Medium tray and recording apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem that the free end parts of a first side edge guide part and a second side edge guide part are liable to be largely shaken at the time of movement and operability is lowered.SOLUTION: The recording apparatus includes an edge guide 10 which is provided so as to reciprocate in a width direction of a mounting surface 8 of a medium 2 and guides a side 9 of the medium 2, and the edge guide 10 includes a first guide 11 and a second guide 12. The first guide includes a first support part 14 for supporting the medium, and a first side edge guide part 16 erected from the first support part for guiding the side edge of the medium, and the second guide includes a second support part 18 for supporting the medium, and a second side edge guide part 20 erected from the second support part for guiding the side edge of the medium. The first support portion 14 is formed such that the width-direction length L1 of the upstream-side end portion 21 in the transport direction is longer than the width-direction length L2 of the downstream-side end portion 22, and the second support portion 18 is formed such that the width-direction length L3 of the upstream-side end portion 23 in the transport direction is shorter than the width-direction length L4 of the downstream-side end portion 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium tray and a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional device of this type is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus equipped with a pair of document guides (also referred to as edge guides). Each of the pair of document guides includes a document guide portion and a document guide-side document placement portion. Each end of the document guide-side document placement portion is provided with a scooping portion. The end of each document guide-side document placement portion is configured to move toward and away from the guide portion, with the scooping portion as its apex, i.e., to reciprocate in the width direction of the medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-52268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To guide and transport narrow media using the edge guides, the widthwise dimensions of each document guide-side document placement section (corresponding to the first and second support sections described later in this specification) must be reduced. In this case, the widthwise dimensions of the first and second support sections are set to correspond to the dimensions of the narrow media. As described in Patent Document 1, conventionally, the widthwise dimensions of the first and second support sections have been set to an equal division of the width of the narrow media, i.e., approximately half the width. In this case, the widthwise dimensions of the first and second support sections become significantly smaller. The widthwise dimensions of the first and second support sections affect the stability when the pair of document guides are moved toward the edges of the media placed on the placement surface, i.e., when they are moved in the widthwise direction. In other words, if the widthwise dimensions of the first support portion and the second support portion become significantly smaller as described above, the free ends of each of the document guide portions (corresponding to the first side edge guide portion and second side edge guide portion of the present invention described later) tend to swing significantly during the movement, reducing operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a media tray including a loading surface on which media transported in a transport direction are placed, and an edge guide that is provided to be movable back and forth in a width direction intersecting the transport direction of the loading surface and that guides a side edge of the media placed on the loading surface, wherein the edge guide includes a first guide disposed on one side in the width direction and a second guide disposed on the other side, and the first guide includes a first support portion having a first support surface that supports the media, and a first side guide surface that stands upright from the first support portion and guides the side edge of the media. a portion, wherein the second guide comprises a second support portion having a second support surface that supports the medium, and a second side edge guide portion that stands upright from the second support portion and has a second side edge guide surface that guides the side edge of the medium, wherein the first support portion is formed so that the widthwise length of the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium placed on the loading surface is longer than the widthwise length of the downstream end in the transport direction, and the second support portion is formed so that the widthwise length of the upstream end in the transport direction is shorter than the widthwise length of the downstream end in the transport direction.

[0006] Furthermore, a recording device according to the present invention includes a media tray according to any one of the first to eighth aspects described below, and a recording unit that performs recording on the media transported from the media tray. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the medium tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the medium tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are a plan view and a partially enlarged perspective view of the medium tray of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the length of the first support portion and the deflection of the free end of the first side edge guide portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a pressing portion of a first guide. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating guiding of a medium by an edge guide according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a medium tray according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a medium tray according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a medium tray according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a medium tray according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention will be first briefly described below. In order to solve the above problem, a media tray according to a first aspect of the present invention is a media tray comprising: a loading surface on which media transported in a transport direction are placed; and an edge guide that is provided so as to be movable back and forth on the loading surface in a width direction that intersects with the transport direction and that guides a side edge of the media placed on the loading surface, wherein the edge guide comprises a first guide disposed on one side in the width direction and a second guide disposed on the other side, and the first guide comprises a first support portion having a first support surface that supports the media, and a first side guide surface that stands up from the first support portion and guides the side edge of the media. a guide portion, wherein the second guide comprises a second support portion having a second support surface that supports the medium, and a second side edge guide portion that stands upright from the second support portion and has a second side edge guide surface that guides the side edge of the medium, wherein the first support portion is formed so that the widthwise length of the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium placed on the loading surface is longer than the widthwise length of the downstream end in the transport direction, and the second support portion is formed so that the widthwise length of the upstream end in the transport direction is shorter than the widthwise length of the downstream end in the transport direction.

[0009] According to this aspect, the first support portion is formed so that the widthwise length of the upstream end in the conveying direction is longer than the widthwise length of the downstream end, and further, the second support portion is formed so that the widthwise length of the upstream end in the conveying direction is shorter than the widthwise length of the downstream end. This allows the dimension of the longest part of the first support part in the width direction to be set to a size that is almost the same as the width dimension of the medium. Furthermore, the dimension of the longest part of the second support part in the width direction can also be set to a size that is almost the same as the width dimension of the medium. In other words, it is possible to avoid the width dimensions of the first support part and the second support part becoming small as in the past. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk that the free ends of the first side edge guide portion and the second side edge guide portion will swing significantly during the movement, thereby preventing a decrease in operability.

[0010] A media tray according to a second aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that a first scooping portion is provided at the widthwise tip of the upstream end of the first support portion, and the first scooping portion scoops up the media when the first guide moves toward the side edge of the media placed on the loading surface, and a second scooping portion is provided at the widthwise tip of the downstream end of the second support portion, and the second scooping portion scoops up the media when the second guide moves toward the side edge of the media placed on the loading surface.

[0011] According to this aspect, when the first guide moves toward the side edge of the medium placed on the placement surface, the first scooping portion located at the tip of the upstream end of the first support portion in the width direction contacts and scoops up the medium first. Similarly, when the second guide moves toward the side edge of the medium placed on the placement surface, the second scooping portion located at the tip of the downstream end of the second support portion in the width direction contacts and scoops up the medium first. In other words, because the first scooping portion and the second scooping portion contact the side edge of the medium first, the medium can be easily scooped up onto the first and second support surfaces. This is also particularly effective when scooping up media placed at an angle on the placement surface onto the first and second support surfaces.

[0012] A medium tray according to a third aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the widthwise dimension of the upstream end of the first support member is the same as the widthwise dimension of the downstream end of the second support member, and the widthwise dimension of the downstream end of the first support member is the same as the widthwise dimension of the upstream end of the second support member. Here, the two words "same" in parts such as "the widthwise dimension of the upstream end of the first support member is the same as the widthwise dimension of the downstream end of the second support member" do not have to be strictly the same, and are used to mean that they may be different as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved. This aspect can also be subordinate to the second aspect.

[0013] According to this aspect, the dimension in the width direction of the upstream end of the first support portion is the same as the dimension in the width direction of the downstream end of the second support portion. Furthermore, the dimension in the width direction of the downstream end of the first support portion is the same as the dimension in the width direction of the upstream end of the second support portion. As a result, the dimensions of the first guide and the second guide are the same, resulting in good operational balance and good manufacturing efficiency.

[0014] The media tray according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the first tip edge of the first support portion and the second tip edge of the second support portion are parallel to each other. Here, "parallel" does not necessarily mean parallel in the strict sense, but may be substantially parallel within a range that satisfies the stability of posture, which will be described later. This aspect can also be subordinate to the second or third aspect.

[0015] According to this aspect, the first tip edge of the first support portion and the second tip edge of the second support portion are parallel to each other, so that when the first guide and the second guide are brought closer to each other, the first tip edge and the second tip edge are in contact over their entire lengths, which stabilizes the posture in the contact state and improves operability when transitioning to the contact state.

[0016] The media tray according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect and is characterized in that it has a hole portion that is created when the first tip edge of the first support portion and the second tip edge of the second support portion are closest to each other. This aspect can also be subordinate to any one of the second to fourth aspects.

[0017] According to this aspect, a hole is formed when the first tip edge of the first support portion and the second tip edge of the second support portion are closest to each other. This allows a media sensor to be placed at a position corresponding to the hole, making it possible to sense the passage of the end of the media in the transport direction using the media sensor, making it easier to grasp the position of the transported media.

[0018] A media tray according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, and is characterized in that the first scooping portion and the second scooping portion are formed with inclined surfaces that scoop up the media.

[0019] According to this aspect, the first scooping portion and the second scooping portion are formed with sloped surfaces that scoop up the medium, which allows the sloped surfaces to scoop up the medium with little risk of the medium getting caught, broken, or otherwise damaged.

[0020] The media tray according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, and is characterized in that it is provided with a pressing portion that presses the first scooping portion and the second scooping portion toward the placement surface. This aspect can also be subordinate to the sixth aspect.

[0021] According to this aspect, a pressing portion is provided that presses the first scooping portion and the second scooping portion against the placement surface, thereby preventing the first scooping portion and the second scooping portion from lifting up, and ensuring that the media are scooped up reliably.

[0022] The media tray according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, and is characterized in that it is provided with a rack and pinion that link the reciprocating movement of the first guide and the second guide, and the first scooping portion also serves as the rack. This aspect can also be subordinate to the sixth or seventh aspect.

[0023] According to this aspect, a rack and pinion are provided to link the reciprocating movements of the first guide and the second guide, and the first scooping part also serves as the rack, thereby making it possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts.

[0024] A recording device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes a medium tray according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and a recording unit that performs recording on the medium transported from the medium tray. According to this aspect, the recording device can achieve the same effect as any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0025] [Embodiment] A medium tray according to an embodiment of the present invention and a recording device such as an inkjet printer that includes this medium tray will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as shown in each figure. The directions indicated by the arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) are the + directions of each axis, and the opposite directions are the - directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts, the +Z direction indicates a vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates a vertically downward direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to horizontal directions. The +Y direction indicates the front direction of the device, and the -Y direction indicates the rear direction of the device. The +X direction indicates the right direction of the device, and the -X direction indicates the left direction of the device.

[0026] [Embodiment 1] <Overall overview of the recording device> The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is, for example, an inkjet printer. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this recording device 1 includes a media tray 3 on which a medium 2 (Figure 2) such as paper is placed, a recording unit 4 that performs recording on the medium 2 transported from the media tray 3 by a transport unit not shown, an ejection tray 5 onto which the medium 2 that has been recorded by the recording unit 4 is ejected, and a media storage unit 6 in which the medium 2 is stored. In this embodiment, the medium tray 3, which is also called a manual feed tray, is provided on the right side of the device body 7 of the recording device 1 so that it can be moved between a closed state (FIG. 1) and an open state (FIG. 2). Specifically, the medium tray 3 is configured to open and close by rotating around its lower end as a rotation fulcrum and its upper end as a free end.

[0027] The recording unit 4 is a line head in this example, but it may also be a serial type head that moves back and forth in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the medium 2. The medium 2 contained in the medium container 2 is also transported toward the recording unit 4 by a transport unit (not shown), where recording is performed and the medium is then discharged onto the discharge tray 5. The recording operation of the recording unit 4 onto the medium 2 and the transport operation of the transport unit for transporting the medium 3 are performed by a control unit (not shown). Here, the control unit includes a CPU, flash ROM, and RAM. The CPU performs various arithmetic processing according to programs stored in the flash ROM and controls the operation of the entire recording device 1. The flash ROM, which is an example of a storage means, is a non-volatile memory that can be read and written. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM, which is an example of a storage means.

[0028] <Media tray> 2 to 5, the media tray 3 of this embodiment includes a loading surface 8 and a pair of edge guides 10, 10. The loading surface 8 is used to load the media 2 being transported in the transport direction F. The pair of edge guides 10, 10 are capable of reciprocating in the width direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with the transport direction F of the loading surface 8, and guide both side edges 9 of the media 2 loaded on the loading surface 8. The structure in which the pair of edge guides 10, 10 reciprocates is realized by a known rack and pinion mechanism that is made up of racks 31, 32 and a pinion (not shown).

[0029] The pair of edge guides 10, 10 is composed of a first guide 11 located on one side in the Y-axis direction and a second guide 12 located on the other side. The first guide 11 includes a first support portion 14 having a first support surface 13 that supports the medium 2 from below, and a first side edge guide portion 16 that stands up from the first support portion 14 and has a first side edge guide surface 15 that guides the side edge 9 of the medium 2. Similarly, the second guide 12 includes a second support portion 18 having a second support surface 17 that supports the medium 2 from below, and a second side edge guide portion 20 that stands up from the second support portion 18 and has a second side edge guide surface 19 that guides the side edge 9 of the medium 2.

[0030] Furthermore, the first support portion 14 is formed so that the length L1 in the Y-axis direction of the upstream end 21 in the transport direction F of the medium 2 placed on the loading surface 8 is longer than the length L2 in the Y-axis direction of the downstream end 22 in the transport direction F. That is, L1>L2. Further, the second support portion 18 is formed such that the length L3 in the Y-axis direction of the upstream end portion 23 in the conveyance direction F is shorter than the length L4 in the Y-axis direction of the downstream end portion 24 in the conveyance direction F. That is, it is formed such that L3 < L4. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the pair of edge guides 10, 10 are moved to the positions where they are most separated. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the pair of edge guides 10, 10 are moved to the positions where they are closest. FIG. 3 shows a state in which they are moved to a position between FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the length L1 in the Y-axis direction of the upstream end portion 21 of the first support portion 14 is the same as the length L4 in the Y-axis direction of the downstream end portion 24 of the second support portion 18, that is, it is formed such that L1 = L4. Further, the length L2 in the Y-axis direction of the downstream end portion 22 of the first support portion 14 is the same as the length L3 in the Y-axis direction of the upstream end portion 23 of the second support portion 18, that is, it is formed such that L2 = L3. Also, in the present embodiment, the first leading edge 25 of the -Y direction end side of the first support portion 14 and the second leading edge 26 of the +Y direction end side of the second support portion 18 are formed in parallel. In other words, the first leading edge 25 and the second leading edge 26 are formed in a linear shape inclined with respect to the conveyance direction F. Of course, the first leading edge 25 and the second leading edge 26 are not limited to the linear shape, and may be, for example, a concave curve shape shown by a broken line in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, it can also be said that the first support portion 14 and the second support portion 18 are formed in a symmetrical shape and arranged symmetrically.

[0032] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the present embodiment, a first lifting portion 27 is provided at the tip in the Y-axis direction of the upstream end portion 21 of the first support portion 14. The first lifting portion 27 is configured to lift the medium 2 when moving toward the 9-side of the medium 2 on which the first guide 11 is placed on the placement surface 8. Specifically, as shown in a partially enlarged perspective view of FIG. 5, the first lifting portion 27 has an inclined surface 28 for lifting the medium 2. Similarly, a second scooping portion 29 is provided at the tip in the Y-axis direction of the downstream end portion 24 of the second support portion 18. The second scooping portion 29 is configured to scoop up the medium 2 when the second guide 12 moves toward the side edge 9 of the medium 2 placed on the placement surface 8. Specifically, the second scooping portion 29 has an inclined surface 30 that scoops up the medium 2.

[0033] First scooping part 27 is configured so that the lowest tip of inclined surface 28 is located below mounting surface 8. A concave groove (not shown) is formed in mounting surface 8 in the area where first scooping part 27 moves back and forth to enable the scooping part 27 to move back and forth. Similar to first scooping part 27, second scooping part 29 is also formed in the area where second scooping part 29 moves back and forth to enable the scooping part 29 to move back and forth.

[0034] 7, this embodiment is provided with a pressing portion 33 that presses the first scooping portion 27 toward the placement surface 8. The pressing portion 33 here includes a rib 34 fixedly provided on the placement surface 8 and a sliding surface 35 provided on the underside of the first support portion 14 of the first guide 11, as will be described below. The first guide 11 is installed so that it can slide along the ribs 34 with the sliding surface 35 pressed against the ribs 34. In other words, the first support portion 14 of the first guide 11 is installed so that the sliding surface 35 on its underside is pushed up in the direction of arrow A1 by the ribs 34. When the sliding surface 35 is pushed up in the direction of arrow A1, the first support portion 14 rotates around the position of the rack 31 as a fulcrum, and the first scooping portion 27 is pushed down in the direction of arrow A2, which is opposite to the direction of arrow A1. This stabilizes the normal position of the first guide 11 and makes it easier for the first scooping portion 27 to scoop up the media 2. It is needless to say that the pressing portion 33 is not limited to the structure of the rib 34 and the sliding surface 35. For example, it may be configured using a torsion coil spring or the like. Similar to first scooping part 27, second scooping part 29 also has a pressing part that presses second scooping part 29 toward placement surface 8. The structure of the pressing part of second scooping part 29 is basically the same as the structure of pressing part 33 of first scooping part 27, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the relationship between the length of the first support portion 14 and the degree of deflection of the free end of the first side edge guide portion 16 when the first guide 11 is moved in the Y-axis direction will be described. A first support portion 14 with a shorter length in the Y-axis direction, dimension W1, has a smaller contact area with the mounting surface in the Y-axis direction than a first support portion 14 with a longer length in the Y-axis direction, dimension W2. In other words, a first support portion 14 with a longer length in the Y-axis direction, dimension W2, has a larger contact area with the mounting surface in the Y-axis direction than a first support portion 14 with a shorter length in the Y-axis direction, dimension W1. Therefore, when the first guide 11 is moved in the Y-axis direction, the stability of the first support portion 14 with a longer dimension W2 is better than that of a first support portion 14 with a shorter dimension W1. Due to this difference in stability during movement, the degree of swing of the free end of the first side edge guide portion 16 of the first guide 11 is smaller for the longer dimension W2 than for the shorter dimension W1. In Figure 6, solid arrow 43 indicates the degree of swing corresponding to the longer dimension W2, and dashed arrow 44 indicates the degree of swing corresponding to the shorter dimension W1. In other words, the degree of swing of the longer dimension W2 is smaller than the degree of swing of the shorter dimension W1. The relationship between the length of the second support portion 18 and the degree of swing of the free end of the second side edge guide portion 20 when the second guide 12 is moved in the Y-axis direction is the same as that described above for the first guide 11, so the description will be omitted.

[0036] <Explanation of media guiding by a pair of edge guides> (1) First, set the media tray 3 to the open state shown in FIG. 2. Subsequently, place the media 2 on the placement surface 8 with the pair of edge guides 10, 10 in the state shown in FIG. 4. If the width of the media 2 is narrow, it is not necessary to set it to the state of FIG. 4. Next, move each of the pair of edge guides 10, 10 in a direction approaching the side edges 9 of the media 2. This movement is performed by the user manually operating the first guide 11. As a result, the second guide 12 also moves via the rack and pinion mechanism. During this movement, since the first guide 11 and the second guide 12 are formed such that L1 > L2 and L3 < L4 as described above, it is possible to form the structure in the state described in FIG. 6. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the free ends of the first side edge guide portion 16 of the first guide 11 and the second side edge guide portion 20 of the second guide 12 swing greatly during the movement.

[0037] (2) When the pair of edge guides 10, 10 are further moved in a direction approaching the side edges 9 of the media 2, the state shown in the left ST1 diagram of FIG. 8 is obtained. The state shown in the ST1 diagram shows the case where the media 2 is placed on the placement surface 8 in a state slightly inclined with respect to the conveyance direction F. Even when the media 2 is placed in such an inclined state, a first lifting portion 27 is provided at the tip in the Y-axis direction of the upstream end 21 of the first support portion 14, and a second lifting portion 29 is provided at the tip in the Y-axis direction of the downstream end 24 of the second support portion 18. Thus, the following occurs. That is, even when the media 2 is inclined and placed on the placement surface 8, the first lifting portion 27 and the second lifting portion 29 each reach the side edge 9 of the media 2 first and lift the media 2. The state shown in ST1 indicates the state immediately before the first scooping unit 27 and the second scooping unit 29 scoop up the medium 2 and move further, and the first side edge guide surface 15 of the first guide 11 and the second side edge guide surface 19 of the second guide 12 each come into contact with the side edge 9 of the medium 2. When the first guide 11 and the second guide 12 move further from this state, the state shown in ST2 on the right side of Figure 8 is reached. That is, the first side edge guide surface 15 and the second side edge guide surface 19 each come into contact with the side edge 9 of the medium 2 over the entire length in the conveying direction F, and the tilt of the medium 2 is corrected. In this state, the medium 2 receives a feed force in the conveying direction F from a conveying unit (not shown), and is conveyed in the conveying direction F.

[0038] <Explanation of Effects of Embodiment 1> (1) In this embodiment, the first support portion 14 is formed so that the widthwise length (Y-axis direction) of the upstream end 21 in the conveying direction F is longer than the widthwise length L2 of the downstream end 22, and further, the second support portion 18 is formed so that the widthwise length L3 of the upstream end 23 in the conveying direction F is shorter than the widthwise length L4 of the downstream end 24. This makes it possible to set the dimension of the longest part in the width direction of the first support part 14 to a size that is almost the same as the width dimension of the medium 2. It also makes it possible to set the dimension of the longest part in the width direction of the second support part 18 to a size that is almost the same as the width dimension of the medium 2. In other words, it is possible to avoid the width dimensions of the first support part 14 and the second support part 18 becoming small as in the past. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk that the free ends of the first side guide portion 16 and the second side guide portion 20 will swing significantly during the movement (FIG. 6), thereby preventing a decrease in operability.

[0039] (2) In addition, in this embodiment, when the first guide 11 moves toward the side edge 9 of the medium 2 placed on the placement surface 8, the first scooping portion 27 located at the tip in the width direction of the upstream end 21 of the first support portion 14 comes into contact with and scoops up the medium 2 first. Similarly, when the second guide 12 moves toward the side edge 9 of the medium 2 placed on the placement surface 8, the second scooping portion 29 located at the tip in the width direction of the downstream end 24 of the second support portion 18 comes into contact with and scoops up the medium 2 first. In other words, because the first scooping portion 27 and the second scooping portion 29 come into contact with the side edge 9 of the medium 2 first, the medium 2 can be easily scooped up onto the first support surface 13 and the second support surface 17. Furthermore, this is even more effective when scooping up the medium 2 that is placed on the placement surface 8 in an inclined state onto the surfaces of the first support surface 13 and the second support surface 17.

[0040] (3) In this embodiment, the widthwise dimension L1 of the upstream end 21 of the first support portion 14 is the same as the widthwise dimension L4 of the downstream end 24 of the second support portion 18. Furthermore, the widthwise dimension L2 of the downstream end 22 of the first support portion 14 is the same as the widthwise dimension L3 of the upstream end 23 of the second support portion 18. As a result, the above-mentioned dimensions of the first guide 11 and the second guide 12 are the same, resulting in good operational balance and manufacturing efficiency.

[0041] (4) In this embodiment, the first tip edge 25 of the first support portion 14 and the second tip edge 26 of the second support portion 18 are parallel to each other. As a result, when the first guide 11 and the second guide 12 are brought closer to each other, the first tip edge 25 and the second tip edge 26 are in contact over their entire lengths, which stabilizes the posture in the state of contact with each other and improves operability when transitioning to the state of contact.

[0042] (5) In this embodiment, the first scooping portion 27 and the second scooping portion 29 are formed with inclined surfaces 28 and 30, respectively, that scoop up the medium 2. This allows the inclined surfaces 28 and 30 to scoop up the medium 2 with little risk of the medium 2 getting caught, breaking, or otherwise being damaged. (6) Furthermore, this embodiment includes a pressing unit 33 that presses the first scooping unit 27 and the second scooping unit 29 toward the placement surface 8. This prevents the first scooping unit 27 and the second scooping unit 29 from lifting up, ensuring that the medium 2 is scooped up reliably.

[0043] [Embodiment 2] Next, a medium tray 3 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and a description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. 9, the medium tray 3 of the second embodiment has a circular hole 40 that is formed when the first tip edge 25 of the first support portion 14 and the second tip edge 26 of the second support portion 18 are closest to each other. As shown in FIG. 10, the hole 40 is composed of a first half hole 401 formed in the first tip edge 25 of the first support portion 14 and a second half hole 402 formed in the second tip edge 26 of the second support portion 18. The hole 40 is not limited to the circular shape, but may be non-circular as shown in FIG.

[0044] In this embodiment, a hole 40 is formed when the first tip edge 25 of the first support portion 14 and the second tip edge 26 of the second support portion 18 are closest to each other. This makes it possible to place a media sensor (not shown) at a position corresponding to the hole 40, making it possible to sense the passage of the end of the media 2 in the transport direction F using the media sensor, making it easier to grasp the position of the transported media 2.

[0045] [Embodiment 3] Next, a medium tray 3 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and a description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. The medium tray 3 of the third embodiment includes racks 31, 32 and a pinion 42 that link the reciprocating movements of the first guide 11 and the second guide 12. The first scooping unit 27 is configured to also serve as one of the racks 31. That is, the tip of the inclined surface 28 of the first scooping portion 27 is extended long in the Y-axis direction, and this extended portion is configured to function as a rack 31.

[0046] In this embodiment, racks 31, 32 and a pinion 42 are provided to link the reciprocating movements of the first guide 11 and the second guide 12, and the first scooping part 27 is configured to also function as the rack 31. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts.

[0047] Other Embodiments The media tray 3 of the present invention and the recording device 1 equipped with this media tray 3 are based on the configuration of the embodiment described above, but it is of course possible to change or omit partial configurations within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The device equipped with the medium tray 3 is not limited to the recording device 1. For example, an image reading device such as a scanner may also be used. In the above embodiment, the medium tray 3 is described as being what is called a manual feed tray, but it is not limited to this manual feed tray and may be any tray that has a pair of edge guides 10, 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1...recording device, 2...medium, 3...medium tray, 4...recording unit, 5...ejection tray 6...medium storage section, 7...device body, 8...mounting surface, 9...side edge, 10...edge guide, 11...first guide, 12...second guide, 13...first support surface, 14...first support portion, 15...first side edge guide surface, 16...first side edge guide portion, 17...second support surface, 18... second support portion, 19... second side edge guide surface, 20... second side edge guide portion, 21... upstream end portion, 22... downstream end portion, 23... upstream end portion, 24... downstream end portion, 25... first tip edge, 26... second tip edge, 27...first scooping portion, 28...slope, 29...second scooping portion, 30...slope, 31... rack, 32... rack, 33... pressing portion, 34... rib, 35... sliding surface, 40...hole portion, 42...pinion, 401...first half hole portion, 402...second half hole portion, A1...arrow, A2...arrow, F...conveying direction, L1...length of end 21, L2...length of end 22, L3...length of end 23, L4...length of end 24

Claims

1. a placement surface on which a medium to be conveyed in a conveyance direction is placed; a media tray including an edge guide that is provided to be reciprocally movable in a width direction of the placement surface that intersects with the conveying direction, and that guides a side edge of the media placed on the placement surface, The edge guide includes a first guide disposed on one side in the width direction and a second guide disposed on the other side, The first guide is a first support portion having a first support surface that supports the medium; a first side edge guide portion that is erected from the first support portion and has a first side edge guide surface that guides the side edge of the medium, The second guide is a second support portion having a second support surface that supports the medium; a second side edge guide portion that is erected from the second support portion and has a second side edge guide surface that guides the side edge of the medium, the first support portion is formed such that a length in the width direction of an upstream end of the medium placed on the placement surface in a transport direction of the medium is longer than a length in the width direction of an downstream end of the medium placed on the placement surface in the transport direction, the second support portion is formed such that the length in the width direction of an upstream end portion in the conveying direction is shorter than the length in the width direction of a downstream end portion in the conveying direction. A media tray characterized by:

2. The media tray of claim 1 , a first scooping portion is provided at a tip in the width direction of the upstream end of the first support portion, and the first scooping portion scoops up the medium when the first guide moves toward the side edge of the medium placed on the placement surface; a second scooping portion is provided at a tip in the width direction of the downstream end of the second support portion, and the second scooping portion scoops up the medium when the second guide moves toward the side edge of the medium placed on the placement surface; A media tray characterized by:

3. The media tray of claim 1 , a dimension in the width direction of the upstream end of the first support portion is the same as a dimension in the width direction of the downstream end of the second support portion, a dimension in the width direction of the downstream end of the first support portion is the same as a dimension in the width direction of the upstream end of the second support portion; A media tray characterized by:

4. The media tray of claim 1 , a first tip edge of the first support portion and a second tip edge of the second support portion are parallel to each other; A media tray characterized by:

5. The media tray of claim 1 , a hole formed when a first tip edge of the first support portion and a second tip edge of the second support portion are closest to each other; A media tray characterized by:

6. The media tray of claim 2, The first scooping portion and the second scooping portion have an inclined surface that scoops up the medium. A media tray characterized by:

7. The media tray of claim 2, a pressing portion that presses the first scooping portion and the second scooping portion toward the placement surface, A media tray characterized by:

8. The media tray of claim 2, a rack and pinion that link the reciprocating movements of the first guide and the second guide, The first scooping unit also serves as the rack. A media tray characterized by:

9. A medium tray according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a recording unit that performs recording on the medium transported from the medium tray; A recording device comprising:

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