the stacking unit by rotating the stacking unit around the rotation axis.

12. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The stowage section is used to stow the medium. A feeding section that feeds the medium accumulated on the accumulating section; A conveying roller that conveys the medium fed through the feeding section; The separation section, together with the conveying roller, clamps and separates the medium; A lifting unit that allows the stacking unit to be raised or lowered; A recording unit that records the medium being conveyed by the conveying rollers; The control unit controls the recording unit and the lifting unit. The feeding section rises by contacting the medium accumulated on the stacking section, which is raised by the lifting section. In a first state, the control unit raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at a first position, and in a second state, it raises the stacking section by positioning the feeder at a second position higher than the first position. The second state is inferred to be a state in which the wear of the conveyor roller is greater than that of the first state.

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