Media feeding device, recording device

Abstract

To solve a problem that when a medium feeding device is to be provided with a plurality of cassettes for storing media, it becomes necessary to provide a sheet size detection means for each of the plurality of cassettes, which leads to an increase in a cost.SOLUTION: A medium feeding device includes: a first tray; a second tray located above the first tray; and a position detection means for detecting positions of a first edge guide of the first tray and a second edge guide of the second tray, in which the position detection means engages with the first edge guide in accordance with a position of the first edge guide in a second axial direction when the first tray moves toward a mounting position while the second tray is in a retracted position, and when the second tray moves toward a feeding position, the position detection means engages with the second edge guide in accordance with a position of the second edge guide in the second axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium feeding device for feeding a medium and a recording device provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] The sheet feeding device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with side guides on a cassette for stacking sheets. A contact portion is provided on the side guide, and when the contact portion moves as the side guide moves, the contact portion contacts the sheet width detection lever, causing the sheet width detection lever to move in the cassette attachment / detachment direction. This sheet width detection lever turns on and off a switch sensor. Two sets of the sheet width detection lever and the switch sensor are provided, and the sheet size is detected based on the on / off combination thereof.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when it is desired to provide a plurality of cassettes, it is necessary to provide the above-described sheet width detection lever for each of the plurality of cassettes, resulting in an increase in cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the media feeding device of the present invention includes a device main body having a feeding means for feeding a media, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a first tray that can take a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device main body, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a second tray that is located above the first tray and can take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device main body, the device main body including the first tray and the second tray, a first edge guide provided on the first tray, the first edge guide being movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the media accommodated in the first tray, a second edge guide provided on the second tray, the second edge guide being movable in the second axial direction, a position detecting means provided on the device main body, the position detecting means for detecting positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, and a control unit for determining positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on detection information of the position detecting means. When the first tray is in the mounted position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, feeding of the media accommodated in the first tray becomes possible. When the second tray is in the feeding position, feeding of the media accommodated in the second tray becomes possible. The position detecting means engages with the first edge guide according to the position of the first edge guide in the second axial direction when the first tray moves toward the mounted position while the second tray is in the retracted position or in a non-mounted state of the second tray, and engages with the second edge guide according to the position of the second edge guide in the second axial direction when the second tray moves toward the feeding position.

[0006] The media feeding device of the present invention further includes a device main body provided with a feeding means for feeding media, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a first tray that can take a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device main body, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a second tray that is located above the first tray and can take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device main body, the device main body including the first tray and the second tray, a first edge guide provided on the first tray and movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the media accommodated in the first tray, a second edge guide provided on the second tray and movable in the second axial direction, a position detection means provided on the device main body for detecting the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, and a control unit for determining the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on the detection information of the position detection means. When the first tray is in the mounted position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, the media accommodated in the first tray can be fed. When the second tray is in the feeding position, the media accommodated in the second tray can be fed. The position detection means can face the first edge guide when the second tray is in the retracted position or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, and can face the second edge guide when the second tray is in the feeding position.

[0007] The medium feeding device of the present invention further includes a device body having a feeding means for feeding a medium, a tray capable of accommodating the medium, a first tray that can take a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device body, a tray capable of accommodating the medium, a second tray that is located above the first tray and can take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device body, the device body including the first tray and the second tray, an edge guide provided on the first tray, a first edge guide that is movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the medium accommodated in the first tray, an edge guide provided on the second tray, a second edge guide that is movable in the second axial direction, position detecting means provided on the device body for detecting positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, tray detecting means for detecting the position of the second tray, and a control unit for determining positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on detection information of the position detecting means and the tray detecting means. When the first tray is in the mounted position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, feeding of the medium accommodated in the first tray is possible. When the second tray is in the feeding position, feeding of the medium accommodated in the second tray is possible. The control unit, based on detection information of the tray detecting means, when the second tray is in the retracted position or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, regards the detection information of the position detecting means as information related to the position of the first edge guide, and determines the position of the first edge guide based on the detection information. When the second tray is in the feeding position, the control unit regards the detection information of the position detecting means as information related to the position of the second edge guide, and determines the position of the second edge guide based on the detection information.

[0008] The recording device of the present invention further includes any one of the above medium feeding devices and a recording unit that performs recording on the medium fed by the medium feeding device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be schematically described. The media feeding device according to the first aspect includes a device main body having a feeding means for feeding a media, a first tray capable of accommodating the media and taking a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device main body, a second tray capable of accommodating the media, located above the first tray, and taking a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device main body, the device main body including the first tray and the second tray, a first edge guide provided on the first tray and movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the media accommodated in the first tray, a second edge guide provided on the second tray and movable in the second axial direction, position detecting means provided on the device main body for detecting positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, and a control unit for determining positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on detection information of the position detecting means. When the first tray is in the mounted position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, feeding of the media accommodated in the first tray is possible. When the second tray is in the feeding position, feeding of the media accommodated in the second tray is possible. The position detecting means engages with the first edge guide according to the position of the first edge guide in the second axial direction when the second tray is in the retracted position or the non-mounted state of the second tray and the first tray moves toward the mounted position, and engages with the second edge guide according to the position of the second edge guide in the second axial direction when the second tray moves toward the feeding position.

[0011] According to this aspect, since the position detecting means is configured to be able to engage with the first edge guide or the second edge guide according to the position of the second tray, it is not necessary to provide dedicated position detecting means for each of the first edge guide and the second edge guide, and an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed. Further, the first axial direction and the second axial direction may be different or the same direction.

[0012] A second aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, wherein the position detecting means is a swingable lever, and includes a detecting unit including a lever engageable with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, and a sensor that outputs a signal according to the posture of the lever. When the first tray moves toward the mounting position in a state where the second tray is in the retracted position or in a state where the second tray is not mounted, the lever swings by engaging with the first edge guide according to the position of the first edge guide in the second axial direction. When the second tray moves toward the feeding position, the lever swings by engaging with the first edge guide according to the position of the first edge guide in the second axial direction.

[0013] According to this aspect, since the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide are detected by the engagement between the lever and the first edge guide or the engagement between the lever and the second edge guide, the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide can be surely detected.

[0014] The third aspect is an aspect that depends on the second aspect, wherein the lever includes an edge guide engagement portion that can engage with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, and a detected portion that can take a state of blocking the detection light of the sensor and a state of not blocking the detection light. Further, when the edge guide engagement portion is not engaged with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, the lever takes a first posture, and when the edge guide engagement portion is engaged with the first edge guide, the lever takes a second posture in which the position of the edge guide engagement portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the first posture. When the edge guide engagement portion is engaged with the second tray, the lever takes a third posture in which the position of the edge guide engagement portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the second posture. When the edge guide engagement portion is engaged with the second edge guide, the lever takes a fourth posture in which the position of the edge guide engagement portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the third posture. The detected portion blocks the detection light in one of the first posture and the second posture of the lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture, and blocks the detection light in one of the third posture and the fourth posture of the lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture.

[0015] According to this aspect, since the detected portion blocks the detection light in one of the first posture and the second posture of the lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture, the position of the first edge guide can be determined by such a configuration. Further, since the detected portion blocks the detection light in one of the third posture and the fourth posture of the lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture, the position of the first edge guide or the second edge guide can be determined by such a configuration.

[0016] The fourth aspect is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, wherein an opening for passing the detection light is formed in the detected portion, and the detected portion does not block the detection light by being entirely out of the detection light in the first posture of the lever, blocks the detection light in the second posture of the lever, allows the detection light to pass through via the opening in the third posture of the lever, and blocks the detection light in the fourth posture of the lever. According to this aspect, the third posture and the fourth posture can be discriminated by the opening formed in the detected portion.

[0017] The fifth aspect is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, wherein the lever includes an edge guide engaging portion engageable with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, and a detected portion capable of taking a state of blocking the detection light of the sensor and a state of not blocking the detection light, and the edge guide engaging portion is formed to protrude in the second axial direction.

[0018] According to this aspect, since the edge guide engaging portion is formed to protrude in the second axial direction, the degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the lever is improved. For example, even in a case where the lever cannot be arranged at a position engageable with the first edge guide or the second edge guide, the lever can be engaged with the first edge guide or the second edge guide while arranging the lever. Note that this aspect is not limited to the second aspect above, and may be dependent on the third or fourth aspect above.

[0019] The sixth aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized by including a motor for driving the second tray in the first axial direction. According to this aspect, since the second tray is driven in the first axial direction by the motor, user-friendliness is improved. Note that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect above, and may be dependent on any one of the second to fifth aspects above.

[0020] The seventh aspect is an aspect subordinate to the first aspect, comprising tray detection means for detecting the position of the second tray, and the control unit determines the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide based on the detection information of the tray detection means.

[0021] According to this aspect, since the control unit determines the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide based on the detection information of the tray detection means, the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide can be determined more accurately. Note that this aspect is not limited to the above first aspect, and may be subordinate to any of the second to sixth aspects.

[0022] The eighth aspect is characterized in that the position detection means includes a plurality of the detection units, and the plurality of the detection units are arranged along the second axial direction according to the size of the medium in the second axial direction.

[0023] According to this aspect, since the position detection means includes a plurality of the detection units, and the plurality of the detection units are arranged along the second axial direction according to the size of the medium in the second axial direction, a plurality of medium sizes can be determined.

[0024] The media feeding device according to the ninth aspect includes a device main body having a feeding means for feeding a media, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a first tray that can take a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device main body, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a second tray that is located above the first tray and can take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device main body, the device main body including the first tray and the second tray, an edge guide provided on the first tray, a first edge guide movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the media accommodated in the first tray, an edge guide provided on the second tray, a second edge guide movable in the second axial direction, a position detecting means provided on the device main body for detecting positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, and a control unit for determining positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on detection information of the position detecting means. When the first tray is in the mounted position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, feeding of the media accommodated in the first tray is possible. When the second tray is in the feeding position, feeding of the media accommodated in the second tray is possible. The position detecting means can face the first edge guide when the second tray is in the retracted position or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, and can face the second edge guide when the second tray is in the feeding position.

[0025] According to this aspect, since the position detecting means is configured to be able to face the first edge guide or the second edge guide according to the position of the second tray, it is not necessary to provide dedicated position detecting means for each of the first edge guide and the second edge guide, and an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed. Note that the first axial direction and the second axial direction may be different directions or the same direction.

[0026] The tenth aspect is an aspect dependent on the ninth aspect, wherein the position detection means includes a detection unit including a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the first tray and the second tray, and a light receiving unit that receives a reflected component of the detection light, and the first edge guide and the second edge guide are provided with a reflecting unit that reflects the detection light.

[0027] According to this aspect, since the position detection means detects the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide by a reflective sensor, the structure of the position detection means becomes simple, which contributes to miniaturization of the apparatus.

[0028] The media feeding device according to the 11th aspect includes a device main body having a feeding means for feeding a media, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a first tray that can take a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device main body, a tray capable of accommodating the media, a second tray that is located above the first tray and can take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device main body, the device main body including the first tray and the second tray, a first edge guide provided on the first tray, the first edge guide being movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the media accommodated in the first tray, a second edge guide provided on the second tray, the second edge guide being movable in the second axial direction, a position detection means provided on the device main body, the position detection means for detecting positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, a tray detection means for detecting a position of the second tray, and a control unit for determining positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on detection information of the position detection means and the tray detection means. When the first tray is in the mounted position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, feeding of the media accommodated in the first tray becomes possible. When the second tray is in the feeding position, feeding of the media accommodated in the second tray becomes possible. The control unit, based on the detection information of the tray detection means, when the second tray is in the retracted position or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, regards the detection information of the position detection means as information related to the position of the first edge guide, and determines the position of the first edge guide based on the detection information. When the second tray is in the feeding position, the control unit regards the detection information of the position detection means as information related to the position of the second edge guide, and determines the position of the second edge guide based on the detection information.

[0029] According to this aspect, based on the detection information of the tray detection means, the control unit determines whether the detection information of the position detection means relates to the first edge guide or the second edge guide, and then determines the position of the first edge guide or the second edge guide. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide dedicated position detection means for each of the first edge guide and the second edge guide, and an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be suppressed. Note that the first axial direction and the second axial direction may be different directions or the same direction.

[0030] The recording apparatus according to the twelfth aspect is characterized by including the medium feeding device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects and a recording unit that performs recording on the medium fed by the medium feeding device. According to this aspect, in a recording apparatus that performs recording on a medium, any of the operational effects of the first to eleventh aspects described above can be obtained.

[0031] The recording apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect includes a recording unit that performs recording on the medium fed by the medium feeding device according to the second aspect, and a tray that receives the medium that has been recorded and discharged by the recording unit, and is a discharge tray located above the second tray. The discharge tray is characterized in that a slit through which the lever passes from above the discharge tray to below is formed.

[0032] According to this aspect, in a recording apparatus that performs recording on a medium, the operational effect of the second aspect described above can be obtained. In addition, in a configuration including the discharge tray above the second tray, interference between the lever and the discharge tray can be suppressed.

[0033] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described. Hereinafter, an inkjet printer 1 that performs recording by discharging ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium typified by recording paper will be described as an example of a recording apparatus. In the following, the inkjet printer 1 will be abbreviated as the printer 1.

[0034] In each figure, the X-Y-Z coordinate system shown is a rectangular coordinate system. The X-axis direction intersects the conveyance direction of the medium, that is, it is the medium width direction and also the device width direction. Among the X-axis directions, the +X direction is the left direction as seen from the user facing the operation panel 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the -X direction is the right direction. Also, the X-axis direction is an example of the second axis direction. Also, the Y-axis direction is the device depth direction. Among the Y-axis directions, the +Y direction is the direction from the back of the device toward the front of the device, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front of the device toward the back of the device. Also, the Y-axis direction is an example of the first axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction and is the normal direction with respect to the mounting surface of the printer 1, that is, the device height direction. Among the Z-axis directions, the +Z direction is the upward direction and the -Z direction is the downward direction.

[0035] Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the printer 1 will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The printer 1 includes a scanner unit 3, which is an example of an image reading device, above the device main body 2. That is, the printer 1 is configured as a multifunction device having an image reading function in addition to an inkjet recording function. Incidentally, the printer 1 can also be referred to as a medium feeding device 100 from the viewpoint of feeding the medium. In this case, the printer 1 includes the medium feeding device 100 and a recording head 30, which is an example of a recording unit described later.

[0036] The scanner unit 3 is provided rotatably with respect to the device main body 2, and by rotating, it can take a closed state (FIG. 1) and an open state (not shown). In the scanner unit 3, the upper cover 4 is an openable and closable cover. By opening the cover 4, the document table 3a (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the scanner unit 3 appears.

[0037] At the front of the device, reference numeral 5 denotes an operation panel including a power button, operation buttons for performing various printing settings and recording executions, a display unit for performing printing setting contents and preview display of printed images, and the like. Also, at the front of the apparatus, reference numeral 59 denotes an openable / closable cover provided on the lower tray 50. The cover 59 can be in a closed state (FIG. 1) and an open state (FIG. 2). By opening the cover 59, the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 are exposed on the front side of the apparatus, and the discharge tray 8 can project forward of the apparatus. The lower tray 50 is an example of a first tray, and the upper tray 60 is an example of a second tray located above the lower tray 50.

[0038] The discharge tray 8 can be in a stored state (see FIGS. 1 and 2) stored in the apparatus main body 2 by the power of a motor (not shown) and a use state (see FIGS. 6 and 7) protruding forward of the apparatus main body 2. An upper frame 37 is provided on the upper part of the discharge tray 8, and the discharge tray 8 is guided in the Y-axis direction by a guide part (not shown) formed on the upper frame 37. When the discharge tray 8 is in the use state protruding forward of the apparatus main body 2, it can receive the medium on which recording is performed and discharged.

[0039] The lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 provided above it can accommodate a plurality of media, and each can be independently attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 2 and can move in the Y-axis direction. Also, even if one side of the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 is in an unmounted state, if the other side is mounted, the medium can be sent out from the mounted tray. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 36 denotes a lower guide rail that guides and supports the lower tray 50 in the Y-axis direction, which is the attachment / detachment direction, and reference numeral 35 denotes an upper guide rail that guides and supports the upper tray 60 in the Y-axis direction, which is the attachment / detachment direction. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 15 denotes a tray accommodating part that accommodates the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60.

[0040] In this way, the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 can be detachably attached to the apparatus main body 2 independently of each other. When setting a medium on one side tray, it is not necessary to pull out the other side tray. In a recording apparatus having a plurality of trays, the workability during the medium setting operation can be improved. However, for example, the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 may be integrally configured, and the upper tray 60 may be configured to be movable along the Y-axis direction with respect to the lower tray 50. In addition, the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 do not necessarily have to be detachably provided with respect to the apparatus main body 2, and they may be non-removable from the apparatus main body 2. That is, it is sufficient that the medium can be accommodated in a state where the lower tray 50 or the upper tray 60 is pulled out in front of the apparatus.

[0041] In addition, with respect to the upper tray 60, in a state where it is attached to the apparatus main body 2, it can move between a retracted position (see FIG. 6) and a feeding position (see FIG. 7) along the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the upper tray 60 moves by obtaining the power of the tray drive motor 81 (see FIG. 8). Also, with respect to the lower tray 50, the position where it is completely pushed in by the user in the -Y direction is the attached position (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and other positions are non-attached positions.

[0042] Subsequently, in FIGS. 1 and 2, an openable / closable manual cover 6 is provided at the upper rear of the apparatus main body 2. By opening this manual cover 6, it is possible to feed the medium manually using the manual tray 7 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0043] Subsequently, the medium conveyance path of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The upper tray 60 moves to the feeding position (see FIG. 7) and the retracted position (see FIG. 6) by receiving the power of the tray drive motor 81 (see FIG. 8) as described above. By driving the upper tray 60 by a motor in this way, the usability for the user is improved. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the medium stored in the lower tray 50 is denoted by reference numeral P1, and the medium stored in the upper tray 60 is denoted by reference numeral P2. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the medium P1 and the medium P2, they are collectively referred to as "medium P".

[0044] In the +Z direction with respect to the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60, a feed roller 10 driven by a motor (not shown) is provided. The term "feed roller" may be replaced with "pickup roller". The feed roller 10 is an example of a feeding means for feeding the medium. The feed roller 10 is provided on a roller support portion 11 that rotates about a rotation axis 12. The roller support portion 11 rotates in a first rotation direction C1, which is the direction in which the feed roller 10 advances into the lower tray 50, and a second rotation direction C2, which is the direction in which the feed roller 10 retracts from the lower tray 550. By rotating in the first rotation direction C1 and the second rotation direction C2, the roller support portion 11 moves the feed roller 10 forward and backward with respect to the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60. Incidentally, the term "roller support portion" may be replaced with "pickup arm" or "oscillating member".

[0045] When the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 6), the feed roller 10 rotates in contact with the uppermost one of the media P1 stored in the lower tray 50, thereby feeding the uppermost media P1 from the lower tray 50 in the -Y direction. Also, when the upper tray 60 is in the feeding position (see FIG. 7), the feed roller 10 rotates in contact with the uppermost one of the media P2 stored in the upper tray 60, thereby feeding the uppermost media P2 from the upper tray 60 in the -Y direction. As described above, even when either the lower tray 50 or the upper tray 60 is not installed, the other tray can feed the medium P. This ensures the freedom of paper feeding and improves the handling performance of the device. The rotation axis 12 constitutes the rotation axis of the roller support portion 11. The rotation axis 12 rotates upon receiving the power of a motor (not shown) and rotates the feed roller 10 via a gear group (not shown).

[0046] Subsequently, a separation slope 16 is provided in the apparatus main body 2 at a position facing the tips of the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60. In a state where the lower tray 50 is mounted, a stopper 50d (see FIG. 4) provided at the tip of the lower tray 50 enters deeper (in the -Y direction in FIG. 6) than the separation slope 16. As a result, the tip of the medium accommodated in the lower tray 50 can come into contact with the separation slope 16.

[0047] Also, in the upper tray 60, in a state where the upper tray 60 is positioned at the feeding position (see FIG. 7), a stopper 60c (see FIG. 5) provided at the tip of the upper tray 60 enters deeper than the separation slope 16. As a result, the tip of the medium accommodated in the upper tray 60 can come into contact with the separation slope 16. The medium P fed out from the lower tray 50 or the upper tray 60 advances downstream while its tip is in contact with the separation slope 16, thereby separating the uppermost medium P to be fed from the subsequent media P.

[0048] Downstream of the separation slope 16, an intermediate roller 17 that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) is provided. The medium P is curved and reversed by this intermediate roller 17 and heads toward the front side of the apparatus. Note that reference numerals 18, 19, 20, and 21 are driven rollers that can rotate passively. The medium P fed out from the lower tray 50 or the upper tray 60 is nipped by the intermediate roller 17 and the driven rollers 19 and 20 and sent downstream.

[0049] Downstream of the intermediate roller 17, a conveyance drive roller 24 that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) and a conveyance driven roller 25 that rotates passively in contact with the conveyance drive roller 24 are provided. The medium P is sent under the recording head 30 as a recording unit by these rollers. The recording head 30 that discharges ink is provided at the bottom of the carriage 29. The carriage 29 reciprocates in the X-axis direction by receiving the power of a motor (not shown).

[0050] A support member 28 for supporting the medium P is provided at a position facing the recording head 30, and the distance between the medium P and the recording head 30 is defined by the support member 28. Downstream of the support member 28, a discharge drive roller 31 that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) and a discharge driven roller 32 that is in contact with the discharge drive roller 31 and rotates in a driven manner are provided. The medium P on which recording has been performed by the recording head 30 is discharged toward the above-described discharge tray 8 by these rollers. In addition, when recording on both sides of the medium P, after recording the first surface of the medium P with the recording head 30, the medium P is switched back in the -Y direction. As a result, the medium P is nipped between the intermediate roller 17 and the driven roller 18 and enters the feeding path from below the intermediate roller 17. Then, the medium P is reversed and sent to a position facing the recording head 30, and recording can be performed on the second surface opposite to the first surface of the medium P.

[0051] Hereinafter, the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 will be further described. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower tray 50 includes a rear end edge guide 54 that is slidable in the Y-axis direction on its bottom surface 50a. This rear end edge guide 54 regulates the position of the +Y direction edge of the medium P1, that is, the rear end edge.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the lower tray 50 is provided with first edge guides 51 and 52 that are slidable in the X-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction. The positions of the side edges of the medium P1 are regulated by these first edge guides 51 and 52. The two first edge guides 51 and 52 are provided so as to be synchronously movable by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) symmetrically with respect to the center position in the width direction of the medium P1. That is, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment uses the center position in the medium width direction as the feeding reference position. The same applies to the upper tray 60.

[0053] The first edge guide 51 is formed with a shielding portion 51a that regulates the loading amount of the medium P1 and regulates the lifting of the accommodated medium P1. The shielding portion 51a is a plate-like portion parallel to the X-Y plane. Similarly, the first edge guide 52 is formed with a shielding portion 52a that regulates the loading amount of the medium P1 and regulates the lifting of the accommodated medium P1. The shielding portion 52a is a plate-like portion parallel to the X-Y plane. Also, a contact portion 52b is integrally formed with the shielding portion 52a at the -Y direction end of the shielding portion 52a. The contact portion 52b is a plate-like portion parallel to the X-Y plane, similar to the shielding portion 52a. However, the contact portion 52b is formed to protrude inward, i.e., in the -X direction, from the shielding portion 52a.

[0054] On the bottom surface 50a of the lower tray 50, a high-friction material 53 is disposed at a location corresponding to the contact position between the feed roller 10 and the medium P1. By this high-friction material 53, the medium bundle is held so that it is not sent downstream as a whole when the medium is fed out by the feed roller 10. On the medium leading end side in the lower tray 50, a stopper 50d for regulating the medium leading end position is provided. By this stopper 50d, when the medium P1 is set in the lower tray 50, the medium P1 is held so as not to jump out of the lower tray 50. Incidentally, when the lower tray 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 as described above, this stopper 50d enters the apparatus interior, i.e., in the -Y direction, from the separation slope 16 and does not contact the leading end of the medium P1 fed out during medium feeding.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, for the upper tray 60 as well as the lower tray 50, a rear end edge guide 64 slidable in the Y-axis direction is provided on its bottom surface 60a. This rear end edge guide 54 regulates the position of the +Y direction edge of the medium P2, i.e., the rear end edge. Also, the upper tray 60 is provided with second edge guides 61, 62 slidable in the X-axis direction. By these second edge guides 61, 62, the position of the side edge of the medium P2 is regulated. The two second edge guides 61, 62 are provided so as to be symmetrically positioned about the center position in the width direction of the medium P2 and are movably provided in synchronization by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown).

[0056] The second edge guide 61 is formed with a flange portion 61a that regulates the loading amount of the medium P2 and regulates the lifting of the accommodated medium P2. The flange portion 61a is a plate-like portion parallel to the X-Y plane. Similarly, the second edge guide 62 is formed with a flange portion 62a that regulates the loading amount of the medium P2 and regulates the lifting of the accommodated medium P2. The flange portion 62a is a plate-like portion parallel to the X-Y plane. Further, a contact portion 62b is integrally formed with the flange portion 62a at the -Y direction end of the flange portion 62a. The contact portion 62b is a plate-like portion parallel to the X-Y plane like the flange portion 62a. However, the contact portion 62b is formed so as to protrude inward, that is, in the -X direction, from the flange portion 62a.

[0057] Near the location corresponding to the contact position between the feed roller 10 and the medium P2 in the upper tray 60, a high-friction material 63 is disposed. By this high-friction material 63, the medium bundle is held so that it is not sent downstream together with the medium bundle when the medium is fed out by the feed roller 10. On the upper surface of the +X direction end of the upper tray 60, a rack portion 60b is formed along the sliding direction of the upper tray 60. A pinion gear (not shown) meshes with this rack portion 60b to constitute a rack and pinion mechanism. This pinion gear is driven by a tray drive motor 81 (see FIG. 8), and thereby the upper tray 60 moves between a feeding position (see FIG. 7) and a retracted position (see FIG. 6).

[0058] Subsequently, the position detection means 82 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 8 and subsequent figures. The printer 1 or the media feeder 100 is provided with position detection means 82 for detecting the positions of the first edge guides 51 and 52 and the second edge guides 61 and 62 in the X-axis direction. In the present embodiment, as described above, the first edge guide 51 and the first edge guide 52 move in conjunction with each other, that is, when one is operated, the other also moves. Similarly, the second edge guide 61 and the second edge guide 62 move in conjunction with each other, that is, when one is operated, the other also moves. Therefore, the position detection means 82 according to the present embodiment detects the position of the first edge guide 52 with respect to the lower tray 50, and detects the position of the second edge guide 62 with respect to the upper tray 60. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the position of the first edge guide 51 may be detected with respect to the lower tray 50, or the position of the second edge guide 61 may be detected with respect to the upper tray 60. Also, in a configuration where the first edge guides 51 and 52 do not move in conjunction with each other and the second edge guides 61 and 62 do not move in conjunction with each other, position detection means 82 may be provided for each pair of the first edge guide 51 and the second edge guide 61, and the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 15 to 20, the position detection means 82 according to the present embodiment includes these three detection parts: a first detection part 83, a second detection part 84, and a third detection part 85. Hereinafter, these first detection part 83, second detection part 84, and third detection part 85 may be collectively referred to as each detection part. However, the position detection means 82 may include one or two detection parts, or may include four or more detection parts. The more detection parts are provided, the more types of edge guide positions, that is, media sizes, can be determined. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, the first detection part 83 is provided in the most +X direction in the X-axis direction among the detection parts, the third detection part 85 is provided in the most -X direction in the X-axis direction among the detection parts, and the second detection part 84 is provided between the first detection part 83 and the third detection part 85 in the X-axis direction. In addition, all the detection parts are arranged in the +X direction with respect to the center position in the width direction of the medium P.

[0060] The basic configurations of the respective detection units are the same. One detection unit includes one lever that can engage with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and one sensor that outputs a signal according to the posture of the lever. More specifically, the first detection unit 83 includes a first lever 83b and a first sensor 83a. The second detection unit 84 includes a second lever 84b and a second sensor 84a. The third detection unit 85 includes a third lever 85b and a third sensor 85a. Hereinafter, the first lever 83b, the second lever 84b, and the third lever 85b may be collectively referred to as each lever. Similarly, hereinafter, the first sensor 83a, the second sensor 84a, and the third sensor 85a may be collectively referred to as each sensor.

[0061] The first lever 83b is swingably provided by a first shaft portion 37a provided on the upper frame 37. The second lever 84b is swingably provided by a second shaft portion 37b provided on the upper frame 37. The third lever 85b is swingably provided by a third shaft portion 37c provided on the upper frame 37. The axial directions of the respective shaft portions are parallel to the X axis, and each lever swings in the Y-Z plane. The arrangement positions of each lever in the Y-Z plane in the entire apparatus are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Note that the first lever 83b according to the present embodiment has a different shape at the lower end portion compared with the second lever 84b and the third lever 85b, which will be described later.

[0062] Each lever is in a position interfering with the discharge tray 8 located above the upper tray 60. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, the discharge tray 8 is formed with a first slit 8c, a second slit 8d, and a third slit 8e through which each lever passes from above the discharge tray 8 downward. FIG. 10 shows a state where the discharge tray 8 is in the storage position. In this state, the first lever 83b enters the inside of the first slit 8c, the second lever 84b enters the inside of the second slit 8d, and the third lever 85b enters the inside of the third slit 8e. Note that when the discharge tray 8 moves to the protruding position, each lever comes out of the corresponding slit. According to such a configuration, in the configuration including the discharge tray 8 above the upper tray 60, interference between each lever and the discharge tray 8 can be suppressed.

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, as an example, the configuration of the second detection unit 84 will be further described. The configurations of the first detection unit 83 and the third detection unit 85 are the same, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The second lever 84b includes an edge guide engaging portion 84e that can engage with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and a detected portion 84c that can take a state of blocking the detection light Ax of the second sensor 84a and a state of not blocking the detection light Ax. The second sensor 84a is an optical sensor in which a light emitting portion (not shown) and a light receiving portion (not shown) are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction, and the detection light Ax is emitted along the X-axis direction. Note that the edge guide engaging portion 84e is a portion that can engage with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and in this embodiment, it is the lower end portion of the lever. Similarly, the first lever 83b includes an edge guide engaging portion 83e and a detected portion 83c (see FIGS. 15 to 20), and the third lever 85b also includes an edge guide engaging portion 85e and a detected portion 85c (see FIGS. 15 to 20). When the detected portion 84c does not block the detection light Ax, the second sensor 84a sends an OFF signal to the control unit 80 (see FIG. 8). When the detected portion 84c blocks the detection light Ax, the second sensor 84a sends an ON signal to the control unit 80 (see FIG. 8).

[0064] In this embodiment, the postures that the second lever 84b can take are divided into four postures from the viewpoint of whether the detected portion 84c blocks the detection light Ax or not. Of course, the same applies to the other first lever 83b and third lever 85b. Figure 11 shows the first posture of the second lever 84b. In this state, the edge guide engaging portion 84e is not engaged with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62. In the present embodiment, the second lever 84b in the first posture is in a state of hanging vertically downward. In this state, for example, the edge guide engaging portion 84e is at a height where it can be engaged with the first edge guide 52 as shown in FIG. 15, but is at a height where it does not engage with the bottom surface 50a of the lower tray 50. Also in this state, the detected portion 84c is entirely out of the detection light Ax, and thereby the second sensor 84a sends an OFF signal. In FIGS. 15 to 18, the discharge tray 8 and the upper tray 60 are shown by two-dot chain lines. Also in FIGS. 19 and 20, the discharge tray 8 is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the lower tray 50 is not shown.

[0065] Figure 12 shows the second posture of the second lever 84b. In this state, the edge guide engaging portion 84e is engaged with the contact portion 52b of the first edge guide 52 and is pushed up by the contact portion 52b (see also FIG. 17). In this state, the detected portion 84c blocks the detection light Ax, and thereby the second sensor 84a sends an ON signal. Note that the second lever 84b switches from the first posture to the second posture when the lower tray 50 is pushed toward the mounting position in a state where the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position or not mounted and the contact portion 52b is at a position where it can be engaged with the edge guide engaging portion 84e in the X-axis direction.

[0066] Figure 13 shows the third posture of the second lever 84b. In this state, the edge guide engaging portion 84e is engaged with the bottom surface 60a of the upper tray 60 and is pushed up by the bottom surface 60a (see also FIG. 20). Here, an opening 84d is formed in the detected portion 84c. Of course, such an opening is also formed in the other first lever 83b and the third lever 85b. Thereby, the detected portion 84c does not block the detection light Ax, and the second sensor 84a sends an OFF signal. Further, the second lever 84b switches from the first posture or the second posture to the third posture when the upper tray 60 moves from the retracted position to the feeding position, for example, in a state where the contact portion 62b of the second edge guide 62 does not engage with the edge guide engaging portion 84e in the X-axis direction.

[0067] FIG. 14 shows the fourth posture of the second lever 84b. In this state, the edge guide engaging portion 84e engages with the contact portion 62b of the second edge guide 62 and is pushed up by the contact portion 62b (see also FIG. 19). In this state, the detected portion 84c blocks the detection light Ax, and thereby the second sensor 84a sends out an ON signal. Further, the second lever 84b switches from the first posture or the second posture to the fourth posture when the upper tray 60 moves from the retracted position to the feeding position, for example, in a state where the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position and the contact portion 62b of the second edge guide 62 is in a position where it can engage with the edge guide engaging portion 84e in the X-axis direction.

[0068] Further, as is clear from FIGS. 11 to 14, the position of the edge guide engaging portion 84e in the vertical direction is higher in the case of the second posture than in the case of the first posture. Also, the position of the edge guide engaging portion 84e in the vertical direction is higher in the case of the third posture than in the case of the second posture. Also, the position of the edge guide engaging portion 84e in the vertical direction is higher in the case of the fourth posture than in the case of the third posture.

[0069] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a control system related to the driving of the upper tray 60 and the position detection of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 will be described. The control unit 80 performs various controls including recording control in the printer 1 and feeding control in the medium feeding device 100. In FIG. 8, only the components necessary for the following description are illustrated, and the illustration of other components is omitted.

[0070] The control unit 80 has, as an output system, a tray drive motor 81 electrically connected thereto. The tray drive motor 81 is, as an example, a DC motor. Incidentally, the tray drive motor 81 is provided with a rotary encoder (not shown), and the control unit 80 can detect the rotation direction, rotation amount, and rotation speed of the tray drive motor 81 by this rotary encoder.

[0071] Further, the control unit 80 has, as an input system, an operation panel 5, a first detection unit 83, a second detection unit 84, a third detection unit 85, and a tray sensor 86, all of which are electrically connected thereto. The operation panel 5 (also refer to FIG. 1) is a part that receives the power on / off of the printer 1, various settings, recording execution, etc., as described above, and can be configured by, for example, a touch panel in which a user interface is realized under the control of the control unit 80.

[0072] The control unit 80 includes a CPU 89 that performs execution processing of a computer program, in other words, software, a volatile memory 90, and a non-volatile memory 91. The CPU 89 performs various operations necessary for executing the program 92 stored in the non-volatile memory 91. The volatile memory 90 is used as a temporary data storage area. The non-volatile memory 91 stores the program 92 and control parameters 93 necessary for executing the program 92. The program 92 includes a program for determining the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, in other words, the media size, and the control parameters 93 include parameters for executing the said program.

[0073] The tray sensor 86 is a sensor for detecting the position of the upper tray 60. Although the illustration of the arrangement position of the tray sensor 86 is omitted, as an example, in this embodiment, when the upper tray 60 moves to the retracted position, the upper tray 60 is detected, and the detection signal is sent to the control unit 80. However, the tray sensor 86 may be configured to be able to detect the feeding position in addition to the retracted position of the upper tray 60. Also, the tray sensor 86 can be omitted. In this case, the control unit 80 may save, for example, the rotation direction when the tray drive motor 81 is driven in the non-volatile memory 91, and grasp the current position of the upper tray 60 by referring to the rotation direction. If the rotation direction is the rotation direction when moving the upper tray 60 toward the feeding position, it can be determined that the upper tray 60 is at the feeding position. Also, if the rotation direction is the rotation direction when moving the upper tray 60 toward the retracted position, it can be determined that the upper tray 60 is at the retracted position.

[0074] In addition, the control unit 80 may detect that when the tray drive motor 81 is rotated in a predetermined direction, the motor drive current value exceeds the threshold value, and thus it has surely moved to the feeding position or the retracted position. When the upper tray 60 is driven toward the feeding position, when it reaches the feeding position, further movement is restricted, so the drive current value increases. The same applies to the retracted position. Also, for example, in a configuration where the upper tray 60 moves between the retracted position and the feeding position by a manual operation of the user, the position of the upper tray 60 may be grasped based on information input from the user. For example, if it is input by the user which of the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60 is to be used on the operation panel 5 or on the printer driver operating on an external computer connected to the printer 1, the position of the upper tray 60 may be grasped using that information.

[0075] Also, whether the upper tray 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 may be determined using a dedicated sensor, or may be determined based on the drive current value of the tray drive motor 81. More specifically, the drive current value when the upper tray 60 is attached is higher than the drive current value when the upper tray 60 is not attached. Therefore, a threshold value of the drive current value is set, and if the drive current value is equal to or less than the threshold value, it can be determined that the upper tray 60 is not attached, and if the drive current value is higher than the threshold value, it can be determined that the upper tray 60 is attached.

[0076] The processing performed by the control unit 80 will be described below with reference to FIG. 23. When the control unit 80 receives a recording execution instruction (Yes in step S101), it determines the state of the upper tray 60 based on the detection information of the tray sensor 86 (step S102). Next, the control unit 80 acquires the information of each detection unit (step S103). Then, if the upper tray 60 is mounted and in the retracted position, or if the upper tray 60 is not mounted, the control unit 80 determines the position of the first edge guide 52 based on the information related to the position of the first edge guide 52 obtained from each detection unit (step S104). Also, if the upper tray 60 is mounted and in the feeding position, the control unit 80 determines the position of the second edge guide 62 based on the information related to the position of the second edge guide 62 obtained from each detection unit (step S104).

[0077] When the media size based on the obtained position of the first edge guide 52 or the second edge guide 62 matches the media size included in the recording information, that is, when the media size is appropriate (Yes in step S105), recording is executed on the media P (step S106). Also, when the media size based on the position of the first edge guide 52 or the second edge guide 62 does not match the media size included in the recording information, that is, when the media size is not appropriate (No in step S105), error processing is performed. This error processing can be configured, for example, by stopping the feeding of the media P and displaying an error message on the operation panel 5. The error message displayed on the operation panel 5 can adopt, for example, "Please check the paper size" etc.

[0078] Subsequently, FIGS. 15 to 20 will be further described. FIG. 15 is a view of a state in which A4 - size media is accommodated in the lower tray 50 and the first edge guide 52 is abutted against the +X - direction edge of the media P1. In the present embodiment, the A4 - size media is accommodated such that the short - side direction is along the X - axis direction. The short - side size of the A4 - size media is 210 mm, and the long - side size is 297 mm. In this state, the first lever 83b that constitutes the first detection unit 83 is pushed up by the contact portion 52b of the first edge guide 52, assumes the second posture, and the output signal of the first detection unit 83 becomes ON. Also, the second lever 84b that constitutes the second detection unit 84 and the third lever 85b that constitutes the third detection unit 85 assume the first posture, and the output signals of the second detection unit 84 and the third detection unit 85 become OFF. Assuming that the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position or not mounted, the control unit 80 determines the position of the first edge guide 52 based on the combination of the output signals of these detection units. Thereby, it can be determined that the size of the medium P1 accommodated in the lower tray 50 is A4 size or at least a size close to A4 size.

[0079] Furthermore, when the stacking height of the A4-sized media accommodated in the lower tray 50 exceeds a certain height, the second lever 84b and the third lever 85b are pushed up by the medium P1 and switch from the first posture to the second posture. Therefore, in this case, the output signals of the second detection unit 84 and the third detection unit 85 become ON. Even when the output signals of the second detection unit 84 and the third detection unit 85 become ON in this way, the position of the first edge guide 52 can be determined, that is, it can be determined that the size of the medium accommodated in the lower tray 50 is A4 size or at least a size close to A4 size. This is because, even when the output signals of the second detection unit 84 and the third detection unit 85 become ON, the output signal of the first detection unit 83 is ON, so it does not overlap with the combination of the output signals of other-sized media (see Fig. 21).

[0080] Here, the edge guide engaging portion 83e formed on the first lever 83b is formed to protrude in the +X direction. As a result, the degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the first lever 83b, and thus the first detection unit 83, is improved. For example, even in a case where the first lever 83b cannot be arranged at a position where it can engage with the first edge guide 52 in the X-axis direction, by forming the edge guide engaging portion 83e to protrude in the X-axis direction, the first lever 83b can be arranged while engaging the first lever 83b with the first edge guide 52.

[0081] Next, FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which an A5-size medium is accommodated in the lower tray 50 and the first edge guide 52 is abutted against the +X-direction edge of the medium P1. In the present embodiment, the A5-size medium is accommodated such that the short side direction is along the X-axis direction. Note that the short side size of the A5-size medium is 148 mm, and the long side size is 210 mm. In this state, the first lever 83b constituting the first detection unit 83, the second lever 84b constituting the second detection unit 84, and the third lever 85b constituting the third detection unit 85 are in the first posture, and the output signals of the respective detection units are OFF. Assuming that the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position or not mounted, the control unit 80 determines the position of the first edge guide 52 based on the combination of the output signals of these detection units. Thereby, it can be determined that the size of the medium P1 accommodated in the lower tray 50 is A5 size or at least a size close to the A5 size.

[0082] Next, FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which a postcard-size medium is accommodated in the lower tray 50 and the first edge guide 52 is abutted against the +X-direction edge of the medium P1. In the present embodiment, the postcard-size medium is accommodated such that the short side direction is along the X-axis direction. Note that the short side size of the postcard-size medium is 100 mm, and the long side size is 148 mm. In this state, the first lever 83b constituting the first detection unit 83 is in the first posture, and the output signal of the first detection unit 83 is OFF. Also, the second lever 84b constituting the second detection unit 84 and the third lever 85b constituting the third detection unit 85 are pushed up by the contact portion 52b of the first edge guide 52 and are in the second posture, and the output signals of the second detection unit 84 and the third detection unit 85 are ON. Assuming that the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position or not mounted, the control unit 80 determines the position of the first edge guide 52 based on the combination of the output signals of these detection units. Thereby, it can be determined that the size of the medium P1 accommodated in the lower tray 50 is postcard size or at least a size close to the postcard size.

[0083] Next, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which an L-size medium is accommodated in the lower tray 50 and the first edge guide 52 is abutted against the +X-direction edge of the medium P1. In the present embodiment, the L-size medium is accommodated such that the short side direction thereof is along the X-axis direction. The short side size of the L-size medium is 89 mm, and the long side size is 127 mm. In this state, the first lever 83b constituting the first detection unit 83 and the second lever 84b constituting the second detection unit 84 take the first posture, and the output signal of the first detection unit 83 becomes OFF. Further, the third lever 85b constituting the third detection unit 85 is pushed up by the contact portion 52b of the first edge guide 52 and takes the second posture, and the output signal of the third detection unit 85 becomes ON. On the premise that the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position or the upper tray 60 is not mounted, the control unit 80 determines the position of the first edge guide 52 based on the combination of the output signals of these detection units. Thereby, it can be determined that the size of the medium P1 accommodated in the lower tray 50 is the L-size or at least a size close to the L-size.

[0084] Next, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which a postcard-size medium is accommodated in the upper tray 60 and the second edge guide 62 is abutted against the +X-direction edge of the medium P2. In the present embodiment, the postcard-size medium is accommodated such that the short side direction thereof is along the X-axis direction. In this state, the first lever 83b constituting the first detection unit 83 is pushed up by the side wall portion 60d of the upper tray 60 and takes the fourth posture, and the output signal of the first detection unit 83 becomes ON. Further, the second lever 84b constituting the second detection unit 8 is pushed up by the contact portion 62b of the second edge guide 62 and takes the fourth posture, and the output signal of the second detection unit 84 becomes ON. Further, the third lever 85b constituting the third detection unit 85 is pushed up by the stack of media accommodated in the upper tray 60 and takes the fourth posture, and the output signal of the third detection unit 85 becomes ON. The symbol Lp indicates the upper surface position of the stack of media accommodated in the upper tray 60. Assuming that the upper tray 60 is in the feeding position, the control unit 80 determines the position of the second edge guide 62 based on the combination of the output signals of these detection units. As a result, it can be determined that the size of the medium P2 accommodated in the upper tray 60 is the postcard size, or at least a size close to the postcard size.

[0085] However, when the number of sheets of the medium P2 decreases and the upper surface position Lp drops, the third lever 85b switches from the fourth posture to the third posture, and as a result, the output signal of the third detection unit 85 becomes OFF. Even when the output signal of the third detection unit 85 becomes OFF in this way, the position of the second edge guide 62 is determined, that is, it can be determined that the size of the medium P2 accommodated in the upper tray 60 is the postcard size, or at least a size close to the A4 size. This is because the output signal of the second detection unit 84 is ON and does not overlap with the combination of output signals in the case of other sizes (see FIG. 21).

[0086] Next, FIG. 20 is a view of a state in which an L-size medium is accommodated in the upper tray 60 and the second edge guide 62 is abutted against the +X direction edge of the medium P2. In the present embodiment, the L-size medium is accommodated so that the short side direction is along the X-axis direction. In this state, the first lever 83b constituting the first detection unit 83 is pushed up by the side wall portion 60d of the upper tray 60 to take the fourth posture, and the output signal of the first detection unit 83 becomes ON. Further, the second lever 84b constituting the second detection unit 84 is pushed up by the bottom surface 60a of the upper tray 60 to take the third posture, and the output signal of the second detection unit 84 becomes OFF. Further, the third lever 85b constituting the third detection unit 85 is pushed up by the abutting portion 62b of the second edge guide 62 to take the fourth posture, and the output signal of the third detection unit 85 becomes ON. Assuming that the upper tray 60 is in the feeding position, the control unit 80 determines the position of the second edge guide 62 based on the combination of the output signals of these detection units. As a result, it can be determined that the size of the medium accommodated in the upper tray 60 is the L-size, or at least a size close to the L-size.

[0087] FIG. 21 is a table showing the postures of the first lever 83b, the second lever 84b, and the third lever 85b with respect to the media size, and the relationship between ON and OFF of each detection unit. As shown in the figure, the ON and OFF combinations of each detection unit in each tray do not overlap depending on the media size. Thereby, the position of the edge guide in each tray can be grasped, and thus the media size can be grasped. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the largest size among the media that can be accommodated in the lower tray 50 is A4. Also, the largest size among the media that can be accommodated in the upper tray 60 is smaller than the A5 size.

[0088] As described above, the printer 1 or the media feeder 100 includes a position detection means 82 for detecting the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 in the X-axis direction, and a control unit 80 for determining the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 in the X-axis direction based on the detection information of the position detection means 82. Also, when the lower tray 50 is in the mounting position and the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position, the printer 1 or the media feeder 100 enables feeding of the media accommodated in the lower tray 50, and when the upper tray 60 is in the feeding position, enables feeding of the media accommodated in the upper tray 60. Then, when the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position or when the lower tray 50 moves toward the mounting position in a non-mounted state, the position detection means 82 engages with the first edge guide 52 according to the position of the first edge guide 52 in the X-axis direction. Also, when the upper tray 60 moves toward the feeding position, the position detection means 82 engages with the second edge guide 62 according to the position of the second edge guide 62 in the X-axis direction. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide dedicated position detection means 82 for each of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be suppressed.

[0089] The position detection means 82 includes a first detection unit 83 which is a swingable lever and includes a first lever 83b engageable with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and a first sensor 83a that outputs a signal according to the posture of the first lever 83b. The position detection means 82 also includes a second detection unit 84 which is a swingable lever and includes a second lever 84b engageable with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and a second sensor 84a that outputs a signal according to the posture of the second lever 84b. The position detection means 82 further includes a third detection unit 85 which is a swingable lever and includes a third lever 85b engageable with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and a third sensor 85a that outputs a signal according to the posture of the third lever 85b. When the lower tray 50 moves toward the mounting position with the upper tray 60 in the retracted position, each lever swings in engagement with the first edge guide 52 according to the position of the first edge guide 52 in the X-axis direction. Also, when the upper tray 60 moves toward the feeding position, each lever swings in engagement with the first edge guide 52 according to the position of the first edge guide 52 in the X-axis direction. With such a configuration, the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 can be reliably detected. Note that the portions of the position detection means 82 that engage with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 are not limited to lever-shaped members as in this embodiment, and any member that engages with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 and whose position and posture change is acceptable.

[0090] In this embodiment, each lever includes an edge guide engaging portion engageable with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and a detected portion that can take a state of blocking the detection light Ax of each sensor and a state of not blocking the detection light Ax. The edge guide engaging portions are the portions indicated by reference numerals 83e, 84e, and 85e. The detected portions are the portions indicated by reference numerals 83c, 84c, and 85c. And each lever assumes a first posture when the edge guide engaging portion is not engaged with the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62. Also, each lever assumes a second posture in which the position of the edge guide engaging portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the first posture when the edge guide engaging portion is engaged with the first edge guide 52. Further, each lever assumes a third posture in which the position of the edge guide engaging portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the second posture when the edge guide engaging portion is engaged with the upper tray 60. Moreover, each lever assumes a fourth posture in which the position of the edge guide engaging portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the third posture when the edge guide engaging portion is engaged with the second edge guide 62.

[0091] And each detected portion blocks the detection light Ax in one of the first and second postures of each lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture. Also, each detected portion blocks the detection light Ax in one of the third and fourth postures of each lever and does not block the detection light Ax in the other posture. With such a configuration, the position of the first edge guide 52 can be determined. Also, since the detected portion blocks the detection light in one of the third and fourth postures of the lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture, the position of the first edge guide 52 or the second edge guide 62 can be determined with such a configuration. Note that the detected portion of each lever only needs to block the detection light Ax in one of the first and second postures of each lever and not block the detection light Ax in the other posture. Also, the detected portion of each lever only needs to block the detection light Ax in one of the third and fourth postures of each lever and not block the detection light Ax in the other posture. That is, the ON and OFF of each detected portion shown in FIG. 21 may be reversed.

[0092] In addition, an opening for passing the detection light Ax is formed in each detected portion. The opening 84d shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 is an example thereof. Further, in the first posture of each lever, each detected portion does not block the detection light Ax by being entirely out of the detection light, and in the second posture of each lever, the detection light Ax is blocked. Further, in the third posture of each lever, each detected portion does not block the detection light Ax by allowing the detection light Ax to pass through the opening, and in the fourth posture of each lever, the detection light Ax is blocked. In this way, the third posture and the fourth posture can be discriminated by the openings formed in each detected portion. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the side wall portion 60d is formed on the upper tray 60 (see FIGS. 19 and 20), the first lever 83b does not take the third posture. However, the side wall portion 60d may be omitted, and the first lever 83b may be configured to be in contact with the bottom surface 60a of the upper tray 60 and take the third posture.

[0093] Further, the printer 1 or the medium feeding device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a tray sensor 86 (see FIG. 8) which is a tray detection means for detecting the position of the upper tray 60. Then, based on the detection information of the tray sensor 86, the control unit 80 determines the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62. According to such a configuration, the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 can be determined more accurately.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the position detection means 82 includes a plurality of detection portions. Each detection portion is arranged along the X-axis direction according to the size of the medium in the X-axis direction. Thereby, a plurality of medium sizes can be determined.

[0095] Subsequently, a modified example of the position detection means will be described with reference to FIG. 22. The position detection means 82A shown in FIG. 22 includes a first detection portion 83A, a second detection portion 84A, and a third detection portion 85A. Each detection portion is an optical sensor including a light emitting portion Le that emits detection light toward the lower tray 50 and the upper tray 60, and a light receiving portion Lr that receives a reflected component of the emitted detection light. The first edge guide 52 is provided with a reflecting portion 52c that reflects the detection light. The second edge guide 62 is provided with a reflecting portion 62c that reflects the detection light. This allows each detector to detect the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 by the reflection of the detection light from the reflecting portions 52c, 62c. This configuration simplifies the structure of the position detector 82A, contributing to the miniaturization of the device. It is also possible to provide a difference in reflectance of the detection light between the areas other than the reflecting portions 52 c and 62 c and the reflecting portions 52 c and 62 c, thereby making it possible to detect the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 without providing a means for detecting the position of the upper tray 60.

[0096] In each of the embodiments described above, the position detection means for detecting the positions of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62 is configured to be able to face the first edge guide 52 when the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position, and to be able to face the second edge guide 62 when the upper tray 60 is in the feeding position. According to this configuration, there is no need to provide dedicated position detection means 82 for each of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, and an increase in the cost of the device can be suppressed.

[0097] In addition, in the configurations of the above-described embodiments that include the tray sensor 86, the position of each edge guide is determined as follows. That is, when the upper tray 60 is in the retracted position or not yet attached, the control unit 80 determines the position of the first edge guide 52 based on the detection information from the tray sensor 86, using the detection information from the position detection unit 82 as information related to the position of the first edge guide 52. Furthermore, when the upper tray 60 is in the feeding position, the control unit 80 determines the position of the second edge guide 62 based on the detection information from the position detection unit 82, using the detection information from the position detection unit 82 as information related to the position of the second edge guide 62. This eliminates the need to provide dedicated position detection means 82 for each of the first edge guide 52 and the second edge guide 62, thereby preventing an increase in the cost of the device.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...inkjet printer, 2...device main body, 3...scanner unit, 4...cover, 5...operation panel, 6...manual feed cover, 7...manual feed tray, 8...output tray, 8a...notch, 8b...rack, 8c...first slit, 8d...second slit, 8e...third slit, 10...feed roller, 11...roller support portion, 12...rotating shaft, 15...tray storage portion, 16...separation slope, 17...intermediate roller, 18...driven roller, 19...driven roller, 20...driven roller, 21...driven roller, 24...conveyance drive roller, 25...conveyance driven roller, 28...support member, 29...carriage, 30...recording head, 31...discharge drive roller, 32...discharge driven roller, 35...upper guide rail, 36...lower guide rail, 37...upper frame, 37a...first shaft portion, 37b...second shaft portion, 37c...third shaft portion, 50...lower tray, 50a...bottom surface, 50d...stopper, 51...edge guide, 51a...eaves portion, 52...edge guide, 52a...eaves portion, 52b...contact portion, 52c...reflecting portion, 53...high friction material, 54...rear end edge guide, 59...cover, 60...upper tray, 60a...bottom surface, 60b...rack portion, 60c...stopper, 60d...side wall portion, 61...edge guide, 61a...eaves portion, 62...edge guide, 62a...eaves portion, 62b...contact portion, 62c...reflecting portion, 63...high friction material, 64...rear end edge guide, 80...control unit, 81...tray drive motor, 82...position detection means, 83...first detection unit, 83a...first sensor, 83b...first lever, 83c...detected portion, 83d...opening, 83e...edge guide engagement portion, 84...second detection unit, 84a...second sensor, 84b...second lever, 84e...edge guide engagement portion, 85...third detection unit, 85a...third sensor, 85b...third lever, 85e...edge guide engagement portion, 86...tray sensor, 89...CPU, 90...volatile memory, 91...non-volatile memory, 92...program, 93...control parameter, 100...medium feeding device, P, P1, P2...medium

Claims

1. An apparatus main body including a feeding means for feeding a medium, A tray capable of accommodating the medium, the first tray being able to take a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the apparatus main body, A tray capable of accommodating the medium, the second tray being located above the first tray and being able to take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the apparatus main body, The apparatus main body including the first tray and the second tray, An edge guide provided on the first tray, the first edge guide being movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the medium accommodated in the first tray, An edge guide provided on the second tray, the second edge guide being movable in the second axial direction, Position detecting means provided on the apparatus main body, the position detecting means for detecting positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, A control unit for determining positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on detection information of the position detecting means, Comprising, When the first tray is in the mounted position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in a non-mounted state, feeding of the medium accommodated in the first tray becomes possible, and when the second tray is in the feeding position, feeding of the medium accommodated in the second tray becomes possible, The position detecting means, When the first tray moves toward the mounted position in a state where the second tray is in the retracted position or in a non-mounted state of the second tray, engages with the first edge guide according to the position of the first edge guide in the second axial direction, When the second tray moves toward the feeding position, engages with the second edge guide according to the position of the second edge guide in the second axial direction, A medium feeding device characterized by the above.

2. In the medium feeding device according to Claim 1, The position detecting means, A lever that can swing, the lever being engageable with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, A sensor that outputs a signal according to the posture of the lever, Comprising a detection unit including, The lever, When the first tray moves toward the mounting position in a state where the second tray is in the retracted position or in a state where the second tray is not mounted, it swings in engagement with the first edge guide according to the position of the first edge guide in the second axial direction. When the second tray moves toward the feeding position, it swings in engagement with the first edge guide according to the position of the first edge guide in the second axial direction. A medium feeding device characterized by the above.

3. In the medium feeding device according to claim 2, the lever has an edge guide engaging portion capable of engaging with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, and a detected portion capable of taking a state of blocking the detection light of the sensor and a state of not blocking the detection light, and is provided with furthermore, the lever takes a first posture in a state where the edge guide engaging portion is not engaged with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, takes a second posture in a state where the edge guide engaging portion is engaged with the first edge guide, and the position of the edge guide engaging portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the first posture, takes a third posture in a state where the edge guide engaging portion is engaged with the second tray, and the position of the edge guide engaging portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the second posture, takes a fourth posture in a state where the edge guide engaging portion is engaged with the second edge guide, and the position of the edge guide engaging portion in the vertical direction is higher than that in the third posture, the detected portion blocks the detection light in one of the first posture and the second posture of the lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture, blocks the detection light in one of the third posture and the fourth posture of the lever and does not block the detection light in the other posture, A medium feeding device characterized by the above.

4. In the medium feeding device according to claim 3, an opening for passing the detection light is formed in the detected portion, the detected portion does not block the detection light by being entirely out of the detection light in the first posture of the lever, blocks the detection light in the second posture of the lever, allows the detection light to pass through via the opening in the third posture of the lever, blocks the detection light in the fourth posture of the lever, A medium feeding device characterized by the above.

5. In the medium feeding device according to claim 2, the lever An edge guide engaging portion capable of engaging with the first edge guide and the second edge guide, A detected portion capable of taking a state of blocking the detection light of the sensor and a state of not blocking the detection light, Comprising, The edge guide engaging portion is formed to protrude in the second axial direction, A media feeding device characterized by this.

6. In the media feeding device according to claim 1, Comprising a motor for driving the second tray in the first axial direction, A media feeding device characterized by this.

7. In the media feeding device according to claim 1, Comprising tray detection means for detecting the position of the second tray, Based on the detection information of the tray detection means, the control unit determines the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide, A media feeding device characterized by this.

8. In the media feeding device according to claim 2, The position detection means includes a plurality of the detection portions, The plurality of detection portions are arranged along the second axial direction according to the size of the media in the second axial direction, A media feeding device characterized by this.

9. A device main body comprising a feeding means for feeding media, A tray capable of accommodating media, a first tray that can take a mounted position and a non-mounted position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device main body, A tray capable of accommodating media, a second tray that is located above the first tray and can take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device main body, The device main body including the first tray and the second tray, A first edge guide provided on the first tray, the first edge guide being movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to an edge of the media accommodated in the first tray, A second edge guide provided on the second tray, the second edge guide being movable in the second axial direction, Position detection means provided on the device main body, the position detection means for detecting the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, A control unit for determining the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on the detection information of the position detection means, Comprising, When the first tray is in the mounting position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in the non-mounted state, the medium accommodated in the first tray can be fed. When the second tray is in the feeding position, the medium accommodated in the second tray can be fed. The position detection means When the second tray is in the retracted position or when the second tray is in the non-mounted state, it can face the first edge guide. When the second tray is in the feeding position, it can face the second edge guide. A medium feeding device characterized by the above points.

10. In the medium feeding device according to Claim 9, The position detection means A light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the first tray and the second tray, A light receiving unit that receives the reflected component of the detection light, And a detection unit including the above, The first edge guide and the second edge guide are provided with a reflecting portion for reflecting the detection light. A medium feeding device characterized by the above points.

11. A device body provided with a feeding means for feeding a medium, A tray capable of accommodating a medium, a first tray that can take a mounting position and a non-mounting position by moving in a first axial direction with respect to the device body, A tray capable of accommodating a medium, a second tray that is located above the first tray and can take a feeding position and a retracted position by moving in the first axial direction with respect to the device body, A device body including the first tray and the second tray, An edge guide provided on the first tray, a first edge guide that is movable in a second axial direction which is a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the edge of the medium accommodated in the first tray, An edge guide provided on the second tray, a second edge guide that is movable in the second axial direction, Position detection means provided on the device body, the position detection means for detecting the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction, Tray detection means for detecting the position of the second tray, A control unit that determines the positions of the first edge guide and the second edge guide in the second axial direction based on the detection information of the position detection means and the tray detection means, Comprising When the first tray is in the mounting position and the second tray is in the retracted position, or when the second tray is in the non-mounted state, the medium stored in the first tray can be fed. When the second tray is in the feeding position, the medium stored in the second tray can be fed. The control unit is based on the detection information of the tray detection means. When the second tray is in the retracted position or when the second tray is in the non-mounted state, the detection information of the position detection means is used as information related to the position of the first edge guide, and the position of the first edge guide is determined based on the detection information. When the second tray is in the feeding position, the detection information of the position detection means is used as information related to the position of the second edge guide, and the position of the second edge guide is determined based on the detection information. A medium feeding device characterized by the above.

12. The medium feeding device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, A recording unit that records on the medium fed by the medium feeding device, A recording device provided with.

13. The medium feeding device according to Claim 2, A recording unit that records on the medium fed by the medium feeding device, A tray that receives the medium recorded and discharged by the recording unit, and is a discharge tray located above the second tray, Comprising A slit through which the lever passes from above to below the discharge tray is formed in the discharge tray. A medium feeding device characterized by the above.

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