Paper feed cassette, recording device

Abstract

The present invention provides a paper feed cassette and recording device that can increase the maximum number of sheets of paper that can be loaded. [Solution] The device comprises a first push-up plate 31 that can swing about a first shaft 46, a second push-up plate 32 positioned above the first push-up plate 31 and swinging about a second shaft 49, a first biasing unit 34 that applies a first biasing force to the first push-up plate 31, a second biasing unit 35 that applies a second biasing force to the second push-up plate 32, and a regulating unit 65 that can restrict the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper feeding cassette and a recording device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming apparatus which is an example of a recording apparatus that performs recording on recording paper which is an example of paper. The image forming apparatus includes a recording paper supply cassette which is an example of a paper feeding cassette, and a separating roller. The recording paper supply cassette includes a push-up plate and a compression coil spring. The push-up plate is provided so as to be swingable about a support shaft as a fulcrum. The compression coil spring applies an upward elastic force to the push-up plate, thereby pressing the recording paper stacked on the push-up plate against the separating roller. The separating roller feeds out the recording paper one by one.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the force pressing the paper against the roller is too strong, double feeding is likely to occur where multiple sheets of paper are fed in a stacked state. However, when the force pressing the paper against the roller is insufficient, non-feeding where the paper is not fed is likely to occur.

[0005] The force by which the push-up plate pushes up the paper cancels out the weight of the paper. Therefore, if the force by which the push-up plate pushes up the paper is set according to, for example, paper with a small size and light weight, a large restriction will occur in the number of sheets of paper that can be set.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A paper feed cassette that solves the above problems comprises a first push-up plate that can swing about a first axis, a second push-up plate located above the first push-up plate and swinging about a second axis, a first biasing unit that applies a first biasing force to the first push-up plate, a second biasing unit that applies a second biasing force to the second push-up plate, and a restricting unit that can restrict the swinging motion of the first push-up plate.

[0007] A recording device that solves the above problems comprises a paper feed cassette having the above configuration, a paper feeding unit that feeds paper placed on the paper feed cassette, and a recording unit that records on the paper fed by the paper feeding unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the recording device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the paper feed cassette. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the paper feed cassette. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the paper feed cassette. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the recording device will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording device is an inkjet printer that records by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto paper such as plain paper, fine paper, glossy paper, matte paper, photographic paper, Japanese paper, recycled paper, postcards, business cards, and envelopes.

[0010] In the drawings, the recording device 11 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z-axis and the directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following explanation, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also called the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also called the paper feeding direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also called the vertical direction Z.

[0011] <Recording device> As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 11 may include a housing 12, a paper feeding unit 13, a transport unit 14, a stacker 15, a support unit 16, and a recording unit 17. The recording device 11 also includes a paper feed cassette 18. The paper feed cassette 18 may include an auxiliary roller 20.

[0012] The enclosure 12 houses the various components of the recording device 11. The paper feeding unit 13 feeds the paper 22 placed in the paper cassette 18. Placing means to place something on top of other things. The paper feeding unit 13 feeds out the stacked paper 22 one sheet at a time from the paper cassette 18. The paper feeding unit 13 feeds the paper 22 in the paper feeding direction Y. The paper feeding unit 13 may also include a paper feeding roller 23 and a separation roller 24. The paper feeding roller 23 rotates while in contact with the paper 22, thereby feeding the paper 22 to the separation roller 24. The separation roller 24 holds the paper 22 between itself and the auxiliary roller 20. When multiple sheets of paper 22 are fed together, the separation roller 24 separates the multiple sheets of paper 22.

[0013] The transport unit 14 transports the paper 22 in the transport direction Dc along the transport path 25 shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. The transport unit 14 may be configured to include multiple rollers. The transport unit 14 may transport the paper 22 by gripping it with a pair of rollers and rotating the rollers. The transport unit 14 sends the paper 22 fed from the paper cassette 18 by the paper feeding unit 13 to the stacker 15.

[0014] The stacker 15 receives the paper 22 transported by the transport unit 14. The stacker 15 can hold multiple sheets of paper 22 that have already been recorded on them. The support unit 16 may be provided on the side opposite to the recording unit 17 with the conveyance path 25 interposed therebetween. The support unit 16 supports the sheet 22 conveyed by the conveyance unit 14.

[0015] The recording unit 17 performs recording on the sheet 22 fed by the paper feeding unit 13. The recording unit 17 may have a nozzle surface 27. A plurality of nozzles 28 are provided on the nozzle surface 27. The plurality of nozzles 28 discharge liquid toward the sheet 22. The recording unit 17 performs recording on the sheet 22 supported by the support unit 16 by discharging liquid from each nozzle 28.

[0016] <Paper feed cassette> As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed cassette 18 is detachably provided on the housing 12. The paper feed cassette 18 may be pulled out from the housing 12, for example, in the paper feed direction Y. FIGS. 2 to 6 show the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the posture in which the paper feed cassette 18 is mounted on the recording apparatus 11. In FIGS. 2 to 6, the illustration of the sheet 22 is omitted.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed cassette 18 can store a plurality of sheets 22. The paper feed cassette 18 may accommodate a bundle of sheets 22 before recording. The paper feed cassette 18 may include a bottom surface 30, a first pressing plate 31, and a second pressing plate 32.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed cassette 18 includes a first biasing unit 34 and a second biasing unit 35. The paper feed cassette 18 may include a first locking member 36 and a second locking member 37. The paper feed cassette 18 may include a first side guide 38, which is an example of a side guide, a second side guide 39, which is an example of a side guide, a third side guide 40, and a pinion 41.

[0019] <Biasing unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed cassette 18 may include a plurality of first biasing portions 34. The paper feed cassette 18 of the present embodiment includes two first biasing portions 34 and one second biasing portion 35. The first biasing portion 34 and the second biasing portion 35 may be provided side by side in the width direction X. In the width direction X, the second biasing portion 35 may be provided between the plurality of first biasing portions 34. The first biasing portion 34 and the second biasing portion 35 are, for example, compression coil springs.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the first biasing portion 34 applies a first biasing force to the first push-up plate 31. The first biasing portion 34 contacts the lower surface of the first push-up plate 31. The upper end of the first biasing portion 34 may be fixed to the first push-up plate 31 and the lower end may be fixed to the bottom surface 30. The first biasing portion 34 pushes the first push-up plate 31 upward from below.

[0021] The second biasing portion 35 applies a second biasing force to the second push-up plate 32. The second biasing portion 35 contacts the lower surface of the second push-up plate 32. The upper end of the second biasing portion 35 may be fixed to the second push-up plate 32 and the lower end may be fixed to the bottom surface 30. The second biasing portion 35 pushes the second push-up plate 32 upward from below. The first push-up plate 31 may have an avoidance portion 43 for avoiding the second biasing portion 35. The avoidance portion 43 of the present embodiment is a hole.

[0022] The first biasing force may be greater than the second biasing force. For example, the sum of the forces by which the two first biasing portions 34 push the first push-up plate 31 may be greater than the force by which one second biasing portion 35 pushes the second push-up plate 32. For example, the force by which one first biasing portion 34 pushes the first push-up plate 31 may be greater than the force by which one second biasing portion 35 pushes the second push-up plate 32.

[0023] <Push-up plate> As shown in FIG. 1, the first push-up plate 31 is located below the second push-up plate 32. The first push-up plate 31 may have a first tip 45 and a first shaft 46. The first tip 45 is the downstream end in the paper feed direction Y. The first tip 45 is the end on the side opposite to the first shaft 46. The first tip 45 and the first shaft 46 may extend in the width direction X.

[0024] The first push-up plate 31 is pivotable about the first shaft 46. The first push-up plate 31 is displaceable between a first paper feeding position, shown by a solid line in Figure 1, and a first set position, shown by a dashed line in Figure 1. The first paper feeding position is the position where the first tip 45 is raised. When the first push-up plate 31 is in the first paper feeding position, it contacts the second push-up plate 32 from below and pushes the second push-up plate 32 upward. The first set position is the position where the first tip 45 is lowered. The first set position is the position pushed down from the first paper feeding position.

[0025] The second push-up plate 32 is located above the first push-up plate 31. The second push-up plate 32 may have a second tip 48 and a second shaft 49. The second tip 48 is the downstream end in the paper feeding direction Y. The second tip 48 is the end opposite to the second shaft 49. The second tip 48 and the second shaft 49 may extend in the width direction X.

[0026] The second push-up plate 32 is pivotable around the second axis 49. The second push-up plate 32 is displaceable between the second paper feeding position, shown by a solid line in Figure 1, and the second set position, shown by a dashed line in Figure 1. The second paper feeding position is the position where the second tip 48 is raised. When the second push-up plate 32 is in the second paper feeding position, it presses the set paper 22 against the paper feed roller 23. The second set position is the position where the second tip 48 is lowered. The second set position is the position pushed down from the second paper feeding position.

[0027] The first shaft 46 and the second shaft 49 may be spaced apart from each other in the paper feeding direction Y. The first shaft 46 is located downstream of the second shaft 49 in the paper feeding direction Y. In the paper feeding direction Y, the first push-up plate 31 may be smaller than the second push-up plate 32. That is, the size from the first shaft 46 to the first tip 45 may be smaller than the size from the second shaft 49 to the second tip 48.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the second tip 48 may be smaller than the first tip 45 in the width direction X. The first tip 45 may protrude from the second push-up plate 32 on both sides in the width direction X. In this embodiment, the portion of the first push-up plate 31 that includes the first tip 45 and protrudes from the second push-up plate 32 is also called the protruding portion 51. The first push-up plate 31 in this embodiment has two protruding portions 51.

[0029] The first push-up plate 31 may have a protruding portion 52 and a notched portion 53. The first push-up plate 31 may have multiple protruding portions 52 and multiple notched portions 53. In this embodiment, each projection 51 of the first push-up plate 31 has a protruding portion 52 and a notched portion 53. The two projections 51 are substantially symmetric with respect to an axis of symmetry (not shown) that passes through the center of the width direction X and is parallel to the Y axis. Therefore, in the following description, the protruding portion 52 and notched portion 53 of one of the projections 51 will be described.

[0030] The protruding portion 52 is located between the second push-up plate 32 and the notch 53 in the width direction X. The protruding portion 52 is the part that extends upstream of the notch 53 in the paper feeding direction Y. The notch 53 is recessed downstream of the protruding portion 52 in the paper feeding direction Y. In the paper feeding direction Y, the size from the upstream end of the notch 53 to the first tip 45 is smaller than the size from the upstream end of the protruding portion 52 to the first tip 45.

[0031] <Locking component> As shown in Figure 4, the first locking member 36 holds the first push-up plate 31 in the first set position. The paper feed cassette 18 may have the same number of first locking members 36 as the number of protrusions 51. The first locking member 36 may restrict the movement of the first push-up plate 31 in the first set position by pressing down on the protrusions 51 from above. The first locking member 36 may be rotatable about an axis, for example, not shown. The recording device 11 may disengage the first locking member 36 from the first push-up plate 31 by rotating the first locking member 36.

[0032] The second locking member 37 secures the second push-up plate 32 in the second set position. The second locking member 37 may have a hook 55, an arm 56, and an operating part 57. The hook 55 may be located at the tip of the arm 56. The operating part 57 may be located at the base end of the arm 56. The arm 56 may extend in the width direction X. The arm 56 may pass under the first push-up plate 31 and the second push-up plate 32.

[0033] The first push-up plate 31 may have a first through hole 59. The second push-up plate 32 may have a second through hole 60. The hook 55 may pass through the first through hole 59 and the second through hole 60. The hook 55 may be positioned to catch on the second push-up plate 32, thereby restricting the movement of the second push-up plate 32. The recording device 11 may release the hook 55 from the second push-up plate 32 by pressing the operating part 57 and moving the second locking member 37 in the width direction X.

[0034] <Side Guide> As shown in Figure 5, the third side guide 40 is movable in the paper feeding direction Y. The third side guide 40 defines the position of the paper 22 set in the paper feed cassette 18 in the paper feeding direction Y.

[0035] The first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction X. The first side guide 38 may include a first rack 62. The second side guide 39 may include a second rack 63. The first rack 62 and the second rack 63 each extend in the width direction X. The first rack 62 and the second rack 63 face each other in the paper feeding direction Y. The first rack 62 and the second rack 63 mesh with the same pinion 41.

[0036] The first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 are movable relative to each other in the width direction X. When one of the first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 is moved in the width direction X, the other also moves. Specifically, the first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 move either closer to each other or further apart from each other. The first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 can hold the paper 22 placed in the paper feed cassette 18 in the width direction X. The first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 define the position of the set paper 22 in the width direction X.

[0037] The first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 may have restricting portions 65. The restricting portions 65 of the first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 correspond to different protrusions 51.

[0038] The restricting section 65 can restrict the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31. In the paper feeding direction Y, the restricting section 65 overlaps with the protruding section 52, but does not overlap with the notch 53. That is, in the paper feeding direction Y, the downstream end of the restricting section 65 is located downstream of the upstream end of the protruding section 52. In the paper feeding direction Y, the downstream end of the restricting section 65 is located upstream of the upstream end of the notch 53. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, when the restricting section 65 is in the release position, away from the protruding section 52 in the width direction X, the restricting section 65 does not interfere with the first push-up plate 31. The restricting section 65, by being aligned with the notch 53 in the paper feeding direction Y, allows the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, when the first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 move closer to the second push-up plate 32, the restricting portion 65 is positioned in a restricting position that overlaps with the protruding portion 52. The restricting portion 65 restricts the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31 by contacting the protruding portion 52.

[0040] <Operation of this embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. For example, when replenishing paper 22, the user may pull out the paper feed cassette 18. When the paper feed cassette 18 is pulled out, the recording device 11 may move the first push-up plate 31 to the first set position and restrict the movement of the first push-up plate 31 with the first locking member 36. When the paper feed cassette 18 is pulled out, the recording device 11 may move the second push-up plate 32 to the second set position and restrict the movement of the second push-up plate 32 with the second locking member 37. As a result, when the paper feed cassette 18 is pulled out, the first push-up plate 31 is in the first set position and the second push-up plate 32 is in the second set position.

[0041] The user loads the paper 22 into the paper cassette 18. Specifically, the user places the paper 22 and aligns the first side guide 38, the second side guide 39, and the third side guide 40 along the edges of the paper 22. Therefore, the first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 are in the release position when a wide sheet of paper 22 is loaded. The first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39 are in the restricting position when a narrow sheet of paper 22 is loaded.

[0042] The recording device 11 may release the first locking member 36 and the second locking member 37 when the paper feed cassette 18 is installed in the housing 12. As shown in Figure 3, when the first locking member 36 and the second locking member 37 are released with the regulating unit 65 in the release position, the first push-up plate 31 moves to the first paper feeding position and the second push-up plate 32 moves to the second paper feeding position.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, when the first locking member 36 and the second locking member 37 are released while the regulating unit 65 is in the regulating position, the first push-up plate 31 remains in the first set position, while the second push-up plate 32 moves to the second paper feeding position.

[0044] <Effects of this embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1-1) The second push-up plate 32 is positioned above the first push-up plate 31. When the first push-up plate 31 is oscillating, the first biasing unit 34 applies a first biasing force to the second push-up plate 32 via the first push-up plate 31. Therefore, the second push-up plate 32 receives the first biasing force of the first biasing unit 34 and the second biasing force of the second biasing unit 35. When the restricting unit 65 restricts the oscillating motion of the first push-up plate 31, the force received by the second biasing unit 35 becomes the second biasing force. In other words, the force applied to the second push-up plate 32 can be changed depending on whether or not the restricting unit 65 restricts the oscillating motion of the first push-up plate 31. Therefore, the maximum number of sheets of paper 22 that can be set can be increased.

[0045] (1-2) The first side guide 38 has a restricting section 65. That is, the first side guide 38 defines the position of the paper 22 in the width direction X and restricts the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31. By giving the first side guide 38 multiple functions, it is possible to make it smaller compared to the case where the restricting section 65 and the first side guide 38 are provided separately.

[0046] (1-3) In the width direction X, the distance between the notch 53 and the second push-up plate 32 is greater than the distance between the protruding portion 52 and the second push-up plate 32. Since the restricting portion 65 is provided on the first side guide 38, the restricting portion 65 is positioned in the width direction X to match the size of the paper 22. That is, when the size of the paper 22 is small, the restricting portion 65, which is positioned close to the second push-up plate 32, contacts the protruding portion 52 and restricts the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31. When the size of the paper 22 is large, the restricting portion 65 moves away from the protruding portion 52 and allows the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31. Therefore, the restriction and allowance of the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31 can be easily switched according to the size of the paper 22.

[0047] (1-4) The first biasing force is greater than the second biasing force. Therefore, compared to, for example, making the first biasing force the same size as the second biasing force, the maximum number of sheets of paper 22 that can be set can be increased.

[0048] (1-5) In the width direction X, the second tip 48 is smaller than the first tip 45. Therefore, the second push-up plate 32 can be made lighter compared to, for example, the case where the second tip 48 is the same size as the first tip 45.

[0049] (1-6) Multiple first biasing units 34 are provided on both sides of the second biasing unit 35, with the second biasing unit 35 sandwiched between them in the width direction X. Therefore, a balanced biasing force can be applied to the second push-up plate 32.

[0050] (1-7) The first locking member 36 holds the first push-up plate 31 in a first set position when it is pushed down. The second locking member 37 holds the second push-up plate 32 in a second set position when it is pushed down. Therefore, the paper 22 can be easily set on the second push-up plate 32.

[0051] (1-8) For example, if the first axis 46 and the second axis 49 are positioned offset in the vertical direction Z, the maximum number of sheets of paper 22 that can be loaded will decrease. In contrast, the first axis 46 and the second axis 49 are positioned offset in the paper feeding direction Y. Therefore, the maximum number of sheets of paper 22 that can be loaded can be increased.

[0052] (1-9) For example, even if the extension of some of the compression coil springs among the multiple compression coil springs that bias one push-up plate is restricted, the force with which the push-up plate pushes up the paper 22 can be changed. However, when the extension of the compression coil springs is restricted, the compression coil springs will move away from the push-up plate. Therefore, when the restriction on the extension of the compression coil springs is released, the position in which the compression coil springs press against the push-up plate changes, which may cause the operation to become unstable. In this regard, the restricting part 65 restricts the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31. That is, the first biasing part 34 is in contact with the first push-up plate 31 even when the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31 is restricted. Therefore, the first biasing part 34 can stably bias the first push-up plate 31.

[0053] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0054] The paper feed cassette 18 may include a plurality of first push-up plates 31. Specifically, the first push-up plate 31 in the embodiment may be divided, for example, in the center in the width direction X. The paper feed cassette 18 may include two first push-up plates 31, each having a protrusion 51. A plurality of first biasing units 34 may each bias a different first push-up plate 31.

[0055] The paper feed cassette 18 may be configured without at least one of the first side guide 38, the second side guide 39, and the third side guide 40. For example, if the paper feed cassette 18 does not have the second side guide 39, the first push-up plate 31 may have a protrusion 51 that extends from the second push-up plate 32 toward the first side guide 38. The user may set the paper 22 toward the side opposite to the first side guide 38. In this case, the restricting part 65 of the first side guide 38 may switch between restricting and allowing the swinging motion of the first push-up plate 31.

[0056] The first biasing unit 34 may be a torsion coil spring provided on the first shaft 46. The second biasing unit 35 may be a torsion coil spring provided on the second shaft 49. At least one of the first biasing unit 34 and the second biasing unit 35 may be a tension spring or a counterweight. The first biasing unit 34 may impart a first biasing force to the first push-up plate 31 by pulling up the first push-up plate 31. The second biasing unit 35 may impart a second biasing force to the second push-up plate 32 by pulling up the second push-up plate 32.

[0057] The first axis 46 and the second axis 49 may be provided at the same position in the paper feeding direction Y. The paper feed cassette 18 may be configured without at least one of the first locking member 36 and the second locking member 37. For example, the second locking member 37 may hold both the first push-up plate 31 and the second push-up plate 32 in the set position.

[0058] The paper feed cassette 18 may include one first biasing unit 34. The paper feed cassette 18 may include a plurality of second biasing units 35. The first tip 45 may be the same size as the second tip 48. The first tip 45 may be smaller than the second tip 48.

[0059] • The first and second biasing forces may be the same size. • The first biasing force may be smaller than the second biasing force. The first push-up plate 31 may be configured without the protruding portion 52 and the notched portion 53. The restricting portion 65 may be provided separately from the first side guide 38 and the second side guide 39. For example, the restricting portion 65 may be positioned in a release position and a restricting position by moving in the paper feeding direction Y. The restricting portion 65 may be linked to the movement of the third side guide 40. The restricting portion 65 may be linked to the rotation of the pinion 41. The movement of the restricting portion 65 may be performed directly by the user.

[0060] The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer; it may also be a laser printer, thermal printer, dot matrix printer, digital printing press, etc. The recording device may be a liquid ejection device that performs recording by spraying or ejecting liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device as minute droplets may include granular, teardrop-shaped, or thread-like forms. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from a liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in the liquid phase, and may include highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. The liquid may include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also functional materials consisting of particles of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink refers to general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid spraying devices include devices that spray liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in the form of dispersion or solution, used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid spraying devices may also be devices that spray bio-organic materials used in biochip manufacturing, devices that spray liquid samples used as precision pipettes, printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid spraying devices may also be devices that spray lubricating oil with pinpoint accuracy onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or devices that spray transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form minute hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc., used in optical communication elements. Liquid spraying devices may also be devices that spray etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0061] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options." As another example, as used herein, the expression "at least one" means "only one option," "a combination of two arbitrary options," or "a combination of three or more arbitrary options" if there are three or more options.

[0062] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0063] [1] The paper feed cassette includes a first push-up plate that is pivotable about a first axis, a second push-up plate located above the first push-up plate and pivotable about a second axis, a first biasing unit that applies a first biasing force to the first push-up plate, a second biasing unit that applies a second biasing force to the second push-up plate, and a restricting unit that can restrict the pivoting motion of the first push-up plate.

[0064] In this configuration, the second push-up plate is positioned above the first push-up plate. When the first push-up plate is oscillating, the first biasing unit applies a first biasing force to the second push-up plate via the first push-up plate. Therefore, the second push-up plate receives both the first biasing force from the first biasing unit and the second biasing force from the second biasing unit. When the restricting unit restricts the oscillating motion of the first push-up plate, the force received by the second biasing unit becomes the second biasing force. In other words, the force applied to the second push-up plate can be changed depending on whether or not the restricting unit restricts the oscillating motion of the first push-up plate. Consequently, the maximum number of sheets of paper that can be set can be increased.

[0065] [2] The paper feed cassette described in [1] above is equipped with side guides that define the position of the loaded paper in the width direction, and the side guides may have the regulating portion. In this configuration, the side guide has a regulating section. That is, the side guide defines the position of the paper in the width direction and also restricts the oscillation movement of the first push-up plate. By giving the side guide multiple functions, it is possible to make it smaller compared to when the regulating section and the side guide are provided separately.

[0066] [3] In the paper feed cassette of [1] or [2] above, the first push-up plate has a protruding portion and a notch, the protruding portion is located between the second push-up plate and the notch in the width direction, and the restricting portion restricts the swinging motion of the first push-up plate by contacting the protruding portion, and may allow the swinging motion of the first push-up plate by being aligned with the notch in the paper feeding direction.

[0067] In this configuration, in the width direction, the distance between the notch and the second push-up plate is greater than the distance between the protruding portion and the second push-up plate. Since the regulating portion is provided on the side guide, the regulating portion is positioned in the width direction according to the size of the paper. That is, when the paper size is small, the regulating portion, which is located close to the second push-up plate, contacts the protruding portion and restricts the oscillation of the first push-up plate. When the paper size is large, the regulating portion moves away from the protruding portion, allowing the oscillation of the first push-up plate. Therefore, the restriction and allowance of the oscillation of the first push-up plate can be easily switched according to the size of the paper.

[0068] [4] In any one of the paper feed cassettes described in [1] to [3] above, the first biasing force may be greater than the second biasing force. In this configuration, the first biasing force is larger than the second biasing force. Therefore, compared to, for example, making the first biasing force the same size as the second biasing force, the maximum number of sheets of paper that can be loaded can be increased.

[0069] [5] In any one of the paper feed cassettes described in [1] to [4] above, the first push-up plate has a first tip, and the second push-up plate has a second tip, and the second tip may be smaller than the first tip in the width direction.

[0070] In this configuration, the second tip is smaller than the first tip in the width direction. Therefore, the second push-up plate can be made lighter compared to, for example, making the second tip the same size as the first tip.

[0071] [6] Any one of the paper feed cassettes described in [1] to [5] above may be provided with a plurality of the first biasing units, and the second biasing unit may be provided between the plurality of the first biasing units in the width direction.

[0072] In this configuration, multiple first biasing units are provided on both sides of the second biasing unit, sandwiching it in the width direction. Therefore, a balanced biasing force can be applied to the second lifting plate.

[0073] [7] Any one of the paper feed cassettes described in [1] to [6] above may include a first locking member for holding the first push-up plate in a depressed position, and a second locking member for holding the second push-up plate in a depressed position.

[0074] In this configuration, the first locking member holds the first push-up plate in the downed position. The second locking member holds the second push-up plate in the downed position. Therefore, paper can be easily set on the second push-up plate.

[0075] [8] In any one of the paper feed cassettes described in [1] to [7] above, the first axis and the second axis may be spaced apart from each other in the paper feeding direction. For example, if the first and second axes are positioned vertically offset from each other, the maximum number of sheets of paper that can be loaded will decrease. However, with this configuration, the first and second axes are positioned offset from each other in the paper feeding direction. Therefore, the maximum number of sheets of paper that can be loaded can be increased.

[0076] [9] The recording device comprises the paper feed cassette described in [1] to [8] above, a paper feed unit for feeding paper placed on the paper feed cassette, and a recording unit for recording on the paper fed by the paper feed unit.

[0077] This configuration can achieve the same effect as the paper feed cassette described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 11...Recording device, 12...Housing, 13...Paper feeding section, 14...Conveying section, 15...Stacker, 16...Support section, 17...Recording section, 18...Paper feeding cassette, 20...Auxiliary roller, 22...Paper, 23...Paper feeding roller, 24...Separation roller, 25...Conveying path, 27...Nozzle surface, 28...Nozzle, 30...Bottom surface, 31...First push-up plate, 32...Second push-up plate, 34...First biasing section, 35...Second biasing section, 36...First locking member, 37...Second locking member, 38...First Side guide, 39...Second side guide, 40...Third side guide, 41...Pinion, 43...Avoidance section, 45...First tip, 46...First shaft, 48...Second tip, 49...Second shaft, 51...Protruding section, 52...Overhanging section, 53...Notch, 55...Hook, 56...Arm, 57...Operating section, 59...First through hole, 60...Second through hole, 62...First rack, 63...Second rack, 65...Restricting section, Dc...Conveying direction, X...Width direction, Y...Paper feeding direction, Z...Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A first lifting plate that can swing around the first axis, A second push-up plate is located on the first push-up plate and is pivotable about a second axis, A first biasing unit that applies a first biasing force to the first lifting plate, A second biasing unit that applies a second biasing force to the second lifting plate, A restricting unit capable of restricting the swinging motion of the first push-up plate, A paper feed cassette characterized by having the following features.

2. It is equipped with side guides that define the position of the loaded paper in the width direction, The paper feed cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the side guide has the restricting portion.

3. The first push-up plate has a protruding portion and a notched portion, The protruding portion is located between the second push-up plate and the notch in the width direction. The paper feed cassette according to claim 2, characterized in that the restricting portion restricts the swinging motion of the first push-up plate by contacting the protruding portion, and allows the swinging motion of the first push-up plate by being aligned with the notch portion in the paper feeding direction.

4. The paper feed cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the first biasing force is greater than the second biasing force.

5. The first push-up plate has a first tip, The second push-up plate has a second tip, The paper feed cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the second tip is smaller than the first tip in the width direction.

6. The device comprises a plurality of the first biasing units, The paper feed cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the width direction, the second biasing portion is provided between a plurality of the first biasing portions.

7. A first locking member that holds the first push-up plate in the lowered position, A second locking member that holds the second push-up plate in the lowered position, The paper feed cassette according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

8. The paper feed cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the first axis and the second axis are provided spaced apart from each other in the paper feeding direction.

9. A paper feed cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A paper feeding unit that feeds paper placed on the aforementioned paper cassette, A recording unit that records on the paper fed by the aforementioned paper feeding unit, A recording device characterized by comprising the following features.

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