JP5534156B2 - Medium feeding device and recording device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a medium feeding apparatus provided with a feeding path through which a medium to be fed is fed and a feeding means for feeding the medium to be fed, and a recording apparatus equipped with the medium feeding apparatus.
In the present application, the recording apparatus includes types such as an ink jet printer, a wire dot printer, a laser printer, a line printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile.

  Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a printer as an example of a recording apparatus has a medium feeding device and a recording unit. The medium feeding device includes a feeding path, feeding means, and a motor. Among these, the feed path had a first path having a side-curved section and a second path straight in side view. In the first path, a flexible medium such as plain paper, which is an example of a recording medium (a medium to be sent), is sent. On the other hand, in the second path, a rigid body such as a CD-R tray which is an example of a recording medium or a medium which hardly bends is sent.

  Further, the recording unit has a recording head and is provided so that recording can be performed on a medium. Still further, the feeding means is provided so that the medium can be sent to the recording unit. The motor is provided so as to drive the feeding means. Therefore, when the flexible medium is fed while being guided by the first path, recording can be performed by the recording unit. Similarly, when the rigid body or a medium that hardly bends is fed while being guided by the second path, recording can be performed by the recording unit.

JP 2005-125766 A

  However, when the medium is fed by the second path, the medium protrudes from the rear of the printer (medium feeding device), so that the medium may come into contact with an obstacle such as a wall around the rear of the printer (medium feeding device). There is. In such a case, there is a risk that the recording is interrupted, and the user has to change the installation location of the printer (medium feeding device) in order to secure a space around the back of the printer (medium feeding device). That is, it takes time to move the printer.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a medium feeding device that takes into consideration the possibility that the medium to be fed comes into contact with an obstacle such as a wall on the back side of the medium feeding device. It is.

In order to achieve the above object, a medium feeding device according to one aspect of the present invention is a medium feeding device including a feeding path through which a medium to be fed is fed and a feeding unit that feeds the medium to be fed. The path extends in the front-rear direction of the medium feeding device, and on the rear side of the medium feeding device, a first posture that follows the rear surface and a second posture that tilts backward from the rear surface and tilts with respect to the front-rear direction. A guide member capable of taking an attitude, wherein the guide member in the first attitude opens the rear side in the front-rear direction in the feed path, and the guide member in the second attitude is The front side in the advancing direction of the medium to be fed from the front side in the front-rear direction is guided on the guide member, and the medium to be fed is guided on the guide member. Sent feed Characterized in that it is configured to send the front-rear direction front side back to.
The first aspect of the medium feed device of the present invention includes a feeding path which the feed medium is fed to a medium feeding apparatus and a feeding means for feeding an object to be feeding medium, the feed path said medium It extends in the front-rear direction of the feeding device, and takes a first posture that follows the back side of the medium feeding device and a second posture that tilts backward from the back side and tilts with respect to the front-rear direction. The guide member in the first posture opens the rear side in the front-rear direction in the feed path, and the guide member in the second posture is in the front-rear direction in the feed path by the feed means. The structure is characterized in that the leading end side in the advancing direction of the medium to be fed fed from the front side to the rear side is guided on the guide member.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the second posture, the direction in which the medium to be fed is fed can be changed on the back side of the medium feeding device as compared with the case of the first posture. That is, the length by which the medium to be fed projects to the rear side can be shortened. As a result, the possibility that the medium to be fed comes into contact with an obstacle such as a wall on the back side of the medium feeding device can be reduced.
In the first posture, the guide member follows the back surface and does not get in the way on the back surface side.

Further, in the second posture, the posture falls to the rear side and is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. That is, the posture falls down after an angle. Therefore, on the back side, the second posture can be set even when it is not possible to ensure a sufficient space for the medium to be fed to protrude rearward in the first posture. That is, the guide member can be opened rearward. And even if it is a case where a to-be-delivered medium is sent to the said back side, a possibility that it may contact with obstructions, such as the wall of the said back side, can be reduced.
As a result, there is no possibility that the user has to change the installation location of the medium feeding device in order to secure a space around the rear of the medium feeding device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the guide member is formed in a section in which the feed path provided on the front side in the front-rear direction from the guide member in the second posture is not bent sideways. A comb-like rib, and the comb-like rib from the unbent section when the medium to be fed is sent from the front side in the front-rear direction to the rear side in the second posture. It is characterized in that it constitutes a side-bending portion that changes to the upper section.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effect as the first aspect, when the medium to be fed is sent to the rear side in the case of the first posture, the front end in the traveling direction of the medium to be fed is smooth. Can be guided to. That is, there is no possibility of being caught at the side-bending portion.
Further, the frictional resistance can be reduced as compared with a configuration that is not comb-like. As a result, the load on the feeding means can be reduced.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the switching between the first posture and the second posture is performed by using the width direction of the medium to be fed as a fulcrum shaft as a free end of the guide member. The side is swung to the rear side, and the fulcrum at the time of swinging is displaced in the direction approaching the feed path, so that the second posture is achieved, and the free end side of the guide member is moved from the second posture to the front side. The first posture is formed by swinging and displacing a fulcrum at the time of swinging in a direction away from the feed path.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effect as the first or second aspect, the displacement angle of the guide member is reduced by the displacement as compared with a configuration in which the guide member is not displaced. be able to. Thereby, the distance by which the free end side swings to the rear side can be shortened as compared with a configuration in which the free end side is not displaced. As a result, even when the rear space is narrow, the second posture can be obtained. This is particularly effective for a configuration in which the first posture and the second posture can be switched.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, a pair of first protrusions and a pair of second protrusions are formed on both sides of the guided medium in the width direction of the guide member. A pair of grooves engaging with the first protrusion and the second protrusion are formed on the base portion side of the feeder.
According to the 4th aspect of this invention, in addition to the effect similar to a 3rd aspect, the attitude | position of the said guide member can be supported by two points of side views. As a result, the posture of the guide member can be stabilized in the first posture and the second posture.
Further, it is possible to easily configure a mechanism in which the guide member swings and the fulcrum at the time of swinging is displaced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, a rotatable pinion provided on the guide member side, a rack provided on the base portion side of the medium feeding device and meshing with the pinion, Is further provided.
According to the 5th aspect of this invention, in addition to the effect similar to the 3rd or 4th aspect, a pinion can be made to play the role as a roller. As a result, the guide member can be moved smoothly.
Note that the position of the grease applied to the rack and the pinion can be stabilized by using the rack and pinion mechanism. That is, there is no possibility that the grease is pushed to the end when the posture of the guide member changes. As a result, the smoothness when the posture changes can be stabilized.

A recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a feeding path through which a recording medium is sent, a recording unit that records on the recording medium by a recording head, and sending the recording medium in the feeding path in the feeding direction. And a guide member that guides the recording medium in the curved section of the feeding path, and a position where the downstream end in the feeding direction during recording on the recording medium is downstream in the feeding direction during recording from the recording unit The recording medium placed on the recording medium is sent to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording by the feeding means and then sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording. In the recording apparatus configured to execute recording, the feeding path includes a first state in which a feeding path including the curved section is selected by the displacement of the guide member, and the curved section. Na The second state in which the feeding path is selected is provided so as to be switchable. In the second state, the recording medium is moved upstream from the recording unit to the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording. The feeding path is configured to be able to protrude, and in the first state, the curved section is provided on the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording from the recording unit.
Further, as another aspect, a feeding path through which the recording medium is sent, a recording unit for recording with respect to the recording medium by a recording head, feeding means for feeding the recording medium in the feeding path in the feeding direction, A guide member for guiding the recording medium in a curved section of the feeding path, and by feeding the recording medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording by the feeding means and then returning to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording. The recording apparatus is configured to feed to the recording unit, and the recording unit performs recording on a recording medium, and the feeding path includes a curved section when the guide member is displaced. The first state in which the recording path is selected and the second state in which the feeding path not including the curved section is selected are switchable. In the second state, the recording unit feeds during recording. On the improved flow side, the feeding path is configured such that the recording medium can protrude from the recording apparatus to the upstream side, and in the first state, the curved portion is curved upstream from the recording unit in the feeding direction during recording. A section is provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the length of the recording medium protruding from the recording apparatus in the feeding direction of the second state is shorter in the first state than in the second state. can do. Therefore, in the first state, recording can be performed even if the protruding space around the recording apparatus is narrower than the space required in the second state. That is, when the recording medium is fed upstream in the feeding direction during recording, the recording medium can be bent along the feeding path in the first state. And the distance of the direction component which protrudes to the said protrusion side of the said 2nd state can be shortened in the said 1st state by this bending. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from hitting an obstacle such as a wall around the recording apparatus. As a result, recording can be executed in the first state, and the user does not need to move the recording device in order to ensure a sufficient space necessary for the second state. This is particularly effective when the size of the recording medium is long in the feed direction.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is a feed roller pair according to the sixth aspect, wherein the feed means includes a feed drive roller that is driven by the power of the motor and a feed driven roller that rotates according to the feed drive roller. The feed roller pair is provided so as to be able to switch between a third state in which the feed drive roller and the feed driven roller are close to each other and a fourth state in which the feed roller is separated from each other, and a recording medium is placed thereon At this time, the feed roller pair is in the fourth state, and the feed roller pair is switched to the third state by a recording execution instruction to sandwich the recording medium, and the feeding roller pair sandwiches the recording medium The recording section is fed to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, and then sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording. It characterized in that it is configured to perform recording on a recording medium in a state of being sandwiched by.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as the sixth aspect, the recording is performed by sending the sheet once upstream and then sending it while being pinched by the roller pair. It is a configuration. In such a case, a configuration in which the first state and the second state can be switched by the guide member is particularly effective. That is, it is particularly effective when the configuration cannot be fed unless it is pinched by a pair of rollers.
For example, this is particularly effective when special paper or cardboard thicker than so-called plain paper cannot be fed like plain paper.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the posture is provided upstream of the recording unit in the feeding direction during recording, and is inclined with respect to the feeding direction during recording in the second state. A first loading section on which the recording medium is stacked, a feeding roller for feeding the recording medium placed on the first loading section to the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording, and the recording section In the case of a first recording medium having flexibility and lower than a first predetermined elastic value, the second mounting portion provided on the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording. The medium is set on the first mounting portion, and the feeding roller feeds the first recording medium to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, has flexibility, and is equal to or more than the first predetermined elastic value. In the case of a second recording medium that is higher than the first predetermined elastic value and less than a second predetermined elastic value, the second recording medium is inserted into the second mounting portion. In the first state, the feeding means sends the second recording medium to the recording section by sending the second recording medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording, and sends the second recording medium to the recording section. In the case of a third recording medium that is greater than or equal to the value, the third recording medium is set on the second placement section, and in the second state, the feeding means records the third recording medium. In this configuration, the recording unit is fed to the upstream side in the feeding direction and then sent to the downstream side.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effects as the seventh aspect, the recording apparatus can correspond to the first to third recording media.
For example, the first recording medium is plain paper, the second recording medium is special paper, and the third recording medium is so-called cardboard, which is thicker than special paper. In the case of plain paper, it is set on the first loading unit on the upstream side, sent to the downstream side by the feeding roller, and recorded by the recording unit. In the case of special paper, the paper is set on the second loading section on the downstream side, and once sent to the upstream side by the feed roller pair in the first state, then sent to the downstream side and recorded by the recording section. Furthermore, in the case of a substantially rigid body such as cardboard, the sheet is set on the second mounting portion on the downstream side, and once sent to the upstream side by the feed roller pair in the second state and then sent to the downstream side by the recording portion. It is the structure which records. In such a case, a configuration in which the first state and the second state can be switched by the guide member is particularly effective.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire printer according to the invention (second cover member closed). FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the entire printer according to the present invention (second cover member opened). FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating a state where a movable guide member of the printer of the present invention is closed. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating a state in which a movable guide member of the printer of the present invention is open. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing the inside of the printer according to the present invention (when transporting a first type of medium). FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing the inside of the printer of the present invention (when transporting a second type of medium). FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing the inside of the printer of the present invention (when transporting a third type of medium). The schematic side view (closed state) which shows the structure to which a movable guide member moves. The schematic side view which shows the structure to which a movable guide member moves (open state). The principal part expansion perspective view which shows the connection of the movable guide member of the open state, and the 1st guide part. The figure which shows the method of the erroneous set determination which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows how to determine the correction value which concerns on this invention. The schematic side view which shows the positional relationship of a sensor etc. in determination of a correction value. The figure which shows the electric current value of a motor according to kind, such as the thickness, size, and material of a medium. The figure which shows the relationship between the position of the rear end of a medium, and the error of feed amount. The figure which shows the relationship between the increment of the electric current value of a motor, and the magnitude | size of a required correction value.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a state in which a second cover member (first tray), which will be described later, of an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as “printer”) 1 as an example of a “recording apparatus” or “liquid ejecting apparatus” is closed. It is a perspective view. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second cover member (first tray) of the printer is opened to the front of the printer, and a second tray to be described later projects forward. .

  Here, the liquid ejecting apparatus refers to an ink jet recording apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile, or the like that performs recording on a recording material by ejecting ink from a recording head as a liquid ejecting head to a recording material such as recording paper. In addition to the recording apparatus, instead of ink, a liquid corresponding to a specific application is ejected from the liquid ejecting head corresponding to the recording head to the ejected material corresponding to the recording material, and the liquid is ejected to the ejected material. Used to include the device to be attached.

  Further, as the liquid ejecting head, in addition to the recording head described above, a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, an electrode material used for forming an electrode such as an organic EL display or a surface emitting display (FED). (Conductive paste) A jet head, a bio-organic matter jet head used for biochip manufacturing, a sample jet head for jetting a sample as a precision pipette, and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer 1 has a housing 2. Further, the housing 2 has a medium feeding device 42 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) described later. A first cover member 4 is provided above the printer 1 in the vertical direction. The first cover member 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in a closed state. However, when the first cover member 4 is opened upward, a first hopper 23 serving as a first placement portion 22 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) described later by the user is first attached. It is provided so that plain paper P1, which is an example of one type of medium, can be set.

Here, the “first type medium” refers to a first feeding path (R1 (see FIG. 5)) by a feeding roller 27 which is a first feeding means 26 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) as will be described later. A medium that can be sent. Specifically, the first feeding is a medium that is flexible and lower than the first predetermined elastic value, and that applies a feeding force smaller than the second feeding means 35 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) described later to the medium. It is a medium sent by means 26 (see FIGS. 5 to 7), and is a medium sent one by one from the state of being stacked on the first mounting portion 22 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). Further, “plain paper” refers to a commonly used paper having a weight of about 60 to 90 g / square m. Of course, it may be outside this range.
The “first predetermined elastic value” is a limit value at which the medium (P1) can be sent on the first feeding path (R1) by the first feeding means 26 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). That is, it is the highest value among the elastic values that can be sent.

An operation unit 3 having buttons and the like is provided in front of the printer 1. The user can set the recording condition, the condition of the medium such as paper, and the like by operating the operation unit 3. Furthermore, a recording execution start signal is sent to a control unit (not shown) when operated.
Furthermore, a second cover member 5 is provided in front of the printer 1. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the second cover member 5 is closed.

On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the second cover member 5 is opened. When the second cover member 5 is opened and slid so that the inside of the second cover member 5 is pulled out and extended, the first tray 7 serving as the first discharge portion 6 from which the plain paper P1 is discharged is provided. To play a role.
When the second cover member 5 is opened, the internal second tray 10 can protrude forward of the printer 1. In the state where the second tray 10 protrudes, the second tray 10 is an example of board paper, a CD-R tray P2, and a third type medium that are examples of a second type medium that is a thick medium as will be described later. It serves as the second placement section 8 on which the special paper P3 can be placed.

Here, the “second type of medium” refers to a medium that cannot be sent on the first feeding path (R1) by the first feeding means 26, as will be described later. Specifically, it refers to a highly rigid medium that does not have flexibility, or a medium that has flexibility but has a strong elasticity equal to or greater than the second predetermined elastic value. “Board paper” means a panel (board) integrated with a medium.
The “second predetermined elastic value” is a value higher than the first predetermined elastic value, and the medium (P2) is moved on the third feeding path (R3) by the second feeding means 35 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). It is a limit value that cannot be sent. That is, it is the lowest value among the elastic values that cannot be sent.

The “third type of medium” is a medium that cannot be sent on the first feeding path (R1) by the first feeding means 26 as in the case of the “second type of medium”. It has a weaker elasticity than the “second type medium”. More specifically, it refers to a medium that is greater than or equal to the first predetermined elastic value and less than the second predetermined elastic value. Further, the “dedicated paper” is a paper that is used for a specific purpose such as a photograph unlike the plain paper P1, and has a so-called firmness compared to the plain paper P1. “Koshi” means elasticity.
The second tray 10 is provided with a second edge guide 11 that determines the position of the set “second type medium” and “third type medium” in the width direction X.

Further, the second tray 10 also serves as a second discharge unit 9 from which board paper after recording, the CD-R tray P2 and the dedicated paper P3 are discharged.
Furthermore, a movable guide member 25 is provided behind the printer 1. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the movable guide member 25 is opened rearward. More specifically, the movable guide member 25 is opened and slid so as to pull out the inside of the movable guide member 25 and extended upward. As will be described in detail later, the movable guide member 25 is provided so as to have a configuration in which the feeding path (R3) of the medium is bent sideways by opening the special paper P3 when recording (see FIG. 7).

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the movable guide member of the printer of the present invention is closed. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing a state where the movable guide member of the printer of the present invention is opened.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the movable guide member 25 is provided to be openable and closable behind the printer 1. And in the state which the movable guide member 25 closed, it is comprised so that it may become the same surface as the surface of the rear side in the housing | casing 2. FIG. In other words, when the movable guide member 25 is not used, the movable guide member 25 is stored so that the outer surface of the movable guide member 25 is flush with the rear surface of the housing 2.

On the other hand, in a state where the movable guide member 25 is opened, as described above, the movable guide member 25 can be slid so as to be pulled out and extended upward. And it can be set as the structure which has the area S2 which side-curved the feed path | route (R3) so that it may mention later.
The opening / closing operation of the movable guide member 25 may be manually opened / closed by the user, but may be configured to be automatically opened / closed by the power of the motor. In the case of a configuration that automatically opens and closes, the printer 1 can be configured to open and close based on a set recording condition, a condition of a medium such as paper, and the like.
[In the case of plain paper (the first kind of medium)]

Next, the inside of the printer 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the inside of the printer when plain paper (first type medium) is conveyed and recorded.
As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 1 includes a medium feeding device 42 that feeds a medium, and a recording unit 30. Further, the medium feeding device 42 includes a first placement unit 22, a first feeding unit 26, a separating unit 28, a second feeding unit 35, a recording unit 30, a third feeding unit 38, and a first discharge. Part 6. Among these, the 1st loading part 22 is provided so that plain paper P1 can be loaded. Specifically, the first placement unit 22 includes a hopper 23 and a first edge guide 24.

  The hopper 23 is provided so as to be able to move toward and away from a feeding roller 27 described later integrally with the loaded plain paper P1. Further, the first edge guide 24 moves so as to move toward and away from the feeding roller 27 integrally with the hopper 23 so that the first edge guide 24 can move on the hopper in the width direction X on both sides in the width direction of the plain paper P1. Is provided.

Therefore, both side edges of the plain paper P1 placed on the hopper can be neatly aligned. Further, the position of the plain paper P1 in the width direction X can be accurately determined on the hopper.
The first feeding means 26 is provided so that the plain paper P1 on the hopper can be fed downstream in the feeding direction. Specifically, the first feeding means 26 has a feeding roller 27 that is driven by a first motor (not shown).

The uppermost plain paper P1 can be fed to the downstream side in the feed direction by a frictional force when the uppermost plain paper P1 comes into contact with the feeding roller 27 on the hopper.
In the present embodiment, the hopper 23 that is the first placement unit 22 is configured to move toward and away from the feeding roller 27, but is not limited thereto. Any structure may be used as long as the hopper 23 and the feeding roller 27 are relatively moved toward and away from each other. In other words, it is a matter of course that the feed roller 27 may move toward and away from the hopper 23.

Furthermore, the separating means 28 can separate the extra next ordinary paper P1 from the uppermost ordinary paper P1 when a plurality of plain papers P1 fed by the first feeding means 26 overlap. Is provided. Specifically, the separating unit 28 includes a so-called retard roller 29 that is a roller that rotates with a predetermined load, which is a known technique, as an example.
Of course, the separating means 28 may be a pad formed of a material having a high friction coefficient.

The leading edge of the uppermost plain paper P1 is guided to the second feed means 35 by the second guide portion 44 provided downstream of the first guide portion 43 in the feed direction during recording (arrow direction of the Y axis). It is comprised so that.
Here, as will be described later, the first guide unit 43 is configured to guide the medium when the medium is a dedicated paper P3, board paper, CD-R tray or the like P2.

Further, in the case of plain paper P1, the second feeding means 35 is configured to send the plain paper P1 sent by the first feeding means 26 to the recording unit 30 further downstream in the feed direction.
As will be described in detail later, in the case of P2 media such as dedicated paper P3, board paper, CD-R tray, etc., these media can be sent upstream and downstream in the feed direction during recording. ing.

Specifically, the second feeding means 35 has a first roller pair 36. The first roller pair 36 includes, for example, a first drive roller 36a that is driven by the power of the second motor 41 that is a DC motor, and a first driven roller 36b that is driven to rotate.
Here, the “DC motor” refers to a so-called “DC motor with brush” or “brushless motor” using a DC power supply, and does not include a “stepping motor” that is driven in proportion to the number of input pulses.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, the second feeding means 35 is configured so that the first driving roller 36a and the first driven roller 36b can relatively move toward and away from each other by the first contact and separation moving means 37. Yes. That is, it can be switched between an approaching state and a separated state. In the present embodiment, the first driven roller 36b is provided so as to move toward and away from the first drive roller 36a.

Needless to say, the first driving roller 36a may move toward and away from the first driven roller 36b. The reason why the first driven roller 36b is configured to move toward and away from the first driving roller 36a in the present embodiment is compared with a configuration in which the driving side is movable considering the power transmission mechanism to the first driving roller 36a. This is because it is easier to make the configuration in which the driven rotation side is movable.
Further, as the first contact / separation moving means 37 that is a means for moving toward and away from each other, a mechanism for transmitting power by a cam mechanism or a gear mechanism can be exemplified.

Further, when the plain paper P1 is fed from the first feeding means 26 to the second feeding means 35, a so-called skew removing operation, which is an operation for correcting the posture of the plain paper P1 with respect to the feeding direction, is performed. Yes.
The skew removing operation may be a so-called “breaking-out discharge method” or “butting method”.
Here, the “biting and discharging method” means that the first roller pair 36 which is the second feeding means 35 once holds the leading edge of the plain paper P1, and the first roller pair 36 is reversed to reverse the leading edge side of the plain paper P1. Is fed back upstream in the feed direction. Then, the plain paper P1 is bent between the feeding roller 27 as the first feeding means 26 and the first roller pair 36 as the second feeding means 35, and the leading edge of the plain paper P1 is moved to the first roller pair 36. This is a method that follows the nip line by pressing the nip line.

That is, after causing the leading edge of the plain paper P1 to bite once on the first roller pair 36, the plain paper P1 is bent by discharging the leading edge side of the plain paper P1 to the upstream side in the feed direction so that the posture of the leading edge becomes the nip line. A method of copying.
Here, the “nip line” refers to a line formed by a circumscribed portion of the first roller pair 36. That is, it is a line formed by a portion to be clamped in the first roller pair 36.

  On the other hand, the “butting method” refers to the first roller pair 36 in a state where the plain paper P1 is fed to the downstream side in the feed direction by the feed roller 27 and the leading end of the plain paper P1 is stopped or reversely driven. This is a method in which the posture of the tip is made to follow the nip line by pressing against the nip line. That is, it refers to a system in which the leading edge of the plain paper P1 is brought into contact with the first roller pair 36 so that the attitude of the leading edge follows the nip line. Note that the plain paper P1 may be bent between the feeding roller 27 and the first roller pair 36 so that the posture of the leading edge follows the nip line, or the leading edge posture is copied to the nip line without bending. You may let them.

Therefore, in the case of the plain paper P1, even when the orientation of the plain paper P1 with respect to the feeding direction is inclined, the orientation of the plain paper P1 can be corrected and sent to the recording unit 30.
The recording unit 30 is configured to perform recording on the medium (P1 to P3) such as plain paper that has been sent. Specifically, the recording unit 30 includes a recording head 31 and a medium support unit 34.

  Among these, the recording head 31 is provided so that recording can be executed by ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle row 32. The medium support portion 34 is provided at a position facing the recording head 31. The medium (P1 to P3) such as plain paper is supported from below in the vertical direction so that a predetermined distance can be maintained between the recording head 31 and the medium (P1 to P3) such as plain paper. Is provided.

In the recording unit 30, the interval in the Z-axis direction between the recording head 31 and the medium support unit 34 can be adjusted according to the type of material, thickness, etc. of the medium (P1 to P3) to be sent. It is assumed that In other words, it is assumed that the recording head 31 and the medium support portion 34 can be relatively displaced. This displacement may be manual or automatic.
Here, the direction of the Z axis is a direction in which the recording head 31 and the medium (P1 to P3) face each other.

  The recording head 31 may be displaced with respect to the medium support portion 34, or conversely, the medium support portion 34 may be displaced with respect to the recording head 31. This is to prevent contact between the recording medium 31 (P1 to P3) and the recording head 31. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the recording head 31 from being damaged, dirty, and the media (P1 to P3) from being damaged or dirty.

  Furthermore, the third feeding means 38 is provided downstream of the recording unit 30 in the feeding direction during recording, and is provided so that the recorded medium (P1 to P3) can be further fed to the downstream side of the feeding direction. Yes. Specifically, the third feeding unit 38 has a second roller pair 39 as in the second feeding unit 35 described above. The second roller pair 39 includes a second driving roller 39a that is driven by the power of the second motor 41 and a second driven roller 39b that is driven to rotate.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, the third feed means 38 is configured such that the second drive roller 39a and the second driven roller 39b can be moved relative to each other by the second contact / separation movement means 40. Yes. That is, it can be switched between an approaching state and a separated state. In the present embodiment, the second driven roller 39b is provided so as to move toward and away from the second drive roller 39a.

  The first discharge unit 6 can receive and stack the plain paper P1 when the plain paper P1 recorded in the recording unit 30 is sent to the downstream side in the feed direction by the third feed unit 38 and discharged. It is provided so that it can. Specifically, the first discharge unit 6 includes a first tray 7 provided downstream of the third feeding unit 38 in the feeding direction during recording and below the vertical direction. Therefore, the plain paper P1 discharged continuously can be stacked.

As described above, when the medium is plain paper P1, the medium is guided to the first feeding path R1 that is the path from the first loading unit 22 to the first discharge unit 6.
In FIG. 5, the second discharge unit 9 is not shown for easy understanding. It is assumed that the second tray 10 that is the second discharge unit 9 is located at a position that does not hinder the discharge of the plain paper P1 onto the first tray.
[In the case of board paper, CD-R tray, etc. (second type medium)]

Next, a case where the medium is board paper, a CD-R tray or the like (second type medium) will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing the inside of the printer when carrying and recording board paper, a CD-R tray or the like.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the movable guide member 25 is closed, the upper surface of the second tray 10, the upper surface of the medium support portion 34, the upper surface of the second guide portion 44, and the upper surface of the first guide portion 43 are aligned in a side view. It is comprised so that.

The second upper surface of the second tray 10, the upper surface of the medium support portion 34, the upper surface of the second guide portion 44, and the upper surface of the first guide portion 43 are second feed paths that are used to send board paper, a CD-R tray, etc. A feed path R2 is configured. That is, the second feed path R2 is configured on a straight line when viewed from the side. This is because when the medium is a board paper, a CD-R tray, or the like P2, the medium is rigid or has a strong elasticity, so that it cannot be fed on the first feeding path (R1) curved sideways. This is because it is necessary to provide the second feed path R2 configured on a straight line when viewed from the side separately from the first feed path R1.
Needless to say, in the case of a third type medium (P3) to be described later, it is possible to send the second feed path (R2) in the same manner as the second type medium (P2).

Specifically, when the medium is board paper, a CD-R tray or the like P2, the user places the board paper, CD-R tray or the like P2 on the second tray 10 which is the second placement unit 8 in front of the printer 1. Place. At this time, by setting the type of medium with the operation unit 3, the first roller pair 36 is separated by the first contact / separation moving means 37. Similarly, the second roller pair 39 is separated by the second contact / separation moving means 40. Then, the user aligns the medium at a predetermined position on the second tray according to the type of the medium.
Here, the “predetermined position” refers to a position where a part of the medium (P2, P3) is located between the first drive roller 36a and the first driven roller 36b of the first roller pair 36.

Thereafter, the user operates the operation unit 3 to send a recording execution start signal to the control unit. Thereby, the first roller pair 36 is switched to the approached state. Therefore, the medium (P2, P3) is sandwiched between the first roller pair 36.
Here, a first sensor 33 is provided between the first roller pair 36 and the recording head 31 to detect the presence or absence of the medium (P2, P3). Therefore, the printer 1 can determine that the medium (P2, P3) has been set. Based on this determination, the control unit switches the first roller pair 36 to the approached state. If it is determined that the medium (P2, P3) is not set, an error may be displayed.

  The second roller pair 39 remains in the separated state. This is because the first roller pair 36 is configured to give the accuracy of feeding the media (P2, P3). Of course, the second roller pair 39 may be switched to the approached state in the same manner as the first roller pair 36. In this case, the “predetermined position” may be a position where a part of the medium (P2, P3) is positioned between the second driving roller 39a and the second driven roller 39b of the second roller pair 39.

The medium (P2, P3) sandwiched between the first roller pair 36 is sent upstream in the feeding direction during recording until the first sensor 33 no longer detects the medium (P2, P3). At this time, the medium (P2, P3) is fed by the second tray 10, the medium support section 34, the second guide section 44, and the first guide section 43 while being fed on the second feed path (R2) during recording. Move upstream.
Here, when the length of the medium (P2, P3) is long, the upstream side in the feed direction during recording on the medium (P2, P3) protrudes to the outside of the housing 2 while being guided by the first guide portion 43. It is configured to be able to. That is, the printer 1 is configured to protrude rearward.

The printer 1 can grasp the position of the downstream end in the feeding direction during recording on the medium (P2, P3) based on the timing at which the first sensor 33 no longer detects the medium (P2, P3). That is, the position of the tip of the medium (P2, P3) at the time of recording can be grasped. By driving the first roller pair 36 based on this, the position of the tip of the medium (P2, P3) at the time of recording can be matched with the reference position at the start of recording. This is so-called cueing.
At this time, the medium (P2, P3) is still held between the first roller pair 36.

  Thereafter, the medium (P2, P3) is sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording by the first roller pair 36, and is recorded by the recording unit 30. When the recording is completed, the medium (P2, P3) is further fed to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording by the first roller pair 36, and is discharged to the second tray 10. That is, it is ejected to a position substantially the same as the position where the user has set the media (P2, P3).

By setting the type of medium (P2, P3) with the operation unit 3, the second tray 10 is located downstream of the third feeding unit 38 in the feeding direction during recording and at the same height in the vertical direction Z. You may comprise so that it may move to. The second tray 10 may be moved by the power of a motor (not shown) or may be manually switched.
Further, in the case where the discharge in the case of the plain paper P1 is not hindered and the upper surface of the second tray 10 is the same height as the upper surface of the medium support portion 34 in the vertical direction Z, the same position as that of the plain paper P1 It may be. In such a case, the position of the second tray 10 may be moved to the position shown in FIG. 6 in conjunction with the operation of opening the second cover member 5 forward.

In addition, the control unit is configured to determine whether or not the movable guide member 25 is in the closed state illustrated in FIG. 6 using a second sensor (not illustrated). This is because it is determined whether or not the second feed path R2, which is a feed path through which P2 such as board paper and a CD-R tray is sent, is opened behind the printer 1.
And when it is open, it is configured to urge the user to close it with care. For example, it can be urged by displaying that fact on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel provided in the operation unit 3 or by issuing a warning sound.
[In the case of special paper (type 3 media)]

Next, a case where the medium is a dedicated paper (third type medium) will be described.
FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the inside of the printer when the dedicated paper is conveyed and recorded.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the movable guide member 25 is opened, the first straight section is defined by the upper surface of the second tray 10, the upper surface of the medium support portion 34, the upper surface of the second guide portion 44, and the upper surface of the first guide portion 43. S1 is configured. Further, a section S <b> 2 that is laterally curved is formed by the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording on the upper surface of the first guide portion 43 and the swing fulcrum side of the movable guide member 25. Furthermore, a second straight section S3 is configured by the free end side of the movable guide member 25.

  The first straight section S1, the side-curved section S2, and the second straight section S3 constitute a third feed path R3 that is a feed path through which the dedicated paper P3 is fed. That is, the third feed path R3 is configured to have a section S2 that is curved in the side view behind the printer 1. The reason is that the dedicated paper P3, which is a flexible medium, is placed on the second placement unit 8 in the same manner as P2 such as board paper, CD-R tray, etc. This is to bend the posture on the upstream side in the feed direction during recording on the dedicated paper P3 when fed to the upstream side in the direction.

  Thereby, the distance by which the medium (P3) protrudes behind the printer 1 can be shortened as compared with the case where the second feed path R2 is used. Therefore, even if there is an obstacle such as a wall of the room near the back of the printer 1, there is almost no possibility that the medium (P3) protruding rearward of the printer 1 will come into contact with the obstacle before the recording is performed. It can be eliminated. As a result, in the case of the dedicated paper P3, by using the third feed path R3 instead of the second feed path R2, a sufficiently wide space required when using the second feed path R2 is secured behind the printer 1. There is no need to do.

That is, in the case of the dedicated paper P3, it is possible to eliminate the user's trouble of moving the printer 1 forward in order to ensure a sufficiently wide space behind the printer 1.
Note that the special paper P3 is more elastic than the plain paper P1, and has a large frictional resistance and the like generated between the special paper P3 and the feed path. For this reason, it is difficult for the feeding roller 27 to apply a sufficient feeding force to the special paper P3, and it is not possible to feed in the same manner as the plain paper P1 through the first feeding path R1.

For this reason, the dedicated paper P3 is placed on the second placement portion 8 in the same manner as the board paper, CD-R tray, etc. P2, and is sandwiched between the first roller pair 36 and upstream in the feed direction during recording. And is configured to be sent downstream.
Here, since the first roller pair 36 is configured to firmly hold the medium (P3), the first roller pair 36 can apply a larger feeding force to the medium (P3) than the feeding roller 27. Shall.

The dedicated paper P3 cannot be fed in the same manner as the plain paper P1 through the first feed path R1, but has flexibility and elasticity compared to P2, such as board paper and a CD-R tray. It shall be a weak medium.
Thereafter, as in the case of the above-described board paper, CD-R tray, etc. P2, the dedicated paper P3 sandwiched between the first roller pair 36 is recorded until the first sensor 33 no longer detects the dedicated paper P3. It is sent upstream in the feed direction. At this time, the dedicated paper P3 is guided by the second tray 10, the medium support unit 34, the second guide unit 44, the first guide unit 43, and the movable guide member 25 during recording on the third feed path (R3). Move upstream in the feed direction.

The printer 1 can grasp the position of the downstream end in the feeding direction during recording on the dedicated paper P3 based on the timing at which the first sensor 33 no longer detects the dedicated paper P3. That is, the position of the leading edge of the dedicated paper P3 at the time of recording can be grasped. By driving the first roller pair 36 based on this, the position of the leading edge of the dedicated paper P3 at the time of recording can be adjusted to the reference position at the start of recording. This is so-called cueing.
At this time, the dedicated paper P3 is still held between the first roller pair 36.

  Thereafter, the dedicated paper P3 is sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording by the first roller pair 36 and is recorded by the recording unit 30. When the recording is completed, the dedicated paper P3 is further fed to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording by the first roller pair 36 and is discharged to the second tray 10. That is, the paper is discharged to a position substantially the same as the position where the user has set the dedicated paper P3.

Next, the opening / closing mechanism of the movable guide member 25 will be described in more detail.
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing the opening / closing mechanism in a state where the movable guide member is closed. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing the opening / closing mechanism in a state where the movable guide member is opened. Furthermore, FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a connection portion between the first guide portion and the movable guide member in a state where the movable guide member is opened.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the opening / closing mechanism 12 of the movable guide member 25 includes a first groove portion 17, a second groove portion 18, a first protrusion portion 14, a second protrusion portion 15, and an example of an urging means. And a spring 20. Among these, a pair of first groove portions 17 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the movable guide member 25 in the base portion 45 of the printer 1. Specifically, it extends in the Z-axis direction. A pair of the second groove portions 18 is provided on both sides in the width direction of the movable guide member 25 in the base portion 45 of the printer 1, similarly to the first groove portion 17.

  Further, the second groove portion 18 has a first portion 18a and a second portion 18b. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first portion 18 a above the Z-axis direction is provided so as to be substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the first groove portion 17 (Z-axis direction). Yes. The second portion 18b below the first portion 18a in the Z-axis direction extends in a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction. That is, the second groove portion 18 is configured to be bent in a side view.

Furthermore, a pair of first protrusions 14 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the movable guide member 25, and are configured to engage with the first groove portion 17. That is, the 1st protrusion 14 and the 1st groove part 17 are provided so that a groove cam may be comprised.
Similarly to the first protrusion 14, a pair of the second protrusions 15 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the movable guide member 25, and are configured to engage with the second groove 18. That is, the 2nd protrusion 15 and the 2nd groove part 18 are provided so that a groove cam may be comprised.

  Furthermore, the spring 20 is provided so as to bias the movable guide member 25 to the position where the movable guide member 25 is opened and to the position where the movable guide member 25 is closed. This is a so-called two-position stabilization mechanism that stabilizes the movable guide member 25 in two positions. Specifically, one end of the spring 20 is engaged with the base portion 45, and the other end is engaged with the second protrusion 15 of the movable guide member 25. And the spring 20 is comprised so that the 2nd protrusion 15 may always be urged | biased toward the both ends in the moving direction in a 2nd groove part. Therefore, there is no possibility that the movable guide member 25 is halfway between the opened state and the closed state.

A rack portion 19 is formed in the vicinity of the second groove portion 18 along the direction in which the second groove portion 18 extends. Furthermore, a pinion portion 16 that meshes with the rack portion 19 is rotatably provided on the second protrusion 15. The rack part 19 and the pinion part 16 constitute a rack and pinion mechanism, and the movable guide member 25 can be smoothly switched between an open state and a closed state. In other words, the pinion part 16 can serve as a roller that reduces the frictional resistance generated between the second protrusion 15 and the second groove part 18.
In this embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism is used to prevent the grease from being pushed to the end. Therefore, the smoothness at the time of switching can be maintained.

When switching from the closed state shown in FIG. 8 to the open state shown in FIG. 9, the user moves the upper part of the movable guide member 25 in FIG. 8 to the rear of the printer 1 (the right side in FIG. 8). At this time, the second protrusion 15 moves along the first portion 18 a of the second groove 18, and the movable guide member 25 swings around the first protrusion 14 that engages with the first groove 17.
It is assumed that a notch portion is formed above the movable guide member 25 so that the user can easily hook the finger.

  Thereafter, when the user tries to swing the upper direction of the movable guide member 25 in the direction of further opening (the right side in FIG. 8), the first protrusion 14 tries to move along the first groove portion 17. A force component that causes the member 25 to move downward is generated. As a result, the first protrusion 14 is guided by the first groove 17 and moves downward, and the second protrusion 15 is guided by the second portion 18b of the second groove 18 and moves downward.

  That is, the movable guide member 25 moves so as to swing from the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15 with the left side in FIG. 8 as a fulcrum. As a result, as compared with the configuration in which only one of the first projecting portion 14 and the second projecting portion 15 is swung as a fulcrum, the first guide portion 43 and the movable guide member 25 are connected, and the third feed path R3 described above is connected. It is possible to reduce the distance that the movable guide member 25 swings above the required distance. That is, the backward swing distance of the printer 1 can be shortened.

Therefore, the opening / closing operation is performed in comparison with the size of the space required for the opening / closing operation of the movable guide member 25 to the rear of the printer 1 in a configuration in which only one of the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15 swings. It is possible to reduce the size of the space required for the operation. That is, the movable guide member 25 can be opened and closed even in a narrow space.
In addition, the movement of the movable guide member 25 at this time does not necessarily have to be a swing with one point as a fulcrum. This is because a similar effect can be obtained even in a configuration in which the position of the fulcrum changes during the movement.

  The movement of the movable guide member 25 is stopped by at least one of the first protrusion 14 hitting the lower end of the first groove 17 and the second protrusion 15 hitting the lower end of the second groove 18. The movable guide member 25 shown in FIG. 9 is in an open state. At this time, the lower end of the movable guide member 25 and the first guide portion 43 are configured to mesh with each other (see FIG. 10). When the above-described third type of medium P3 is sent upstream in the feeding direction during recording, the third type of medium P3 is reached when the upstream end of the third type of medium P3 approaches the curved section S2 from the first straight section S1. This is to prevent the upstream end of P3 from being caught by the joint (connecting portion F) between the lower end of the movable guide member 25 and the first guide portion 43.

  Further, a description will be given of switching from the open state shown in FIG. 9 to the closed state shown in FIG. When the user tries to swing the upper direction of the movable guide member 25 in the closing direction (left side in FIG. 9), the first protrusion 14 tries to move along the first groove portion 17. A force component that tries to move upward is generated. Accordingly, the first protrusion 14 is guided upward by the first groove part 17 and moved upward, and the second protrusion 15 is guided by the second part 18b of the second groove part 18 and moved upward.

Thereafter, the user moves the upper part of the movable guide member 25 in FIG. 9 to the front of the printer 1 (left side in FIG. 9). At this time, the second protrusion 15 moves along the first portion 18 a of the second groove 18, and the movable guide member 25 swings around the first protrusion 14 that engages with the first groove 17. And the movable guide member 25 will be in the closed state shown in FIG.
Needless to say, the power of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the movable guide member 25 by the rack and pinion mechanism (16, 19), and the movable guide member 25 automatically opens and closes.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a joint between the lower end of the movable guide member and the first guide part.
As shown in FIG. 10, the 1st rib 13 is formed in the feed direction downstream in the recording time in a movable guide part. On the other hand, the second rib 21 is formed in the first guide portion 43. And in the state which the movable guide member 25 opened, it is comprised so that the 1st rib 13 and the 2nd rib 21 may mesh | engage in a comb-tooth shape. As a result, when the above-described third type medium P3 is sent upstream in the feeding direction during recording, the third type medium P3 is moved to the section S2 curved from the first straight section S1 when the third end of the third class medium P3 reaches the section S2. The upstream end of the similar medium P <b> 3 can be prevented from being caught by the joint (connecting portion F) between the lower end of the movable guide member 25 and the first guide portion 43.

Further, the first rib 13 and the second rib 21 reduce the frictional resistance between the third feed path R3 and the third type medium P3 as compared with the configuration in which the first rib 13 and the second rib 21 are not provided. can do. As a result, the load on the second feeding means 35 can be reduced.
In the configuration in which the second feed path R2 and the third feed path R3 can be switched, it is sufficient that the movable guide member 25 has the first rib 13, and the second rib 21 of the first guide portion 43 is not necessarily provided. You don't need to be. Even when the second rib 21 is not provided, when the third type medium P3 is fed upstream in the feeding direction during recording, the section S2 in which the upstream end of the third type medium P3 is curved from the first straight section S1. This is because it can be guided smoothly.

Next, an erroneous set determination method will be described.
Here, “erroneous setting” means that the second type of medium P2 is set on the second tray 10 in a state where the movable guide member 25 is opened and the third feed path R3 is configured as described above. . That is, the second type of medium P2 should not be sent via the third feed path R3, but should be sent via the second feed path R2. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the movable guide member 25 is opened and switched to the third feed path R3 for some reason, and the second type of medium P2 may be sent on the third feed path R3.

In such a case, if the second type of medium P2 is fed upstream in the feeding direction during recording and enters the section S2 where the entire second type of medium P2 is laterally curved, the second type of medium P2 and the printer 1 are damaged. There is a risk of doing.
In addition, in the state that the medium cannot be sent through the third feed path R3 but is mistakenly recognized as being able to be sent through the third feed path R3, the second type is switched to the third feed path R3. Medium P2 may be set on the second tray 10. There is a similar concern in such cases.
Therefore, the printer 1 of the present embodiment is configured to execute an erroneous set determination.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a method (sequence) of erroneous set determination according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 11, in step S <b> 1, the medium is set on the second tray 10 with the rear end of the medium (upstream end in the feeding direction during recording) being set to a predetermined position.
Here, it is assumed that the movable guide member 25 is in an open state and is switched to the third feed path R3.
Further, it is assumed that the second tray 10 is provided with a mark indicating which position the leading end of the medium should be aligned with.

  Therefore, the user can easily set the medium on the second tray according to the type of the medium, such as the size and material. Then, the control unit determines whether or not the user has pressed the “medium set OK” button. This is because the start of recording execution is a command. If the control unit determines that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S2 in order to start the operation of sending the medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording. On the other hand, when the control unit determines that the button is not pressed, the process returns to step S1 in order to wait for a recording execution start command.

In step S2, the control unit determines whether or not the first sensor 33 is detecting the medium. This is for checking whether the medium is set at a position where the first roller pair 36 can hold the medium.
At this time, the first roller pair 36 and the second roller pair 39 are separated as described above.

When the first sensor 33 is detecting the medium, the control unit determines that the medium is set at a normal predetermined position and the first roller pair 36 can hold the medium. Then, the process proceeds to step S3 in order to start the operation of feeding the medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording.
On the other hand, when the first sensor 33 is not detecting the medium, the control unit determines that the first roller pair 36 cannot pinch the medium because the medium is not set at a normal predetermined position. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S8 in order to have the user confirm whether or not the medium is set correctly.

  In step S3, first, the first roller pair 36 is switched to the approached state. This is because the first roller pair 36 holds the medium. Next, the second motor 41 is driven in reverse to drive the first roller pair 36 in reverse, thereby feeding the medium upstream in the feed direction during recording. At this time, the first sensor 33 switches from a state where the medium is detected to a state where the medium is not detected.

Then, the control unit further reversely drives the second motor 41 by the first predetermined amount (number of steps) from when the state of the first sensor 33 is switched to the non-detected state. This is for grasping the position of the medium.
Here, the “first predetermined amount (number of steps)” is the downstream end in the feeding direction at the time of recording on the medium from the position of the medium when the state of the first sensor 33 is switched to the undetected state. The amount is smaller than the amount corresponding to the distance until the tip reaches the first roller pair 36. That is, the amount is smaller than the amount corresponding to the distance between the first sensor and the first roller pair 36.

In step S4, the control unit obtains the current value I of the second motor 41 when the second motor 41 is driven in reverse rotation in step S3 described above. This is for obtaining a difference between the acquired current value I and a predetermined reference value I1 in step S5 described later.
Here, the “predetermined reference value I1” is obtained by rotating the second motor 41 in a reverse direction in a state where the first roller pair 36 in the close state does not sandwich the medium as described later, This is the current value when driven in reverse. This is a reference value for determining how much the load has increased when the medium is sandwiched and sent upstream and downstream in the feed direction.
It is also possible to determine in which section (S1 to S3) of the third feed path R3 the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is based on the acquired current value I.
Then, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the control unit obtains a difference between the current value I of the second motor 41 acquired in step S4 described above and the predetermined reference value I1 described above. And a control part judges whether this difference is more than the 2nd predetermined value (threshold). This is to detect that the above-described second type medium P2 is erroneously set in the state switched to the above-described third feed path R3. That is, this is to detect that the second type of medium P2 has entered the second feeding path by mistake.
Here, the “second predetermined value (threshold value)” is based on the increment of the current value that increases due to the increased load when the second type of medium P2 enters the curved section S2 of the third feed path R3. Small value. Furthermore, the value is larger than the increment of the current value that increases due to the increased load when the third type medium P3 enters the curved section S2 of the third feed path R3 (see FIG. 14).

  Specifically, a case where the difference is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (threshold value) in a state where the above-described third feed path R3 has been switched will be considered. In such a case, the control unit can determine that the above-described second type medium P2 is erroneously set and the second type medium P2 enters the curved section S2 of the third feed path R3. Then, the process proceeds to step S9 in order to cause the second type of medium P2 to leave the curved section S2 of the third feed path R3.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference is less than the second predetermined value, the control unit can determine that the medium is normally set.
Specifically, it can be determined that the third type medium P3 is normally set in the state where the third feed path R3 is selected. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S6 in order to move the medium to the recording execution start position.

Note that the controller may determine whether the current value I of the second motor 41 has reached a predetermined threshold value. That is, the current value I and the predetermined threshold value may be directly compared to determine without determining the difference between the current value I of the second motor 41 and the predetermined reference value I1 described above. . It is because the same effect can be obtained also in such a case.
Further, in the state where the second feed path R2 is selected, it can be determined that the second type medium P2 or the third type medium P3 is normally set.

  In step S6, the second motor 41 is driven in the normal direction to drive the first roller pair 36 in the normal direction, and the medium is sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording. At this time, the first sensor 33 switches from a state where the medium is not detected to a state where the medium is detected. Then, the controller further drives the second motor 41 to rotate forward by a third predetermined amount (number of steps) from when the state of the first sensor 33 is switched to the detected state.

This is because the position of the leading end, which is the downstream end in the feeding direction during recording, on the medium is moved to the recording execution start position. This is a so-called cueing operation.
Here, the “third predetermined amount (number of steps)” is a driving amount of the second motor 41 necessary for the movement from the position of the medium to the recording execution start position when the first sensor 33 detects the medium. is there. The amount is appropriately determined according to the recording execution start position.

  It should be noted that it is not stopped at the recording execution start position when driven in reverse at step S3 described above, but stopped at the recording execution start position when driven forward at step S6. This is to eliminate the influence of so-called play backlash. In other words, since the normal rotation drive is performed at the start of recording, the influence of backlash when the drive direction is switched can be eliminated by stopping the drive from the same drive direction.

In step S7, the third predetermined medium P3 is moved to the third predetermined amount by driving forward rotation from the time when the first sensor 33 detects the third medium P3 in step S6. Based on this, the control unit acquires the position of the tip of the third type medium P3. That is, the control unit grasps that the tip of the third type medium P3 is located at the recording execution start position.
When the second feed path R2 is selected, the position of the tip of the second type medium P2 or the third type medium P3 can be acquired.
Then, the erroneous set determination sequence is terminated and recording execution is started.

  In step S8, since the first sensor 33 is not detecting the medium (P2, P3), the control unit determines that the medium (P2, P3) is not set normally. Then, the control unit displays warnings such as “medium not set” and “non-standard medium set” on the operation unit. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to confirm the type and position of the set medium. Then, the process returns to step S1, the medium is set, and the control unit determines whether or not the user has pressed the “medium set OK” button.

  In step S9, since it is determined that the second type medium P2 has been set by mistake in the state switched to the third feed path R3 in step S5 described above, the control unit drives the second motor 41 to rotate forward. This is to cause the second type of medium P2 that has entered the curved section S2 of the third feed path R3 to retreat by driving the first roller pair 36 to rotate forward. Therefore, the second type of medium P2 can be sent to the downstream side in the feed direction during recording, and can be retreated from the curved section S2. And it can discharge on a 2nd tray. Thereafter, it is processed as an error, and the erroneous set determination sequence is terminated. At this time, it goes without saying that warnings such as “medium is not compatible” and “non-standard medium is set” are displayed on the operation unit or the like.

As a result, even if the second type of medium P2 is erroneously set while being switched to the third feed path R3, there is no possibility that the second type of medium P2 is damaged. Further, there is no possibility that the third feed path R3 is damaged. Further, there is no possibility that the first roller pair 36 and the second motor 41 are damaged.
In order to determine more accurately whether or not the second type medium P2 has been erroneously set in the state switched to the third feed path R3, the above-described steps S1 to S5 and step S9 are repeated a plurality of times. Of course, it may be processed as an error later.

Next, a description will be given of how to determine a correction value for driving the second motor 41 when the third feed path R3 is selected.
The correction value is determined when the second feed path (R2) is sent and when the third feed path (R3) is sent because the path shape is different, so that the third type of medium P3 is determined. This is because the load at the time of sending is also different. Further, the load varies depending on which section the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is in the third feed path R3.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the second motor 41 is driven during recording, a correction value is added to the second motor 41 to drive the second motor 41.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a method (sequence) for determining a correction value when sending the third type medium. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship of sensors and the like in determining correction values.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 (refer to FIG. 13 in particular), the length of the third type medium P3 is set to L. Further, the distance from the downstream end in the feeding direction during recording on the third type medium P3 to the first sensor 33 is L1. Further, M is a distance from the first sensor 33 to the inflection point E in the curved section S2.

  Here, the “inflection point” refers to the first straight section when the third type medium P3 set on the second tray 10 proceeds from the first straight section S1 to the curved section S2 in the third feed path R3. This is a point where the third type medium P3 starts to bend by passing through the connecting portion F between S1 and the curved section S2, and by the curved section S2. The reason why the “inflection point” and the connection point F do not match is that between the third type medium P3 and the third feed path R3 in the thickness direction of the third type medium P3 in the third feed path R3. This is because there is a slight gap.

  Further, the area from the connecting point F to the inflection point E is defined as an interpolation area a. Furthermore, the correction value is K. Further, A, B, C, and D described later are arbitrary constants. Furthermore, the feed amount after adding the correction value K is N ′. Also, N is a feed amount that is a theoretical reference before the correction value K is added. Furthermore, the reference value of the correction value when sending the third type medium P3 is U. U is a predetermined correction value that is normally used when, for example, the second type of medium P2 is sent through the second feed path (R2). Based on these assumptions, how to determine the correction value K will be described below.

  In step S11, the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 at the start of recording execution is specified. Specifically, it is determined whether the rear end of the third type of medium P3 is located downstream of the inflection point E in the recording direction or upstream of the inflection point E. The second motor when the state of the first sensor 33 is switched to the state in which the third type medium P3 is detected in the above-described step S6 (see FIG. 11) and then sent to the current position of the third type medium P3. Based on the drive amount (step number) of 41, the distance L1 is calculated from the position of the first sensor 33 to the tip of the third type medium P3.

Then, it is determined whether or not the distance L1 is longer than the difference between the length L of the third type medium P3 and the distance M from the first sensor 33 to the inflection point E.
Here, when it is determined that the length is long, the control unit can determine that the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is downstream of the inflection point E in the feeding direction during recording. In this case, it can be determined that the third type medium P3 is hardly bent, and the process proceeds to step S14.
On the other hand, if it is determined as NO, the control unit can determine that the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is upstream of the inflection point E in the feeding direction during recording. In such a case, it can be determined that the third type medium P3 is in a bent state, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit sets the correction value K to K1. Here, the correction value K1 can be determined based on the following mathematical formula.

Correction value K1 = A × (current value I−predetermined reference value I1) ^ 2 + B × (current value I−predetermined reference value I1) + C

Here, “(current value I−predetermined reference value I1) ^ 2” is the square of (current value I−predetermined reference value I1).

The “current value” is the current value I of the second motor 41. Further, the “predetermined reference value” is obtained by driving the second motor 41 in the reverse direction and driving the first roller pair 36 in the reverse direction in the state where the first roller pair 36 in the close state does not sandwich the medium as described above. This is the current value when Alternatively, the current value may be a value when the second motor 41 is driven to rotate forward and the first roller pair 36 is driven to rotate forward in a state where the first roller pair 36 in the approaching state does not sandwich the medium. This is because substantially the same level of value can be obtained.
A, B, and C are arbitrary constants as described above. Furthermore, the values of B and C can occur in both positive and negative cases.

The above equation for the correction value K1 is the friction resistance of the portion of the third type medium P3 that is upstream of the inflection point E (curved section (excluding the interpolation area a) and the second straight section S3). The third kind of medium P3 is derived based on the frictional resistance of the portion in the interpolation area a of the curved section S2 and the frictional resistance of the part in the first linear section (S1).
Here, even if the rear end of the third type medium P3 is upstream of the inflection point E, the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is within the second straight section (S3). Even if it moves, it can be considered that the frictional resistance hardly changes and the current value I hardly changes.

This is because the amount of bending of the third type medium P3 in the curved section S2 does not change. Therefore, when the rear end of the third type medium P3 is in the second straight section (S), the correction value K1 may be a constant value according to the material of the medium.
Then, the process proceeds to step S13 in order to add the set correction value K (K1) and drive the second motor 41.

In step S13, a correction value K (see steps S12, S15, and S16) set in accordance with the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is added to set a feed amount N ′ for the next pass.
Here, “pass” means that the recording head 31 moves once in the width direction X while ejecting ink. The “pass feed amount” is the first roller between the time when the recording head 31 moves once in the width direction X while discharging ink and the time when the recording head 31 moves in the width direction X while discharging again. The amount (distance) by which the pair 36 sends the medium downstream in the feed direction during recording.

Specifically, the feed amount N ′ can be determined based on the following mathematical formula.

Feed amount N '= N + K / U

Here, N is a feed amount that is a theoretical reference as described above. The correction value K is a value (K1 to K3) calculated in step S12, step S15, and step S16. Furthermore, U is a reference value of a correction value when the third type medium P3 is sent as described above.
Then, the sequence for determining the correction value K is terminated, and recording is performed while the second motor 41 is driven based on the feed amount N ′ to which the determined correction value K is added.

  In step S14, the position of the trailing edge of the third type medium P3 at the start of recording execution is specified in more detail. Specifically, whether or not the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is between the connection point F and the inflection point E, which is a joint between the first straight section S1 and the curved section S2. Judging. In other words, it is determined whether or not it is downstream from the connection point F. First, the distance L1 is used from the position of the first sensor 33 calculated in step S11 to the tip of the third type medium P3.

Then, it is determined whether or not the distance L1 is longer than a value obtained by adding the interpolation distance a to the difference between the length L of the third type medium P3 and the distance M from the first sensor 33 to the inflection point E.
Here, if it is determined that the length is long, the control unit can determine that the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is downstream of the connection point F in the feeding direction during recording. That is, it can be determined that the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is in the first straight section (S1). In such a case, it can be determined that the third type medium P3 is not bent at all, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as NO, the control unit can determine that the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is upstream of the connecting portion F in the feeding direction during recording. That is, it is determined that the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3 is in the interpolation area (a) between the connection point F and the inflection point E between the first straight line section S1 and the curved section S2. be able to. In such a case, the third type medium P3 is in a state of being slightly bent or not bent, but the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated between the third type medium P3 and the third feed path R3 is large. It can be judged. More specifically, although it is in an unbent state, the magnitude of the frictional resistance is larger than in the case where the position of the rear end of the above-described third type medium P3 is in the first linear section (S1). It can be judged. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the control unit sets the correction value K to K2. Here, the correction value K2 can be determined based on the following mathematical formula.

Correction value K2 = K1- (K1-K3) / a * {L1- (LM)}

Here, K1 is the value calculated in step S12 described above. K3 is a value calculated in step S16 described later. Further, the value a is the length of the interpolation area a as described above. The value L is the length of the third type medium P3 as described above.

Furthermore, as described above, the value L1 is the distance from the downstream end in the feed direction during recording on the third type medium P3 to the first sensor 33. The value M is the distance from the first sensor 33 to the inflection point E in the curved section S2 as described above.
It should be noted that the above equation for the correction value K2 is the friction resistance of the portion of the third type medium P3 in the interpolation region a of the curved section S2 and the friction resistance of the portion in the first linear section (S1). It is derived based on this.
Then, the process proceeds to step S13 in order to drive the second motor 41 by adding the set correction value K (K2).

In step S16, the control unit sets the correction value K to K3. Here, the correction value K3 can be determined based on the following mathematical formula.

Correction value K3 = D

Here, the value D is an arbitrary constant as described above.
The correction value K3 is a constant value because the third type medium P3 is in the first straight section (S1), and therefore when the third type medium P3 is sent downstream in the feed direction during recording. This is because the load of the second motor 41 hardly fluctuates. Also, the value of D can occur in either positive or negative case.

Furthermore, even when the load hardly fluctuates, it is needless to say that the correction value may be calculated based on the current value in the same manner as the correction value K1. Since the current value hardly fluctuates, the same effect can be obtained. That is, the correction value may be calculated based on the current value regardless of which section (S1 to S3) the rear end of the third type medium P3 is located.
Then, the process proceeds to step S13 in order to drive the second motor 41 by adding the set correction value K (K3).

As described above, when the third type medium P3 is fed in the state where the third feed path R3 is selected, the correction value K (K1 to K3) according to the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3. ) Is set, the feeding accuracy can be improved. As a result, the recording accuracy can be improved.
Further, when the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3 are sent in the state where the second feed path R2 is selected, the second motor 41 is turned on by adding a predetermined level of correction value (U). Drive. That is, when the second feed path R2 is selected, the second motor 41 is driven by adding a predetermined level of correction value (U) according to the type of medium regardless of the position of the trailing edge of the medium. It is configured. Here, the reason for “depending on the type of medium” is that the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated with the second feed path R2 differs depending on the type of medium. That is, the level of the correction value (U) is changed according to the type of medium.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a current value of the second motor when the second motor is driven and the medium is fed by the first roller pair in a state where the third feeding path is selected. Specifically, it is a diagram illustrating the current value of the second motor for each type of medium thickness, size, material, composition, and the like. Of these, the vertical axis represents the current value. On the other hand, the horizontal axis indicates the type of medium.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, in order from the left side of the horizontal axis, when the first roller pair 36 does not sandwich the medium, the load on the second motor 41 is relatively small, and the second motor 41 is driven. The current value is I1. This is the predetermined reference value I1 in step S5 (see FIG. 11) and step S12 (see FIG. 12) described above.

  Examples of the third type of medium P3 include paper A to paper F. Among these, the paper A has a thickness of 0.5 mm and a size of A3. Note that the paper types A to F are different in paper type (material, blending, etc.). The paper B has a thickness of 0.5 mm and a size of A3. Furthermore, the sheet C has a thickness of 0.52 mm and a size of A3. The paper D has a thickness of 0.52 mm and a size of A3.

Furthermore, the paper E has a thickness of 0.7 mm and a size of A3. The paper F has a thickness of 0.8 mm and a size of A3.
The current value I of the second motor 41 when these sheets A to F are fed by the first roller pair 36 is slightly larger than the predetermined reference value I1. Here, the value of the paper F having the largest current value among the papers A to F is assumed to be I2.

Still further, examples of the second type of medium P2 include paper G and paper H. Among these, the paper G has a thickness of 1.3 mm and a size of A3. The paper G and the paper H are different in paper type (material, blending, etc.). The paper H has a thickness of 1.3 mm and a size of A3.
The current value of the second motor 41 when the paper G and the paper H are nipped and sent by the first roller pair 36 is the current value when the predetermined reference value I1 and the third type medium P3 are sent. Of these, the value I3 is significantly greater than the largest value I2. Note that the current value of the second motor 41 when the paper H, which is the smallest value among the current values when the second type of medium P2 is sent, is I3.

Examples of the third type of medium P3 include paper A ′ and paper C ′ to paper E ′ that differ only in size from paper A and paper C to paper E, respectively. Among these, the sheet A ′ has a thickness of 0.5 mm and a so-called letter size. The sheet C ′ has a thickness of 0.52 mm and a size of A4. Furthermore, the paper D ′ has a thickness of 0.52 mm and a size of A4. The paper E ′ has a thickness of 0.7 mm and a size of A4.
The current value I of the second motor 41 when these paper A ′ and paper C ′ to paper E ′ are nipped and fed by the first roller pair 36 is slightly larger than a predetermined reference value I1. The value is smaller than the current value I2 when the paper F is fed.

From the above examples, it can be seen that the thickness of the medium affects the magnitude of the current value I.
Therefore, a threshold value I4 is provided between the maximum value I2 when the third type medium P3 is sent and the minimum value I3 when the second type medium P2 is sent, and the determination is made in step S5 described above. Can do. That is, the difference between the threshold value I4 and the predetermined reference value I1 can be determined as the second predetermined value (threshold value in step S5).
As a result, the above-described erroneous set determination (see FIG. 11) can be performed with high accuracy.
In addition, although the example in which the thickness of the medium greatly affects the current value I has been described, the size, material, and composition of the medium may greatly affect the current value I. In such a case, it goes without saying that the second predetermined value is determined in consideration of the degree of influence.

  FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the position of the trailing edge of the third type medium and the error in the feed amount when the third type of medium is fed in the state where the third feed path is selected. It is. Of these, the vertical axis indicates the amount of error in the actual feed amount with respect to the theoretical value when the correction value is not applied to the driving of the second motor with reference to the theoretical value of the feed amount. The positive side, which is the upper side of the vertical axis, indicates that the actual feed amount is larger (larger) than the theoretical value, and the negative side, which is the lower side, indicates that the actual feed amount is smaller (less) than the theoretical value. On the other hand, the horizontal axis indicates the position of the rear end of the third type medium. The left side of the horizontal axis is the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording, and the right side is the downstream side.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the third feed path R3 is selected and the third type of medium P3 is fed, the above-described correction value K (see FIG. 12) for driving the second motor 41 is used. If not added, the level of the feed amount differs greatly before and after the connection point F. Specifically, when the rear end of the third type medium P3 is located in the second straight section (S3), the third type medium P3 is greatly bent and the third type medium P3 and the third feed path R3. The frictional resistance generated between the two is relatively large. As a result, the feed amount that the first roller pair 36 actually sends the third type of medium P3 is significantly lower than the theoretical value. That is, the actual feed amount level is considerably lower than the reference value level.

  Further, when the third type medium P3 is sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording, the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording from the inflection point E in the section (S2) where the rear end of the third type medium P3 is curved. When located on the side, the amount of bending of the third type medium P3 gradually decreases as the rear end is located on the downstream side. As a result, the frictional resistance generated between the third type medium P3 and the third feed path R3 gradually decreases. As a result, the feed amount that the first roller pair 36 actually sends the third type of medium P3 becomes closer to the theoretical value.

  Then, until the rear end of the third type medium P3 passes through the inflection point E when the third type medium P3 is sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, The amount of bending of the third type medium P3 becomes almost zero. That is, when the rear end of the third type medium P3 is in the interpolation area (a), the amount of deflection of the third type medium P3 becomes almost zero. At this time, the amount of bending is almost zero, but the third type medium P3 is pressed against the third feed path R3. Accordingly, the frictional resistance generated between the third type medium P3 and the third feed path R3 is reduced, but compared with a state after the rear end of the third type medium P3 described later has passed through the connecting portion F. As a result, the frictional resistance becomes large.

  Thereafter, the position of the rear end of the third type of medium P3 passes through the connecting point F and enters the first straight section S1. Then, the third type medium P3 is not bent. The third type medium P3 is not pressed against the third feed path R3. Therefore, the magnitude of the frictional resistance generated between the third type medium P3 and the third feed path R3 is smaller than that in the state where the rear end of the third type medium P3 is in the interpolation region (a). Become. Furthermore, the magnitude of the frictional resistance is substantially constant. That is, the level is close to the theoretical level.

  As described above, the actual feed amount varies depending on the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3. That is, the error in the feed amount, which is the difference between the theoretical value and the actual feed amount, changes depending on the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3. In other words, the magnitude of the frictional resistance changes depending on the position of the third type medium P3. From these, it can be seen that there is a correlation between the magnitude of the frictional resistance and the magnitude of the current value I of the second motor 41. Thereby, the relationship between the increase in the current value I of the second motor 41 and the correction amount necessary for driving the second motor 41 when the current value I increases can be obtained.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the increase in the current value of the second motor and the magnitude of the correction value necessary for driving the second motor. The vertical axis indicates the required correction value. On the other hand, the horizontal axis indicates the increase in current value.
As shown in FIG. 16, the relationship between the increase in the current value I of the second motor 41 and the correction amount required for driving the second motor 41 when the current value I increases can be shown.
The dotted line is a line connecting actual measurement values. The solid line is a mathematical formula derived from actual measurement values.
Here, the increment of the current value is the aforementioned “(current value I−predetermined reference value I1)”. The necessary correction value is the aforementioned “correction value K1”.

Therefore, the relationship can be expressed by the following formula.

Correction value K1 = A × (current value I−predetermined reference value I1) ^ 2 + B × (current value I−predetermined reference value I1) + C

That is, the mathematical expression in step S12 (see FIG. 12) described above is obtained.
Based on this equation, the correction value K1 may be determined in step S12 described above.

  Then, a correction value K1 is applied to the driving of the second motor 41 according to the position of the rear end of the third type medium P3, and the third type medium P3 is fed by the first roller pair 36 during recording. It is configured to send to the downstream side. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the feeding accuracy when feeding the third type of medium P3 in the state where the third feeding path R3 is selected compared to the case where the correction value K1 is not added. As a result, the recording accuracy can be improved.

  When the second feed path R2 is selected and the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3 are sent upstream in the feed direction during recording, the current value I of the second motor 41 It may be configured to determine whether or not the increase in the number is greater than or equal to a second predetermined value (threshold). In such a configuration, when it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (threshold value), the upstream side in the feed direction during recording on the second type medium P2 or the third type medium P3 is behind the printer 1. It can be determined that an obstacle such as a wall has been touched. Then, a display that prompts the user to remove the obstacle or change the installation position of the printer 1 can be displayed. On the other hand, when it is determined as NO, recording can be executed without interruption.

  In the above-described embodiment, the second set medium is set on the second tray in the state where the third feeding path is selected, and the erroneous setting determination as to whether or not the third feeding path is entered has been described. It is not limited. For example, assuming that the second type of medium P2 is set in the hopper 23 by mistake, the current value of a first motor (not shown) that drives the feed roller 27 is acquired to obtain the first feed path R1. Alternatively, it may be configured to make an erroneous set determination as to whether or not the second type of medium P2 has entered. It is because the same effect can be obtained also in such a case.

In the above embodiment, the second guide path R2 and the third feed path R3 are switched by displacing the movable guide member 25. However, the switching structure is not limited to this. A so-called flap may be provided and the second feed path R2 and the third feed path R3 may be switched by displacing the flap. In other words, the movable guide member 25 itself may not be displaced.
In the above embodiment, the second motor is described as a DC motor, but a stepping motor may be used. This is because using a stepping motor provides good driving accuracy. In the above embodiment, the reason why the DC motor is used is that it is easy to detect a change in the current value due to the load variation.

  The medium feeding device 42 of the present embodiment includes a second feeding path R2 as a feeding path through which a second type medium P2 and a third type medium P3, which are examples of a medium to be sent, and a second type medium P2. And a second feeding means 35 as a feeding means for feeding the third type of medium P3, the second feeding path R2 extending in the front-rear direction of the medium feeding apparatus 42. A movable guide member 25 is provided on the back side of the medium feeding device 42 as a guide member capable of taking a first posture following the back surface and a second posture tilted rearward from the back surface and inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. The movable guide member 25 in the first posture opens the rear side in the front-rear direction in the second feed path R2, and the movable guide member 25 in the second posture is moved in the second feed path R2 by the second feed means 35. Front side in the front-rear direction Characterized in that it is a structure which guides the traveling direction front end side of the third class of medium P3 sent rearward on the guide member.

  In the present embodiment, the movable guide member 25 is formed in a first straight section S1 that is a section of the feed path that is provided on the front side in the front-rear direction of the movable guide member 25 in the second posture and is not bent sideways. First ribs 13 that are comb-teeth-shaped ribs, and the first ribs 13 are sent the third type medium P3 from the front side in the front-rear direction to the rear side in the second posture. A connecting point F, which is a side-bending portion that changes from a first straight section S1 to a curved section S2 that is a section on the movable guide member (25), is formed.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the switching between the first posture (R2) and the second posture (R3) is performed with the width direction X of the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3 as a fulcrum axis. As a result, the free end side of the movable guide member 25 swings to the rear side, and the fulcrum at the time of swinging is displaced in the direction approaching the second feed path R2, so that the second posture (R3) is obtained. The free end side of the member 25 swings from the second posture (R3) to the front side, and the fulcrum at the time of swinging is displaced in a direction away from the second feed path R2, whereby the first posture (R2). It is the structure which becomes.

Here, the state where the third feed path R3, which is the feed path including the curved section S2, is selected is defined as the first state. Moreover, when the state in which the second feed path R2 that is the feed path not including the curved section S2 is selected is the second state, it can be paraphrased as follows.
In the present embodiment, the movable guide member 25 swings so as to open rearward (in the direction opposite to the Y-axis arrow) on the back surface of the printer 1, and the fulcrum at the time of swinging in the direction opposite to the Z-axis arrow It will be in the 1st state (R3) by displacing. Further, the movable guide member 25 swings from the posture in the first state (R3) so as to be closed on the back surface of the printer 1, and the fulcrum at the time of swinging is displaced in the arrow direction of the Z axis. The second state (R2) is entered.

  Note that the fulcrum when swinging does not necessarily need to be displaced. If the fulcrum is located on the Y-axis arrow direction side of the movable guide member 25, the amount of change in the angle at the time of swinging can be reduced compared to a configuration not located on the Y-axis arrow direction side. Can do. This is because the opening amount of the movable guide member 25 to the rear of the printer 1 can be reduced in the opening / closing operation of the movable guide member 25 accordingly. In the present embodiment, the reason why the fulcrum at the time of rocking is displaced is that the amount of change in angle at the time of rocking can be further reduced. This is because the amount by which the movable guide member 25 opens to the rear of the printer 1 can be reduced accordingly.

In the present embodiment, a pair of first protrusions 14 and 14 and a pair of second protrusions 15 are provided on both sides of the movable guide member 25 in the width direction of the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3. 15 is formed, and on the base portion side (45) of the medium feeding device 42, a first groove portion 17 as a pair of groove portions with which the first protrusions 14 and 14 and the second protrusions 15 and 15 are respectively engaged. , 17 and second groove portions 18, 18 are formed.
In the present embodiment, the first groove portions 17 and 17 and the second groove portions 18 and 18 are formed separately, but may be formed integrally. It is because the same effect can be obtained also in such a case.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pinion portion 16 as a rotatable pinion provided on the movable guide member side (25) and the rack provided on the base portion side (45) of the printer 1 and meshing with the pinion portion 16 are used. And a rack portion 19.
In this embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism is configured. However, a rotatable roller and a smooth surface in contact with the roller may be used. It is because the same effect can be obtained also in such a case.

  The printer 1 which is an example of the recording apparatus of the present embodiment includes a second feed path R2 as a feed path through which the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3 which are examples of the recording medium are sent, and a side view. The recording head 31 has a curved section S2, and the recording head 31 records on the third feeding path R3 through which the medium of the third type medium P3 is sent, and on the second type of medium P2 and the third type of medium P3. The recording section 30, the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3 in the feed path (R2, R3), the second feed means 35 as the feed means for feeding in the feed direction, and the third class in the curved section S2. A movable guide member 25 as a guide member for guiding the medium P3, and the downstream end of the recording medium 30 in the recording direction of the second medium P2 and the third medium P3 is the recording direction in the recording direction. Downstream (Y-axis arrow direction) Recording is performed after one of the second-type medium P2 and the third-type medium P3 placed at the position is sent to the upstream side in the feed direction during recording (opposite to the arrow on the Y axis) by the second feeding means 35. A printer 1 configured to perform recording on one of the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3. The feed paths (R2, R3) do not include the first state in which the third feed path R3, which is the feed path including the curved section S2, is selected as the movable guide member 25 is displaced, and the curved section S2. The second state in which the second feed path R2 that is the feed path is selected is provided so as to be switchable. In the first state (R3), the side-view curve from the recording unit 30 to the upstream side in the feed direction during recording is provided. Section S2 In the second state (R2), on the upstream side of the recording unit 30 in the feeding direction during recording, the second type of medium P2 and the third type of medium P3 are capable of projecting from the printer 1 to the upstream side so as to be able to protrude from the printer 1. R3) is configured.

  In the present embodiment, the second feeding means 35 is a first driving roller 36a serving as a feeding driving roller that is driven by the power of the second motor 41 that is a motor, and a feeding driven roller that rotates according to the first driving roller 36a. A first roller pair 36 as a pair of feed rollers having a first driven roller 36b, and the first roller pair 36 has a third state in which the first drive roller 36a and the first driven roller 36b approach each other, The fourth state is provided so as to be switchable between the fourth states separated from each other, and when one of the second type medium P2 and the third type medium P3 is placed, the first roller pair 36 is in the fourth state. In response to the recording execution instruction, the first roller pair 36 is switched to the third state to sandwich the second type of medium P2 or the third type of medium P3, and the first The roller pair 36 is sent to the recording unit 30 by sending it to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording while holding the second type medium P2 or the third type of medium P3 and then sending it to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording. The recording unit 30 is configured to perform recording on the second type medium P2 or the third type medium P3 held by the first roller pair 36.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the recording medium 30 is provided on the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, and is stacked in a posture inclined with respect to the feeding direction Y at the time of recording in the second state. An example is a first placement unit 22 on which a first type of medium P1 is placed, and a feed for feeding the first type of medium P1 placed on the first placement unit 22 downstream in the feed direction during recording. A first recording target that further includes a feeding roller 27 and a second placement portion 8 provided downstream of the recording portion 30 in the feeding direction during recording, and has flexibility and lower than a first predetermined elastic value. In the case of the first type medium P1, which is a medium, the first type medium P1 is set on the first placement unit 22, and the feeding roller 27 is used to record the first type medium P1 on the first feed path R1. Feeds downstream in the feed direction, has a second predetermined value that is flexible and greater than or equal to the first predetermined elastic value and higher than the first predetermined elastic value In the case of the third type of medium P3, which is the second recording medium less than the property value, the third type of medium P3 is set on the second placement portion 8, and in the first state, the second feeding means 35 is The third type of medium P3 is sent to the recording unit 30 by sending it to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, and is sent to the recording unit 30, and is the third type of recording medium having the second predetermined elastic value or more. In the case of the medium P2, the second type medium P2 is set on the second placement unit 8, and in the second state, the second feeding means 35 moves the second type medium P2 upstream in the feeding direction during recording. It is the structure which is sent to the recording part 30 by sending to the said downstream after sending.

In the present embodiment, the section S2 and the second straight section S3 that are side-curved in the third feed path R3 are distinguished from each other. For example, a configuration in which the curved section S2 is long and does not have the second straight section S3 may be used. Further, the curved section S2 may be configured to be short and the second straight section S3 may be configured to be long. In such a case, the curved section S2 may be a bending point. Also in this case, the same operation and effect can be obtained by performing the above-described erroneous insertion determination and correction value K determination.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible 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.

1 printer, 2 housing, 3 operation unit, 4 first cover member, 5 second cover member,
6 1st discharge part, 7 1st tray, 8 2nd mounting part, 9 2nd discharge part,
10 second tray, 11 second edge guide, 12 opening / closing mechanism, 13 first rib,
14 1st protrusion, 15 2nd protrusion, 16 pinion part, 17 1st groove part,
18 second groove, 18a first part, 18b second part, 19 rack part, 20 spring,
21 2nd rib, 22 1st mounting part, 23 hopper, 24 1st edge guide,
25 movable guide member, 26 first feeding means, 27 feeding roller, 28 separating means,
29 retard roller, 30 recording section, 31 recording head, 32 nozzle array,
33 1st sensor, 34 Medium support part, 35 2nd feeding means, 36 1st roller pair,
36a 1st driving roller, 36b 1st driven roller, 37 1st contact / separation moving means,
38 third feed means, 39 second roller pair, 39a second drive roller,
39b 2nd driven roller, 40 2nd contact / separation moving means, 41 2nd motor,
42 medium feeding device, 43 first guide portion, 44 second guide portion, 45 base portion,
A arbitrary constant, a interpolation area, B to D arbitrary constant, E inflection point, F connection point,
I current value, I1 predetermined reference value (of current),
I2 Maximum current value when sending the third kind of medium through the third feed path,
I3 Minimum current value for feeding the second type of medium in the third feed path, K correction value,
K1 to K3 (according to the position of the rear end of the third type medium), L, the length of the third type medium,
L1 Distance from the tip of the third type medium to the first sensor,
M Distance from the first sensor to the inflection point, N Theoretical feed amount,
Feed amount after adding N 'correction value, P1 plain paper (first type medium),
P2 board paper or CD-R tray (second type medium), P3 dedicated paper (third type medium),
R1 first feed path, R2 second feed path, R3 third feed path, S1 first straight section,
S2 curved section, S3 second straight section, U correction value reference value, X width direction,
Y feed direction during recording, Z recording head and medium facing direction (vertical direction)

Claims (9)

A feed path through which the medium to be sent is sent,
A medium feeding device comprising a feeding means for feeding a medium to be sent,
The feed path is extended in the front-rear direction of the medium feeding device;
On the back side of the medium feeding device, a guide member that can take a first posture following the back surface and a second posture that tilts backward from the back surface and tilts with respect to the front-rear direction,
The guide member in the first posture opens the rear side in the front-rear direction in the feed path,
The guide member in the second posture guides the leading end side in the advancing direction of the medium to be sent sent from the front side in the front-rear direction to the rear side in the feed path by the feeding unit on the guide member ,
A medium feeding device configured to return a medium to be fed, the tip of which is guided on the guide member, to the feeding path through which the medium to be fed is fed and forward in the front-rear direction . The medium feeding device according to claim 1, wherein a section of the feeding path that is provided on the front side in the front-rear direction from the guide member in the second posture is not bent in a side view;
A comb-like rib formed on the guide member;
In the second posture, the comb-teeth rib is bent in a side view that changes from the unbent section to the section on the guide member when the medium to be fed is sent from the front side in the front-rear direction to the rear side. A medium feeding device comprising: The medium feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein switching between the first attitude and the second attitude is performed.
With the width direction of the medium to be fed as a fulcrum shaft, the free end side of the guide member swings to the rear side, and the fulcrum at the time of swinging is displaced in a direction approaching the feed path, thereby achieving the second posture. ,
The free end side of the guide member swings from the second posture to the front side, and a fulcrum at the time of swinging is displaced in a direction away from the feed path to be in the first posture. A medium feeding device. The medium feeding device according to claim 3, wherein a pair of first protrusions and a pair of second protrusions are formed on both sides of the guide member in the width direction of the medium to be fed.
A medium feeding device characterized in that a pair of grooves for engaging the first projecting portion and the second projecting portion are formed on the base portion side of the medium feeding device. The medium feeding device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a rotatable pinion provided on the guide member side,
A medium feeding device further comprising a rack provided on a base portion side of the medium feeding device and meshing with the pinion. A feed path through which the recording medium is sent, and
A recording unit for recording on a recording medium by a recording head;
Feeding means for feeding the recording medium in the feeding path in the feeding direction;
A guide member for guiding a recording medium in a curved section of the feed path,
The recording medium is fed to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording by the feeding means, and then sent back to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, so that the recording unit performs recording on the recording medium. A recording device of the configuration,
The feed path is switched between the first state in which the feed path including the curved section is selected and the second state in which the feed path not including the curved section is selected by the displacement of the guide member. Is possible,
In the second state, on the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording from the recording unit, the feeding path is configured so that the recording medium can protrude from the recording device to the upstream side,
In the first state, the curved section is provided upstream of the recording unit in the feeding direction during recording. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the feeding unit is a feed driving roller that is driven by power of the motor;
A feed roller pair having a feed driven roller that rotates according to the feed drive roller;
The feed roller pair is provided so that the feed drive roller and the feed driven roller can be switched between a third state in which the feed drive roller and the feed driven roller are close to each other and a fourth state in which they are separated from each other.
When the recording medium is placed, the feeding roller pair is in the fourth state, and the feeding roller pair is switched to the third state by a recording execution instruction to sandwich the recording medium,
The feed roller pair is sent to the recording unit by sending it to the upstream side in the feed direction at the time of recording while feeding the recording medium while holding the recording medium,
A recording apparatus configured to perform recording on a recording medium in a state where the recording unit is sandwiched between the pair of feed rollers. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording medium is provided upstream of the recording unit in a feeding direction during recording, and is stacked in a posture inclined with respect to the feeding direction during recording in the second state. A first placement portion on which is placed;
A feed roller that feeds the recording medium placed on the first placement unit to the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording;
A second mounting portion provided on the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording from the recording portion, and
In the case of the first recording medium having flexibility and lower than the first predetermined elastic value, the first recording medium is set on the first mounting portion, and the feeding roller is set on the first recording medium. Send the recording medium downstream in the feed direction during recording,
In the case of a second recording medium that is flexible and is greater than or equal to the first predetermined elastic value and less than a second predetermined elastic value that is higher than the first predetermined elastic value, the second recording medium is the second recording medium. In the first state, the feeding unit sends the second recording medium to the recording unit by sending the second recording medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording and then sending the recording medium to the downstream side.
In the case of the third recording medium having the second predetermined elastic value or more, the third recording medium is set on the second mounting portion, and in the second state, the feeding means is configured to move the third recording medium. A recording apparatus configured to send a recording medium to the recording unit by sending the recording medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording and then sending the recording medium to the downstream side. A feed path through which the recording medium is sent, and
A recording unit for recording on a recording medium by a recording head;
Feeding means for feeding the recording medium in the feeding path in the feeding direction;
A guide member for guiding a recording medium in a curved section of the feed path,
The recording medium is sent by the feeding means to the upstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, and then sent to the downstream side in the feeding direction at the time of recording, so that the recording unit performs recording on the recording medium. A recording device of the configuration,
The feed path is switched between the first state in which the feed path including the curved section is selected and the second state in which the feed path not including the curved section is selected by the displacement of the guide member. Is possible,
In the second state, on the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording from the recording unit, the feeding path is configured so that the recording medium can protrude from the recording device to the upstream side,
In the first state, the curved section is provided on the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording from the recording unit,
The feed means is a feed drive roller that is driven by the power of the motor;
A feed roller pair having a feed driven roller that rotates according to the feed drive roller;
The feed roller pair is provided so that the feed drive roller and the feed driven roller can be switched between a third state in which the feed drive roller and the feed driven roller are close to each other and a fourth state in which they are separated from each other.
When the recording medium is placed, the feeding roller pair is in the fourth state, and the feeding roller pair is switched to the third state by a recording execution instruction to sandwich the recording medium,
The feed roller pair is sent to the recording unit by sending it to the upstream side in the feed direction at the time of recording while feeding the recording medium while holding the recording medium,
The recording unit is configured to perform recording on a recording medium in a state of being sandwiched by the feed roller pair,
A first placement unit that is provided upstream of the recording unit in the feeding direction during recording and on which the recording medium is placed in an inclined posture with respect to the feeding direction during recording in the second state. When,
A feed roller that feeds the recording medium placed on the first placement unit to the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording;
A second mounting portion provided on the downstream side in the feeding direction during recording from the recording portion, and
In the case of the first recording medium having flexibility and lower than the first predetermined elastic value, the first recording medium is set on the first mounting portion, and the feeding roller is set on the first recording medium. Send the recording medium downstream in the feed direction during recording,
In the case of a second recording medium that is flexible and is greater than or equal to the first predetermined elastic value and less than a second predetermined elastic value that is higher than the first predetermined elastic value, the second recording medium is the second recording medium. In the first state, the feeding unit sends the second recording medium to the recording unit by sending the second recording medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording and then sending the recording medium to the downstream side.
In the case of the third recording medium having the second predetermined elastic value or more, the third recording medium is set on the second mounting portion, and in the second state, the feeding means is configured to move the third recording medium. A recording apparatus configured to send a recording medium to the recording unit by sending the recording medium to the upstream side in the feeding direction during recording and then sending the recording medium to the downstream side.

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