Recording device, storage cassette

Abstract

To provide a technology that suppresses misalignment of the rotational position of the feed roller. [Solution] A recording device comprising a housing, a feeding roller disposed in the housing for feeding a sheet, a recording means for recording on the sheet fed by the feeding roller, and a storage cassette detachably attached to the housing for storing a sheet, wherein the storage cassette is disposed of a sheet separation part that can contact the feeding roller, and a regulating means disposed in the housing for regulating the rotation of the feeding roller in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a storage cassette.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for feeding a sheet stored in a storage cassette to a recording apparatus are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet material supply apparatus including an apparatus main body and a storage cassette having a loading portion on which a sheet material is loaded and is provided so as to be vertically movable, and being detachably attached to the apparatus main body. A conventional sheet material supply apparatus separates and supplies the sheet materials one by one in a state where the sheet material sent out downstream in the conveyance direction by a feed roller is sandwiched between a separation pad provided in the storage cassette and a separation roller provided in the apparatus main body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an apparatus that separates and feeds a sheet in a state where a roller on the apparatus main body side and a sheet separation portion on the storage cassette side are in contact with each other as in the conventional technology, the rotational position of the roller may deviate from the sheet feed start position when the storage cassette is removed or the like. If the rotational position of the roller deviates, double feeding of the sheet or the like may occur.

[0005] An exemplary object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing the deviation of the rotational position of a feed roller.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, a housing, a feed roller disposed in the housing for feeding a sheet, A recording means for recording on a sheet fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, A recording device comprising a storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing, A sheet separation section is provided in the aforementioned storage cassette and is capable of contacting the aforementioned feeding roller, The housing is provided with a restricting means that restricts the rotation of the feeding roller in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing, A recording device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for suppressing deviations in the rotational position of the feed roller. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External view of a recording device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] External view of the recording device shown in Figure 1 with multiple optional devices attached. [Figure 3] This figure shows the recording device in Figure 1 with the storage cassette removed. [Figure 4] This figure shows the recording device in Figure 1 with the detachable unit removed. [Figure 5] This figure shows the recording device in Figure 1 with the opening / closing member in the open position. [Figure 6] This figure shows the recording device in Figure 1 with the opening / closing member in the open position. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device and optional device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Perspective view of the recording unit. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the DD line. [Figure 10] Figure 2 shows the recording device with the cover and feed tray extended. [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] External view of the recording apparatus 1A in FIG. 2 with the opening / closing member in the open state. [Figure 13] Plan view of the recording apparatus 1A in FIG. 2 with the opening / closing member in the open state. [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are perspective views of the periphery of the slot. [Figure 15] Perspective view of the storage cassette. [Figure 16] Explanatory diagram of the configuration of the storage cassette. [Figure 17] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views taken between F - F in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view taken between E - E in FIG. 15. [Figure 19] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams of the operations of the L - side cam and the follower. [Figure 20] Explanatory diagram of the operations of the L - side cam and the separation cam. [Figure 21] Perspective view showing a part of the internal configuration of the apparatus main body. [Figure 22] Explanatory diagram of the feeding operation. [Figure 23] Explanatory diagram of the rotation restricting operation of the restricting unit. [Figure 24] Explanatory diagram of the attachment / detachment detection operation of the storage cassette. [Figure 25] Flowchart showing initialization control. [Figure 26] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of the delay mechanism. [Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention] [[ID=4⑨]]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] [Outline of the Recording Apparatus] Figure 1 is an external view of a recording device 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention. Multiple optional devices can be attached to the recording device 1A. Figure 2 shows the recording device 1A with optional devices 500A and 500B attached. Optional devices 500A and 500B are devices with the same configuration, and when referring to optional devices 500A and 500B collectively, or when not distinguishing between them, they are simply called optional device 500. Optional device 500 is equipped with a storage cassette 501 for storing recording media, and by adding optional devices 500, the storage capacity of recording media used for recording can be increased, and the types of recording media used for recording can be increased. The storage cassette 501 is detachably attached to the main body of the optional device 500, and in this embodiment, it is provided on the front of the optional device 500 so as to be insertable and removable in the Y direction relative to the main body.

[0011] In the example shown in Figure 2, two stages of optional devices 500 are provided at the bottom of the recording device 1A. However, only one optional device 500 can be attached to the recording device 1A, or three or more stages of optional devices 500 can be attached to the recording device 1A. Furthermore, the recording device 1A can be used without any optional devices 500 attached.

[0012] In this embodiment, the case in which the present invention is applied to a serial inkjet recording device is described, but the present invention is also applicable to other types of recording devices.

[0013] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only cases where meaningful information such as characters and figures is formed, but also broadly cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where the medium is processed, regardless of whether it is meaningful or not, and does not depend on whether or not it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans.In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "recording medium," but it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0014] In the figures described in this embodiment, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions in which they intersect, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other, and arrow Z indicates the vertical direction. The X direction corresponds to the left-right direction (width direction) of the recording device 1A, the Y direction corresponds to the front-back direction (depth direction) of the recording device 1A, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the recording device 1A. Furthermore, when referring to the downstream side and the upstream side, the transport direction of the recording medium is used as the reference.

[0015] The recording device 1A comprises a main unit 100A, a detachable unit 640, a storage cassette 602A, and a tank unit 665 that are detachable from the main unit 100A. The main unit 100A has a roughly rectangular prism-shaped housing 601, which forms the outer wall of the recording device 1A. The detachable unit 640, the storage cassette 602A, and the tank unit 665 are mounted on the front surface 601a of the housing 601, which constitutes the front part of the recording device 1A, so as to be insertable and removable from the main unit 100A in the Y direction. The front surface 601a is also provided with an openable and closable cover 653 that covers the feeding unit 650 inside the main unit 100A. The cover 653, the detachable unit 640, the storage unit 602A, and the tank unit 665 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the Z direction.

[0016] Figure 3 shows the state in which the storage cassette 602A is pulled out in the -Y direction from the main body 100A of the device. The main body 100A has a slot SL1 that opens on the front surface 601a, and the storage cassette 602A is stored in this slot SL1.

[0017] Figure 4 shows the state in which the detachable unit 640 has been removed from the main body 100A in the -Y direction. The main body 100A has a slot SL2 that opens on the front surface 601a, and the detachable unit 640 is stored in this slot SL2.

[0018] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the tank unit 665 is also stored in a slot provided in the main body 100A of the device, similar to the storage cassette 602A and the attachment / detachment unit 640.

[0019] An output tray 617 is provided on the top surface of the main body 100A of the device. Recorded recording media are discharged into the output tray 617 and stacked on the output tray 617.

[0020] Using Figures 2 and 5, we will describe the opening 670 formed on the upper surface of the housing 601, which exposes the inside of the main body 100A of the recording device 1A. The opening 670 is opened and closed by an opening / closing member 617a. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617a is a plate-shaped tray member that constitutes part of the discharge tray 617, and is a rotating member that is rotatable around a pivot axis 617b in the X direction. Figure 5 shows the opening 670 in the open state with the opening / closing member 617a open. When the opening / closing member 617a is closed as shown in Figure 2, the opening 670 is closed.

[0021] Using Figures 2 and 6, we will describe the opening 672 formed on the upper surface of the housing 601, which exposes the inside of the main body 100A of the recording device 1A. The opening 672 is located towards the back in the Y direction relative to the opening 670. The opening 672 is opened and closed by an opening / closing member 617c. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617c, together with the opening / closing member 617a, is a plate-shaped tray member that constitutes part of the discharge tray 617, and is configured to be pulled out towards the front. When pulling out the opening / closing member 617c, the operator can operate it by holding the grip portion 617e. Figure 6 shows the state in which the opening / closing member 617c is in the open position and the opening 672 is open. When the opening / closing member 617c is closed as shown in Figure 2, the opening 672 is closed.

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1A and the optional device 500. The recording device 1A records onto the sheet SH, which is a recording medium before recording, loaded onto the feed tray 602a in the storage cassette 602A. The recording device 1A also discharges the recorded sheet SH into the discharge tray 617. The storage cassette 602A can be removed from the main unit 100A of the recording device 1A, and the sheet SH can be set into the feed tray 602a of the removed storage cassette 602A.

[0023] Furthermore, the recording device 1A records onto the sheet SH, which is a recording medium before recording, loaded onto the feed tray 502 in each optional device 500. The recording device 1A also discharges the recorded sheet SH into the discharge tray 617. The storage cassette 501 of the optional device 500 can be removed from the optional device 500, and the sheet SH can be set into the feed tray 502 of the removed storage cassette 501.

[0024] <Transportation Route> The transport paths for the sheet SH are described below. The recording device 1A has transport paths RT6A to RT6E that guide the transport of the sheet SH. Transport path RT6A is the main transport path formed from the confluence point JP1 to the discharge tray 617. Transport path RT6B is formed from the supply tray 602a to the confluence point JP1. When recording is performed on the sheet SH stored in the storage cassette 602A, the sheet SH is transported in the order of transport path RT6B → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during the transport process.

[0025] The transport paths RT6D and RT6E are transport paths for supplying sheet SH from the optional device 500. Transport path RT6D is formed in the Z direction at the front of the storage cassette 602A. When the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A, transport path RT6D is formed from the intermediate point JP2 to the confluence point JP1. Transport path RT6E is formed in the Z direction at the front of the tank unit 665. When the tank unit 665 is mounted on the device body 100A, transport path RT6E is formed from the intermediate point JP3 to the intermediate point JP2.

[0026] Each optional device 500 has transport paths RT7A and RT7B that guide the transport of the sheets SH. Transport path RT7A is formed from the supply tray 502 to the confluence point JP4 in the storage cassette 501 and is a transport path for supplying sheets SH within the optional device 500. Transport path RT7B is formed at the front of the storage cassette 501, from the intermediate point JP5 to the confluence point JP4. Transport path RT7B is a transport path for passing sheets SH supplied from another optional device 500 located below that optional device 500. For example, in the example in Figure 7, the transport path RT7B of optional device 500A is a path for passing sheets SH supplied from optional device 500B through optional device 500A.

[0027] When recording is performed on sheet SH housed in optional device 500A, sheet SH is transported in the following order: transport path RT7A of optional device 500A → transport path RT6E of recording device 1A → transport path 6D → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during this transport process.

[0028] When recording is performed on sheet SH housed in optional device 500B, sheet SH is transported in the following order: transport path RT7A of optional device 500B → transport path RT7B of optional device 500A → transport path RT6E of recording device 1A → transport path 6D → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during this transport process.

[0029] Next, we will describe the path for inverting the front and back sides of the sheet SH and transporting it to the recording head 612 for double-sided recording. In this embodiment, after recording the first side of the sheet SH at the recording head 612, the sheet SH can be transported to the transport path RT6C, thereby inverting its front and back sides. The transport path RT6C is a sub-transport path formed from the vicinity of the transport unit 605 (described later) to the junction point JP1. The sheet SH, on which the first side has been recorded, can be inverted via the transport path RT6C and introduced back into the transport path RT6A. Then, recording can be performed on the second side of the sheet SH.

[0030] The introduction of sheet SH into the transport path RT6C is as follows: After the rear end of sheet SH reaches the vicinity of the transport unit 605 (described later) or exits the transport unit 605, at least some of the rollers of the transport units 605-609 (described later) are rotated in reverse. This allows sheet SH with the first side recorded to be introduced into the transport path RT6C. Sheet SH with the second side recorded is discharged into the discharge tray 617.

[0031] Each transport path is formed by a path-forming member. As an example of a path-forming member, Figure 7 schematically shows a pair of path-forming members 666 that form the transport path RT6E. The pair of path-forming members 666 are arranged facing each other in the Y direction, and the transport path RT6E extending in the Z direction is formed between them. Each transport path is defined by such path-forming members.

[0032] <Conveying mechanism> Next, the configuration for transporting the sheet SH will be described. The recording device 1A includes a feed unit 603, a feed unit 604, and a plurality of transport units 605 to 609. In the transport direction of the sheet SH along transport paths RT6B and RT6A, these are arranged in the order of feed unit 603, feed unit 604, and transport units 605 to 609 from upstream to downstream. Image formation (recording) on ​​the sheet SH is performed by a recording unit 610 between transport unit 605 and transport unit 606.

[0033] (Feeding unit 603) The sheets SH on the feeding tray 602a are introduced one by one into the transport paths RT6B and RT6A by the feeding unit 603. The feeding unit 603 is a pickup mechanism that uses the feeding motor 622A as a driving source to pick up the sheets SH from the feeding tray 602a. The feeding unit 603 includes a feeding roller (pickup roller) 603a, a feeding roller 603b, a separation roller 603c, a feeding roller 603d, and a driven roller 603e that forms a nip with the feeding roller 603d.

[0034] The feeding roller 603a rotates by the driving force of the feeding motor 622A, contacting the uppermost surface of the sheet SH loaded on the feeding tray 602a, and begins feeding the sheet SH. Downstream of the feeding roller 603a are a feeding roller 603b, which rotates by the driving force of the feeding motor 622A, and a separation roller 603c, which forms a nip with the feeding roller 603b. The separation roller 603c is a roller equipped with a torque limiter and has rotational resistance. When two or more sheets SH enter the nip between the feeding roller 603b and the separation roller 603c, the rotational resistance of the separation roller 603c separates the sheets SH into a single sheet.

[0035] The separated sheet SH is transported to the downstream feed roller 603d and driven roller 603e. The feed roller 603d is driven by the feed motor 622A.

[0036] (Feeding unit 604) The feeding unit 604 transports the sheet SH, which is introduced into the transport path RT6A from the confluence point JP1, to the transport unit 605. The feeding unit 604 is equipped with feeding rollers 604a and 604c. The feeding rollers 604a and 604c are rotating bodies that rotate by the driving force of the feeding motor 623. The feeding rollers 604a and 604c are pressed against the corresponding driven rollers 604b and 604d to form a nip section. The driven rollers 604b and 604d are rotating bodies that are driven by the rotation of the feeding rollers 604a and 604c.

[0037] The sheet SH is held between the nip sections of the feed roller 604a and the driven roller 604b, and between the feed roller 604c and the driven roller 604d, and is conveyed by their rotation.

[0038] Note that the feed rollers 603a, 603b, and 603d are one-way rollers. Therefore, once the leading edge of the sheet SH has been transported to a position beyond the nip portion of the feed unit 604a, the feed unit 604 can continue transporting the sheet even if the drive of the feed unit 603 is stopped.

[0039] Sensor 631 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, specifically detecting the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH. The detection position of sensor 631 is set downstream of the nip portion of the feeding unit 604a. After detecting the passage of the leading end of the sheet SH, the detection result of sensor 631 can be used as a trigger for transport control, such as stopping the drive of the feeding unit 603 or increasing the transport speed of the feeding unit 604.

[0040] Furthermore, by using sensor 631 to determine the size of sheet SH from the amount of drive of feed motor 623 and motor 624 from the detection of the leading edge to the detection of the trailing edge of sheet SH, it becomes possible to switch subsequent transport control.

[0041] (Transport Unit 605) The transport unit 605 is positioned upstream of the recording head 612. The transport unit 605 transports the sheet SH downstream between the recording head 612 and the platen 615 facing the recording head 612. The transport unit 605 includes a transport roller 605a and a driven roller (pinch roller) 605b which is pressed against the transport roller 605a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 605a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624, and the driven roller 605b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 605a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 605a and the driven roller 605b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 605a and the driven roller 605b.

[0042] Sensor 632, like sensor 631, is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. Since sensor 632 is located near the upstream of the transport unit 605, its detection results can be used to determine the loop amount of sheet SH being picked up by the register and to manage the positions of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH.

[0043] (Transport Unit 606) The transport unit 606 is located downstream of the recording head 612 and transports the sheet SH, which is transported by the transport unit 605, to the downstream transport unit 609. The transport unit 606 includes a transport roller 606a and spurs 606b which are pressed against the transport roller 606a by springs (not shown), etc. The transport roller 606a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624, and the spurs 606b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 606a. In this embodiment, the transport unit 605 and the transport unit 606 share a drive source (transport motor 624).

[0044] (Transport Unit 607) The transport unit 607 is positioned downstream of the recording head 612 and the transport unit 606, and transports the sheet SH transported by the transport unit 606 downstream. The transport unit 607 includes a transport roller 607a and a spur 607b which is pressed against the transport roller 607a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The transport roller 607a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624 described above, and the spur 607b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 607a. The sheet SH is held between the transport roller 607a and the driven roller 607b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 607a and the spur 607b.

[0045] Sensor 633 is similar to sensors 631 and 632, and is, for example, an optical sensor that detects sheet SH. Sensor 633 can be used to detect the leading and trailing ends of sheet SH, or to detect the presence or absence of sheet SH in the transport path when a jam (paper jam) of sheet SH occurs in the transport path.

[0046] (Transport units 608 and 609) Transport units 608 and 609 are located downstream of the recording head 612 and transport units 606 and 607. Transport units 608 and 609 are discharge units that discharge the sheets SH transported by transport unit 607 into the discharge tray 617. When single-sided recording occurs, the sheets SH discharged into the discharge tray 617 are output in a so-called "face-down" manner, with the image recording side facing downwards. When double-sided recording occurs, the second side faces downwards.

[0047] The conveying unit 608 includes a conveying roller 608a and a spur 608b which is pressed against the conveying roller 608a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 608a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the conveying motor 625, and the spur 608b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 608a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the conveying roller 608a and the spur 608b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 608a and the spur 608b.

[0048] The conveying unit 609 includes a conveying roller 609a and a spur 609b which is pressed against the conveying roller 609a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 609a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the same conveying motor 625 as the conveying unit 608 described above, and the spur 609b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 609a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the conveying roller 609a and the spur 609b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 609a and the spur 609b.

[0049] In this embodiment, the transport unit 608 and the transport unit 609 share a drive source (transport motor 625). However, the motor 625 may be eliminated, and the transport motor 624, which is the drive source for transport units 605 to 607, may also be shared between transport units 608 and 609.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, four transport units (transport units 606 to 609) are used downstream of the recording head 612, but it is possible to reduce this number depending on the size of the corresponding recording medium of the recording device 1A in the transport direction. For example, it is also possible to use only transport units 606 and 609, with transport unit 609 discharging the sheet SH to the output tray 617.

[0051] Sensor 634 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, similar to sensors 631 to 633, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. In this embodiment, after the trailing end of the sheet SH is detected by sensor 634, discharge is completed after a predetermined transport amount (the trailing end of the sheet SH reaches the output tray 617). Therefore, the detection result of sensor 634 can be used to detect the discharge of the sheet SH.

[0052] Next, the sheet SH transport mechanism provided in the optional device 500 will be described. The sheets SH set in the feed tray 502 are separated one by one by the feed unit 510 in the optional device 500 and fed to the transport path RT7A. The feed unit 510 is a pickup mechanism that uses the feed motor 522 as a driving source to pick up the sheets SH from the feed tray 502. The feed unit 510 includes a feed roller (pickup roller) 510a, a feed roller 510b, and a separation roller 510c.

[0053] The feeding unit 511 is located downstream of the feeding unit 510 and includes a feeding roller 511a and a driven roller 511b. The feeding roller 511a is a rotating body that rotates due to the driving force of the feeding motor 522, and the driven roller 511b is a rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the feeding roller 511a.

[0054] The sheet SH is held between the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b at the nip portion and is conveyed by the rotation of the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b.

[0055] The sheet SH, transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500A, enters the transport path RT6E through the intermediate point JP3, which is the top exit of the optional device 500A and the transport path entrance on the bottom of the recording device 1A. The sheet SH is then transported further along the transport path RT6D to the junction point JP1.

[0056] The sheet SH, transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500B, enters the transport path RT7B through the intermediate point JP5, which is the top exit of the optional device 500B and the transport path entrance on the bottom of the optional device 500A. The sheet SH then travels along the transport path RT7B of the optional device 500A and is transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500A through the transport path RT6D to the junction point JP1.

[0057] <Recording Unit> The recording unit 610 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7, 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the recording unit 610, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Figure 8. The recording unit 610 includes a recording head 612, a carriage 611, and a drive unit 614. The recording head 612 ejects liquid ink onto the sheet SH to record an image on the sheet SH. The lower surface of the recording head 612 forms an ejection surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed.

[0058] The ink supplied to the recording head 612 is contained in the ink tank 664 of the tank unit 665. The ink contained in the ink tank 664 is supplied to the recording head 612 via a tube (not shown) (tube supply method). Note that the ink supply method can be any of the following: an independent ink cartridge system in which the recording head 612 is mounted together with the carriage 611, or a head cartridge system in which the ink cartridge and recording head 612 are integrated.

[0059] The platen 615 is positioned between the transport unit 605 and the transport unit 606, facing the recording head 612 (especially the ejection surface). The sheet SH is transported between the recording head 612 and the platen 615 in the direction of arrow SD (+Y direction), and an image is recorded by the recording head 612.

[0060] The recording head 612 is mounted on the carriage 611. The carriage 611 is driven by the drive unit 614 in a direction intersecting the SD direction (in this embodiment, the X-axis direction).

[0061] The drive unit 614 includes a support member 620 extending in the X-axis direction. The support member 620 is a base member that supports each component of the drive unit 614. The support member 620 is provided with a guide member 613 that engages with the carriage 611 and guides the movement of the carriage 611. In this embodiment, the guide member 613 includes a lower rail member 613a and an upper rail member 613b. The rail members 613a and 613b are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction and each extends in the X-axis direction. The rail members 613a and 613b engage with the carriage 611 and guide the movement of the carriage 611. The guide member 613 may be an axial member.

[0062] Rail member 613a supports the carriage 611 in the height (Z) and front-to-back (Y) directions. By adjusting the height (Z) of rail member 613a relative to support member 620, the height (Z position) of the recording head 612 (especially the ejection surface) relative to the platen 615 can be adjusted. Rail member 613b is located above rail member 613a (+Z direction) and restricts the position of the carriage 611 around the X axis. By adjusting rail member 613b in the front-to-back (Y) direction relative to support member 620, the inclination of the recording head 612 around the X axis relative to the platen 615 can be adjusted.

[0063] The drive unit 614 in this embodiment is a belt drive mechanism driven by a carriage motor 621. However, the mechanism of the drive unit 614 may be other than a belt drive mechanism. The carriage motor 621 is positioned on the opposite side of the carriage 611 in the front-to-back (Y) direction, with a support member 620 in between. The drive unit 614 includes a drive pulley 618 and a driven pulley 619 spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and an endless belt 616 wrapped around these pulleys, which are positioned between rail member 613a and rail member 613b in the height (Z) direction.

[0064] The carriage 611 is fixed to an endless belt 616. When the carriage motor 621 rotates the drive pulley 618, the endless belt 616 moves and the carriage 611 moves. A cord strip 635 is supported by a support member 620. The carriage 11 is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects the slits in the cord strip 635, and the position of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction can be determined from the sensor's detection result and the speed can be adjusted.

[0065] The carriage 611 is provided with electrical contacts between the recording head 612 and a circuit board (not shown). The circuit board (not shown) may be located downstream of the recording head 612 in the transport direction (+Y direction) and between the carriage 11 and the support member 620.

[0066] Next, the image recording operation will be explained. Images are recorded by ejecting ink from the recording head 612 onto the sheet SH during the reciprocating movement of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction. This operation is called recording scanning. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating a transport operation in which the transport unit 605 intermittently transports the sheet SH in the SD direction (+Y direction) and the recording scanning.

[0067] <Front feeding mechanism> The front feeding mechanism of the recording device 1A will be explained using Figures 10 and 11. The front feeding mechanism allows sheets SH to be manually fed from the front of the recording device 1A. Figure 10 shows the state in which the cover 653 and feeding tray 651 have been pulled out from the state in Figure 2. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1A, and shows the state in which the cover 653 and feeding tray 651 have been pulled out.

[0068] In this embodiment, in addition to the storage cassette 602A already described, a feeding unit 650 is positioned above the storage cassette 602A and the attachment / detachment unit 640 in the Z direction (+Z direction) and on the front 601a side of the recording device 1A. Figure 2 shows the state in which the loading tray 651 is closed, and Figure 10 shows the state in which the loading tray 651 is open. When the loading tray 651 is closed, multiple trays are folded and stored inside. When the loading tray 651 is open, the multiple folded trays are unfolded to a length that is sufficient to hold the loaded sheet SH so that it does not fall out.

[0069] Behind the open loading tray 651 is a supply tray 652, which holds the loaded sheets SH in both the loading tray 651 and the supply tray 652. A sensor 636 is provided to detect whether or not sheets SH are loaded in the supply tray 652.

[0070] Sensor 636 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. Sensor 636 detects the presence or absence of the sheet SH on the feeding tray 652, and can be configured with, for example, a reflective sensor. In addition, side guides 656a and 656b are attached to the left and right sides of the feeding tray 652 to support the loaded sheet SH in the width direction. The left and right side guides 656a and 656b are connected by a rack and pinion (not shown). When the user operates either side guide, the side guide on the opposite side moves in conjunction, and the left and right ends of the sheet SH can be supported.

[0071] Next, the arrangement of the feeding unit 650 and the transport path RT6F will be described. The feeding unit 650 is equipped with a feeding roller 650a that presses against the sheets SH loaded on the feeding tray 652. Downstream of the feeding roller 650a are a transport roller 650b and a separation roller 650c. The feeding roller 650a and the transport roller 650b are driven by the feeding motor 623. The sheets SH set on the feeding tray 652 are picked up by the feeding roller 650a, separated one by one at the nip section of the transport roller 650b and the separation roller 650c, and fed to the transport path RT6A. The sheets SH fed from the feeding unit 650 merge with the transport path RT6A at the junction JP6 and are transported to the transport unit 605. Thereafter, while being transported by the transport unit 605, images are recorded by the recording head 612.

[0072] <Layout of the configuration around the recording head> Refer to Figures 8 and 9. The sheet SH may jam around the recording head 612. The drive unit 614 is a structure equipped with a support member 620 fixed in a wall-like manner in the XZ plane. Depending on the arrangement of the drive unit 614, the drive unit 614 of the carriage 611 may easily become an obstacle when considering the operator's access to the jammed area.

[0073] In this embodiment, the drive unit 614 is positioned downstream (+Y direction) in the transport direction (SD direction) relative to the recording head 612. This increases the space upstream of the recording head 612, improving the operator's access to the upstream side of the recording head 612. As jams often occur when the leading edge of the sheet SH gets stuck between the recording head 612 and the platen 615, the ability for the operator to work from the upstream side of the recording head 62 makes recovery work smoother.

[0074] Viewing the recording device 1A in the front-to-back direction (Y direction), the transport unit 605 is positioned in front of the recording head 612 (-Y direction side), and the drive unit 614 is positioned behind the recording head 612 (+Y direction side). In the installation location of the recording device 1A, the front of the recording device 1A is often spacious, while the rear is often narrow due to the presence of walls or other obstacles. In this embodiment, since there is more space in front of the recording head 612, if a jam occurs, it is easier for the operator to perform recovery work from the front of the recording device 1A.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feeding unit 604 is positioned further forward than the transport unit 605. This makes it easier for an operator to recover from jams that occur between the feeding unit 604 and the transport unit 605 from the front side 601a of the recording device 1A.

[0076] <Structure related to maintenance> <Maintenance around the recording head> The recording device 1A of this embodiment has a structure that facilitates maintenance (access) to the recording unit 610. This will be explained with reference to Figures 5, 6, 12, and 13. Figure 12 is an external view of the recording device 1A with the opening / closing member 617a in the open position, and Figure 13 is a plan view of the recording device 1A with the opening / closing member 617a in the open position.

[0077] Maintenance of the recording unit 610 may include, for example, the recovery of jams as described above, or the replacement of the recording head 612.

[0078] The opening 670 is formed such that the portion upstream (-Y direction) in the transport direction (SD direction) of the recording head 612 is more exposed than the portion downstream (+Y direction). The opening / closing member 617a is positioned above the transport unit 605 (+Z direction). When the opening / closing member 617a is opened, the transport unit 605, carriage 611, recording head 612, platen 615, etc. are exposed through the opening 670, allowing the operator to access them. In this embodiment, since the drive unit 614 is positioned downstream (+Y direction) of the recording head 612 in the transport direction, the transport unit 605, carriage 611, recording head 612, platen 615, etc. are easily accessible from the front of the recording device 1A.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, if the width of the opening 670 in the X direction is KW, then the width KW is wider than the maximum width of the sheet SH that the recording device 1A supports. Therefore, if a jam occurs in the sheet SH, it is easy to remove the sheet SH from the opening 670.

[0080] <Configuration of the main unit 100A> The configuration of the main unit 100A will be further explained with reference to Figures 14(a) and 14(b). Specifically, the configuration of the housing 601 will be explained. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are enlarged views showing part of the internal structure of the recording device 1A when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the main unit 100A. Also, Figures 14(a) and 14(b) correspond to perspective views of the area around slot SL1 of the main unit 100A from different angles. In the following explanation, the attachment and detachment of the storage cassette 602A to the housing 601 may be described as the attachment and detachment of the storage cassette 602A to the main unit 100A.

[0081] The main body of the device 100A supports the storage cassette 602A in the Y direction so that it can be attached and detached, and is equipped with rails 80a to 80b that guide the movement of the storage cassette 602A within the slot SL1. The rails 80a to 80b are provided on both sides of the slot SL1 in the X direction.

[0082] As described above, the main body of the device 100A includes a feed roller 603a and a feed roller 602b. The feed rollers 603a and 603b are provided on the upper wall of the slot SL1. The feed roller 603a is positioned upstream of the feed roller 603b in the feed direction of the sheet SH and is a pickup roller that feeds the top sheet SH housed in the storage cassette 602A to the feed roller 603b (see Figure 7). The feed roller 603a allows the sheet SH in the storage cassette 602A to be smoothly fed to the downstream feed roller 603b. The peripheral configuration of the feed roller 602b will be described in detail later using Figure 21.

[0083] The main unit 100A of the device is equipped with a restricting unit 206 that restricts the rotation of the feed roller 603b in conjunction with the removal of the main unit 100A from the storage cassette 602A. The restricting unit 206 is supported by a support member 200 provided on the side wall of the slot SL1. The rotation restricting operation by the restricting unit 206 will be described in detail later.

[0084] The device body 100A includes a pressure plate cam 83 and a pressure plate release lever 96. The pressure plate cam 83 is located on both side walls of the device body 100A within the slot SL1. When the storage cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A, the pressure plate cam 83 pushes down the end of the pressure plate 91 of the storage cassette 602, which will be described later. The pressure plate release lever 96 is located on the bottom wall of the slot SL1 and releases the pressure plate 91 from the pressure plate holding part when the storage cassette 602A is installed in the device body 100A.

[0085] As mentioned above, Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show the state in which the storage cassette 602 has been removed from the main unit 100A. When the storage cassette 602A is removed from the main unit 100A, the feed rollers 603a and 603b remaining on the main unit 100A side are exposed, allowing the operator to access the slot SL1. This allows the operator to perform, for example, the replacement of the feed rollers 603a and 603b. In addition, it makes it easier for the operator to perform, for example, jam recovery work if a jam occurs near the feed rollers 603a and 603b. In this embodiment, the feed rollers 603a and 603b are configured to be removable independently. Furthermore, the feeding roller 603a and feeding roller 603b are not limited to being removable independently; the device body 100A may support the feeding roller 603a and feeding roller 603b with a single holder, allowing them to be removed simultaneously. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the removal direction (pull-out direction) of the storage cassette 602A is towards the front (front 601a side) (-Y direction side) of the recording device 1A. Similarly, the direction in which the feeding roller 603a feeds the sheet SH is also towards the front (front 601a side) of the recording device 1A. Therefore, by removing the storage cassette 602A, the operator can perform the above-mentioned operations (jam processing and roller replacement) from the front 601a side of the recording device 1A.

[0086] <Contents of the included cassette> The components of the storage cassette 602A will now be described. First, please refer to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the storage cassette 602A after it has been removed from the main unit 100A.

[0087] The storage cassette 602A includes a loading section 700 for loading sheets SH. The loading section 700 includes a supply tray 602a and a pressure plate 91. The loading section 700 is provided on the storage cassette 602A so as to be vertically movable. The storage cassette 602A also includes side guides 85-86 and a side lock section 87 that align the loading sides of the sheets SH according to the sheets SH loaded on the loading section 700. The side guides 85-86 are provided at both ends of the cassette 602A in the X direction and regulate the position of the loading sides of the sheets SH. The side lock section 87 is provided on the side guide 86 and prevents the side guide 86 from shifting position with a locking member such as a latch.

[0088] Furthermore, the storage cassette 602A includes an end guide 89 and an end locking section 90 that align the rear of the loaded sheet SH according to the sheet SH to be stored. The end guide 89 is provided at the Y-direction end of the cassette 602A and regulates the position of the rear of the loaded sheet SH. The end locking section 90 is provided on the end guide 89 and prevents the side guide 89 from shifting position with a locking member such as a latch.

[0089] The side guide 85 is connected to the side guide 86 by a rack and pinion (not shown) below the pressure plate 91. Therefore, user operation of the side guide 86 simultaneously operates the side guide 85, allowing the position of both sides of the sheet SH to be controlled.

[0090] Furthermore, the storage cassette 602A is equipped with a side biasing plate 88 for biasing the side guide 85 in the X direction. The side biasing plate 88 is provided on the side guide 85 and is biased in the X direction by a spring (not shown). The side biasing plate 88 supports the side edge of the sheet SH, enabling stable paper feeding.

[0091] The pressure plate 91 is provided on the storage cassette 602A so as to be able to move up and down in the direction in which the sheets SH are loaded. The pressure plate 91 is biased upward in the Z direction by a spring (not shown) installed at the bottom of the pressure plate 91, and rises to a position where it presses the loaded sheets SH against the feed roller 603a. As a result, with the storage cassette 602A mounted on the main body 100A, the sheets SH loaded in the storage cassette 602A can be pressed against the feed roller 603a by the pressure plate 91.

[0092] The storage cassette 602A is equipped with a pressure plate separation mechanism 97 for separating the pressure plate 91 from the feed roller 603a. In other words, the pressure plate separation mechanism 97 is a mechanism for lowering the pressure plate 91. The pressure plate separation mechanism 97 is provided at both ends of the storage cassette 602A. The pressure plate separation mechanism 97 has an engaging portion 97a. The pressure plate 91 also has an engaging portion 98 that engages with the engaging portion 97a. When the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A, the engaging portion 97a and the engaging portion 98 of the pressure plate separation mechanism 97 engage, thereby separating the pressure plate 91 from the feed roller 603a. That is, the spring that biases the pressure plate 91 and the pressure plate separation mechanism 97 can also be said to be a lifting unit that raises and lowers the loading section 700.

[0093] As described above, the main body 100A is equipped with a pressure plate cam 83 and a pressure plate release lever 96 (see Figures 14(a) and 14(b)). Both ends of the pressure plate 91 are pushed down by the pressure plate cam 83 when the housing cassette 602 is removed from the main body 100A. As a result, the pressure plate 91 is held by a pressure plate retaining part (not shown) provided on the housing cassette 602A. Figure 15 shows the state in which the housing cassette 602A has been removed from the main body 100A and the pressure plate 91 is held by the pressure plate retaining part (not shown).

[0094] Furthermore, when the storage cassette 602 is mounted on the main body 100A of the device, the pressure plate release lever 91 is activated, and the pressure plate 91 is released from its hold by the pressure plate holder. As a result, the pressure plate 91 is biased by a spring (not shown) installed at the bottom of the pressure plate 91 and rises to the sheet SH feeding position (the position where the pressure plate 91 presses the sheet SH against the feeding roller 603a).

[0095] The storage cassette 602A, when mounted on the main body 100A of the device, includes a separation roller 603c that can contact the feed roller 603b, and a driven roller 603e that forms a nip with the feed roller 603d. As described above, the separation roller 603c is a roller equipped with a torque limiter to provide rotational resistance. For example, when two or more sheets SH enter the nip between the feed roller 603b and the separation roller 603c, the rotational resistance of the separation roller 603c can separate the sheets SH into a single sheet. In other words, the separation roller 603c is a sheet separation unit for separating and feeding the sheets SH stored in the storage cassette 602A. In this embodiment, the means for providing rotational resistance to the separation roller 603c is not limited to a torque limiter. Also, in this embodiment, the storage cassette 602A is equipped with a separation roller 603c as a sheet separation unit for separating and feeding the sheets SH, but it is not limited to this. For example, the storage cassette 602A may be configured to include a sheet separation section such as a separation pad.

[0096] Incidentally, the recording device 1A transports the sheet SH by rotating the feed roller 603b. For example, if the separation roller 603c is always in contact with the feed roller 603b when transporting the sheet SH, the feed roller 603c will experience rotational resistance from the separation roller 603b. As a result, the power required for the recording device 1A to transport the sheet SH will increase. Also, the feed motor 622A that drives the feed roller 603b will be more prone to overheating. Furthermore, if the separation roller 603c is always pressed against the paper feed roller 603b when transporting the sheet SH, each roller will wear out easily. Therefore, a technology to reduce the transport resistance when transporting the sheet SH is required. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the position of the separation roller 603c can be switched between a contact position in contact with the feed roller 603b and a separated position away from the feed roller 603b. With this configuration, the transport resistance when transporting the sheet SH can be reduced.

[0097] Here, the configuration around the separation roller 603c will be described. First, refer to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the internal configuration of the storage cassette 602A. The storage cassette 602A includes a separation support part 410, a sheet return part 406, a switching mechanism 405, a follower support member 403, a follower 400, a cover part 411, etc.

[0098] The separation support section 410 is supported by the storage cassette 602A. The separation support section 410 supports the sheet return section 406, the cover section 411, the switching mechanism 405, the separation roller holder 95 (described later), the holder support section 496, etc.

[0099] The sheet return section 406 is a claw-shaped member that returns the sheet SH separated by the separation roller 603c towards the storage cassette 602A. The sheet return section 406 is supported by a rotating shaft 407, which will be described later. The sheet return section 407 can be switched between a protruding position, where it protrudes into the sheet SH transport path, and a retracted position, where it is moved away from the transport path, by the rotation of the rotating shaft 407 around the center of rotation. In Figure 16, the sheet return section 406 is in the retracted position. In the protruding position, the sheet return section 406 returns the sheet SH separated by the separation roller 603c towards the storage cassette 602A. By providing the sheet return section 406 on the storage cassette 603A in this way, it is possible to prevent the sheet SH separated by the separation roller 603c from being double-fed by the feed roller 603b.

[0100] Furthermore, when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the main unit 100A, the position of the sheet return section 406 is switched from the protruding position to the retracted position. Therefore, when setting the sheet SH, the sheet SH will not get caught in the sheet return section 406, thus preventing damage to the sheet return section 406.

[0101] The separation follower 400 is rotatably supported by the follower support member 403. As will be described later, the separation follower 400 rotates in accordance with the rotating L-side cam 201 when the housing cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A (see Figures 19(a) to 19(c)). The separation follower 400 has a tip portion 400a that can contact the L-side cam 201, which will be described later, when the housing cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A. The separation follower 400 has a curved shape that protrudes downstream in the mounting direction (Y direction) when the housing cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A. The tip portion 400a is the curved tip portion.

[0102] The follower support member 403 (rotation support member) is rotatable in the R10 direction and in the opposite direction to the R10 direction. The follower support member 403 supports the separation follower 400 so that it can rotate around the X axis. Specifically, the follower support member 403 comprises a rotation shaft 403a and a support portion 403b formed integrally with the rotation shaft 403a. The rotation shaft 403a is positioned along the X direction within the housing cassette 603A and is supported so as to be rotatable around the X axis by the housing cassette 602A and the separation support portion 410. The rotation shaft 403a supports the separation follower 400 in a state where it can rotate around the X axis. The support portion 403b includes a contact portion 403c that can contact the contact portion 400b of the separation follower 400 from the downstream side in the removal direction (-Y direction) when the housing cassette 602A is removed.

[0103] The storage cassette 602A is equipped with a follower shaft spring 401 that biases the follower support member 403 in the opposite direction to the R10 direction. When the follower support member 403 is biased in the opposite direction to the R10 direction by the follower shaft spring 401, the support portion 403c rotates in the opposite direction to the R10 direction while supporting the separation follower 400. When the follower support member 403 is biased in the opposite direction to the R10 direction by the follower shaft spring 401, the support portion 403b abuts against the storage cassette 602A. In other words, the follower shaft spring 401 can be said to be biasing the follower support member 403 toward the Y direction so that the contact portion 403c abuts against the separation follower 400. Furthermore, the follower shaft spring 401 can be said to bias the separating follower 400 so that its tip portion 400a moves to the Y direction opposite to the -Y direction. As a result, as will be described later, even if the separating follower 400 rotates in accordance with the rotating L-side cam 201, the rotational position of the follower 400 can be returned to the state shown in Figure 16.

[0104] Furthermore, the storage cassette 602A is equipped with a separation follower spring 402 that biases the separation follower 400 and the follower support member 403, respectively. The separation follower spring 402 biases the separation follower 400 in the R10 direction. Specifically, the separation follower 400 spring 402 biases the separation follower 400 so that its tip portion 400a moves toward the -Y direction. This allows the rotational position of the separation follower 400 to be returned to the state shown in Figure 16, even if the separation follower 400 rotates in the opposite direction to the R10 direction when the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A, as will be described later.

[0105] Furthermore, the separation follower spring 402 biases the follower support member 403 in the direction opposite to the R10 direction. In this way, the follower support member 403 and the separation follower 400 are both biased, and the contact portion 400b of the separation follower 400 and the contact portion 403c of the follower support member 403 come into contact.

[0106] For example, if the separating follower 400 is subjected to a force in the R10 direction by the rotating L-side cam 201, the follower support member 403 and the separating follower 400 will rotate together in the R10 direction. Also, as described above, the separating follower 400 is rotatably supported on the shaft portion 403a of the follower support member 403. Therefore, if the separating follower 400 is subjected to a force in the opposite direction to R10, only the separating follower 400 will rotate.

[0107] When the storage cassette 602A is removed from the main unit 100A, the support part 403b is biased in the R10 direction by the separation follower shaft spring 401 and abuts against the storage cassette 602A.

[0108] Here, the configuration around the separation roller 603c will be further explained using Figures 17(a) to 18. First, refer to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view between EE shown in Figure 15.

[0109] The storage cassette 602A includes a separation roller holder 95, a holder support part 496, a separation roller spring 497, a cover part 411, a support part 410a, and a sound-absorbing material 450.

[0110] The separation roller holder 95 is a holder that supports the rotation axis of the separation roller 603c and supports the rotation of the separation roller 603c. The holder support portion 496 supports the separation roller holder 95 and the separation roller 603c. The holder support portion 496 is supported by the separation support portion 410 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center 496a.

[0111] The separation roller spring 497 biases the holder support portion 496 in a direction that causes the separation roller 603c to contact the feed roller 603b when the paper feed cassette 603A is mounted on the main body 100A. In other words, the separation roller 603c is biased by the separation roller spring 497 to contact the feed roller 603b via the holder support portion 496. As a result, when the recording device 1A performs a feeding operation, the separation roller 603c presses against the feed roller 603b to form a nip portion, thereby separating the sheet SH.

[0112] Furthermore, the support portion 410a is supported by the separation portion support portion 410. The support portion 410a rotatably supports the cover portion 411. The cover portion 411 is a cover that can rotate around the support portion 410a. The dotted line in Figure 18 shows the position of the cover portion 411 when rotated. By rotating the cover portion 411, the operator can expose the separation roller holder 95. The operator can then remove the separation roller holder 95 and replace the separation roller 603c.

[0113] The storage cassette 602A includes a sound-absorbing material 450 and a cover portion 451. The sound-absorbing material 450 is positioned relatively close to the separation roller 603c. By providing the sound-absorbing material 450 in the paper feed cassette 602A in this way, the contact between the separation roller 603c and the feed roller 603b can be prevented from causing the feeding noise when feeding the sheet SH to leak to the outside of the recording device 1A.

[0114] The switching mechanism 405 will be described with reference to Figures 17(a) and 17(b). Figures 17(a) and 17(b) are cross-sectional views between F and F shown in Figure 16.

[0115] The switching mechanism 405, in conjunction with the rotation of the separating follower 400, switches the position of the separating roller 603c between a contact position where it is in contact with the feed roller 603b (Figure 17(a)) and a separated position where it is separated from the feed roller 603b (Figure 17(b)). In this way, by switching the position of the separating roller 603c with the switching mechanism 405, the conveying resistance of the sheet SH caused by the separating roller 603c contacting the feed roller 603b can be reduced.

[0116] The switching mechanism 405 comprises gears 405a, 405b, and 405c. Gear 405a is mounted on the rotating shaft 403a of the follower support member 403 and rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating shaft 403a. Gear 405a also meshes with gears 405b and 405c, respectively. In other words, gear 405a can be considered a drive gear that drives gears 405b and 405c, respectively, by the rotation of the rotating shaft 403a.

[0117] Gear 405b rotates in conjunction with the rotation of gear 405a when gear 405a rotates. In other words, gear 405b is a driven gear. Gear 405b is mounted on the rotating shaft 407 that supports the seat return section 406. When gear 405b rotates in conjunction with the rotation of gear 405a, the rotating shaft 407 also rotates in sync. This allows the position of the seat return section 406 to be switched between the retracted position and the protruding position.

[0118] Gear 405c is a driven gear that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of gear 405a when gear 405a rotates. Gear 405c is connected to the holder support portion 496. That is, when gear 405c rotates in conjunction with the rotation of gear 405a, the holder support portion 496 also rotates in sync. This makes it possible to switch the separation roller 603c between a contact position where it is in contact with the feed roller 603b and a separated position where it is separated from the feed roller 603b.

[0119] An example of operation when gear 405a rotates due to the rotation of the separation follower 400 will be explained. First, in Figure 17(a), the sheet return section 406 is in the retracted position, and the separation roller 603c is in the contact position where it can contact the feed roller 603b. In the state shown in Figure 17(a), when gear 405a rotates in the R10 direction in sync with the rotation of the rotating shaft 403a, gears 405b and 405c rotate in the R11 direction, following the rotation of gear 405a. As gear 405b rotates in the R11 direction, the sheet return section 406 rotates in the R11 direction via the rotating shaft 407. Also, as gear 405c rotates in the R11 direction, the holder support section 496 also rotates in the R11 direction in sync. The position of the sheet return section 406 is switched from the retracted position shown in Figure 17(a) to the protruding position that extends into the transport path shown in Figure 17(b). The separation roller 603c is also switched from the contact position shown in Figure 17(a) to the separated position shown in Figure 17(b).

[0120] Furthermore, when the gear 405a rotates in the opposite direction to R10 from the state shown in Figure 17(b), the switching mechanism 405 causes the sheet return section 406 and the separation roller 603c to rotate in the opposite direction to R11, resulting in the state shown in Figure 17(a).

[0121] In this manner, when the separation follower 400 rotates, the switching mechanism 405 switches the position of the sheet return section 406 between the retracted position and the protruding position. The switching mechanism 405 also switches the position of the separation roller 603c between the contact position and the separated position.

[0122] The storage cassette 501 described above has the same configuration as the storage cassette 602A. That is, the storage cassette 501 is equipped with a separation roller that can be separated, a sheet return section, a separation follower, and the like. Furthermore, the optional device 500 is equipped with a cam (not shown) that rotates the separation follower, similar to the main device body 100A.

[0123] <Configuration around the feed roller> Here, the peripheral configuration of the feed roller 603b will be explained with reference to Figure 21. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing the peripheral configuration of the feed roller 603b, and corresponds to a partial perspective view of the inside of the device body 100A when the storage cassette 602A is attached to the device body 100A. Note that in Figure 21, the separation roller 603c on the storage cassette 603A side is shown to explain the operation of the feed roller 603b.

[0124] The main body of the device 100A includes a rotating shaft 204 that rotatably supports the feed roller 603b, an L-side cam 201, and an R-side cam 208. The rotating shaft 204 is connected to the feed motor 622A, which is the drive source, by a drive transmission unit 622. The rotating shaft 204 is rotatable in the R3 direction and the R4 direction opposite to the R3 direction by the drive of the feed motor 622A. The feed roller 603b, the L-side cam 201, and the R-side cam 208, which are provided on the rotating shaft 204, each rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating shaft 204. That is, the L-side cam 201 rotates in synchronization with the feed roller 603b. Also, the R-side cam 208 rotates in synchronization with the feed roller 603b. The left-side cam 201 has a cam surface 201a that contacts the pressure plate separation mechanism 97 and a cam surface 201b that contacts the separation follower 400. The cam surfaces 201a and 201b are formed at different positions in the X direction. The cam surface 201b is formed at a position facing the separation follower 400 when the housing cassette 603A is mounted on the device body 100A. The right-side cam 208 has a cam surface 201 that contacts the pressure plate separation mechanism 97. The separation follower 400 and the pressure plate separation mechanism 97 are positioned at different positions in the X direction.

[0125] The main body of the device 100A includes a drive transmission unit 300 that transmits driving force from the feed motor 622A, which is the drive source, to the feed rollers 603b and 603a. The drive transmission unit 300 includes a gear 301a that rotates in response to the driving force from the feed motor 622A, and a gear 301b that rotates synchronously with the feed rollers 603b. In other words, gears 301a and 301b are rotating bodies. Gear 301a meshes with a gear 301c provided at the end of the rotating shaft 204. As a result, the driving force from the feed motor 622A is transmitted to the rotating shaft 204 that supports the feed rollers 603b via the drive transmission unit 300. The driving force from the feed motor 622A can then be transmitted to the feed rollers 603b and 603a via the rotating shaft 204. The drive transmission unit 300 also includes a delay mechanism 301, which will be described later.

[0126] The main body of the device 100A includes a rotation position detection unit 303 for detecting the rotation position of the feed roller 603b. The rotation position detection unit 303 is provided on the rotating shaft 204 that supports the feed roller 603 and detects the rotation position of the rotating shaft 204. The recording device 1 manages the rotation position of the feed roller 603a based on the rotation position of the rotating shaft 204 detected by the rotation position detection unit 303. The rotation position detection unit 303 includes a detection member 303a and a sensor 303b. The detection member 303a is, for example, a sensor flag that rotates together with the rotating shaft 204. The sensor 303b detects, for example, the rotation position of the detection member 303a. The sensor 303b is, for example, an optical sensor and includes a light-emitting element such as an LED and a light-receiving element.

[0127] Note that in Figure 21, components supporting the gears and path-forming members that form the transport path for the sheet SH are omitted from the illustration. Also, although multiple gears are shown as an example of components that transmit driving force from the feed motor 622A to the two feed rollers 603a and 603b, the driving force may be transmitted by other transmission members such as belts.

[0128] <Rotation of the separation follower and raising / lowering of the pressure plate> The rotational movement of the separation follower 400 and the raising and lowering movement of the pressure plate 91 will be described. Refer to Figures 19(a) to 19(c). Figures 19(a) to 19(c) are diagrams illustrating the rotational movement of the separation follower 400 and the raising and lowering movement of the pressure plate 91.

[0129] Figure 19(a) shows the state around the left-side cam 201 when the recording device 1A starts the paper feeding operation. When the recording device 1A starts the paper feeding operation, the left-side cam 201 rotates in the R3 direction by the drive of the motor 622. As the left-side cam 201 rotates in the R3 direction, the cam surface 201a and the pressure plate separation mechanism 97 begin to come into contact.

[0130] Figure 19(b) shows the state around the left-side cam 201 when the left-side cam 201 rotates further in the R3 direction from the state shown in Figure 19(a). The pressure plate separation mechanism 97 descends in the Z1 direction due to the rotational force of the cam surface 201a. The engaging portion 97a of the plate separation mechanism 97 engages with the engaging portion of the pressure plate 91. As the pressure plate separation mechanism 97 descends, the pressure plate 91 also descends. As a result, the pressure plate 91 separates from the feed roller 603a.

[0131] Figure 19(c) shows the state around the left-side cam 201 when it rotates further in the R3 direction from the state shown in Figure 19(b). When the left-side cam 201 rotates in the R3 direction, the cam surface 201b and the separation follower 400 come into contact. That is, due to the rotation of the left-side cam 201 in the R3 direction, the cam surface 201a moves downstream in the removal direction (-Y direction) when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A, and comes into contact with the separation follower 400. The separation follower 400 then rotates in accordance with the rotation of the left-side cam 201. The contact portion 400b of the separation follower 400 and the contact portion 403c of the follower support member 403 come into contact. Therefore, the follower support member 403 also rotates in the R10 direction due to the rotation of the separation follower 400. Therefore, the switching mechanism 405 connected to the follower support member 403 is activated, causing the sheet return section 406 and the holder support section 496 to rotate. This enables a switching operation to change the position of the sheet return section 406 and a switching operation to switch the separation roller 603c between a contact position and a separated position.

[0132] The R3 direction in which the L-side cam 201 rotates is the direction in which the cam surface 201b moves the tip 400a of the separation follower 400 downstream in the Y1 direction. The Y1 direction is the direction in which the cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A. Furthermore, with the storage cassette 602A mounted on the device body 100A, the rotation center of the separation follower 400 is located downstream in the -Y direction from the rotation center of the L-side cam 201. However, the configuration is not limited to the separation follower 400's rotation center being located downstream in the -Y direction from the rotation center of the L-side cam 201. The separation follower 400 rotates in accordance with the rotating L-side cam 201, so that its tip 400a moves downstream in the Y1 direction. Therefore, when the cam surface 201b and the tip 400a come into contact, the contact surface of the cam surface 201b is located upstream in the Y1 direction from the tip 400a of the separating follower 400. As a result, when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A, the tip 400a of the separating follower 400 moves away from the cam surface 201b (in the Y1 direction). This prevents interference between the L-side cam 201 and the separating follower 400 when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A.

[0133] Refer to Figure 20 for further information. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the separation follower 400 and the left-side cam 201 in the process of mounting the storage cassette 602A onto the device body 100A. The dotted line in the figure shows the separation follower 400 when the storage cassette 602A has been mounted. As shown in Figure 20, when mounting the storage cassette 602A onto the device body 100A, depending on the position of the left-side cam 201, the separation follower 400 may come into contact with the left-side cam 201 and receive a force in the R11 direction. As described above, the separation follower 400 is supported on the rotation shaft 403 so as to be rotatable around the X axis and is biased in the R10 direction by the separation cam spring 402. Therefore, when the separation follower 400 receives a force in the R11 direction, the separation follower 400 rotates in the R11 direction, but the follower support member 403 does not rotate.

[0134] Furthermore, as described above, the follower support member 403 is biased to rotate in the R11 direction and abuts against the housing cassette 602A. Therefore, if the separating follower 400 and the follower support member 403 were an integrated unit, the separating follower 400 and the follower support member 403 would not be able to rotate in the R11 direction, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 21. As a result, it may not be possible to move the housing cassette 602A to the mounting completion position, or a large force may be applied to the separating follower 400, causing it to break. In this embodiment, since the separating follower 400 is rotatably supported on the follower shaft 403, the housing cassette 602A can be mounted regardless of the orientation of the L-side cam 201.

[0135] <Feeding operation> The feeding operation will be described in detail with reference to Figures 22(a) and 22(b). Figures 22(a) and 22(b) are cross-sectional views of the feeding unit 603.

[0136] Figure 22(a) shows the first state of the feed unit 603 before the start of printing and after the completion of printing. In other words, the first state is the standby state in which the feed unit 603 is waiting to feed the sheet SH. In the first state, the sheet return section 406 is switched to the retracted position. Also in the first state, the separation roller 603c is switched to the contact position in contact with the feed roller 603b. Also in the first state, the rotational position of the feed roller 603b is at the feed start position. The feed roller 603b is formed in a cross-sectional D-cut shape having an arc-shaped section and a flat section. In the first state, one end of the arc-shaped section of the outer circumferential surface of the feed roller 603b, which is the feeding surface of the sheet SH, is in contact with the separation roller 603c. Also in the first state, the feed roller 603a and the pressure plate 91 are in contact. The attachment and detachment of the storage cassette 602A to the main unit 100A is performed in the first state.

[0137] Figure 22(b) shows the second state of the feeding unit 603. The second state is the state from after the feeding operation is completed until before the feeding operation for the next sheet is performed when the feeding unit 603 is performing a feeding operation to feed multiple sheets SH. In the second state, the sheets SH are conveyed by the feeder 603b and the separation roller 603c, and then the sheets SH are conveyed by the downstream pair of rollers in the conveying path (for example, the feeding roller 603d and the feeding roller e). In the second state, the sheet return section 406 is switched to the protruding position. Also in the second state, the separation roller 603c is switched to the separated position, separated from the feeding roller 603b. Also in the second state, the feeding roller 603a and the pressure plate 91 are separated. Also in the second state, the flat part of the feeding roller 603b faces the separation roller 603c.

[0138] The feeding operation will now be explained in detail. When recording device 1A receives a feeding operation command, it drives the feeding motor 622A to rotate each of the feeding rollers 603a, 603b, and 603c, respectively, to feed the sheet SH. The direction of rotation of the feeding motor 622A at this time will hereafter be referred to as the R5 direction. Specifically, recording device 1A rotates feeding roller 603a in the R7 direction. Recording device 1A rotates feeding roller 603b in the R3 direction. Recording device 1A rotates feeding roller 603c in the R7 direction.

[0139] As the feed roller 603b rotates a predetermined amount in the R3 direction and transitions from the first state to the second state, the paper below the top sheet SH receives resistance from the separation roller 603c and stops at the nip between the separation roller 603c and the feed roller 603b. After the separation roller 603c separates, the sheets below the top sheet SH that stopped at the nip are returned towards the stacking section 700 by the sheet return section 406. As a result, only the top sheet SH is fed.

[0140] After the feed roller 603b transitions to the second state, the recording device 1A drives the feed motor 622A in the opposite direction to R5 (hereinafter referred to as the R6 direction). The recording device 1A then rotates the feed roller 603d in the R8 direction to feed the sheet SH to the feed unit 604. At this time, the separation roller 603c is positioned at a distance from the feed roller 602b. This reduces the transport resistance of the sheet SH when the feed roller 603d, which is located downstream of the transport path, feeds the sheet SH. In addition, the feed roller 603a and the pressure plate 91 are separated. This reduces the load on the sheet SH being fed.

[0141] The feeding operation of multiple sheets SH will be described below. The sheet return section 406, feeding roller 603a, feeding roller 603b, separation roller 603c, and pressure plate 91 are in the first state at the start of the feeding operation of multiple sheets.

[0142] When recording device 1A receives a feeding command, it drives the feeding motor 622A to rotate in the R5 direction. Recording device 1A then rotates the three feeding rollers 603a, 603b, and 603d in the R7, R3, and R8 directions, respectively, to feed the sheets SH. As with feeding the first sheet, only the top sheet SH is fed during the transition from the first state to the second state. After that, recording device 1A feeds the next sheet SH. The above operations are repeated to feed multiple sheets. When recording device 1A has completed feeding the commanded number of sheets SH, it drives the feeding motor 622A to change the sheet return unit 406, feeding roller 603, feeding roller 603b, separation roller 603c, and pressure plate 91 from the second state to the first state.

[0143] In this manner, when one sheet SH is fed to the feed roller 603d located downstream of the transport path, the separation roller 603c separates from the feed roller 603b. This reduces the transport resistance during sheet SH transport. By reducing transport resistance, the power required to feed one sheet can be reduced. In addition, wear on the separation roller 603c is suppressed, extending its lifespan.

[0144] Furthermore, the storage cassette 501 is equipped with a separation roller that can be separated, similar to the storage cassette 602A, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0145] <Removal of the storage cassette and rotation position of the feed roller> Furthermore, using Figure 22(a), the state of the feed roller 603b when the storage cassette 602A is attached to the device body 100A will be explained. As described above, the feed roller 603a and the feed roller 603b are attached to the device body 100A. The separation roller 603c is attached to the storage cassette 602A. When the storage cassette 602A is attached to the device body 100A, the separation roller 603c is biased by the separation roller spring 497 to contact the feed roller 603c. Therefore, when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A in the Y1 direction, the feed roller 603b is in the first state and rotates in the R3 direction due to the contacting separation roller 603c.

[0146] Thus, when the feed cassette 602A is attached to the main unit 100A of the device, the rotational position of the feed roller 603b may shift from the first standby state due to the separation roller 603c. If the rotational position of the feed roller 603b shifts, for example, fluctuations in the amount of sheet SH conveyed by the feed roller 603b and the separation roller 603c, or a shift in the timing of the separation of the separation roller 603c by the switching mechanism 405 may occur. As a result, double feeding or non-feeding of sheet SH may occur during feeding. Therefore, a technology is needed to suppress the shift in the rotational position of the feed roller 603b.

[0147] <Regulatory Unit> Here, the regulating unit 206 will be described. Figures 23(a) to 23(c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the regulating unit 206. As described above, the main body of the device 100A is equipped with the regulating unit 206 near the R-side cam 208. The regulating unit 206 restricts the rotation of the feed roller 603b when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the main body of the device 100A. This prevents the rotational position of the feed roller 603b from shifting.

[0148] The rotation restriction of the feed roller 603b will be explained in detail. As shown in Figures 23(a) to 23(c), the device body 100A includes an engaging member 208a provided on the rotation axis 204 of the feed roller 603b. In this embodiment, the engaging member 208a is formed integrally with the R-side cam 208. The restricting unit 206 is rotatably supported by the support member 200 and includes a rotation position return lever 202 that can engage with the engaging member 208a, and a rotation position return spring 203 that biases the rotation position return lever 202. The rotation position return lever 202 is biased by the rotation position return spring 203 and rotates in the R3 direction.

[0149] Figure 23(a) shows the state of the regulating unit 206 when the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the main body 100A. The rotation position return lever 202 attempts to rotate in the R3 direction due to the biasing force of the rotation position return spring 203. However, when the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the main body 100A, the rotation position return lever 202 abuts against the abutment surface 205 provided on the storage cassette 602A. As a result, the rotation position return lever 202 retracts to a position where it does not restrict the rotation of the cam. In other words, when the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A, the regulating unit 206 releases the rotation restriction of the feed roller 602b. The recording device 1A performs the feed operation in this state.

[0150] Figure 23(b) shows the state of the restricting unit 206 in the process of pulling out the storage cassette 602A from the device body 100. As described above, since the separation roller 603c is in contact with the feed roller 603b, the feed roller 603b rotates in the R3 direction (see Figures 22(a) and 22(b)). Then, in synchronization with the rotation of the feed roller 603b, the R-side cam 208 also rotates in the R3 direction. The rotation position return lever 202 rotates to a position where the rotation position return spring 203 restricts the rotation of the R-side cam 208 in the R3 direction because the abutment surface 205 moves in the Y1 direction. In other words, the restricting unit 206 restricts the rotation of the feed roller 603b by engaging the rotation position return lever 202 with the engaging member 208a in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette 602A from the device body 100A.

[0151] Figure 23(c) shows the state of the regulating unit 206 when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the main unit 100A. The rotation position return lever 202 restricts the rotation of the R-side cam 208 in the R3 direction. The rotation position return lever 202 is also biased in the R3 direction by the rotation position return spring 203. The rotation position return lever 202 abuts against and is fixed to a stopper surface 207 provided on the support member 200. As a result, when the storage cassette 602A is pulled out, the feed roller 603b can return to the first state even if it rotates by contacting the separation roller 603c. Therefore, after the storage cassette 602A is pulled out, it is possible to correct the deviation of the rotation position of the feed roller 603b from the first state and suppress the occurrence of feeding failures. Furthermore, for example, even if the storage cassette 602A is detached from the main unit 100A, the rotation of the feed roller 603b can be restricted even if the user rotates the feed roller 603b in the R3 direction.

[0152] <Delay mechanism> Here, the delay mechanism 301 shown in Figure 21 will be explained with reference to Figures 26(a) and 26(b). Figures 26(a) and 26(b) are schematic diagrams for explaining the delay mechanism 301 and correspond to diagrams showing the internal configuration of gear 301a and gear 301b.

[0153] The delay mechanism 301 comprises a gear 301a and a gear 301b. Gear 301a has an engaging portion 3010. The engaging portion 3010 can also be described as a protruding portion that extends from one surface of gear 301a (the surface facing gear 301b). Gear 301b has engaging portions 3013 and 3014 that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The engaging portions 3013 and 3014 are the side walls of a groove 3014 formed on a part of the circumferential direction of one surface of gear 301b (the surface facing gear 301a). The groove 3014 is formed such that the amount of rotation from the state in which the engaging portions 3010 and 3013 are in contact until the gear 301a rotates and the engaging portions 3010 and 3014 come into contact is greater than the amount by which the storage cassette 602A is pulled out and the feed roller 603b rotates in the R3 direction.

[0154] For example, when gear 301b rotates in the opposite direction to R5 due to the driving force of the feed motor 622A, the engaging portion 3010 and the engaging portion 3014 separate, and the engaging portion 3010 and the engaging portion 3011 engage, thereby transmitting the drive from the feed motor 622A. On the other hand, when driving force is transmitted from the feed roller 603b to the feed motor 622A (when the storage cassette 602A is pulled out), gear 301a rotates in the direction of R5 as shown in Figure 26(b). In this case, the engaging portion 3010 and the engaging portion 3014 engage, and the engaging portion 3010 and the engaging portion 3013 separate. That is, when gear 301b rotates, it takes time for it to come into contact with gear 301a. Also, when gear 301a rotates, it takes time for it to come into contact with gear 301b.

[0155] The amount of rotation during which drive is not transmitted between gear 301a and gear 301b is called the delay amount. The delay mechanism 301 is provided with a delay amount greater than the amount by which the feed roller 603b rotates in the R3 direction when the storage cassette 602A is pulled out. Therefore, when the feed roller 603b rotates in the R3 direction, the delay amount is consumed by the delay mechanism 301. In other words, the delay mechanism 301 delays the transmission of driving force from the feed roller 603b side to the feed motor 622A, which is the drive source. It can also be said that the delay mechanism 301 temporarily cuts off the driving force to the drive train (gears, belt, etc.) connected to the feed motor 622A (not shown), thereby suppressing the movement of the drive train. As a result, when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the main body 100A, the feed roller 603b can be rotated smoothly when the aforementioned restricting unit 206 rotates the feed roller 603b in the R4 direction.

[0156] In this embodiment, gear 301a is provided with an engaging portion 3010 and gear 301b is provided with a groove 3014, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, gear 301a may be provided with a groove 3014 and gear 301b may be provided with an engaging portion 3010. That is, either gear 301a or gear 301b may be provided with an engaging portion 3010 and the other with a groove 3014.

[0157] <Initialization control when inserting a storage cassette> For example, when the storage cassette 602A is mounted onto the main unit 100A, if the feed roller 603b is in the first state, it will come into contact with the separation roller 603c of the storage cassette 602A and rotate in the R4 direction (see Figure 22(a)). Therefore, when the storage cassette 602A is mounted onto the device main unit 100A, the rotational position of the feed roller 603b may deviate from the first state. For this reason, the recording device 1A performs control to set the feed roller 603b to a predetermined rotational position (first state) when the storage cassette 602A is mounted.

[0158] Refer to Figures 24(a) and 24(b) below. Figures 24(a) and 24(b) are explanatory diagrams of the detection operation that detects when the storage cassette 602A is installed in the main body 100 of the device.

[0159] Figure 24(a) shows a partial configuration of slot SL1 when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the recording device 1A. The device body 100A is equipped with a cassette detection unit 350 that detects when the storage cassette 602A is installed in the device body 100A. The cassette detection unit 350 is attached to a support member 306 provided on the side wall of slot SL1. As will be described later, the CPU of the recording device 1A executes initialization control when the cassette detection unit 350 detects that the state of the recording device 1A is such that the storage cassette 602A is installed in the device body 100A.

[0160] The cassette detection unit 350 includes a lever 305a and a switch 305b. When the storage cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A, the lever 305a is biased by a spring (not shown) to rotate in the R12 direction. That is, the lever 405a is biased by a spring (not shown) to tilt downstream in the direction of removal when the storage cassette 602A is removed from the device body 100A. When one end of the lever 305a abuts against the support member 306, the position of the lever 305a is set as shown in Figure 24(a). At this position, the lever 305a presses down (turns on) the switch 305b. As a result, the switch 305b detects that the storage cassette 602A is not installed in the device body 100A.

[0161] Figure 24(b) shows the state of the cassette detection unit 350 when the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A. Note that the support member 306 is not shown in Figure 24(b). When the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A, the storage cassette 602A moves in the Y2 direction. When the storage cassette 602A moves in the Y2 direction, the projection 307 provided on the storage cassette 602A comes into contact with the lever 305a. As the storage cassette 602A moves further in the Y2 direction, the lever 305a is pushed in by the projection 307 and rotates in the R13 direction. When the lever 305a rotates in the R13 direction, the lever 305a moves away from the switch 305b. As a result, the switch 305b changes from a pressed state (ON state) to an unpressed state (OFF state). As a result, switch 305b detects that the storage cassette 602A is installed in the main unit 100A of the device.

[0162] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of initialization control processing by the recording device 1A to control the rotational position of the feed roller 603b. This flowchart can typically be performed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the recording device 1A reading a program and executing it while loading it into memory. As described above, when the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the device body 100A, the rotational position of the feed roller 603b may change from the first state (Figure 22(a)). If the rotational position of the feed roller 603b remains misaligned, normal feeding operation may not be possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the state of the recording device 1A is such that the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the mounting body 100A, the recording device 1A performs initialization control to set the rotational position of the feed roller 603b to a predetermined position (first state). This makes it possible to suppress misalignment of the rotational position of the feed roller 603b.

[0163] In S101, the recording device 1A starts an initialization control operation based on the detection unit 305's detection that the storage cassette 602A has been installed in the device body 100A.

[0164] In S102, the recording device 1A determines, based on the detection result of the rotation position detection unit 303, whether the rotation position of the feed roller 603b is in the first state (Figure 22(a)). If the recording device 1A determines that it is in the first state, it proceeds to S103 and terminates the initialization control operation. On the other hand, if the recording device 1A determines that it is not in the first state, it proceeds to S104.

[0165] In S104, the recording device 1A drives the feed motor 622A with a predetermined drive amount to rotate the feed roller 603b in the R3 direction to the first state. That is, since the feed roller 603 can rotate in the R4 direction when the storage cassette 602A is installed, the recording device 1A rotates the feed roller in the R3 direction, which is the opposite direction to the R4 direction. Specifically, the recording device 1A rotates the feed roller 603b in the R3 direction with a second drive amount that is smaller than the first drive amount required to rotate the feed roller 603b one full turn.

[0166] The amount by which the rotational position of the feed roller 603b shifts due to the attachment or detachment of the storage cassette 602A is expected to be a relatively small amount (for example, a few degrees to a dozen degrees) within a 360-degree rotational position. Therefore, in S104, the recording device 1A first rotates the feed roller 603b with the second drive amount to correct the small amount of shift. When the amount of shift in the rotational position of the feed roller 603b is small, this control in S104 can, for example, return the feed roller 603b from a separated state (a state in which paper is not being transported) to the first state. In addition, by rotating the feed roller 603b with the second drive amount, the recording device 1A can prevent the sheet SH stored in the storage cassette 602A from being fed unnecessarily.

[0167] In S105, the recording device 1A determines whether the rotational position of the feed roller 603b has reached the first state with a predetermined drive amount. If the recording device 1A determines that the first state has been reached, it terminates the initialization control operation. On the other hand, if the recording device 1A determines that the first state has not been reached, it proceeds to S106.

[0168] In S106, the recording device 1A drives the feed motor 622A with a predetermined drive amount, with the upper limit of the drive amount being one rotation of the feed roller 603b, to further rotate the feed roller 603b. For example, if a user removes the storage cassette 602A from the device body 100A and touches the feed roller 603b, it is expected that the amount of displacement of the feed roller 603b's rotational position will be greater than the amount of displacement when the storage cassette 602A is attached or detached. Therefore, the recording device 1A can correct the rotational position of the feed roller 603b by executing the control in S106.

[0169] In S106, the recording device 1A executes the above control to return the rotational position of the feed roller 603b to the first state, thereby allowing the sheet SH loaded in the storage cassette 602A to be fed. If the sheet SH is fed, even if the feed roller 603b returns to the first state, the sheet SH will remain in the transport path, preventing the recording device 1A from starting the feeding operation normally.

[0170] Therefore, in S106, the recording device 1A performs an operation to discharge the recording paper from the transport path as needed. In S106, the recording device 1A determines whether or not a sheet discharge operation is necessary using a sensor or the like installed inside the recording device 1A that detects the presence or absence of a sheet. If the recording device 1A determines that a discharge operation is not necessary, it proceeds to S107. On the other hand, if the recording device 1A determines that a discharge operation is necessary, it performs the discharge operation. Specifically, the recording device 1A performs the sheet discharge operation so that the rotation position of the feed roller 603b is in the first state (see Figure 22(a)).

[0171] In S107, the recording device 1A determines, based on the detection result of the rotation position detection unit 303, whether the rotation position of the feed roller 603b is in the first state (Figure 22(a)). If the recording device 1A determines that it is in the first state, it proceeds to S103 and terminates the initialization control operation. On the other hand, if the recording device 1A determines that it is not in the first state, it proceeds to S108.

[0172] In S108, the recording device 1A determines that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the recording device 1A and notifies the user of the error. For example, the recording device 1A may display an error message on a display unit (not shown), or it may notify the user of the error by voice using a speaker (not shown).

[0173] Thus, when the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the main unit 100A, the recording device 1A can return the rotational position of the feed roller 603b to the first state with a relatively simple configuration and control. This shifts the rotational position of the feed roller 603b, suppressing the occurrence of double feeding or non-feeding of the sheet SH and enabling stable feeding.

[0174] In this embodiment, the recording device 1A started initialization control when the storage cassette 602A was mounted on the device body 100A, but it is not limited to this. The recording device 1A may also start initialization control when, for example, the state of the recording device 1A is such that the feeding of the sheet SH by the feeding roller 603b has been completed. This allows for correction of the rotational position of the feeding roller 603b even if it has shifted when the feeding operation is completed.

[0175] Furthermore, for example, the recording device 1A may start initialization control when the power to the recording device 1A is turned ON. This allows the rotational position to be corrected even if, for example, the storage cassette 602A is attached to or detached from the main unit 100A while the power to the recording device 1A is OFF, causing the rotational position of the feed roller 603b to shift.

[0176] Furthermore, for example, the recording device 1A may be configured to detect the insertion of the storage cassette 602A into the main unit 100A through user operation via an operation unit (not shown). For example, after the user has inserted the storage cassette 602A into the main unit 100A, the recording device 1A may execute initialization control processing when it receives a predetermined user operation via an operation unit (not shown).

[0177] Furthermore, the recording device 1A may be configured to terminate the initialization control if it detects that the storage cassette 602A has been removed from the main unit 100A during the initialization control.

[0178] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressure plate 91, which is the loading section 700, is raised by a spring (not shown) and lowered by a pressure plate separation mechanism 97, but it is not limited to this. For example, the pressure plate 91 may be raised by a drive source such as a motor to a position where the pressure plate 91 can be fed (a position where the sheet SH contacts the feeding roller a). Even in such an embodiment, the recording device 1A can apply initialization control. In addition, the recording device 1A performs the raising operation to move the pressure plate 91 to a position where it can be fed after the initialization control. By performing the operation to raise the pressure plate 91 after the initialization control, the recording device 1A can perform initialization control while the feeding roller 603a is separated from the sheet SH. In other words, initialization control can be performed without unnecessarily discharging the sheet SH.

[0179] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0180] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose the inventions of the following items. (Item 1) The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A recording means for recording on a sheet fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, A recording device comprising a storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing, A sheet separation section is provided in the aforementioned storage cassette and is capable of contacting the aforementioned feeding roller, The housing is provided with a restricting means that restricts the rotation of the feeding roller in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing, A recording device characterized by the following features. (Item 2) The aforementioned enclosure is The feeding roller is equipped with an engaging member on its rotating shaft, The aforementioned regulatory means are The rotation of the feeding roller is restricted by engaging with the engaging member in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing. A recording device as described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The aforementioned regulatory means are A lever that can engage with the aforementioned engaging member, The system includes a biasing means for biasing the lever so that the lever engages with the engaging member, A recording device according to item 2, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 4) The aforementioned regulatory means are When the storage cassette is mounted in the housing, the restriction on the rotation of the feed roller is released. A recording device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 5) The aforementioned enclosure is It is equipped with a drive transmission means for transmitting driving force from a drive source to the feed roller, The aforementioned drive transmission means is The system includes a delay mechanism that delays the transmission of driving force from the feed roller to the drive source. A recording device according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 6) The aforementioned delay mechanism is, A first rotating body that rotates by receiving a driving force from the aforementioned drive source, It comprises a second rotating body that rotates synchronously with the aforementioned feeding roller, Either the first rotating body or the second rotating body is provided with a first engaging portion, and the other is provided with a second engaging portion and a third engaging portion spaced apart in the circumferential direction. When the drive source is driven, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage, and the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion separate. When a driving force is transmitted from the feed roller to the drive source, the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion engage, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion separate. A recording device as described in item 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 7) The system includes control means for controlling the rotational position of the feeding roller, The control means is When the state of the recording device is such that the storage cassette is mounted in the housing, control is executed to set the rotation position of the feed roller to a predetermined position. A recording device according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 8) The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a first detection means for detecting the insertion of the storage cassette into the housing, A recording device as described in item 7, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 9) The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a second detection means for detecting the rotational position of the feed roller. A recording device according to item 7 or 8, characterized by the features described therein. (Item 10) The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A recording means for recording on a sheet fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, A recording device comprising a storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing, A sheet separation section is provided in the aforementioned storage cassette and is capable of contacting the aforementioned feeding roller, The housing is provided with control means for controlling the rotational position of the feeding roller, The control means is When the state of the recording device is in a predetermined state, control is executed to set the rotation position of the feed roller to a predetermined position. A recording device characterized by the following features. (Item 11) The aforementioned predetermined state is, Including the state in which the storage cassette is mounted in the housing, A recording device as described in item 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 12) The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a first detection means for detecting the insertion of the storage cassette into the housing, A recording device as described in item 11, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 13) The aforementioned predetermined state is, Including the state in which the feeding of the sheet by the aforementioned feeding roller has been completed, A recording device according to any one of items 10 to 12, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 14) The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a second detection means for detecting the rotational position of the feed roller. A recording device according to any one of items 10 to 13, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 15) The control means is In the control described above, the feed roller is rotated by a second drive amount that is smaller than the first drive amount used to rotate the feed roller once. A recording device according to any one of items 10 to 14, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 16) The control means is In the control described above, if the feed roller does not reach the predetermined rotation position, the feed roller is further rotated up to the first drive amount as the upper limit. A recording device as described in item 15, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 17) The aforementioned enclosure is It is equipped with a pickup roller positioned upstream of the feed roller in the sheet feeding direction, which feeds the top sheet housed in the storage cassette to the feed roller. A recording device according to any one of items 10 to 17, characterized in that it is a recording device. (Item 18) The aforementioned storage cassette is It has a loading section where the seats are loaded, The aforementioned loading section is, The storage cassette is provided so as to be able to move up and down, A recording device as described in item 17, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 19) The recording device is The loading section is equipped with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering it. The aforementioned loading section is, After the control is performed by the control means, the lifting means raises the object. A recording device as described in item 18, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 20) The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing of a recording device comprising a recording means for recording on sheets fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, The recording device is The housing is provided with a restricting means that restricts the rotation of the feeding roller in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing, The aforementioned storage cassette is The storage cassette is provided with a sheet separation section that can come into contact with the feeding roller, A storage cassette characterized by the following features. (Item 21) The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing of a recording device comprising a recording means for recording on sheets fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, The recording device is The housing is provided with control means for controlling the rotational position of the feeding roller, The control means is When the state of the recording device is in a predetermined state, control is executed to set the rotation position of the feed roller to a predetermined position. The aforementioned storage cassette is The storage cassette is provided with a sheet separation section that can come into contact with the feeding roller, A storage cassette characterized by the following features.

Claims

1. The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A recording means for recording on a sheet fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, A recording device comprising a storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing, A sheet separation section is provided in the aforementioned storage cassette and is capable of contacting the aforementioned feeding roller, The housing is provided with a restricting means that restricts the rotation of the feeding roller in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing, A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned enclosure is The feeding roller is equipped with an engaging member on its rotating shaft, The aforementioned regulatory means are The rotation of the feeding roller is restricted by engaging with the engaging member in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing. The recording device according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned regulatory means are A lever that can engage with the aforementioned engaging member, The system includes a biasing means for biasing the lever so that the lever engages with the engaging member, The recording device according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned regulatory means are When the storage cassette is mounted in the housing, the restriction on the rotation of the feed roller is released. The recording device according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned enclosure is It is equipped with a drive transmission means for transmitting driving force from a drive source to the feed roller, The aforementioned drive transmission means is The system includes a delay mechanism that delays the transmission of driving force from the feed roller to the drive source. The recording device according to feature 2.

6. The aforementioned delay mechanism is, A first rotating body that rotates by receiving a driving force from the aforementioned drive source, It comprises a second rotating body that rotates synchronously with the aforementioned feeding roller, Either the first rotating body or the second rotating body is provided with a first engaging portion, and the other is provided with a second engaging portion and a third engaging portion spaced apart in the circumferential direction. When the drive source is driven, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage, and the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion separate. When driving force is transmitted from the feed roller to the drive source, the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion engage, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion separate. The recording device according to feature 5.

7. The system includes control means for controlling the rotational position of the feeding roller, The control means is When the state of the recording device is such that the storage cassette is mounted in the housing, control is executed to set the rotation position of the feed roller to a predetermined position. The recording device according to feature 1.

8. The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a first detection means for detecting the insertion of the storage cassette into the housing, The recording device according to feature 7.

9. The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a second detection means for detecting the rotational position of the feed roller. The recording device according to feature 7.

10. The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A recording means for recording on a sheet fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, A recording device comprising a storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing, A sheet separation section is provided in the aforementioned storage cassette and is capable of contacting the aforementioned feeding roller, The housing is provided with control means for controlling the rotational position of the feeding roller, The control means is When the state of the recording device is in a predetermined state, control is executed to set the rotation position of the feed roller to a predetermined position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

11. The aforementioned predetermined state is, Including the state in which the storage cassette is mounted in the housing, The recording device according to feature 10.

12. The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a first detection means for detecting the insertion of the storage cassette into the housing, The recording device according to feature 11.

13. The aforementioned predetermined state is, Including the state in which the feeding of the sheet by the aforementioned feeding roller has been completed, The recording device according to feature 10.

14. The aforementioned enclosure is The system includes a second detection means for detecting the rotational position of the feed roller. The recording device according to feature 10.

15. The control means is In the control described above, the feed roller is rotated by a second drive amount that is smaller than the first drive amount used to rotate the feed roller once. The recording device according to feature 10.

16. The control means is In the control described above, if the feed roller does not reach the predetermined rotation position, the feed roller is further rotated up to the first drive amount as the upper limit. The recording device according to feature 15.

17. The aforementioned enclosure is It is equipped with a pickup roller positioned upstream of the feed roller in the sheet feeding direction, which feeds the top sheet housed in the storage cassette to the feed roller. The recording device according to feature 10.

18. The aforementioned storage cassette is It has a loading section where the seats are loaded, The aforementioned loading section is, The storage cassette is provided so as to be able to move up and down, The recording device according to feature 17.

19. The recording device is The loading section is equipped with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering it. The aforementioned loading section is, After the control is performed by the control means, the lifting means raises the object. The recording device according to feature 18.

20. The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing of a recording device comprising a recording means for recording on sheets fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, The recording device is The housing is provided with a restricting means that restricts the rotation of the feeding roller in conjunction with the removal of the storage cassette from the housing, The aforementioned storage cassette is The storage cassette is provided with a sheet separation section that can come into contact with the feeding roller, A storage cassette characterized by the following features.

21. The casing and The housing includes a feeding roller for feeding a sheet, A storage cassette for storing sheets, which is detachably attached to the housing of a recording device comprising a recording means for recording on sheets fed by the aforementioned feeding roller, The recording device is The housing is provided with control means for controlling the rotational position of the feeding roller, The control means is When the state of the recording device is in a predetermined state, control is executed to set the rotation position of the feed roller to a predetermined position. The aforementioned storage cassette is The storage cassette is provided with a sheet separation section that can come into contact with the feeding roller, A storage cassette characterized by the following features.

Images