JP2016050067A - Recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording apparatus in which detection means for detecting sheets is appropriately arranged in the recording apparatus with a plurality of medium accommodation parts.SOLUTION: A recording apparatus is provided with: a recording head which performs recording to a recorded medium; a plurality of medium accommodation parts which accommodate the recorded medium; a first base substrate part provided on one side on both sides of the medium accommodation parts in a direction crossing a feeding direction of the recorded medium; a second base substrate part provided on the other side; a bottom plate which connects the first base substrate part with the second substrate part, and is located at a lower part than the plurality of medium accommodation parts in an apparatus height direction; and detection means which is provided on the bottom plate, and detects presence/absence of the recorded medium in at least either medium accommodation part of the plurality of medium accommodation parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus including a medium storage unit that stores a medium and a medium detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a medium in the medium storage unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile is provided with a sheet storage unit that stores a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a sheet). Some of these recording apparatuses are provided with a paper detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the paper stored in the paper storage unit (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-176575 A JP 2010-42893 A

  The paper detection sensor can be configured as a contact type such as a switch or a non-contact type such as an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

  Here, for example, when a plurality of paper storage units are provided in the recording apparatus, it is necessary to provide a paper detection sensor for each paper storage unit in order to detect the presence or absence of paper stored in each paper storage unit. . As an example, in the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a paper detection sensor is provided above each paper storage unit. Further, the presence / absence of the paper storage unit is detected by providing a sensor for each paper storage unit at the paper feed unit side end of the recording apparatus.

  Moreover, there is a recording apparatus described in Patent Document 2 as an example in which the recording apparatus is provided with a plurality of paper storage units. In the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the paper storage unit has a multi-stage structure. Specifically, this recording apparatus includes an upper sheet storage unit and a lower sheet storage unit. Then, by sliding the upper paper storage section with respect to the lower paper storage section along the paper transport direction, a paper feed enable position and a paper non-feed position in the upper paper storage section Can be switched. In addition, when the upper paper storage unit is positioned at the paper non-feeding position, paper can be fed from the lower paper storage unit.

  In such a multi-stage paper storage unit, the upper paper storage unit and the lower paper storage unit are configured as one unit, so that the presence or absence of paper in the lower paper storage unit is detected. It is structurally difficult to provide a paper detection sensor between the upper paper storage unit and the lower paper storage unit.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a paper detection sensor on the upper side of the upper paper storage unit in the recording apparatus body. On the other hand, above the upper paper storage section, the paper stored in the upper paper storage section is fed from the upper paper storage section to the feeding path, or the paper stored in the lower paper storage section Is provided from the lower sheet storage section to the feeding path. As an example, there is a pick-up roller configured to be swingable in a direction in which the sheet is stored in the upper sheet storage unit and the sheet stored in the lower sheet storage unit.

  Here, it is desirable that the feeding unit that feeds the paper stored in the paper storage unit abuts on the paper at a position corresponding to the reference position of the paper and feeds the paper. On the other hand, in the paper detection sensor, it is desirable to detect the paper at a position corresponding to the reference position of the paper in order to cope with different sizes of paper stored in the paper storage unit.

  Therefore, in order to provide the paper detection sensor above the paper storage unit, it is necessary to consider so as not to interfere with the feeding unit, thereby reducing the degree of freedom in design.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus in which detection means for detecting a sheet is appropriately arranged in a recording apparatus having a plurality of medium accommodating portions.
In the recording apparatus, there are various names such as “cassette” and “tray” as the name of the medium accommodating portion for accommodating the recording medium. In this specification, the term “tray” is used.

  In order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a recording head that performs recording on a recording medium, a plurality of medium storage units that store the recording medium, and a supply of the recording medium. A first base portion provided on one side across the medium accommodating portion in a direction crossing the feeding direction, a second base portion provided on the other side, the first base portion, and the A bottom plate connected to the second base portion and positioned below the plurality of medium storage portions in the apparatus height direction, and provided on the bottom plate, and at least one medium storage portion of the plurality of medium storage portions And detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium.

  According to this aspect, since the detection means is provided on the bottom plate, it does not interfere with the feeding means for feeding paper, and the degree of design freedom in the recording apparatus can be increased.

  A recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a recording head that performs recording on a recording medium, a plurality of medium storage units that store the recording medium, and a direction that intersects a feeding direction of the recording medium. A first base portion provided on one side across the medium accommodating portion, a second base portion provided on the other side, the first base portion and the second base portion A bottom plate positioned below the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the apparatus height direction, and a detecting means provided on the bottom plate for detecting the presence or absence of at least one medium accommodating portion among the plurality of medium accommodating portions. It is characterized by providing.

  According to this aspect, since the detection means is provided on the bottom plate, it does not interfere with the feeding means for feeding paper, and the degree of design freedom in the recording apparatus can be increased.

  The recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the detection means is irradiated from the light emitting means and the light emitting means for irradiating light toward the recording medium or the medium accommodating portion. A light receiving means for receiving reflected light of the light, and a passage portion for allowing the light to pass through is formed at the bottom of each of the plurality of medium accommodating portions, and the detection means is configured to record the recording target via the passage portion. A medium is detected.

  According to this aspect, the detection unit includes a light emitting unit that irradiates light toward the recording medium or the medium housing unit, and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit. The recording medium can be detected through the passage portion provided at the bottom of the plurality of medium accommodating portions. For example, by providing the detection unit at a position corresponding to the passage portion of the medium storage unit at the feedable position, the detection unit can detect whether the medium storage unit in the recording apparatus is present or not. It is possible to detect the presence or absence of a recording medium and whether or not the medium accommodating portion is in a feedable position. That is, by associating these pieces of detection information, the user can grasp whether or not the recording medium accommodated in the medium accommodating portion is in a feedable state. Therefore, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user and more appropriately meet the user's needs.

  The recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the detection means is irradiated from the light emitting means and a light emitting means for irradiating light toward the recording medium or the medium accommodating portion. A light receiving means for receiving reflected light of the light, and at the bottom of the plurality of medium accommodating portions, a passage portion for allowing the light to pass is formed, respectively, and the detection means is configured to accommodate the medium via the passage portion. The presence or absence of the medium accommodating portion is detected by detecting the recording medium accommodated in the portion.

  According to this aspect, the detecting means receives the light emitting means for irradiating light toward the recording medium or the medium accommodating portion, and the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting means. Light receiving means, and the presence or absence of the medium accommodating portion can be detected by detecting the recording medium via the passage portion provided at the bottom of the plurality of medium accommodating portions. For example, by providing the detection unit at a position corresponding to the passage portion of the medium storage unit at the feedable position, the detection unit can detect whether the medium storage unit in the recording apparatus is present or not. It is possible to detect the presence or absence of a recording medium and whether or not the medium accommodating portion is in a feedable position. That is, by associating these pieces of detection information, the user can grasp whether or not the recording medium accommodated in the medium accommodating portion is in a feedable state. Therefore, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user and more appropriately meet the user's needs.

  The recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the detecting means detects the presence or absence of the medium accommodating portion by detecting bottom portions of the plurality of medium accommodating portions.

  The recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the bottom plate is positioned closer to an end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions on the downstream side in the feeding direction. It is characterized by that.

  In the present embodiment, the detecting means is provided on the bottom plate located near the downstream end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the feeding direction. It is possible to detect the state of being housed deeply. Here, by setting the detection position of the recording medium in the medium accommodating portion of the detecting means to a feedable position of the medium accommodating portion, it is possible to detect whether the medium accommodating portion is usable. Whether or not the recording medium is stored in the medium storage unit can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user and more appropriately meet the user's needs.

  The recording apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the bottom plate is positioned closer to an upstream end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the feeding direction. It is characterized by that.

The recording apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the bottom plate is located closer to the downstream end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the feeding direction. 1 bottom plate and a second bottom plate positioned near the upstream end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the feeding direction, and the detection means includes the first bottom plate and the second bottom plate. Provided at least on one side,
It is characterized by that.

  In this embodiment, for example, in the configuration in which the detection unit is provided on the first bottom plate, the detection position of the recording medium in the medium storage unit of the detection unit is set to a feedable position of the medium storage unit. . Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not the medium accommodating portion can be used and whether or not the recording medium is accommodated in the medium accommodating portion. Therefore, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user and more appropriately meet the user's needs.

  The recording apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the detection means is disposed in a region where the plurality of medium accommodating portions overlap in the apparatus height direction. It is characterized by that.

  According to this aspect, since the plurality of medium accommodating portions are arranged in a region where the plurality of medium accommodating portions overlap in the apparatus height direction, for example, the detecting means is located on the lower side in the apparatus height direction in the plurality of medium accommodating portions. When the recording medium is not accommodated in the medium accommodating portion, the recording medium in the medium accommodating portion located on the upper side through the passage portion of the medium accommodating portion located on the lower side is stored. It is possible to detect the presence / absence and presence / absence of the medium accommodating portion located on the upper side. Thereby, the presence or absence of the recording medium accommodated in the plurality of medium accommodating portions and the presence or absence of the plurality of medium accommodating portions can be detected by one detection means. That is, the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The recording apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the plurality of medium accommodating portions are the first medium accommodating portion and the first medium in the apparatus height direction. A second medium storage unit positioned above the storage unit, and by sliding the second medium storage unit in the feeding direction of the recording medium, the first medium storage unit A first state in which the recording medium can be fed and a second state in which the recording medium can be fed from the second medium storage unit are switched.

  According to this aspect, the first state in which the recording medium is fed from the first medium accommodating unit by simply sliding the second medium accommodating unit in the conveyance direction of the recording medium; It is possible to switch between the second state in which the recording medium is fed from the second medium storage unit. Therefore, recording of a plurality of types and sizes of recording media is performed in the recording apparatus by storing recording media of different types and sizes in the first medium storage unit and the second medium storage unit. And the convenience of the apparatus can be improved.

  A recording apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, which connects the first base portion and the second base portion and feeds the recording medium. A top plate disposed on the downstream side of the recording head and disposed above the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the apparatus height direction, and a control unit provided on the top plate, The control unit is connected to a cable extending from the detection means.

  The recording apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the cable includes the medium housing portion at a wall portion facing the medium housing portion of the first base portion and the second base portion. It is led to the control part through the side facing the side or the side opposite to the medium accommodating part.

1 is a perspective view of a printer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a paper conveyance path of the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a first state of the medium accommodating portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a second state in the medium accommodating portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface side of the printer in a state where a medium housing unit is removed in the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating detection of the presence or absence of paper in an upper tray in the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface side of a printer in a state in which a medium container is removed from the printer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating detection of the presence or absence of paper in a lower tray in a printer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating detection of the presence or absence of paper in an upper tray in a printer according to a second embodiment. The perspective view which shows the lower stage side tray which concerns on a 3rd Example. The perspective view which shows the upper stage side tray which concerns on a 3rd Example. The perspective view of the medium accommodating part which concerns on a 4th Example. The top view which shows the 1st state in the medium accommodating part which concerns on a 4th Example. The top view which shows the 2nd state in the medium accommodating part which concerns on a 4th Example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same structure in each Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and it demonstrates only in the first Example, The description of the structure is abbreviate | omitted in a subsequent Example.

  1 is a perspective view of a printer according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a paper conveyance path of the printer according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a first state in the medium accommodating portion, FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a second state in the medium accommodating portion according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a lower surface side of the printer in a state in which the medium accommodating portion is removed in the printer according to FIG. 6, and FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing detection of the presence or absence of paper in the upper tray in the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the printer in a state in which the medium accommodating portion is removed in the printer according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing detection of the presence or absence of paper in the lower tray in the printer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a detection of presence or absence of paper in the upper tray in the printer according to the second embodiment. 10 is a perspective view showing a lower tray according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an upper tray according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a medium accommodating portion according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a first state of the medium accommodating portion according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a fourth embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 2nd state in the medium accommodating part which concerns on this.

  In the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X direction indicates the scanning direction of the recording head and the apparatus width direction, the Y direction indicates the depth direction of the recording apparatus and the paper feeding direction, and the Z direction indicates the apparatus height direction. . In each figure, the −X-axis direction is the carriage home position side, the −Y direction is the apparatus front side, and the + Y direction side is the apparatus back side.

■■■ First Example ■■■■■■■
<<< Printer overview >>>
Components of an inkjet printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as “printer 10”) as an example of a recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes an apparatus main body 12, a control unit 14, and a medium storage unit 16. In FIG. 1, the illustration of the upper structure provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 12 and including the operation unit, the scanner unit, and the like is omitted for the sake of explanation.

  The apparatus main body 12 includes a first base part 12A and a second base part 12B with the medium accommodating part 16 interposed therebetween in the apparatus width direction. In the present embodiment, the first base portion 12A includes a drive source (a driving roller for driving a pickup roller 18, a transport roller pair 20, a paper discharge roller pair 22, a paper discharge roller pair 24, a carriage 26, a reverse roller pair 46, and the like, which will be described later. Etc.) are provided.

  Further, when the carriage 26 is located at the home position, the second base portion 12B includes a cap member (not shown) that covers a recording head 28, which will be described later, and a pump (not shown) that creates a negative pressure inside the cap member. And a waste ink tank (not shown) for storing ink that has been discarded in the cap member by applying a negative pressure to the space in the cap member or performing flushing.

  A top plate portion 30 that connects the first base portion 12A and the second base portion 12B is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 12. The top plate 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the recording head 28, that is, on the downstream side of the discharge roller pair 24, which will be described later, in the feeding path, that is, the conveying path of the paper P as “recording medium”. A control unit 14 is disposed on the top surface of the top plate unit 30. In this embodiment, the control unit 14 is configured as a circuit board including a plurality of electronic components.

  Further, the medium accommodating portion 16 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 12. In the present embodiment, the medium storage unit 16 includes a lower tray 32, an upper tray 34 positioned above the lower tray 32, and a discharge stacker 36 provided integrally with the upper tray 34. . In this embodiment, the upper tray 34 and the discharge stacker 36 are configured to be slidable relative to the lower tray 32. In the present embodiment, the lower tray 32 is configured to be manually slid by the user. In FIG. 2, the paper accommodated in the lower tray 32 is indicated by reference numeral P <b> 1, and the paper accommodated in the upper tray 34 is indicated by reference numeral P <b> 2 (hereinafter referred to as “ Paper P)).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the state in which the upper tray 34 is located at the retracted position on the front side in the apparatus depth direction with respect to the lower tray 32 (see the solid line in FIG. 2) is the sheet in the lower tray 32. This is the P1 feedable state, that is, the first state. When the upper tray 34 is slid to the rear side in the apparatus depth direction with respect to the lower tray 32 from the state where the upper tray 34 is in the retracted position, the paper P2 can be fed from the upper tray 34. The state (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2), that is, the second state.

  Next, a paper conveyance path in the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus main body 12, a pickup roller 18 is provided above the medium accommodating portion 16, that is, at a position facing the lower tray 32 in the first state and facing the upper tray 34 in the second state. The pickup roller 18 is configured to be swingable in a direction in which the pickup roller 18 comes in contact with and separates from the paper P1 stored in the lower tray 32 or the paper P2 stored in the upper tray 34.

  Specifically, the pick-up roller 18 is positioned above the medium accommodating portion 16 in the apparatus height direction, and is a holding plate configured as a metal member that connects the first base portion 12A and the second base portion 12B. 68 is swingably held. The pickup roller 18 is driven to rotate by the drive source (not shown).

  The pickup roller 18 feeds the paper P stored in the medium storage unit 16 (the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34) toward the downstream side of the feeding path. A conveying roller pair 20 is provided on the downstream side of the pickup roller 18 in the feeding path. The conveyance roller pair 20 includes a conveyance driving roller 20a and a conveyance driven roller 20b. The conveyance drive roller 20a is driven to rotate by the drive source (not shown). The paper P sent out by the pickup roller 18 is nipped by the transport roller pair 20 and sent out toward the recording unit 38 located on the downstream side of the transport path.

  The recording unit 38 includes a carriage 26, a recording head 28 provided at the bottom of the carriage 26, and a platen 40 that faces the recording head 28. The recording head 28 faces the paper P supported by the platen 40. The platen 40 supports the paper P and defines the distance between the paper P and the recording head 28. The carriage 26 is driven by the drive source (not shown) so as to reciprocate in the apparatus width direction (the front and back direction in FIG. 2, that is, the X-axis direction).

  The paper P sent out toward the recording unit 38 by the transport roller pair 20 is transported to a position facing the recording head 28 and recording is performed. A pair of paper discharge rollers 22 is provided on the downstream side of the recording unit 38 in the transport direction. The paper discharge roller pair 22 includes a paper discharge driving roller 22a and a paper discharge driven roller 22b. The paper discharge drive roller 22a is driven to rotate by the drive source (not shown).

  The paper P recorded by the recording head 28 is nipped by the paper discharge roller pair 22 located downstream in the conveyance direction of the recording head 28 and further conveyed toward the discharge roller pair 24 located downstream in the paper conveyance direction. The The discharge roller pair 24 includes a discharge drive roller 24a and a discharge driven roller 24b. The discharge drive roller 24a is driven to rotate by the drive source (not shown). The paper P nipped by the discharge roller pair 24 is discharged toward the discharge stacker 36 located on the downstream side in the paper transport direction.

  A flap 42 is provided between the paper discharge roller pair 22 and the paper discharge roller pair 24 in the paper transport path. The flap 42 is configured to be swingable. Specifically, the flap 42 allows the sheet P to be discharged from the discharge roller pair 22 to the discharge stacker 36 via the discharge roller pair 24 (see the solid line in FIG. 2) and the paper from the discharge roller pair 24. The posture is such that the posture of feeding P backward and feeding the paper P to the reversing path 44 (see the two-dot chain line labeled 44 'in FIG. 2) can be switched.

  The paper P fed back from the discharge roller pair 24 is sent to the reverse path 44 via the flap 42. Then, the paper P is fed into the paper transport path by a reverse roller pair 46 provided in the reverse path 44 at a position upstream of the transport roller pair 20 in the paper transport path. Then, the paper is again sent to the discharge stacker 36 through a position facing the recording head 28. The reverse roller pair 46 includes a reverse drive roller 46a and a reverse driven roller 46b. The reverse drive roller 46a is driven to rotate by the drive source (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 14 includes the pickup roller 18 and the transport roller based on a command input to an operation unit provided in the printer 10 by a user or based on detection information in a detection unit 60 described later. The pair 20, the discharge roller pair 22, the discharge roller pair 24, the carriage 26, the reversing roller pair 46, a driving source (not shown) for driving them, the recording operation of the recording head 28, and the like are controlled.

<<< Regarding the Configuration of the Medium Storage Unit >>>
Next, the configuration of the medium accommodating portion 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As described above, the medium storage unit 16 includes the lower tray 32, the upper tray 34, and the discharge stacker 36. Further, the upper tray 34 and the discharge stacker 36 are integrally formed. Specifically, in the upper tray 34, the end portion on the front side of the apparatus is formed one step higher in the apparatus height direction than the storage surface (bottom part) 34a of the paper P. The portion formed higher than this level functions as a discharge stacker 36 in a state where the medium accommodating portion 16 is attached to the printer 10.

  Further, the lower tray 32 is provided with edge guides 48 and 48 that are slidable in the paper width direction (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The edge guides 48 and 48 regulate the position of the paper P1 in the paper width direction. In this embodiment, the edge guides 48 align the paper P1 in the lower tray 32 at the center in the apparatus width direction. Further, the lower tray 32 is provided with an edge guide 50 (see FIG. 2) that can slide in the apparatus depth direction, that is, the paper length direction (paper feeding direction). The edge guide 50 regulates the position of the trailing edge of the sheet P1.

  In addition, a passage portion 52 is provided in a bottom portion 32 a (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that is a sheet storage surface of the lower tray 32. In the present embodiment, the passage portion 52 penetrates the bottom portion 32a near the rear end side in the apparatus depth direction at the bottom portion 32a of the lower tray 32, that is, in the vicinity of the front end in the feeding direction of the paper P1 stored in the lower tray 32. It is provided as follows. The passage portion 52 is provided at the center of the lower tray 32 in the apparatus width direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the passage portion 52 is provided at a position corresponding to the reference position of the paper P1 stored in the lower tray 32.

  The upper tray 34 is provided with edge guides 54, 54 that are slidable in the paper width direction. The edge guides 54 and 54 regulate the position of the paper P2 in the paper width direction. The edge guides 54 and 54 also align the paper P2 in the upper tray 34 at the center in the apparatus width direction. Further, the upper tray 34 is provided with an edge guide 56 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that can slide in the apparatus depth direction, that is, the paper length direction (paper feeding direction). The edge guide 56 regulates the position of the trailing edge of the sheet P2.

  In addition, a passage portion 58 is provided in a bottom portion 34a (see FIGS. 3 and 4) which is a sheet storage surface of the upper tray 34. In the present embodiment, the passage portion 58 passes through the bottom portion 34 a near the rear end in the apparatus depth direction at the bottom portion 34 a of the upper tray 34, that is, in the vicinity of the front end in the paper feeding direction of the paper P <b> 2 stored in the upper tray 34. It is provided as follows. The passage portion 58 is provided at the center of the upper tray 34 in the apparatus width direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the passage portion 58 is provided at a position corresponding to the reference position of the paper P2 stored in the upper tray 34.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the upper tray 34 is in the feedable position, that is, in the second state, the position of the passage portion 52 of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray in the apparatus depth direction, that is, the sheet feeding direction. The position of the 34 passing portions 58 is set to be the same position.

  Further, in a state where the upper tray 34 is in the retracted position, that is, in a first state where feeding from the lower tray 32 is possible, the discharge stacker 36 is positioned at the end of the medium accommodating portion 16 on the front side of the apparatus. In the first state, the length of the area of the discharge stacker 36 that supports the paper in the depth direction of the apparatus is long enough to support the paper P1 fed from the lower tray 32. .

  On the other hand, in the second state in which the upper tray 34 can be fed (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2), the discharge stacker 36 accommodates the medium as the upper tray 34 slides toward the rear side of the apparatus. The unit 16 moves from the end portion on the front side of the apparatus to the rear side. Thereby, the paper support area of the discharge stacker 36 in the paper transport direction is reduced.

  Here, when the upper tray 34 is in a feedable position with the medium accommodating portion 16 attached to the printer 10, the length of the paper support area of the discharge stacker 36 in the paper transport direction is the length of the paper P2. Is set. Thereby, even when the upper tray 34 is in the second state, the discharge stacker 36 can support the discharged paper P2. That is, the discharge stacker 36 can appropriately support the paper P1 or the paper P2 in accordance with the switching of the feedable position between the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34.

<<< About detection means >>>
Next, the detection means 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6. Referring to FIG. 5, at the bottom of the apparatus main body 12, that is, below the medium accommodating section 16 in the apparatus height direction, the first bottom plate 62 and the second base plate 62 connecting the first base portion 12A and the second base portion 12B. The bottom plate 64 is provided. In the present embodiment, the first bottom plate 62 is provided closer to the rear side of the apparatus in the apparatus depth direction, and the second bottom plate 64 is provided closer to the front side of the apparatus with a space from the first bottom plate 62 in the apparatus depth direction. ing.

  In this embodiment, the detection means 60 is attached to the first bottom plate 62 toward the medium accommodating portion 16 in a state where the detection portion is mounted on the apparatus main body 12. In the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is disposed on the first bottom plate 62 closer to the back side of the apparatus. Specifically, the sheets stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 at positions where the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 can be fed in the state where the medium storage unit 16 is mounted in the apparatus main body 12. P1 and P2 are set so as to be detected through the passage portions 52 and 58. In the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is configured as an optical sensor as an example.

  In this embodiment, the detection means 60 configured as an optical sensor irradiates light toward the sheets P1 and P2 accommodated in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 or the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, respectively. And a light receiving means 60b (see FIG. 2) for receiving the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting means 60a.

  A cable 66 extends from the detection means 60 toward the control unit 14. In the present embodiment, the cable 66 is connected to the bottom surface of the first bottom plate 62 and the wall portion 12c of the first base portion 12A facing the medium storage portion 16 on the side opposite to the medium storage portion 16, that is, the first base portion 12A. It passes through the inside and is connected to the control unit 14 disposed on the top surface of the top plate 30.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the lower tray 32 is attached to the apparatus main body 12 and the sheet P <b> 1 is accommodated in the lower tray 32, the detection means 60 is provided on the bottom 32 a of the lower tray 32. The lowest sheet in the sheet P1 stored in the lower tray 32 is detected via the passage unit 52. In other words, in the present embodiment, the detection means 60 includes the presence / absence of the lower tray 32 in the apparatus main body 12, the lower tray 32 is located at a position where paper can be fed, and the lower stage where the lower tray 32 is located. It can be detected that the paper P1 is stored in the tray 32.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the position in the apparatus depth direction of the passage portion 58 of the upper tray 34 in the second state and the position of the passage portion 52 in the lower tray 32 are set to be the same position. Yes. As a result, when the upper tray 34 is positioned at a feedable position while the paper P2 is accommodated in the upper tray 34, the detection means 60 is moved to the upper tray 34 via the passage 52 and the passage 58. It is possible to detect the lowermost paper in the stored paper P2.

  Therefore, as a result, the detection means 60 can detect that the upper tray 34 is in the feedable position, that is, the second state. That is, the detection means 60 detects whether the upper tray 34 is in the feedable position (second state) via the passage portion 52 when the sheet P1 is not stored in the lower tray 32. Can do.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is provided with the presence or absence of the upper tray 34 in the apparatus main body 12, the upper tray 34 being located at a position where paper can be fed, and the upper stage where the upper tray 34 is located. It can be detected that the paper P2 is stored in the tray 34.

  In the present embodiment, the passage portions 52 and 58 are provided in the center of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 in the apparatus width direction, respectively. That is, in this embodiment, since center feeding is performed, the passage portions 52 and 58 correspond to the center in the width direction of the sheets P1 and P2. As a result, even when the sheets stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 are changed to sheets of different sizes, the detection unit 60 can detect the center of the sheets P1 and P2 in the width direction. As a result, a plurality of types and sizes of paper P can be recorded in the printer 10, and the convenience of the printer 10 can be improved.

  In summary, in the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is provided on the bottom plates 62 and 64 positioned below the medium accommodating portion 16. Accordingly, the pickup roller 18 that is provided above the medium storage unit 16 and feeds the paper P does not interfere with the detection unit 60, and the degree of design freedom in the printer 10 can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 60 includes a light emitting unit 60a that emits light toward the paper P or the medium housing unit 16, and a light receiving unit 60b that receives reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 60a. Since the sheets P1 and P2 are detected through the passage portions 52 and 58 provided in the bottom portions 32a and 34a of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 The presence or absence can be detected. For example, the detection unit 60 is provided at a position corresponding to the passing portions 52 and 58 of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 in the feedable position, so that the detection unit 60 can be used for the lower tray 32 and the upper tray in the printer 10. 34, the presence or absence of sheets P1 and P2 in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, and whether or not the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 are in a feedable position can be detected. That is, by associating these pieces of detection information, the user can grasp whether or not the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the medium storage unit 16 are in a feedable state. Therefore, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user and more appropriately meet the user's needs.

  In the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is provided on the first bottom plate 62 located near the end of the medium accommodating portion 16 on the downstream side in the feeding direction. It is possible to detect a state where 16 is housed deeply. Here, by setting the detection positions of the sheets P1 and P2 in the medium storage unit 16 of the detection unit 60 to the feedable positions of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 are moved. It is possible to detect whether or not the sheet P1 can be used and whether or not the sheets P1 and P2 are stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34. Therefore, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user and more appropriately meet the user's needs.

  In the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is provided on the first bottom plate 62, and the detection positions of the sheets P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 in the medium accommodating portion 16 of the detection means 60 are set to the feedable positions of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34. It is set. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 are usable and whether or not the sheets P1 and P2 are stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34. . Therefore, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user and more appropriately meet the user's needs.

  In the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is disposed in a region where the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 overlap in the apparatus height direction. When the paper P1 is not stored in the lower tray 32, the presence or absence of the paper P2 in the upper tray 34 located on the upper side through the passage portion 52 of the lower tray 32, or the upper tray 34 The presence or absence can be detected. Accordingly, the presence or absence of the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 and the presence or absence of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 can be detected by one detection means 60. That is, the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the first tray 34 feeds the sheet P1 from the lower tray 32 and the second sheet P2 fed from the upper tray 34 by simply sliding the upper tray 34 in the transport direction of the sheet P. The state can be switched. Therefore, by storing recording media of different types and sizes in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, the printer 10 can execute recording of a plurality of types and sizes of paper. Can be improved.

<<< Modification of the first embodiment >>>
(1) In this embodiment, the upper tray 34 is manually slid with respect to the lower tray 32. However, instead of this configuration, a driving force from a driving source (not shown) is controlled based on the control of the control unit 14. It is good also as a structure which transmits and slides.
(2) In the present embodiment, the detection means 60 is configured to detect the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 via the passage portions 52 and 58. The detecting means 60 may be configured to detect the bottom portions 32 a and 34 a of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34.

(3) In the present embodiment, the cable 66 extending from the detection means 60 toward the control unit 14 passes through the bottom surface of the first bottom plate 62 and the inside of the wall portion 12c of the first base body portion 12A. Instead of this configuration, the cable 66 may be configured to pass through the upper surface of the first bottom plate 62 and the side facing the medium accommodating portion 16 in the wall portion 12c of the first base portion 12A. The wall portion 12d of the base portion 12B may pass through the side facing the medium accommodating portion 16 or the inside thereof.
(4) In the present embodiment, the passage portions 52 and 58 are provided in the central portion of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 in the apparatus width direction. Instead of this configuration, the passage portions 52 and 58 are provided on the lower side. A configuration may be adopted in which the paper P1 and the paper P2 stored in the tray 32 and the upper tray 34 are provided in an area in the paper width direction.

■■■ Second Example ■■■■■■■
Next, the printer 70 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the detection means 72 is provided on the second bottom plate 64.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the detection means 72 according to the second embodiment is attached to a second bottom plate 64 provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body 12. The detecting means 72 is attached to the second bottom plate 64 toward the medium accommodating portion 16 in a state where the detecting portion is mounted on the apparatus main body 12. Also in this embodiment, the detection means 72 is configured as an optical sensor. In this embodiment, the detection means 72 includes a light emitting means 72a and a light receiving means 72b (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  A cable 74 extends from the detection means 72 toward the control unit 14. In this embodiment, the cable 74 is connected to the bottom surface of the second bottom plate 64 and the wall portion 12c of the first base portion 12A facing the medium storage portion 16 on the side opposite to the medium storage portion 16, that is, the first base portion 12A. It passes through the inside and is connected to the control unit 14 disposed on the top surface of the top plate 30.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, also in this embodiment, a passage portion 76 is provided at the bottom 32 a of the lower tray 32. The position of the passage portion 76 in the apparatus depth direction at the bottom 32a of the lower tray 32 is determined in the apparatus depth direction of the detecting means 72 when the medium storage unit 16 is attached to the apparatus main body 12 and the lower tray 32 can be fed. It is set to be the same position as in FIG. Also in this embodiment, the passage portion 76 is provided at the center of the lower tray 32 in the apparatus width direction.

  A passing portion 78 is provided at the bottom 34 a of the upper tray 34. The position of the passage portion 78 in the apparatus depth direction at the bottom 34a of the upper tray 34 is detected when the medium accommodating portion 16 is attached to the apparatus main body 12 and the upper tray 34 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 8). 72 is set to be the same position as the position in the apparatus depth direction. Also in this embodiment, the passage portion 78 is provided in the center of the upper tray 34 in the apparatus width direction.

  That is, also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the detecting means 72 with the medium accommodating portion 16 attached to the apparatus main body 12 passes the lowermost sheet of the sheets P <b> 1 accommodated in the lower tray 32. 76 can be detected.

  Therefore, the detection means 72 can detect the presence or absence of the paper P1 in the lower tray 32. Further, the detecting means 72 can detect the presence or absence of the lower tray 32 by detecting the presence or absence of the paper P1 in the lower tray 32.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the detection means 72 is retracted via the passage portion 76 and the passage portion 78 in a state where the medium accommodation portion 16 is attached to the apparatus main body 12 and the sheet P1 is not accommodated in the lower tray 32. It is possible to detect the lowest sheet in the sheet P2 stored in the upper tray 34 at the position.

  Therefore, the detection means 72 can detect the presence or absence of the paper P2 in the upper tray 34. Further, the detecting means 72 can detect the presence or absence of the upper tray 34 by detecting the presence or absence of the paper P2 in the upper tray 34. Further, the detection means 72 can detect that the upper tray 34 is located at the retracted position by detecting the presence or absence of the paper P2 in the upper tray 34.

<<< Modified Example of Second Embodiment >>>
(1) In the present embodiment, the detection means 72 is configured to detect the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 via the passage portions 76 and 78. The detecting means 72 may be configured to detect the bottom portions 32 a and 34 a of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34. With this configuration, the detection unit 72 can detect the presence / absence of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, so that the user can grasp the attachment / detachment state of the medium storage unit 16 in the printer 10, User convenience can be improved.

(2) In this embodiment, the cable 74 extending from the detection means 72 toward the control unit 14 is configured to pass through the bottom surface of the second bottom plate 64 and the inside of the wall portion 12c of the first base body portion 12A. Instead of this configuration, the cable 74 may be configured to pass through the upper surface of the second bottom plate 64 and the side facing the medium accommodating portion 16 in the wall portion 12c of the first base portion 12A. The wall portion 12d of the base portion 12B may pass through the side facing the medium accommodating portion 16 or the inside thereof.
(3) In the present embodiment, the passing portions 76 and 78 are provided in the central portion of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 in the apparatus width direction, but instead of this configuration, the passing portions 76 and 78 are on the lower side. A configuration may be adopted in which the paper P1 and the paper P2 stored in the tray 32 and the upper tray 34 are provided in an area in the paper width direction.

■■■ Third Example ■■■■■■■
Next, the medium accommodating unit 80 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The medium storage unit 80 according to the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the lower tray 82 and the upper tray 84 can be mounted on the apparatus main body 12 as separate bodies. The other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the lower tray 82 is provided with a pair of side walls 82 b and 82 c that protrude upward from the bottom 82 a in the apparatus height direction at both ends of the bottom 82 a in the apparatus width direction, that is, the sheet width direction. In addition, edge guides 86 and 86 that are slidable in the paper width direction are provided on the bottom portion 82a. The edge guides 86 and 86 regulate the position of the paper P1 in the paper width direction. Further, the bottom 82a is provided with an edge guide (not shown) that can slide in the apparatus depth direction, that is, the paper length direction (paper feeding direction). This edge guide regulates the position of the trailing edge of the sheet P1.

  A high friction material 88 is disposed on the bottom 82a at a location corresponding to the contact position between the pickup roller 18 and the paper P1. The high friction material 88 holds the paper bundle so that the paper bundle is not sent to the downstream side of the feeding path when the pickup roller 18 feeds the paper.

  In addition, a passage portion 90 is provided in the bottom portion 82a so as to penetrate the bottom portion 82a. In the present embodiment, the position of the passage portion 90 in the apparatus depth direction is provided at a position corresponding to the detection position in the apparatus depth direction of the detection means 60 in the first embodiment. The passage portion 90 is provided at the center of the lower tray 82 in the apparatus width direction.

  In the present embodiment, the upper tray 84 is provided so as to be slidable in the apparatus depth direction with respect to the apparatus main body 12 of the printer 10. The upper tray 84 is provided with a rack 92 extending along the apparatus depth direction. The rack 92 meshes with a pinion gear (not shown) that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the printer 10, and can feed the upper tray 84 on the back side of the apparatus along the apparatus depth direction. Advance to the position or retract to the retracted position located on the front side of the device. The feedable position in this embodiment corresponds to the second state in the first embodiment, and the retracted position corresponds to the first state.

  Further, edge guides 94, 94 that are slidable in the paper width direction are provided on the bottom 84 a. The edge guides 94 and 94 regulate the position of the paper P2 in the paper width direction. Further, the bottom portion 84a is provided with an edge guide 96 that can slide in the paper length direction (paper feeding direction). The edge guide 96 regulates the position of the trailing edge of the sheet P2.

  Further, a high friction material 98 is disposed on the bottom portion 84a at a location relative to the contact position between the pickup roller 18 and the paper P2. The high friction material 98 holds the sheet bundle so that the sheet bundle is not sent to the downstream side of the feeding path when the pickup roller 18 feeds the sheet.

  In addition, a passage portion 100 is provided in the bottom portion 84a so as to penetrate the bottom portion 84a. In the present embodiment, the position of the passage portion 100 in the apparatus depth direction is provided at a position corresponding to the detection position in the apparatus depth direction of the detection means 60 in the first embodiment. The passage portion 52 is provided at the center of the upper tray 84 in the apparatus width direction.

  Accordingly, in the lower tray 82 and the upper tray 84 in the present embodiment, the presence or absence of the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 82 and the upper tray 84 by the detection unit 60, as in the first embodiment, the lower tray The presence or absence of the side tray 82 and the upper tray 84 can be detected.

<<<< Modification of the third embodiment >>>>
(1) In this embodiment, the positions of the passage section 90 and the passage section 100 in the apparatus depth direction are configured to be the same position as the position of the detection means 60 of the first embodiment in the apparatus depth direction. Instead, the positions of the passage unit 90 and the passage unit 100 in the apparatus depth direction may be configured to be the same position as the position of the detection unit 72 of the second embodiment in the apparatus depth direction. Even in such a configuration, the detection unit 72 can detect the presence or absence of the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 82 and the upper tray 84, and the presence or absence of the lower tray 82 and the upper tray 84.
(2) In the present embodiment, the passing portions 90 and 100 are provided in the central portion of the lower tray 82 and the upper tray 84 in the apparatus width direction, but instead of this configuration, the passing portions 90 and 100 are provided on the lower side. A configuration may be adopted in which the paper P1 and P2 stored in the tray 82 and the upper tray 84 are provided in an area in the paper width direction.

■■■ Fourth Example ■■■■■■■
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that no discharge stacker is provided in the medium accommodating portion 102. The other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the medium storage unit 102 includes a lower tray 104 and an upper tray 106. The lower tray 104 and the upper tray 106 are integrally formed. That is, the medium storage unit 102 is configured to insert and remove the lower tray 104 and the upper tray 106 from the apparatus main body 12 as one unit. Further, the upper tray 106 is configured to be slidable between a retracted position (see FIG. 13) and a paper P2 feedable position (FIG. 14) with respect to the lower tray 104.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a transmission gear 108 is provided on the apparatus main body 12 side, and a transmission gear 110 is provided on the lower tray 104. In a state where the medium storage unit 102 is mounted on the apparatus main body 12, the transmission gear 108 and the transmitted gear 110 are engaged with each other, and a driving force from a driving source provided in the printer main body (not shown) is supplied to the medium storage unit 102. The Then, the upper tray 106 is slid between the retracted position and the feedable position by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) provided in the medium storage unit 102.

  The upper tray 106 is provided with an edge guide 112 that can slide in the paper width direction. The edge guide 112 regulates the position of the paper P2 in the paper width direction. Further, the upper tray 106 is provided with an edge guide 114 that can slide in the apparatus depth direction, that is, the paper length direction (paper feeding direction). The edge guide 114 regulates the position of the trailing edge of the sheet P2.

  Further, a high friction material 116 is disposed on the bottom 106a of the upper tray 106 at a location corresponding to the contact position between the pickup roller 18 and the paper P2. The high-friction material 116 holds the paper bundle so that the paper bundle is not sent to the downstream side of the feeding path when the pickup roller 18 feeds the paper.

  Further, a passing portion 118 is provided in the bottom portion 106a so as to penetrate the bottom portion 106a. In this embodiment, the position of the passage portion 118 in the apparatus depth direction is provided at a position corresponding to the detection position in the apparatus depth direction of the detection means 60 in the first embodiment.

  Although not shown, the lower tray 104 is provided with edge guides that are slidable in the paper width direction and the paper length direction in the same manner as the upper tray 106, and the paper stored in the lower tray 104. The position of P1 in the sheet width direction and the position of the trailing edge of the sheet are restricted. Further, a high friction material 120 is disposed on the bottom 104a of the lower tray 104 at a location corresponding to the contact position between the pickup roller 18 and the paper P1. The high-friction material 120 holds the sheet bundle so that the sheet bundle is not sent to the downstream side of the feeding path when the pickup roller 18 feeds the sheet.

  Further, a passage portion 122 is provided in the bottom portion 104a so as to penetrate the bottom portion 104a. In this embodiment, the position of the passage portion 122 in the apparatus depth direction is provided at a position corresponding to the detection position in the apparatus depth direction of the detection means 60 in the first embodiment.

  Therefore, in the lower tray 104 and the upper tray 106 in this embodiment, the presence or absence of the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 104 and the upper tray 106 by the detection unit 60, as in the first embodiment, the lower tray The presence or absence of the side tray 104 and the upper tray 106 can be detected.

<<<< Modification Example of Fourth Embodiment >>>>
In the present embodiment, the positions of the passage section 118 and the passage section 122 in the apparatus depth direction are configured to be the same position as the position in the apparatus depth direction of the detection means 60 of the first embodiment, but instead of this configuration, You may comprise so that the position in the apparatus depth direction of the passage part 118 and the passage part 122 may become the same position as the position in the apparatus depth direction of the detection means 72 of a 2nd Example. Even in such a configuration, the detection unit 72 can detect the presence or absence of the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 104 and the upper tray 106, and the presence or absence of the lower tray 104 and the upper tray 106.

<<<< Modified Example of the First to Fourth Examples >>
(1) In the first to fourth embodiments, the detection means 60 and 72 are configured as optical sensors, particularly sensors that detect the amount of reflected light. However, the distance to the detection target is determined by a laser beam, ultrasonic waves, or the like. You may comprise as a distance measurement sensor to measure, and you may comprise as mechanical sensors, such as a switch.
(2) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the upper tray 34 is manually slid between the retracted position and the feedable position. A configuration may also be adopted in which a driving force is supplied from a driving source (not shown) provided inside to slide the upper tray 34.
(3) In the third and fourth embodiments, the upper trays 84 and 106 are slid and moved by a drive source (not shown) in the apparatus main body 12, but the upper tray is replaced with this configuration. 84 and 106 may be slid manually.
(4) In the first to fourth embodiments, the detection means 60 and 72 are configured as a single sensor. However, instead of this configuration, a plurality of sensors may be used.
(5) In the first to fourth embodiments, when the detection means 60, 72 are configured as a plurality of sensors, the sheets stored in the lower trays 32, 82, 104 in the apparatus width direction The position of P1 and the position of the paper P2 accommodated in the upper trays 34, 84, 106 are shifted to provide a portion where the paper P1 and the paper P2 do not overlap in the apparatus height direction. The paper P1 may be detected by one detection sensor, and the paper P2 may be detected by another detection sensor in an area that does not overlap the paper P1.

  To summarize the above description, the printer 10 in the present embodiment is in a direction that intersects the recording head 28 that records the paper P, the plurality of medium storage portions 16 that store the paper P, and the feeding direction of the paper P. In the apparatus width direction, the first base portion 12A provided on one side across the medium accommodating portion 16, the second base portion 12B provided on the other side, the first base portion 12A and the second base portion The base plates 12B are connected to the base plate 12B, and are provided on the bottom plates 62, 64 located below the medium storage unit 16 in the apparatus height direction, and the bottom plates 62, 64, and the lower tray 32 and the upper tray in the medium storage unit 16 are provided. 34 is provided with detection means 60 for detecting the presence or absence of the sheets P1 and P2 in any one of 34. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

The printer 10 in this embodiment includes a recording head 28 that records the paper P, a plurality of medium storage portions 16 that store the paper P, and a medium storage in the apparatus width direction that is a direction that intersects the feeding direction of the paper P. The first base portion 12A provided on one side with the portion 16 in between, the second base portion 12B provided on the other side, the first base portion 12A and the second base portion 12B The bottom plates 62 and 64 positioned below the medium accommodating portion 16 in the apparatus height direction and the bottom plates 62 and 64 are provided, and one of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 of the medium accommodating portion 16 is provided. Detecting means 60 for detecting presence or absence. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The detection means 60 and 72 receive the light emitted from the light emitting means 60a and 72a that emit light toward the paper P1 and P2 or the medium storage unit 16, and the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting means 60a and 72a. Means 60b and 72b. Passing portions 52 and 58 are formed in the bottom portions 32a and 34a of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, respectively. The detection means 60 detects the sheets P1 and P2 stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 via the passage portions 52 and 58. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  Further, passage portions 52 and 58 are formed in the bottom portions 32a and 34a of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34, respectively. The detecting means 60 detects the presence or absence of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 by detecting the sheets P1, P2 stored in the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 via the passage portions 52, 58. . The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The detection means 60 detects the presence or absence of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 by detecting the bottom portions 32 a and 34 a of the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The bottom plate 62 is located near the end of the medium accommodating portion 16 on the downstream side in the feeding direction, and the bottom plate 64 is located near the end on the upstream side in the feeding direction of the medium accommodating portion 16. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The bottom plates 62 and 64 are a first bottom plate 62 positioned near the downstream end of the medium storage unit 16 in the feeding direction, and a second bottom plate positioned near the upstream end of the medium storage unit 16 in the feeding direction. And a bottom plate 64. The detecting means 60 is provided on at least one of the first bottom plate 62 and the second bottom plate 64. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The detection means 60 (72) is arranged in a region where the lower tray 32 and the upper tray 34 overlap in the apparatus height direction. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The medium storage unit 16 includes a lower tray 32 and an upper tray 34 positioned above the lower tray 32 in the apparatus height direction. By sliding the upper tray 34 in the feeding direction of the paper P, a first state in which the paper P1 can be fed from the lower tray 32 and a second state in which the paper P2 can be fed from the upper tray 34. To switch the status. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The printer 10 connects the first base portion 12A and the second base portion 12B and is positioned on the downstream side of the recording head 28 in the feeding path of the paper P, and above the medium accommodating portion 16 in the apparatus height direction. The top plate part 30 arrange | positioned at the side and the control part 14 provided in the said top plate part 30 are provided. The control unit 14 is connected to a cable 66 extending from the detection means 60. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

  The cable 66 passes through a side facing the medium accommodating part 16 or a side opposite to the medium accommodating part 16 in the wall part 12c facing the medium accommodating part 16 of the first base part 12A and the second base part 12B. It is led to the control unit 14. The printer 70 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration.

In the present embodiment, the detection units 60 and 72 according to the present invention are applied to an ink jet printer as an example of a recording apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to other liquid ejecting apparatuses in general.
Here, the liquid ejecting apparatus uses an ink jet recording head, and is not limited to a recording apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and a facsimile machine that discharges ink from the recording head to perform recording on a recording medium. And a device for ejecting a liquid corresponding to the application from a liquid ejecting head corresponding to the ink jet recording head to an ejected medium corresponding to the recording medium, and attaching the liquid to the ejected medium.

  In addition to the recording head, as a liquid ejecting head, a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, and an electrode material (conductive paste) used for forming an electrode such as an organic EL display or a surface emitting display (FED) Examples thereof include an ejection head, a bioorganic matter ejection head used for biochip production, and a sample ejection head as a precision pipette.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

10, 70 printer, 12 apparatus main body, 12A first base part,
12B 2nd base | substrate part, 12c, 12d wall part, 14 control part,
16, 80, 102 Medium storage unit, 18 pickup roller, 20 pair of transport rollers,
20a transport drive roller, 20b transport driven roller, 22 discharge roller pair,
22a paper discharge driving roller, 22b paper discharge driven roller, 24 discharge roller pair,
24a discharge driving roller, 24b discharge driven roller, 26 carriage,
28 recording head, 30 top plate, 32, 82, 104 lower tray,
32a, 82a, 104a Bottom of lower tray, 34, 84, 106 Upper tray,
34a, 84a, 106a, bottom of upper tray, 36 discharge stacker, 38 recording unit,
40 platens, 42 flaps, 44 reversing paths, 46 reversing roller pairs,
46a Reverse drive roller, 46b Reverse driven roller,
48, 50, 54, 56, 86, 94, 96, 112, 114 Edge guide,
52, 58, 76, 78, 90, 100, 118, 122 passage,
60, 72 detecting means, 60a, 72a light emitting means, 60b, 72b light receiving means,
62 first bottom plate, 64 second bottom plate, 66, 74 cable, 68 holding plate,
82b, 82c side wall, 88, 98, 116, 120 high friction material, 92 racks,
108 Transmission gear, 110 Transmission gear, P, P1, P2 Paper

Claims (12)

A recording head for recording on a recording medium;
A plurality of medium accommodating portions for accommodating the recording medium;
A first base portion provided on one side across the medium accommodating portion in a direction intersecting a feeding direction of the recording medium;
A second base portion provided on the other side;
A bottom plate that connects the first base portion and the second base portion and is positioned below the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the apparatus height direction;
A detecting means provided on the bottom plate for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium in at least one of the plurality of medium storage units;
A recording apparatus comprising: A recording head for recording on a recording medium;
A plurality of medium accommodating portions for accommodating the recording medium;
A first base portion provided on one side across the medium accommodating portion in a direction intersecting a feeding direction of the recording medium;
A second base portion provided on the other side;
A bottom plate that connects the first base portion and the second base portion and is positioned below the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the apparatus height direction;
A detecting means provided on the bottom plate for detecting the presence or absence of at least one medium accommodating portion among the plurality of medium accommodating portions;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit receives a light emitting unit that irradiates light toward the recording medium or the medium housing unit, and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit. Means and
Each of the plurality of medium accommodating portions is formed with a passing portion through which the light passes,
The detection means detects the recording medium through the passage;
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit receives a light emitting unit that irradiates light toward the recording medium or the medium housing unit, and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit. Means and
Each of the plurality of medium accommodating portions is formed with a passing portion through which the light passes,
The detection means detects the presence or absence of the medium accommodating portion by detecting the recording medium accommodated in the medium accommodating portion via the passage portion;
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit detects the presence / absence of the medium container by detecting bottoms of the plurality of medium containers.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bottom plate is positioned closer to an end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions on the downstream side in the feeding direction.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bottom plate is positioned closer to an upstream end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the feeding direction.
A recording apparatus. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bottom plate includes a first bottom plate positioned closer to an end portion of the plurality of medium accommodating portions on the downstream side in the feeding direction; and A second bottom plate located near the upstream end of the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the feeding direction;
With
The detection means is provided on at least one of the first bottom plate and the second bottom plate.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detection unit is disposed in a region where the plurality of medium storage portions overlap in the apparatus height direction.
A recording apparatus. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of medium accommodating portions are positioned above the first medium accommodating portion in the apparatus height direction with respect to the first medium accommodating portion. A second medium accommodating section that
A first state in which the recording medium can be fed from the first medium housing unit by sliding the second medium housing unit in the feeding direction of the recording medium; Switching between the second state in which the recording medium can be fed from the medium container,
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The first base portion and the second base portion are connected and positioned downstream of the recording head in the feeding path of the recording medium, and above the plurality of medium accommodating portions in the apparatus height direction. A top plate placed on the side,
A control unit provided on the top plate,
With
The control unit is connected to a cable extending from the detection means,
A recording apparatus. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cable includes a side of the first base portion and the second base portion facing the medium accommodating portion at a wall portion facing the medium accommodating portion or the medium accommodating portion. Led to the control part through the opposite side of the part,
A recording apparatus.

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