GB1581983A

GB1581983A - Record medium supply arrangements for printing machines

Info

Publication number: GB1581983A
Application number: GB10906/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 1977-04-21
Filing date: 1978-03-20
Publication date: 1980-12-31
Also published as: IT1096058B; JPS53133111A; NL7804223A; IT7822146A0; DE2717758A1; SE7804536L; FR2387781A1; DE2717758C3; DE2717758B2

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO RECORD MEDIUM SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRINTING MACHINES (71) We, SIEMENS AKTIENGESELL- SCHAFT, a German Company, of Berlin and Munich, Federal Republic of Germany, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to record medium supply arrangements. It is ap plicable to printing machines.

In printing machines, especially in data printers and teleprinters, it is known to guide continuous paper over a cylindrical platen by providing a trough which extends at a short distance over the entire width and over a part of the periphery of the platen. In order to achieve reliable feed of the paper, pressure rollers are provided which press the paper against the platen during printing. As a result of motion of the platen, the paper is advanced. Frequently, it is desirable to type on individual sheets of paper instead of on continuous paper. In the known devices, individual sheets of paper or continuous paper are selectively inserted manually. However, in the event of a change from individual sheets to continuous paper and vice versa considerable difficulties arise.If in fact the two types of paper are supplied from one side of the machine when the paper is reset (which is necessary in particular when individual sheets are being used) congestion can occur in the paper supply. The paper may then become creased. Resetting of the individual sheets can be achieved manually in the case of an attended machine, thus avoiding the congestion. In the case of unattended operation, e.g. in teleprinters, it is consequently desirable to take additional measures in order to prevent this congestion. Furthermore, in the case of an unattended machine change-over from continuous paper to individual sheets and vice versa preferably takes place automatically so that data which has entered for example a store assigned to the machine (e.g.

a teleprinter telegram) can be printed out using the continuous paper at any time.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved supply arrangement for a printing machine.

According to the invention, there is pro vided a supply arrangement for use in a.

printing machine, the arrangement com-, prising: a platen over which record medium is guided in use of the arrangement; first supply means for supplying in dividual sheets of a record medium to the platen; second supply means for supplying record medium in the form of a continuous sheet to the platen; and switching means for switching between said first and second supply means so that, selectively, either said first supply means or said second supply means can operate to supply record medium to the platen, said second supply means being arranged to withdraw said continuous sheet from the platen to a waiting position when supply is to be taken from said first supply means.

In one embodiment, withdrawal of said continuous sheet is effected by an electronic programme.

Preferably, said second supply means includes a feed channel having an outlet 'opening adjacent the platen through whic'n channel is arranged to guide the continfl- ous record medium to the platen.

Preferably, a drive device for driving said continuous record medium is provided in said channel.

Expediently, there is provided at said waiting position a scanning device for controlling said drive device in dependence upon whether" operation with individual sheets or continuous sheet is selected.

Preferably, said drive device includes two rollers arranged to grip s'aid medium there between Preferably, said switching means includes a switching member positioned ad 'jacent said outlet opening and operable to block said opening when individual.sheets of said medium are to be supplied :to the platen and operable to, unblock said opening pihen a continuous sheet is to be sup- plied to 'the'platen.

Preferably, said switching member is pivotably mounted and has two stable positions in one of which it blocks said opening and in the other of which said opening is unblocked.

Preferably, there is provided a pressure roller for pressing said medium against the platen and said switching member is operable, in one position thereof, to deflect said medium so that the medium contact the platen in use of the arrangement at a point in advance of the point at which said pressure roller is arranged to act.

Preferably, said switching member is resiliently biased towards the platen.

Expediently, a spring provides the resilient bias.

Means may be provided to ensure that said switching member is not resiliently biased against said medium until the medium contacts the surface of the platen.

Said switching member may be controllable by said drive device.

A cam shaft may be provided to control said switching member.

Expediently, said cam shaft is operable to control said switching member in dependence upon the thickness of said record medium.

Said switching member may be controllable by a magnetic device in dependence upon the thickness of said record medium.

Preferably, said first and second supply means are so positioned that, when the arrangement is in use, said second supply means is below said first supply means.

Preferably, there is provided a cutting device for severing the continuous sheet before switching to supply from said first supply means.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of supply arrangement; Figure 2 shows schematically a portion from Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a further embodiment of supply arrangement.

The Figures illustrate a supply arrangement for paper supply, the arrangement allowing selective supply of continuous paper and individual sheets of paper.

Figure 1 illustrates the supply of continuous paper. The continuous paper 6 is fed via drive rollers 8 and 9 situated in walls of a funnel-shaped channel 7 to a platen 1. As the paper 6 is advanced, it passes through a waiting position 11, through a gap between platen 1 and a pressure roller 2, and is moved on by feed movement of platen 1 through a trough 5.

A further pressure roller 3 ensures a satisfactory transportation from the platen 1.

At the rear of a printing position paper 6 is fed across a sharp edge 12. A controllable guide element 4 is shown in a position 4b in which the outlet of channel 7 is open.

The two drive rollers 8 and 9 are either driven in synchronism with platen 1 by the drive system of platen 1 or are driven separately by a motor 10. In order to avoid different feed movements between platen 1 and pressure rollers 8 and 9, it is advantageous to lift the pressure rollers 8 and 9 from the continuous paper (or to disconnect the pressure rollers 8 and 9 from their drive) when the paper has been inserted into the gap between platen 1 and drive roller 2.

In order to achieve a change-over from supply of continuous paper to supply of individual sheets of paper, a key on the machine is operated. As a result the continuous paper is severed by a sharp edge 12 and drive rollers 8 and 9 move the paper 6 back in a direction opposite to the feed direction. The end of paper 6 is returned to waiting position 11. For operation with individual sheets, a switching member 4 is moved into position 4a and then blocks off the outlet opening of channel 7. Individual sheets 13 are fed in the direction of the arrow via a guide surface 14 into trough 5. When individual sheets are being supplied, pressure roller 2 is raised. As soon as the individual sheet is correctly aligned and located in the trough 5, the pressure roller 2 is reapplied and the sheet is moved over the periphery of platen 1 to the printing position.When an individual sheet is retracted, the paper is moved back along the guide surface 14. It is prevented from entering the outlet opening of channel 7 by switching member 4 blocking off the opening and guiding the paper past it, thus preventing paper congestion.

In order to enable the continuous paper to reach the waiting position rapidly and reliably, in channel 7 is arranged a scanning device which controls the drive rollers 8 and 9 for forward and return movement.

The continuous paper can also be returned to the waiting position particularly simply with the aid of an electronic return pro gramme which is triggered by the changeover from continuous paper to individual sheets. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of channel 7 in which paper 6 occupies the waiting position 11.

In the event of change-over from individual sheets to continuous paper, switching member 4 is brought into position 4b and drive rollers 8 and 9 move the continuous paper 6 out of waiting position 11 through channel 7 to platen 1 which grips and advances the paper with pressure roller 2. The drive rollers 8 and 9 are then raised from the paper or merely deactivated. The channel 7 for the continuous paper 6 lies beneath the supply surface 14 for individual sheets. This ensures that even when inidividual sheets continue to be supplied, paper 6 is reliably printed upon. In fact, paper 6 lies on the external periphery cf platen 1 whereas the individual sheets lie inside paper 6.

The arrangement is suitable for automatic reproduction of stored data communications. Thus, for example, incoming telegrams can be stored in an intermediate store and printed out onto the continuous paper during printing pauses. Shortly before the store is full, continuous paper operation is automatically started, and telegrams are printed out. Otherwise, in the event of the store becoming overfull, telegrams would be lost.

Figure 3 shows an advantageous further development. The switching member 4 is designed as a guide element which deflects individual sheets or the continuous paper out of the direction of movement before platen 1 is reached, in such manner that the sheets contact platen 1 over its entire width at a position before pressure roller 2 is reached. This avoids wavy deformations and creasing of the paper when it is of a thin variety. To enable the paper to be deflected, switching member 4 is sprung loaded onto the paper. In this way, with thin types of paper which tend to form considerable wavy deformations, a greater degree of deflection of the paper out of the direction of movement is achieved.Member 4 is controlled by drive rollers 8 and 9 or by pressure roller 2 Of in dependence upon the selected operation, i.e. individual sheet operation or continuous paper operation. Member 4 assumes position 4a of 4b simply by means of the control of the funnel-shaped outlet opening in accordance with Figure 1. As a result of the spring loading onto the paper, an additional position 4c is reached in the case of individual sheets.Member 4 is not sprung onto the paper until the drive rollers 8 and 9 have been raised from the paper in the case of continuous paper operation of, in the case of individual sheet operation, until pressure roller 2 has been manually or automatically applied to platen 1 and is pressing the paper against the platen. 'Con -trol of member 4 can also take place by means of a control shaft provided with cams or by means of an electromagnetic control stage.

Thus, change-over from continuous paper to individual sheets occurs automatically, facilitating unattended operation.

Incoming data communications which have been stored in an intermediate store, such as for example teleprinter telegrams, car be automatically printed onto continuous paper during pauses in printing of indivi dual sheets. When the store is full, auto matic change-over from individual sheets to continuous paper takes place so that no data is lost. Advantageously, continuous paper operation or individual sheet opera tion is selected by means of a key on the machine. A particularly simple, controlled switching member serves to avoid paper congestion in the supply device during re traction of individual sheets. The indivi dual sheets can be retracted from the last to the first line of type. In operation em ploying individual sheets, member 4 blocks off the outlet opening of supply channel 7.

Member 4 has two stable positions. In the one position the shutter blocks off the outlet opening of the channel 7 and in the other positoin unblocks the outlet opening.

This has the advantage that member 4 can be produced particularly simply and in stalled with the least possible space require ment.

The funnel-shaped channel 7 for the supply of continuous paper is arranged beneath the supply for the individual sheets.

This ensures that in the event of a change over from individual sheets to continuous paper, even when individual sheets con tinue to be automatically supplied, the con tinuous paper is reliably printed upon.

At the rear of the printing position there is arranged a sharp edge 12 and the con tinuous paper 6 is severed by the sharp edge before moving back to the waiting position. This ensures that no paper which has been printed upon is returned to thc waiting position.

In channel 7, at the waiting position of the paper, there is arranged a scanning device which controls the movement device of the paper in dependence upon whether operation with individual sheets or con tinuous paper is selected. This ensures a reliable. forwards movement out of the waiting position or return movement into the waiting position.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A supply arrangement for use in a printing machine, the arrangement com prising: a platen over which record medium is guided in use of the arrangement; first supply means for supplying individual sheets of a record medium to the platen; second supply means for supplying record medium in the form of a continuous sheet to the platen; and switching means for switching between said first and second supply means so that, selectively, either said first supply means or said second supply means can operate to supply record medium to the platen, said second supply means being arranged to withdraw said continu ous sheet from the platen to a waiting

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. from the paper or merely deactivated. The channel 7 for the continuous paper 6 lies beneath the supply surface 14 for individual sheets. This ensures that even when inidividual sheets continue to be supplied, paper 6 is reliably printed upon. In fact, paper 6 lies on the external periphery cf platen 1 whereas the individual sheets lie inside paper 6. The arrangement is suitable for automatic reproduction of stored data communications. Thus, for example, incoming telegrams can be stored in an intermediate store and printed out onto the continuous paper during printing pauses. Shortly before the store is full, continuous paper operation is automatically started, and telegrams are printed out. Otherwise, in the event of the store becoming overfull, telegrams would be lost. Figure 3 shows an advantageous further development. The switching member 4 is designed as a guide element which deflects individual sheets or the continuous paper out of the direction of movement before platen 1 is reached, in such manner that the sheets contact platen 1 over its entire width at a position before pressure roller 2 is reached. This avoids wavy deformations and creasing of the paper when it is of a thin variety. To enable the paper to be deflected, switching member 4 is sprung loaded onto the paper. In this way, with thin types of paper which tend to form considerable wavy deformations, a greater degree of deflection of the paper out of the direction of movement is achieved.Member 4 is controlled by drive rollers 8 and 9 or by pressure roller 2 Of in dependence upon the selected operation, i.e. individual sheet operation or continuous paper operation. Member 4 assumes position 4a of 4b simply by means of the control of the funnel-shaped outlet opening in accordance with Figure 1. As a result of the spring loading onto the paper, an additional position 4c is reached in the case of individual sheets.Member 4 is not sprung onto the paper until the drive rollers 8 and 9 have been raised from the paper in the case of continuous paper operation of, in the case of individual sheet operation, until pressure roller 2 has been manually or automatically applied to platen 1 and is pressing the paper against the platen. 'Con -trol of member 4 can also take place by means of a control shaft provided with cams or by means of an electromagnetic control stage. Thus, change-over from continuous paper to individual sheets occurs automatically, facilitating unattended operation. Incoming data communications which have been stored in an intermediate store, such as for example teleprinter telegrams, car be automatically printed onto continuous paper during pauses in printing of indivi dual sheets. When the store is full, auto matic change-over from individual sheets to continuous paper takes place so that no data is lost. Advantageously, continuous paper operation or individual sheet opera tion is selected by means of a key on the machine. A particularly simple, controlled switching member serves to avoid paper congestion in the supply device during re traction of individual sheets. The indivi dual sheets can be retracted from the last to the first line of type. In operation em ploying individual sheets, member 4 blocks off the outlet opening of supply channel 7. Member 4 has two stable positions. In the one position the shutter blocks off the outlet opening of the channel 7 and in the other positoin unblocks the outlet opening. This has the advantage that member 4 can be produced particularly simply and in stalled with the least possible space require ment. The funnel-shaped channel 7 for the supply of continuous paper is arranged beneath the supply for the individual sheets. This ensures that in the event of a change over from individual sheets to continuous paper, even when individual sheets con tinue to be automatically supplied, the con tinuous paper is reliably printed upon. At the rear of the printing position there is arranged a sharp edge 12 and the con tinuous paper 6 is severed by the sharp edge before moving back to the waiting position. This ensures that no paper which has been printed upon is returned to thc waiting position. In channel 7, at the waiting position of the paper, there is arranged a scanning device which controls the movement device of the paper in dependence upon whether operation with individual sheets or con tinuous paper is selected. This ensures a reliable. forwards movement out of the waiting position or return movement into the waiting position. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A supply arrangement for use in a printing machine, the arrangement com prising: a platen over which record medium is guided in use of the arrangement; first supply means for supplying individual sheets of a record medium to the platen; second supply means for supplying record medium in the form of a continuous sheet to the platen; and switching means for switching between said first and second supply means so that, selectively, either said first supply means or said second supply means can operate to supply record medium to the platen, said second supply means being arranged to withdraw said continu ous sheet from the platen to a waiting

position when supply is to be taken from said first supply means.

2. An arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein withdrawal of said continuous sheet is effected by an electronic pro gramme.

3. An arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein said second supply means includes a feed channel having an outlet opening adjacent the platen through which channel is arranged to guide the continu ous record medium to the platen.

4. An arrangement according to Claim 3 wherein a drive device for driving said continuous record medium is provided in said channel.

5. An arrangement according to Claim 4 when dependent on Claim 2 or 3 wherein there is provided at said waiting position a scanning device for controlling said drive device in dependence upon whether opera tion with individual sheets or continuous sheet is selected.

6. An arrangement according to Claim 4 or 5 wherein said drive device includes two rollers arranged to grip said medium therebetween.

7. An arrangement according to any one of Claims 3 to 6 wherein said switch ing means includes a switching member positioned adjacent said outlet opening and operable to block said opening when in dividual sheets of said medium are to be supplied to the platen and operable to un block said opening when continuous sheet is to be supplied to the platen.

8. An arrangement according to Claim 7 wherein said switching member is pivo tably mounted and has two stable positions in one of which it blocks said opening and in the other of which said opening is unblocked.

9. An arrangement according to Claim 7 or 8 wherein there is provided a pres sure roller for pressing said medium against the platen and said switching member is operable, in one position thereof, to deflect said medium so that the medium contact the platen in use of the arrangement at a point in advance of the point at which said pressure roller is arranged to act.

10. An arrangement according to Claim 9 wherein said switching member is re siliently biased towards the platen.

11. An arrangement according to Claim 10 wherein a spring provides the resilient bias.

12. An arrangement according to 'Claim 10 or 11 wherein means are pro 'vided to ensure that said switching member is not resiliently biased against said medium until the medium contacts the 'surface of the platen.

13. An arrangement according to - any one of Claims 7 to 12 when appended to Claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein said switching member is controllable by said drive device.

14. An arrangement according to any one of Claims 7 to 12 when appended to Claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein a cam shaft is provided to control said switching member.

15. An arrangement according to Claim 14 wherein said cam shaft is operable to control said switching member in dependence upon the thickness of said record medium.

16. An arrangement according to any one of Claims 7 to 12 when appended to Claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein said switching member is controllable by a magnetic device in dependence upon the thickness of said record medium.

17. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said first and second supply means are so positioned that, when the arrangement is in use, said second supply means is below said first supply means.

18. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is provided a cutting device for severing the continuous sheet before switching to supply from said first supply means.

19. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims when adapted for use with paper as said record medium.

20. A supply arrangement for paper guidance in a printing machine feature selective supply of continuous paper or individual sheets of paper to the printing position, wherein the continuous paper and the individual sheets are guided around a platen which is moved by a feed device and are pressed against the platen by means of pressure rollers, characterised in that the continuous paper can be supplied to the platen separately from the supply arrangement of the individual sheets, via a drive device in a channel in which the end of the paper remains in a waiting position until automatic supply is commenced, in that in front of the platen, along the entire width thereof, there is arranged a branching device which blocks off the outlet opening of the channel when individual sheets are supplied, that in the event of a change-over from individual sheets to continuous paper the branching device releases the outlet opening of the channel and the drive device supplies the continuous paper to the platen, and that in the event of a changeover from continuous paper to individual sheets the drive device automatically returns the continuous paper to the waiting position in the channel.

21. A supply arrangement for use in -a printing machine substantially as hereiis- before described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying . drawing.

22. A printing machine including a supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims.

23. A data printer constructed in accordance with claim 22.

24. A teleprinter constructed in accordance with claim 22.