Medium loading device, discharge device, and recording device

Abstract

To provide a medium loading device, a discharge device, and a recording device capable of improving consistency of a medium.SOLUTION: A medium loading device 50 includes a loading part 51, a leading end regulation part 53, and a pair of side regulation parts 52. The loading part 51 has a loading surface 51A loading a medium M recorded by a recording part and discharged in a discharge direction ED. The leading end regulation part 53 is configured to be able to regulate a leading end Ma of the medium M loaded on the loading part 51 in the discharge direction ED. The pair of side regulation parts 52 are configured to be able to regulate sides Mb of the media M loaded on the loading part 51 along the discharge direction ED. Each of the pair of side regulation parts 52 has a regulation member and a sliding part 68. The regulation member is configured to be able to regulate the side Mb of the medium M. The sliding part 68 is provided on an upper surface of the regulation member, and is configured so that the medium M can slide thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium loading device that loads a medium that has been recorded on and discharged by a recording unit, a discharge device, and a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a loading device that is attached to a recording device that records media and that loads recorded media discharged from the recording device. This loading device includes a paper receiving tray, a pair of side plates (an example of a side edge guide portion) that are provided on the paper receiving tray facing each other in the width direction of the discharged media, and an end plate (an example of a leading edge guide portion) that is provided on the paper receiving tray forward in the discharge direction. The pair of side plates have guide surfaces that guide the side edges (an example of sides) of the media. The leading edge of the discharged media abuts against the end plates. An outlet (an example of an opening) through which the media is discharged is opened on the side of the main body of the recording device.

[0003] A pair of side plates and an end plate are slidably provided on the paper receiving tray. The pair of side plates are arranged to be movable in the width direction while facing each other in a width direction intersecting with the medium discharge direction. The end plate is arranged at a position facing the discharge port and downstream of the pair of side plates in the discharge direction.

[0004] The pair of side plates have their widthwise positions adjusted to match the width dimension of the medium being discharged. The end plates have their discharge direction positions adjusted to match the length dimension of the medium in the discharge direction. The medium discharged from the discharge port moves in the discharge direction and falls while being guided by the guide surfaces of the pair of side plates.

[0005] The pair of side plates have grooves on their guide surfaces. The grooves allow the air below the media to escape through the grooves as the media falls along the guide surfaces of the side plates, allowing the media to fall smoothly. This makes it easier to align the media loaded on the loading device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-352439 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the leading edge of the medium moving in the discharge direction while being guided by the guide surface of the side plate is easily caught in the unevenness of the groove. If either the left or right leading edge of the medium gets caught in the unevenness while being discharged, the medium may not reach the end plate or the attitude of the medium may tilt relative to the discharge direction, resulting in a problem that the alignment of the media loaded on the loading device may be lost. For this reason, there is a demand for a loading device in which the alignment of the media is less likely to be lost, a discharge device equipped with this loading device, and even a recording device equipped with a loading device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A media loading device that solves the above problem comprises a loading section having a loading surface for loading media that has been recorded by a recording section and discharged in a discharge direction, a leading edge regulating section capable of regulating the leading edge in the discharge direction of the media loaded on the loading section, and a pair of side edge regulating sections capable of regulating the side edges along the discharge direction of the media loaded on the loading section, each of the pair of side edge regulating sections having a regulating member capable of regulating the side edges, and a sliding section provided on an upper surface of the regulating member along which the media can slide.

[0009] The discharge device that solves the above problem includes the medium loading device and a discharge section that discharges media to the medium loading device through an opening. A recording device that solves the above problem includes the recording unit that records on a medium, a housing that houses the recording unit, the medium loading device that is detachably provided in the housing, and an ejection unit that ejects a medium to the medium loading device through an opening provided in the housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a recording apparatus equipped with a loading device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view showing the internal configuration of a recording apparatus equipped with a loading device in an unfolded state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the medium stacking device in the stored state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the medium stacking device in a folded state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing the medium loading device in the unfolded state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial side view showing the discharge section with the opening seen from the front. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of the discharge section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view showing the discharge section. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing the height relationship between the discharge section and the medium stacking device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the medium loading device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the side edge restriction portion as viewed from the guide surface side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing how media are loaded in the medium loading device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing how media are loaded in the medium loading device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic front view, partly cut away, showing the process in which the media discharged from the discharge section are loaded onto the media loading device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view, partly cut away, showing the process in which the media discharged from the discharge section are loaded onto the media loading device. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a schematic front view, partly cut away, showing the process in which the media discharged from the discharge section are loaded onto the media loading device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic front view, partly cut away, showing the process in which the media discharged from the discharge section are loaded onto the media loading device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic front view, partly cut away, showing the process in which the media discharged from the discharge section are loaded onto the media loading device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic side view, partly cut away, showing the process in which the ejected media are loaded onto the media loading device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic side view showing a state in which media are loaded on a medium loading device in a comparative example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the side edge regulating portion with the low friction member removed. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a part of the side edge restricting portion. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the side edge restriction portion as viewed from the guide surface side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a recording device will be described with reference to the drawings. A recording device 11 shown in Fig. 1 is an inkjet printer that records images such as characters and photographs on a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0012] <Overall configuration of recording device 11> 1, the recording device 11 includes a device main body 12. The device main body 12 is configured to record an image on a medium M. The device main body 12 will be described in detail later. The recording device 11 may be a multifunction device having not only a function of recording an image on a medium M but also other functions.

[0013] The recording device 11 may include a reading unit 13. The reading unit 13 is a scanner that reads an original document and outputs an image. The reading unit 13 has at least one of an automatic document feeding system that automatically reads set original documents one by one in order, and a flatbed system that reads an original document set on a document table. The reading unit 13 reads an original document as a scanner function and as a copy function. The reading unit 13 is mounted on the top of the device body 12. The reading unit 13 overlaps with the device body 12 when viewed from the vertical direction Z.

[0014] The recording device 11 includes an operation unit 14. The operation unit 14 is an interface for the user to operate the recording device 11. The operation unit 14 may have a screen 14A. The operation unit 14 may be, for example, a touch panel having the screen 14A. Furthermore, the screen 14A may not be a touch panel and may only have a display function such as a menu. The operation unit 14 may include buttons, levers, switches, etc. The operation unit 14 is located in front of the device body 12 and the reading unit 13.

[0015] <Device body> The recording device 11 has a housing 15. The housing 15 constitutes a housing for the device body 12. The housing 15 accommodates various components of the device body 12. The housing 15 is rectangular. The housing 15 has a depth, width, and height. The depth direction of the housing 15 is the X direction, the width direction of the housing 15 is the Y direction, and the vertical direction opposite to the height of the housing 15 is the Z direction. For this reason, the X direction is also called the depth direction X, and the Z direction is also called the vertical direction Z. Note that the depth direction X is also called the width direction X because it is the same direction as the width direction intersecting with the transport direction in which the medium M is transported. In addition, the Y direction is the horizontal direction when viewed from the front by a user standing in a position to operate the recording device 11, and is also the width direction of the device body 12 (housing 15). The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0016] The housing 15 has multiple surfaces. The housing 15 has a front surface 15A, a first side surface 15B, a second side surface 15C, and a rear surface 15D. The front surface 15A faces the direction opposite to the X direction. In one example, the front surface 15A faces the same direction as the operation unit 14. The front surface 15A faces the user who operates the recording device 11. The first side surface 15B faces the -Y direction. The second side surface 15C faces the +Y direction. The rear surface 15D is the surface opposite the front surface 15A.

[0017] A concave ejection space 16 is formed in the housing 15. The ejection space 16 is a space into which the recorded medium M is ejected. The medium M ejected from the housing 15 is stacked in the ejection space 16. A user can access the ejection space 16 from a position facing the front surface 15A. The housing 15 may have one or more covers.

[0018] 1, a discharge tray 17 on which recorded media M are stacked is disposed at the bottom of the discharge space 16 of the device body 12. The discharge tray 17 overlaps with the reading unit 13 when viewed from the vertical direction Z. The discharge tray 17 is located directly below the reading unit 13.

[0019] The recording device 11 includes a cassette 18 that stores a medium M. One or more (e.g., four) cassettes 18 are removably attached to the bottom of the device body 12. The cassettes 18 are attached from the front surface 15A toward the depth direction X. A user can replenish or replace the medium M in the cassette 18 by pulling the cassette 18 out of the housing 15 using the handle 18A.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 11 includes a medium loading device 50. The medium loading device 50 is detachably provided in the housing 15. More specifically, the medium loading device 50 is detachably attached to the first side surface 15B of the housing 15 via a mounting member 19. That is, the medium loading device 50 is attached to the first side surface 15B, which is the side surface on the medium ejection side. The mounting position of the medium loading device 50 may be any surface on the medium ejection side among the multiple surfaces 15A to 15D constituting the housing 15.

[0021] The medium loading device 50 is configured to be capable of loading recorded media M. The medium loading device 50 is of a foldable type. In FIG. 1, the medium loading device 50 is in a folded, stored state. In the stored state, the medium loading device 50 is stored in a vertically elongated position along the first side surface 15B of the device body 12.

[0022] When in use, the medium loading device 50 is deployed into a basket shape capable of loading the medium M discharged from the device body 12, as shown in Fig. 2. That is, the medium loading device 50 can be transformed between a stored state shown in Fig. 1 and an deployed state during use shown in Fig. 2. When recording, the medium loading device 50 is used in the deployed state shown in Fig. 2.

[0023] The medium loading device 50 is, for example, a basket. The medium loading device 50 may have a larger capacity than the discharge tray 17. The medium loading device 50 is capable of loading a larger number of media M than the discharge tray 17.

[0024] <Stored state> When the medium loading device 50 is not attached to the housing 15, a cover (not shown) is attached in a removable state to the first side surface 15B of the housing 15. When the cover is removed, a main body frame 15F (see FIG. 4) in the housing 15 is exposed. The main body frame 15F is made of, for example, sheet metal. The mounting member 19 is made of, for example, metal. The medium loading device 50 is fixed to the main body frame 15F by fastening the mounting member 19 with a plurality of screws or bolts (both not shown). The medium loading device 50 is attached to the device main body 12 in a rotatable state via a rotation shaft 19A. The medium loading device 50 can be switched between a stored state and an unfolded state by rotating via the rotation shaft 19A.

[0025] <Internal configuration of recording device 11> Next, the internal configuration of the recording device 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the recording device 11 includes a transport unit 20 in a housing 15. The transport unit 20 transports a medium M. The recording device 11 also includes a recording unit 30 in a housing 15. That is, the housing 15 accommodates the recording unit 30. The recording unit 30 records on the medium M.

[0026] The recording device 11 includes a discharge unit 40 (see FIG. 4). The discharge unit 40 discharges the medium M to the medium loading device 50 through an opening 41 provided in the housing 15. The discharge unit 40 of the present embodiment discharges the medium M on which the recording unit 30 has recorded.

[0027] The transport unit 20 has a transport path T that transports the medium M fed from the cassette 18 through a path that passes through the recording position of the recording unit 30. The transport path T includes a first feeding path T1, a second feeding path T2, a transport path T3, reversing paths T4 and T5, a first discharge path T6, and a second discharge path T7.

[0028] The first feeding path T1 is a path along which the medium M is fed from the cassette 18. The second feeding path T2 is a path along which the medium M fed from a feeding tray (not shown) is fed. The transport path T3 is a path along which the fed medium M is transported through a route that passes through the recording position. The reversing path T4 is a path that switches back in order to reverse the medium M after recording on one side (first side) when performing double-sided recording. The reversing path T5 is a path that reverses the medium M after switching back. The reversing path T5 merges with the transport path T3 at a position upstream of the recording position. The first discharge path T6 is a path along which the medium M after recording is discharged to the discharge space 16. The second discharge path T7 is a path along which the medium M after recording is discharged to the outside from the first side surface 15B of the device main body 12.

[0029] The recording unit 30 records on the medium M at a recording position on the transport path T. The recording unit 30 performs recording by discharging liquid onto the medium M. That is, the recording device 11 is a liquid discharge device in which the recording unit 30 performs recording by discharging liquid onto the medium M. The liquid is, for example, ink. The recording device 11 is an inkjet printer in which the recording unit 30 performs recording by discharging ink as an example of liquid onto the medium M. The recording unit 30 has a nozzle surface (both not shown) in which nozzles open at a position opposite the support unit 25. The recording unit 30 is, for example, a line head having a plurality of nozzles arranged over a recording area corresponding to the entire area of ​​the width direction X of the medium M. The line recording type recording unit 30 records characters or images based on recording data onto the medium M transported at a constant transport speed according to the recording mode.

[0030] The recording unit 30 may be of a serial recording type in which a recording head mounted on a carriage records on the medium M while moving together with the carriage in the width direction X of the medium M. The recording unit 30 of the serial recording type alternates between a recording operation in which the recording unit 30 moves together with the carriage relative to the intermittently transported medium M and records one line on the medium M, and a transport operation in which the medium M is transported to the next recording position, thereby recording characters or images based on the recording data on the medium M.

[0031] The transport path T has reversing paths T4, T5 located downstream of the recording position of the recording unit 30. The reversing paths T4, T5 reverse the medium M after recording on one side (first side) so that the opposite side (second side) faces upward and re-feeds the medium M in an orientation that allows the recording unit 30 to record on the second side. Recording is performed on the second side of the re-fed medium M, thereby performing double-sided recording on the medium M.

[0032] After recording, the medium M is discharged along a first discharge path T6. The first discharge path T6 is a discharge path that discharges the medium M to a discharge tray 17. A second discharge path T7 that discharges the medium M to the outside of the housing 15 branches off from a position midway along the first discharge path T6.

[0033] Within the housing 15, a plurality of roller pairs 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, etc. are arranged along the transport path T. The transport unit 20 includes a feed roller 21 that feeds the medium M in the cassette 18, and a separation roller pair 22. The medium M in the cassette 18 is fed one sheet at a time by rotation of the feed roller 21. At this time, the fed medium M is separated one sheet at a time by the separation roller pair 22.

[0034] A support unit 25 that supports the medium M is disposed at a position facing the recording unit 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the support unit 25 is a belt-type transport unit. The transport unit includes an endless transport belt 25A wound around a pair of rollers. The support unit 25 may be a support table such as a platen. In short, it is sufficient for the support unit 25 to be able to support the medium M at a recording position facing the recording unit 30. Furthermore, a plurality of transport roller pairs 26 are disposed within the housing 15 along the reversal paths T4 and T5.

[0035] Furthermore, within the housing 15, a plurality of discharge roller pairs 27 are arranged along the discharge paths T6 and T7. An opening 41 is formed on the first side surface 15B of the housing 15, which serves as an exit when the medium M is discharged to the outside of the housing 15 along the discharge path T7. The recording device 11 includes a discharge unit 40 that discharges the medium M transported along the second discharge path T7 to the outside of the housing 15. The discharge unit 40 discharges the medium M to the outside of the housing 15 via the opening 41. The discharge unit 40 includes a discharge roller pair 28 that discharges the medium M transported along the second discharge path T7 from the opening 41.

[0036] The discharge unit 40 is disposed downstream of the discharge path T7 within the housing 15. The discharge unit 40 includes a discharge roller pair 28 that discharges the medium M transported along the discharge path T7 to the outside of the housing 15.

[0037] <Method of deploying the medium loading device 50> Next, there will be described a method for unfolding the medium stacking device 50. Fig. 3 shows the stored state, Fig. 4 shows the folded state, and Fig. 5 shows the unfolded state when in use.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 3, the medium stacking device 50 in the stored state is folded up with the stacking section 51 standing along the side surface 15B of the housing 15. As shown in Fig. 3, an interlocking mechanism 57 and a guide mechanism 58 are built into the bottom of the stacking section 51. The interlocking mechanism 57 is configured to allow the pair of side edge regulating sections 52 (see Fig. 5) to slide in conjunction with each other in the width direction X. The guide mechanism 58 is configured to allow the leading edge regulating section 53 (see Fig. 5) to slide relative to the stacking section 51 along the discharge direction ED.

[0039] The medium stacking device 50 includes the aforementioned stacking unit 51, leading edge regulation unit 53, and a pair of side edge regulation units 52. The stacking unit 51 has a stacking surface 51A on which the medium M recorded by the recording unit 30 (see FIG. 2) and discharged in the discharge direction ED is stacked. The leading edge regulation unit 53 is configured to be able to regulate the leading edge Ma in the discharge direction ED of the medium M stacked on the stacking unit 51. The pair of side edge regulation units 52 are configured to be able to regulate the side edges Mb along the discharge direction ED of the medium M stacked on the stacking unit 51.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, when the medium stacking device 50 is rotated about 90° from the stored state, the rectangular plate-shaped stacking section 51 is deployed in a horizontal position. On the stacking section 51, a pair of side edge regulating sections 52 and a leading edge regulating section 53 are in a folded state. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the leading edge regulating section 53 is first folded downward, and the pair of side edge regulating sections 52 are in a folded state in which they partially overlap so as to cover the leading edge regulating section 53 from above. However, the vertical relationship between the leading edge regulating section 53 and the pair of side edge regulating sections 52 in the folded state is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 15 includes a synthetic resin housing 15H that constitutes the exterior, and a main body frame 15F that is arranged inside the housing 15H. The main body frame 15F is made of metal. The main body frame 15F is made of, for example, sheet metal. The metal main body frame 15F is grounded.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the pair of side edge regulating portions 52 and the tip end regulating portion 53 are rotated approximately 90° from the folded state shown in Figure 4 and erected on the loading portion 51, thereby unfolding the medium loading device 50 into its usable state.

[0042] The loading section 51 is a base section having a rectangular plate shape. The side edge regulating section 52 is a side guide section having a substantially rectangular plate shape. The leading end regulating section 53 is an end guide section having a substantially rectangular plate shape. The pair of side edge regulating sections 52 are arranged in an upright position with their respective faces facing the width direction X, and are arranged in a state facing each other in the width direction X. The leading end regulating section 53 is arranged in an upright position with its face facing the Y direction, and is positioned opposite the first side surface 15B in which the opening 41 is formed. On the loading section 51, the first side surface 15B, the pair of side edge regulating sections 52, and the leading end regulating section 53 form a basket with an open top.

[0043] Each of the pair of side edge regulating portions 52 has a regulating member 55 and a sliding portion 68. The regulating member 55 is configured to be able to regulate the side edge Mb of the medium M. The sliding portion 68 is provided on the upper surface of the regulating member 55 and is configured to allow the medium M to slide. Note that, of the pair of side edge regulating portions 52, when viewed from upstream in the discharge direction ED, the one located on the right side is designated as the right side edge regulating portion 52 and given the reference symbol 52R, and the other located on the left side is designated as the left side edge regulating portion 52 and given the reference symbol 52L, so that they may be distinguished between left and right.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 5, the recorded medium M is discharged in the discharge direction ED by the discharge section 40 through the opening 41. Here, the medium M is discharged in the discharge direction ED with the leading edge Ma (leading edge side) in the discharge direction ED as the downstream end. The medium M is also discharged in the discharge direction ED with both side edges Mb in the width direction X, which is a direction intersecting the discharge direction ED, parallel to the discharge direction ED. The medium loading device 50 is attached to the first side surface 15B in which the opening 41 is formed so that the center line in the width direction X of the medium M discharged in the discharge direction ED coincides with the center of the interval in the width direction X of the pair of side edge regulating sections 52.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 are rotatably connected to the stacking part 51 via a rotation shaft 63 provided on the base (the lower end in Fig. 5). The medium stacking device 50 also has an operation part 64 that is operated when sliding the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 in the width direction X. The user can unlock the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 so that they are movable by operating the operation part 64. In other words, by operating the operation part 64, the lock that restricts the movement of the side edge regulating parts 52 in the width direction X is released.

[0046] The medium stacking device 50 includes a first rail 61 and a second rail 62 on the stacking section 51. The first rail 61 extends along the width direction X. The second rail 62 extends along the discharge direction ED. The first rail 61 constitutes a part of the interlocking mechanism 57 (see FIG. 3). The first rail 61 guides the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 along the width direction X. The pair of side edge regulating parts 52 are guided in the width direction X along the first rail 61 when the position in the width direction X is adjusted by the user.

[0047] The second rail 62 extends along the discharge direction ED when the medium stacking device 50 is in use (FIG. 5). The second rail 62 constitutes a part of the guide mechanism 58 (see FIG. 3). The second rail 62 guides the leading edge regulating portion 53 along the discharge direction ED. The leading edge regulating portion 53 is guided in the discharge direction ED along the second rail 62 when the position in the discharge direction ED is adjusted by the user.

[0048] The leading end restricting portion 53 has a restricting surface 53A that protrudes upward to a position higher than the sliding portion 68 of the side edge restricting portion 52. The restricting surface 53A is formed over a predetermined height range in the vertical direction Z that includes the height of the sliding portion 68. The restricting surface 53A is, for example, a vertical surface that is perpendicular to the discharge direction ED, which is the extension direction of the sliding portion 68.

[0049] The loading section 51 has a loading surface 51A on which media M are loaded. A pair of side edge regulating sections 52 and a leading edge regulating section 53 are arranged on the loading surface 51A so as to surround a loading area on three sides of the loading surface 51A, from which a plurality of plate-shaped loading guide sections 54 protrude to guide the loaded media M. The pair of side edge regulating sections 52 face each other in a width direction X that intersects with the discharge direction ED. The pair of side edge regulating sections 52 are arranged in a state in which they can move in the width direction X. The positions of the pair of side edge regulating sections 52 in the width direction X can be adjusted so that the interval between them is equal to the width dimension of the media M to be discharged.

[0050] The leading edge regulating portion 53 is located opposite the opening 41 and downstream in the discharge direction ED from the pair of side edge regulating portions 52. The position of the leading edge regulating portion 53 in the discharge direction ED is adjustable.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the base of the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 has a plurality of cutouts 65 that allow the side edge regulating parts 52 to rotate without interfering with the plurality of loading guide parts 54. The pair of side edge regulating parts 52 also have a plurality of through holes 66 that penetrate in the width direction X in the usage state shown in FIG. The pair of side edge regulating parts 52 may have guide surfaces 52A that guide the side edges Mb of the medium M on the inner surfaces facing each other. The guide surfaces 52A that guide the medium M in the regulating member 55 have grooves 67 that extend in a direction intersecting the loading surface 51A. That is, the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 have grooves 67 on the guide surfaces 52A that face each other. The grooves 67 extend in the vertical direction Z in the expanded state of the medium stacking device 50. A plurality of grooves 67 are provided in the discharge direction ED. The plurality of grooves 67 are positioned at intervals in the discharge direction ED of the side edge regulating parts 52. The through hole 66 opens to the bottom of the groove 67. The through hole 66 is a long hole penetrating in the width direction X.

[0052] <Configuration of Discharge Unit 40> Next, the configuration of the discharge unit 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 6, the discharge unit 40 has an opening 41 through which the medium M is discharged, and a discharge mechanism 42. The opening 41 opens to the first side surface 15B of the housing 15. The discharge mechanism 42 has one or more pairs of discharge rollers 28.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the discharge roller pair 28 includes a discharge drive roller 44 and a discharge driven roller 45. The discharge drive roller 44 is driven by the power of a drive source (not shown). The discharge driven roller 45 is biased in a direction toward the discharge drive roller 44 (for example, the +Z direction). The discharge driven roller 45 is disposed in a state of contact with the discharge drive roller 44 or in a state of being adjacent to the discharge drive roller 44 with a predetermined gap therebetween. The discharge section 40 discharges the medium M in the discharge direction ED by rotating the discharge roller pair 28 with the recorded medium M nipped (sandwiched) between the discharge drive roller 44 and the discharge driven roller 45.

[0054] 6, the opening 41 has a shape in which the bottom side is convex downward. Here, the bottom side of the opening 41 refers to a side of a portion that is located on the lower side of the opening shape of the opening 41 when the opening 41 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the opening plane of the opening 41 and forms a guide surface that guides the medium M. The "bottom side" here is not limited to one side and may include multiple sides, and is not limited to a side consisting of a straight line and may include a side consisting of a curved line.

[0055] The members forming the lower side of the opening 41 are the plate portion 15E shown in Fig. 7 and a pair of inclined guide portions 47 forming the lower side at both sides in the width direction X of the opening 41. The pair of inclined guide portions 47 are arranged on both sides of the arrangement region of the pair of discharge roller pairs 28 in the width direction X. The upper surface of the plate portion 15E arranged in the arrangement region of the pair of discharge roller pairs 28 forms the central portion of the lower side of the opening 41 in the width direction X. In other words, the central portion of the lower side of the opening 41 shown in Fig. 6 is formed by the first guide surface 46A, which is the upper surface of the plate portion 15E.

[0056] The pair of inclined guide parts 47 shown in FIG. 7 have a symmetrical shape on the left and right in the figure. The pair of inclined guide parts 47 have a second guide surface 47A made of a slope or a curved surface that inclines in a direction that the position becomes higher in the -Z direction toward the outside, which is the direction away from the discharge roller pair 28 in the width direction X. As shown in FIG. 7, the pair of inclined guide parts 47 have an acute triangle shape when viewed in the -Y direction, and face each other in the width direction X with the apexes of the acute angles facing each other. The pair of inclined guide parts 47 may be made of a plate material such as a synthetic resin or a sheet metal that is arranged obliquely at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The pair of inclined guide parts 47 may also be formed integrally with the plate part 15E.

[0057] The central portion of the lower side of the opening 41, which corresponds to the arrangement area of ​​the discharge roller pair 28, is formed by the upper surface of the plate portion 15E. The upper end of the discharge drive roller 44 is exposed from the opening of the plate portion 15E by a predetermined protruding amount. The rotation shaft 44A of the discharge drive roller 44 is disposed below the plate portion 15E. The rotation shaft 44A rotates by a driving force transmitted from a driving source (not shown). The discharge driven roller 45 is disposed at a predetermined height above the plate portion 15E. The rotation shaft 45A of the discharge driven roller 45 is supported in a freely rotatable state. The medium M is discharged from the opening 41 by the rotation of both the discharge drive roller 44 and the discharge driven roller 45 while being nipped between them.

[0058] 8, the second guide surface 47A of the inclined guide portion 47 is formed into an inclined or curved surface that is inclined in a direction that increases in the -Z direction as the medium advances in the discharge direction ED. For this reason, in the portion of the discharge roller pair 28 that is located upstream of the opening 41 in the discharge direction ED, the bottom side is flat when viewed from downstream to upstream in the discharge direction ED. Then, as the medium M is discharged in the discharge direction ED by the discharge roller pair 28, the medium M is guided by the inclined second guide surface 47A of the inclined guide portion 47, and is gradually curved into a downwardly convex shape.

[0059] 6 and 7, the lower side of the opening 41 is formed by the upper surface of the guide portion 46 that guides the medium M. The upper surface of the guide portion 46 is formed by a first guide surface 46A that is the flat upper surface of the plate portion 15E, and a pair of second guide surfaces 47A that are the obliquely inclined upper surfaces of a pair of oblique guide portions 47. The lower side of the opening 41 has a downwardly convex shape due to the one first guide surface 46A and the two second guide surfaces 47A. The downwardly convex shape may be a curved shape, or may be a shape formed by a horizontal straight line and two oblique lines connected to both sides of the horizontal straight line.

[0060] When medium M is discharged from opening 41 by discharge unit 40, it is guided by guide surfaces 46A, 47A and is slightly curved into a downward convex shape. This curvature gives medium M a tension that extends in discharge direction ED. This tension makes it difficult for the tip end side of medium M in discharge direction ED to droop. Therefore, medium M is discharged from opening 41 in discharge direction ED while maintaining a posture extending in discharge direction ED. In this way, medium M discharged from opening 41 is given a corrugation (curved shape) that curves into a downward convex shape due to the shape of the bottom side of opening 41.

[0061] <Height Relationship in Medium Loading Device 50> Next, the height relationship between the discharge section 40 and the medium stacking device 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12. In this embodiment, the height relationship between the discharge section 40 and the sliding section 68 is set so that the medium M discharged from the discharge section 40 through the opening 41 rests on the sliding section 68 on the upper surface of the pair of side edge restricting sections 52. In addition, the height relationship between the sliding section 68 and the leading edge restricting section 53 is set so that the leading edge restricting section 53 can restrict the leading edge Ma of the medium M sliding on the sliding section 68.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the first height H1, which is the height of the leading end regulating portion 53 from the loading surface 51A, is equal to or greater than the second height H2, which is the height of the side edge regulating portion 52 from the loading surface 51A. In other words, when comparing heights based on the height of the same portion of the loading surface 51A, the first height H1, which is the height of the leading end regulating portion 53, is equal to or greater than the second height H2, which is the height of the side edge regulating portion 52. Here, the height of the loading surface 51A that is the reference for "height" is the height from the same portion of the loading surface 51A. For example, even if the loading surface 51A has a surface shape that has at least a portion whose height varies depending on the position on the loading surface 51A, the height of the same portion is the same, so the "first height" and the "second height" are compared with the same height reference.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first height H1 is higher than the second height H2 by a predetermined dimension. The predetermined dimension is set to a value that can regulate the raised tip Ma even if the medium M is raised by wind pressure when the medium M slides on the sliding portion 68 or the medium M is raised due to warping of the medium M after recording. The predetermined dimension may be, for example, a value within a range of 10 mm to 100 mm.

[0064] <Height Relationship Between Discharge Section 40 and Medium Loading Device 50> 9 and 12, in the discharge device 35, the bottom side of the opening 41 is located above the sliding portion 68. That is, in the recording device 11, the bottom side of the opening 41 is also located above the sliding portion 68. In other words, the portion of the bottom side of the opening 41, which is the lowest portion, that is, the side portion corresponding to the first guide surface 46A located in the center in the width direction X, is located above the sliding portion 68. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the third height H3 which is the height of the bottom side of the opening 41 is higher than the second height H2 which is the height of the side edge regulating portion 52.

[0065] The discharge drive roller 44 is exposed in a state where it protrudes slightly above the guide surface 46A. Therefore, the nip position NP is located slightly above the guide surface 46A. For this reason, in order for the medium M discharged through the opening 41 to rest on the sliding portion 68, it is also possible to set a condition that the nip position NP of the discharge roller pair 28 is located above the sliding portion 68. In other words, the height of the nip position NP is higher than the second height H2.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the medium M is placed on the sliding portion 68 at its side edge in the width direction X. Therefore, it is sufficient that the height of the side edge of the medium M at the opening 41 is higher than the sliding portion 68. In the example of the medium M having the width size shown in FIG. 12, the position on the lower side of the opening 41 that determines the height of the side edge of the medium M is a position on the inclined second guide surface 47A. Since the second guide surface 47A is an inclined surface whose height changes according to the position in the width direction X, the height of the side edge of the medium M changes according to the width size of the medium M. Therefore, it is sufficient that the height of the sliding portion 68 is lower than the height of the position on the guide surface 47A that supports the side edge of the medium M with the assumed minimum width that is to be loaded by the medium loading device 50. If this condition is satisfied, the medium M discharged through the opening 41 can be placed on the sliding portion 68. In other words, the height of the position on guide surface 47A where the side edge of medium M with an assumed minimum width to be loaded by medium loading device 50 is supported may be set higher than second height H2.

[0067] <Other configurations of the sliding portion 68> 10 and 11, the low-friction member 70 constituting the sliding part 68 has an extending part 71 at its upstream end in the discharge direction ED that extends obliquely downward toward the upstream of the discharge direction ED. In other words, the sliding part 68 has an extending part 71 at its upstream end in the discharge direction ED that extends at an incline such that it is displaced downward (in the +Z direction) the more upstream the position. The height of the extending part 71 is equal to or less than the height of the parts of the sliding part 68 other than the extending part 71. The extending part 71 has the lowest height at its upstream end in the discharge direction ED, and this height is lower than the height of the parts of the sliding part 68 other than the extending part 71.

[0068] Since the sliding portion 68 has an extending portion 71 that extends obliquely downward on the upstream side in the discharge direction ED, the medium M discharged from the opening 41 is easily received by the extending portion 71. That is, the medium M discharged through the opening 41 is guided onto the sliding portion 68 while being scooped up by the extending portion 71.

[0069] In this configuration, it is sufficient that the third height H3, which is the height of the lower side of the opening 41, is higher than the height of the upstream end of the extending portion 71. In other words, when the second height H2 is the height of the upstream end of the extending portion 71, it is sufficient to satisfy H2 < H3. Also, the height of the nip position NP may be higher than the height of the upstream end of the extending portion 71. Furthermore, the height of the position on the inclined second guide surface 47A where the side edge portion of the medium M with the assumed minimum width is guided may be higher than the height of the upstream end of the extending portion 71.

[0070] Note that the third height H3 shown in FIG. 9 is the lowest height of the lower side of the opening 41. For the second height H2, it is sufficient to satisfy H2 < H3 with respect to the third height H3, which is this lowest height. In the configuration where the side edge portion of the medium M is guided by the inclined second guide surface 47A, it is sufficient that the new third height H3, which is the height of the guiding position where the side edge portion of the medium M with the assumed minimum width is guided by the second guide surface 47A, is higher than the second height H2 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 (H2 < H3). In this case, as long as the new third height H3 satisfies H2 < H3, it is also allowed that the height corresponding to the first guide surface 46A, which is the lowest height among the lower sides of the opening 41, is lower than the second height H2 shown in FIG. 9. As long as the setting satisfies one of these conditions including H2 < H3 described above, the medium M discharged through the opening 41 can be placed on the sliding portion 68.

[0071] <Regarding the alignment operation of the medium M in the medium loading device 50> Next, the alignment operation of media M discharged to the medium loading device 50 will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 19. Note that Figure 13 is a plan view of the medium loading device 50 as viewed from above, Figures 14 to 18 are front views of the medium loading device 50 as viewed from the front, and Figure 19 is a side view of the medium loading device 50 as viewed from the side. In addition, in Figures 13 to 16, the media M at three positions during the discharge process are also referred to as M1, M2, and M3, in order from the upstream side.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the recorded medium M is discharged from the discharge section 40 in the discharge direction ED by the discharge roller pair 28. As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 12, the medium M is guided along the guide surfaces 46A, 47A having a downwardly convex surface shape formed by the lower side of the opening 41. Therefore, the medium M discharged from the opening 41 is curved downwardly. That is, a downwardly convex corrugation is imparted to the medium M. This curvature imparts tension (tension) that extends in the discharge direction ED to the medium M. As a result, the leading end side of the medium M in the discharge direction ED is unlikely to sag. As shown in FIG. 12, the lower side of the opening 41 is located at a height above the sliding portion 68, so the medium M discharged from the opening 41 in a state of being curved downwardly convex rests on the pair of sliding portions 68. That is, the side edges of the medium M rest on the pair of sliding portions 68.

[0073] 13 and 14, the medium M (M1) (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13) is discharged while being nipped by the discharge roller pair 28. The portion of the medium M discharged through the opening 41 rests on the sliding portion 68.

[0074] 13 and 15, after the medium M (M2) (solid lines in FIG. 13) leaves the discharge roller pair 28, it moves in the discharge direction ED while sliding on the sliding portion 68. In detail, the medium M moves in the discharge direction ED while sliding on the sliding portion 68 as shown in FIG. 13 while maintaining a posture in which the center portion in the width direction X is curved downward with the side edge portion in the width direction X supported by the sliding portion 68 (the posture of the second medium M from the top in FIG. 12).

[0075] 13 and 16, the leading edge Ma of the medium M (M3) (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13) hits the leading edge regulating portion 53. As a result, the medium M stops at the position where the leading edge Ma hits the leading edge regulating portion 53. In this manner, the medium M slides on the sliding portion 68 during movement in the discharge direction ED until the leading edge Ma hits the leading edge regulating portion 53.

[0076] Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, the medium M falls under its own weight. In the process of falling, the side edges Mb of the medium M are guided along the guide surfaces 52A (see FIG. 19) of the pair of side edge regulating portions 52. As a result, the medium M is aligned in the width direction X. That is, the medium M is aligned in the width direction X so that its width center coincides with the width center between the pair of side edge regulating portions 52. Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the medium M is loaded on the loading surface 51A of the loading section 51. On both sides of the loading surface 51A in the width direction X, there are a pair of loading guide portions 54 that protrude upward. Therefore, the medium M is guided by the pair of loading guide portions 54, and is loaded in a downwardly convex posture with both side edges in the width direction X raised upward.

[0077] <Regarding the grounding of the sliding portion 68> The grounding structure of the sliding portion 68 will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Figs. 20 to 22. Fig. 20 shows a medium loading device of a comparative example that does not have a grounding structure. Fig. 21 shows a state in which the low-friction member 70 has been removed from the upper surface of the regulating member 55. As shown in Fig. 20, if the medium M becomes charged due to friction between the sliding portion 68 and the medium M, the medium M may be attracted to the sliding portion 68, causing the medium M to become misaligned. For this reason, the sliding portion 68 of this embodiment is grounded.

[0078] 12, the sliding portion 68 has a low-friction member 70 on which the medium M slides, and a conductive member 73 provided between the low-friction member 70 and the regulating member 55. The conductive member 73 is provided on the upper surface of the regulating member 55. The conductive member 73 shown in FIGS. 12 and 21 is grounded.

[0079] As shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the regulating member 55 is provided rotatably around a metal pivot shaft 63 with respect to the loading surface 51A. The conductive member 73 is grounded via the pivot shaft 63. As shown in Fig. 21, the conductive member 73 is connected to a conductive member 74 provided on the outer surface of the regulating member 55. The conductive member 74 connects between the conductive member 73 and the pivot shaft 63. The conductive members 73 and 74 may be, for example, copper foil tape. The conductive member 74 is protected by a protective member 72 shown in Fig. 10. The protective member 72 may be a protective tape or the like.

[0080] In this embodiment, the conductive member 73 constituting the sliding portion 68 shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 21 is grounded through the following path. That is, the conductive member 73 is electrically connected to the main body frame 15F of the recording device 11 through the conductive member 74, the rotating shaft 63, the metal support portion 69 supporting the rotating shaft 63, the metal first rail 61 movably guiding the side edge regulating portion 52, the reinforcing metal plate 56 on both sides of the width direction X of the loading portion 51, and the metal mounting member 19 for mounting the medium loading device 50 to the housing 15. The main body frame 15F of the recording device 11 is grounded. The first rail 61 and the reinforcing metal plate 56 are fastened together to the components of the loading surface 51A by screws or bolts (not shown). The reinforcing metal plate 56 and the metal mounting member 19 are connected through the metal rotating shaft 19A. In this way, the sliding portion 68 is indirectly grounded to the main body frame 15F through the conductive members 73, 74, metal components, and the like.

[0081] <effect> Next, the operation of the recording device 11 will be described. When it is desired to install and use the medium loading device 50, a user or a service technician installs the removable medium loading device 50 in the housing 15 of the recording device 11. When a cover (not shown) on the first side surface 15B of the housing 15 is removed, a mounting member 19 is fixed to the portion of the main body frame 15F exposed from the housing that constitutes the exterior of the housing 15 by fastening a screw or a bolt.

[0082] Thus, in the recording apparatus 11 provided with the medium loading device 50, when the medium loading device 50 is not used, the medium loading device 50 is in the stored state shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. When using the medium loading device 50, starting from the stored state in FIG. 3, through the folded state in FIG. 4 rotated 90°, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip restricting portion 53 and the pair of side restricting portions 52 are deployed on the loading portion 51 to be in the use state.

[0083] Furthermore, the user adjusts the positions of the tip restricting portion 53 and the pair of side restricting portions 52 according to the size of the medium M to be recorded. Specifically, the user adjusts the position of the tip restricting portion 53 to match the length of the discharge direction ED of the medium M, and adjusts the pair of side restricting portions 52 in the width direction X to make the interval between the pair of guide surfaces 52A match the width dimension of the medium M. In this way, the positions of the tip restricting portion 53 and the pair of side restricting portions 52 are adjusted according to the size of the medium M discharged from the discharge portion 40.

[0084] As one of the recording conditions, a tray capable of discharging the medium M from the second discharge path T7 is selected. The user instructs the recording apparatus 11 to execute recording by an operation from the host apparatus or the operation unit 14. The medium M fed one by one from the cassette 18 is conveyed along a path passing through the recording position. In this conveying process, the recording unit 30 records on the medium M. The recorded medium M is discharged to the outside of the housing 15 through the second discharge path T7 via the opening 41. The medium M discharged from the opening 41 is loaded on the medium loading device 50.

[0085] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the medium M discharged from the opening 41 is discharged onto the sliding portion 68. At this time, the medium M is guided by the guide surfaces 46A and 47A defining the lower side of the opening 41, so that a downward convex corrugation is imparted. Therefore, the tip portion of the medium M is less likely to droop. Thus, if a predetermined height relationship (for example, H2 < H3) is established between the discharge portion 40 and the sliding portion 68, the discharged medium M can be placed on the sliding portion 68.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15, the medium M placed on the sliding portion 68 moves in the discharge direction ED while sliding on the upper surface of the sliding portion 68. Since the medium M moves on the sliding portion 68 in the discharge direction ED, it is possible to avoid getting caught on the unevenness on the guide surface 52A due to the through holes 66 and grooves 67 of the pair of side edge regulating portions 52. Therefore, the medium M that slides on the sliding portion 68 reaches the leading end regulating portion 53 more reliably. For example, in a medium loading device of the conventional technology, the side plates are arranged at an interval narrower than the width dimension of the medium, and the medium is discharged into that interval. Therefore, a medium that is warped after recording or a medium discharged in a skewed state is likely to get caught in the groove formed on the guide surface of the side plate. In contrast, in the medium loading device 50 of the present embodiment, regardless of whether the medium M is warped or skewed, the medium M can reach the leading end regulating portion 53 without getting caught on the unevenness of the groove 67 or the like. Therefore, according to the medium loading device 50 of the present embodiment, the consistency of the loaded media M is improved compared to the medium loading device of the prior art.

[0087] Since the height of the leading edge regulating portion 53 is higher than that of the side edge regulating portion 52 (H1>H2), the leading edge Ma of the medium M can come into contact with the leading edge regulating portion 53 even if the medium M slides on the side edge regulating portion 52. When the leading edge Ma of the medium M reaches the leading edge regulating portion 53, the medium M stops sliding on the upper surface of the side edge regulating portion 52. The medium M then falls while its side edge Mb is guided by the guide surface 52A of the side edge regulating portion 52 due to gravity (FIGS. 17 to 19). As the medium M falls, air escapes through the through holes 66 and the grooves 67, so that the medium M is loaded on the loading surface 51A in a manner similar to natural drop without receiving excessive air resistance. This improves the alignment of the medium M when loaded on the loading surface 51A.

[0088] If the medium M becomes charged due to friction between the sliding portion 68 and the medium M, the medium M may be attracted to the sliding portion 68, causing the medium M to become misaligned (FIG. 20). However, by grounding the sliding portion 68, the static electricity generated by friction can be released. By providing a conductive member 73 under the low-friction member 70 and grounding it, it is only necessary to provide the conductive members 73, 74 in necessary locations. This makes it possible to release the static electricity generated by friction while keeping costs down. As a result, the alignment of the medium M loaded on the loading surface 51A of the medium loading device 50 is improved.

[0089] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The medium stacking device 50 includes a stacking unit 51, a leading edge regulating unit 53, and a pair of side edge regulating units 52. The stacking unit 51 has a stacking surface 51A on which the medium M recorded by the recording unit 30 and discharged in the discharge direction is stacked. The leading edge regulating unit 53 is configured to be capable of regulating the leading edge Ma in the discharge direction ED of the medium M stacked on the stacking unit 51. The pair of side edge regulating units 52 are configured to be capable of regulating the side edge Mb along the discharge direction ED of the medium M stacked on the stacking unit 51. Each of the pair of side edge regulating units 52 has a regulating member 55 and a sliding unit 68. The regulating member 55 is configured to be capable of regulating the side edge Mb of the medium M. The sliding unit 68 is provided on the upper surface of the regulating member 55, and is configured to allow the medium M to slide. According to this configuration, the medium M slides on the upper surface of the side edge regulating portion 52, and the medium M is guided along the discharge direction ED by the side edge regulating portion 52, so that the medium M easily reaches the leading edge regulating portion 53. Therefore, the consistency of the medium M loaded on the medium loading device 50 is improved.

[0090] (2) The first height H1, which is the height of the leading edge regulating portion 53 from the loading surface 51A, is equal to or greater than the second height H2, which is the height of the side edge regulating portion 52 from the loading surface 51A. According to this configuration, since the first height H1, which is the height of the leading edge regulating portion 53, is equal to or greater than the second height H2, which is the height of the side edge regulating portion 52, even if the medium M slides on the side edge regulating portion 52, the leading edge Ma of the medium M can contact the leading edge regulating portion 53. When the leading edge Ma of the medium M reaches the leading edge regulating portion 53, the sliding on the upper surface of the side edge regulating portion 52 stops. After that, the medium M falls while its side edge Mb is guided along the side edge regulating portion 52 by gravity. Therefore, the consistency of the medium M loaded on the loading portion 51 in the medium loading device 50 is improved. It is more preferable that the first height H1, which is the height of the leading end restriction portion 53 from the loading surface 51A, is higher than the second height H2, which is the height of the side edge restriction portion 52 from the loading surface 51A.

[0091] (3) The sliding portion 68 is grounded. With this configuration, if the medium M becomes charged due to friction between the sliding portion 68 and the medium M, the medium M may be attracted to the sliding portion 68, causing the medium M to become distorted in alignment. However, by grounding the sliding portion 68, it is possible to dissipate static electricity generated by friction. Therefore, by suppressing disturbance of the medium M due to static electricity, it is possible to improve the consistency of the medium M.

[0092] (4) The sliding portion 68 has a low-friction member 70 on which the medium M slides, and a conductive member 73 provided between the low-friction member 70 and the regulating member 55. The conductive member 73 is grounded. With this configuration, if the medium M becomes charged due to friction between the sliding portion 68 and the medium M, the medium M may be attracted and its alignment may be disturbed. However, by providing the conductive member 73 under the low-friction member 70 and grounding it, it is possible to release static electricity generated by friction. Since it is necessary to provide the conductive members 73, 74 only in necessary locations, rather than making the regulating member 55 itself conductive, costs can be reduced.

[0093] (5) The regulating member 55 is provided rotatably with respect to the loading surface 51A around a metal pivot shaft 63, and the conductive member 73 is grounded via the pivot shaft 63. With this configuration, making the regulating member 55 rotatable makes it easy to remove the media M and store the media loading device 50. Furthermore, by grounding the conductive member 73 via the metal pivot shaft 63, static electricity can be released without providing a separate member dedicated to static elimination. Since it is only necessary to provide the conductive members 73 and 74 only in the necessary locations, rather than making the regulating member 55 itself conductive, costs can be reduced.

[0094] (6) In the regulating member 55, a groove 67 is formed on the guide surface 52A that guides the medium M, extending in a direction intersecting the loading surface 51A. With this configuration, the groove 67 allows air to escape, improving the alignment of the medium M. On the other hand, when the medium M is discharged to a medium loading device in which the groove 67 extends in a direction intersecting the loading surface 51A, as in the conventional technology, the leading edge Ma of the medium M may get caught in the groove. In response to this, the above configuration (1) can prevent the medium M from getting caught in the groove 67.

[0095] (7) The discharge device 35 includes a medium loading device 50 and a discharge section 40 that discharges the medium M to the medium loading device 50 through an opening 41. With this configuration, the alignment of the medium M discharged from the discharge section 40 in the discharge device 35 can be improved.

[0096] (8) In the discharge device 35, the opening 41 has a downwardly convex lower side. With this configuration, the medium M discharged from the discharge section 40 is given a downwardly convex corrugation (convex shape), which can improve alignment.

[0097] (9) In the discharge device 35, the bottom side of the opening 41 is located above the sliding portion 68. With this configuration, the media M discharged from the opening 41 can be easily slid over the sliding portion 68. As a result, the alignment of the media M can be improved.

[0098] (10) The recording device 11 comprises a recording unit 30, a housing 15, a medium loading device 50, and a discharge unit 40. The recording unit 30 records on M. The housing 15 houses the recording unit 30. The medium loading device 50 is detachably provided on the housing 15. The discharge unit 40 discharges the medium M to the medium loading device 50 through an opening 41 provided in the housing 15. This configuration can improve the alignment of the discharged medium M in the recording device 11. By configuring the medium loading device 50 to be detachable from the housing 15, usability can be improved.

[0099] (11) In the recording device 11, the opening 41 has a shape in which the bottom side is convex downward. With this configuration, the medium M discharged from the discharge unit 40 is corrugated, which can improve the alignment of the medium M.

[0100] (12) In the discharge device 35, the bottom side of the opening 41 is located above the sliding portion 68. With this configuration, the media M discharged from the discharge unit 40 can be easily slid on the sliding portion 68. As a result, the alignment of the media M can be improved.

[0101] (13) The recording unit 30 performs recording by ejecting liquid onto the medium M. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the alignment of the ejected medium M in a liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer. In the case of a liquid ejection device, the medium M is prone to curling, which can easily cause problems. However, with the configuration of (1) above, it is possible to improve the alignment.

[0102] The above embodiment can be modified to the following modified examples. Further modified examples can be appropriately combined with the above embodiment and the following modified examples, or further modified examples can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0103] 23, the sliding portion 68 does not have to be formed of a low-friction member 70. For example, the upper surface of the regulating member 55 constituting the pair of side edge regulating portions 52 may directly serve as the sliding portion 68. For example, the upper surface of the regulating member 55 may be polished to a smooth surface, or a lubricating layer may be formed on the upper surface.

[0104] The conductive member 74 does not have to be directly connected to the rotating shaft 63. For example, the conductive member 74 may be connected to a metallic support member that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 63, a fastening member such as a screw or bolt for supporting the rotating shaft 63, or a metallic part such as a washer interposed in the fastening member. In short, it is sufficient that the sliding part 68 is grounded. Also, at least one of the conductive members 73, 74 may be metal plated instead of copper foil tape.

[0105] The entire side restriction portion 52 may be made of a conductive material, or the sliding portion 68 may be neutralized via a metal plate or the like. For example, the side restriction portion 52 may be made of a metal material. Examples of the metal material include iron, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, and copper alloys.

[0106] The shape of the corrugation formed on the medium M guided by the guide surfaces 46A, 47A defined by the shape of the bottom side of the opening 41 is not limited to a downwardly convex shape, but may be an upwardly convex shape or an uneven shape. Even in these cases, the medium M is given tension, which makes it difficult for the medium M to droop during the discharge process, and therefore the medium M can slide over the sliding portion 68.

[0107] The medium M may not be corrugated. For example, the bottom side of the opening 41 may be horizontal. Even in this configuration, it is sufficient that the bottom side of the opening 41 is located above the sliding portion 68. The medium loading device 50 does not have to be of the foldable type.

[0108] The medium loading device 50 is not limited to a configuration in which it is detachably attached to the housing 15. For example, the medium loading device 50 may be fixed to the housing 15 in an unremovable state. The medium loading device 50 may be a floor-standing type that is placed on the floor and used instead of being attached to the housing 15. Alternatively, the medium loading device 50 may be hooked onto a predetermined location of the housing 15 and used in a suspended state.

[0109] The pair of side edge regulating parts 52 may be configured so that their positions cannot be adjusted in the width direction X. Such a configuration may be used if the pair is dedicated to media of a certain size. Furthermore, if the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 are configured so that their positions can be adjusted, they may not be of a sliding type, but may be configured so that the width dimension between the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 is changed by changing the position at which it is inserted into the stacking section 51. Furthermore, only one of the pair of side edge regulating parts 52 may be configured so as to be slidable, and the other may be fixed to the stacking section 51.

[0110] The low-friction member 70 is not limited to a low-friction tape, but may be a low-friction layer formed on the upper surface of the regulating member 55 , or a member having a smaller friction resistance against the medium M than the regulating member 55 . The medium M is not limited to paper, but may be board paper, a synthetic resin film, a laminate medium, fabric, or the like.

[0111] The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet recording device (printer) that records on paper, but may be a textile printing device. The recording device 11 is not limited to a liquid ejecting device such as an inkjet printer that employs an inkjet recording method, but may be an offset printing device, a laser printer, a dot impact printer, or the like.

[0112] The medium loading device 50 may be applied to a device other than the recording device 11 equipped with the recording unit 30. For example, the medium loading device 50 may be a device that loads a medium (e.g., a document) after reading in a reading device (e.g., a scanner). Furthermore, the medium loading device 50 may be applied to a device other than the recording device 11 and a reading device.

[0113] The technical concepts and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) The media loading device comprises a loading section having a loading surface for loading media that has been recorded by a recording section and discharged in a discharge direction, a leading edge regulating section capable of regulating the leading edge in the discharge direction of the media loaded on the loading section, and a pair of side edge regulating sections capable of regulating the side edges along the discharge direction of the media loaded on the loading section, each of the pair of side edge regulating sections having a regulating member capable of regulating the side edges, and a sliding section provided on an upper surface of the regulating member along which the media can slide.

[0114] According to this configuration, the medium slides along the upper surface of the side edge regulating portion, and the side edge regulating portion guides the medium in the discharge direction. This makes it easier for the medium to reach the leading edge regulating portion, thereby improving the consistency of the medium.

[0115] (B) In the medium loading device described in (A) above, a first height, which is the height of the leading edge regulating portion from the loading surface, may be equal to or greater than a second height, which is the height of the side edge regulating portion from the loading surface. With this configuration, since the height of the leading edge regulating portion is equal to or greater than the height of the side edge regulating portion, even if the medium slides over the side edge regulating portion, the leading edge of the medium can come into contact with the leading edge regulating portion. When the leading edge of the medium reaches the leading edge regulating portion, the medium stops sliding on the upper surface of the side edge regulating portion. The medium then falls while the side edge of the medium is guided along the side edge regulating portion by gravity. This improves the consistency of the medium.

[0116] (C) In the medium loading device described in (A) or (B) above, the sliding part may be grounded. With this configuration, if the medium becomes charged due to friction between the sliding part and the medium, the medium may be attracted to the medium, causing the medium to become misaligned. However, by grounding the sliding part, the static electricity generated by friction can be released, thereby improving the consistency of the medium.

[0117] (D) In ​​the medium loading device described in any one of (A) to (C) above, the sliding portion has a low-friction member against which the medium slides, and a conductive member provided between the low-friction member and the regulating member, and the conductive member may be grounded.

[0118] If the medium becomes charged due to friction between the sliding part and the medium, the medium may be attracted to the medium, causing the medium to lose its alignment. However, with this configuration, a conductive member is provided under the low-friction member and is grounded, allowing static electricity generated by friction to escape. Rather than making the regulating member itself conductive, it is only necessary to provide the conductive member only in the necessary places, which reduces costs.

[0119] (E) In the medium loading device described in any one of (A) to (D) above, the regulating member may be provided rotatably with respect to the loading surface around a metal pivot shaft, and the conductive member may be grounded via the pivot shaft. With this configuration, making the regulating member rotatable makes it easy to remove media and store the medium loading device. Furthermore, by grounding via the metal pivot shaft, static electricity can be released without providing a separate member dedicated to static elimination.

[0120] (F) In the medium loading device described in any one of (A) to (E) above, a groove extending in a direction intersecting the loading surface may be formed on a guide surface of the regulating member that guides the medium. With this configuration, the groove allows air to escape, improving alignment. On the other hand, since the groove extends in the vertical direction, there is a possibility that the leading edge of the medium may get caught in the groove when the medium is discharged as in the conventional technology. However, with the configuration of (A) above, it is possible to prevent the medium from getting caught in the groove.

[0121] (G) A discharge device includes the medium loading device according to any one of (A) to (F) above, and a discharge section that discharges media to the medium loading device through an opening. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the alignment of the media discharged from the discharge section.

[0122] (H) In the discharge device described in (G) above, the opening may have a lower side that is convex downward. With this configuration, the media discharged from the discharge section can be corrugated to improve alignment.

[0123] (I) In the discharge device described in (G) or (H) above, the bottom edge of the opening may be located above the sliding portion. With this configuration, the bottom edge of the opening is located above the sliding portion, so that the medium discharged from the opening can be easily slid over the sliding portion.

[0124] (J) A recording device includes the recording unit that records on a medium, a housing that houses the recording unit, a medium loading device according to any one of (A) to (F) above that is detachably provided in the housing, and a discharge unit that discharges a medium to the medium loading device through an opening provided in the housing. This configuration can improve the alignment of discharged media in the recording device. By configuring the medium loading device to be detachable from the housing, usability can be improved.

[0125] (K) In the recording device described in (J) above, the opening may have a lower side that is convex downward. With this configuration, the medium discharged from the discharge unit is given a convex corrugation (convex shape) that is convex downward, thereby improving alignment.

[0126] (L) In the recording device described in (J) or (K) above, a bottom edge of the opening may be located above the sliding portion. With this configuration, the bottom edge of the opening is located above the sliding portion, so that the medium discharged from the opening can be easily slid over the sliding portion.

[0127] (M) In the recording device described in any one of (J) to (L) above, the recording section may perform recording by ejecting liquid onto the medium. In a liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer, the alignment of a recorded medium can be improved. In the case of a liquid ejection device, curling of the medium is likely to occur, which can easily cause problems. However, by using the configuration of (A) above, the alignment of the medium can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 11...recording device, 12...device body, 13...reading unit, 14...operation unit, 14A...screen, 15...casing, 15A...front surface, 15B...first side surface, 15C...second side surface, 15D...rear surface (rear surface), 15F...main body frame, 15H...housing, 16...discharge space, 17...discharge tray, 18...cassette, 18A...handle, 19...mounting member, 19A...rotating shaft, 20...conveying unit, 21...feed roller, 22...separation roller pair, 23, 24...conveying roller roller pair, 25...support portion, 25A...conveyor belt, 26...conveyor roller pair, 27...discharge roller pair, 28...discharge roller pair, 30...recording portion, 35...discharge device, 40...discharge portion, 41...opening, 42...discharge mechanism, 44...discharge drive roller, 44A...rotating shaft, 45...discharge driven roller, 45A...rotating shaft, 46...guide portion (lower side), 46A...first guide surface (part of lower side), 47...slanted guide portion, 47A...second guide surface (part of lower side) , 50...medium loading device, 51...loading section, 51A...loading surface, 52, 52R, 52L...side edge regulating section, 52A...guide surface, 53...tip regulating section, 53A...regulating surface, 54...loading guide section, 55...regulating member, 56...reinforcing sheet metal, 57...interlocking mechanism, 58...guide mechanism, 61...first rail, 62...second rail, 63...rotating shaft, 64...operating section, 65...notch, 66...through hole, 67...groove, 68...sliding section, 69...support section, 70...low friction member, 71...extension part, 72...protective member, 73...conductive member, 74...conductive member, M...medium, Ma...tip, Mb...side edge, T...conveying path, T1...first feeding path, T2...second feeding path, T3...conveying path, T4...reversing path, T5...reversing path, T6...first discharging path, T7...second discharging path, NP...nip position, H1...first height, H2...second height, H3...third height, X...depth direction (width direction of the medium), Y...width direction of the device, Z...vertical direction (cross direction), ED...discharging direction.

Claims

1. a loading section having a loading surface for loading the medium recorded by the recording section and discharged in a discharge direction; a leading edge regulating section that can regulate a leading edge of the medium loaded on the loading section in the ejection direction; a pair of side edge regulating portions capable of regulating sides along the discharge direction of the media loaded on the loading portion; Equipped with Each of the pair of side edge restriction portions is A restricting member capable of restricting the side edge; a sliding portion provided on an upper surface of the regulating member, on which the medium can slide; A medium loading device comprising:

2. 2 . The medium stacking device according to claim 1 , wherein a first height, which is a height of the leading edge regulating portion from the stacking surface, is equal to or greater than a second height, which is a height of the side edge regulating portion from the stacking surface.

3. The medium loading device according to claim 1 , wherein the sliding portion is grounded.

4. The sliding portion is a low-friction member on which the medium slides; a conductive member provided between the low friction member and the regulating member; having 4. The medium loading device according to claim 3, wherein the conductive member is grounded.

5. The regulating member is provided to be rotatable with respect to the loading surface around a metal pivot shaft, 5. The medium loading device according to claim 4, wherein the conductive member is grounded via the rotating shaft.

6. 2. The medium loading device according to claim 1, wherein a groove is formed in a guide surface of the regulating member that guides the medium, the groove extending in a direction intersecting with the loading surface.

7. A medium loading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a discharge section that discharges the medium to the medium loading device through an opening; A discharge device comprising:

8. The discharge device according to claim 7 , wherein the opening has a lower side that is convex downward.

9. The discharge device according to claim 7 , wherein a lower side of the opening is located above the sliding portion.

10. The recording unit performs recording on a medium; A housing that houses the recording unit; The medium loading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is detachably provided on the housing; a discharge section that discharges a medium to the medium loading device through an opening provided in the housing; A recording device comprising:

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the opening has a lower side that is convex downward.

12. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a lower side of the opening is located above the sliding portion.

13. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the recording unit performs recording by discharging a liquid onto the medium.

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