JP2598139Y2 - Automatic document feeder - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder for separating and feeding sheets one by one from a sheet stacking section on which a plurality of sheets are stacked.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a side view showing a schematic structure of a conventional automatic document feeder. In the figure, 101 is a manuscript, 1
Reference numeral 02 denotes a document table on which a plurality of documents 101 are stacked. Reference numeral 103 denotes a paper feed roller. The paper feed roller 103 is located at the upper end of the original 101 loaded on the original mounting table 102 and abuts on the uppermost one of the originals 101 loaded on the original mounting table 102. Original 1 that is in contact by rotating
01 is fed out.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a set plate which is disposed to face the paper feed roller 103. The set plate 104 is located at the front end of the original table
2 is the set plate 1 on the leading end side of the document 101 loaded on
I'm on 04. Reference numeral 105 denotes a fulcrum serving as the center of the rotation of the set plate 104, and reference numeral 106 denotes the set plate 1
04 is pressed in the direction of the paper feed roller 103, and the set plate 104 is
01 is pressed against the paper feed roller 103, so that the paper feed roller 103 is rotated between the paper feed roller 103 and the document 101 which is in contact with the paper feed roller 103, so that the document 101 is fed out. A friction force is being generated. The set plate 104 can be retracted by a driving mechanism having a driving source (not shown) such as a solenoid against a spring 106 so as not to press the original 101 against the paper feed roller 103.

[0007] Reference numeral 107 denotes a separation roller having no direct drive source by a motor or the like. The separation roller 107 can be moved toward and away from the paper feed roller 103 by a driving mechanism having a drive source (not shown) such as a solenoid.
In a state approaching the sheet feeding roller 03, the separation roller 107 is pressed against the sheet feeding roller 103 by a spring (not shown).

When one sheet of the document 101 is fed out by the sheet feeding roller 103, the document 101 is sandwiched between the sheet feeding roller 103 and the separation roller 107, so that the sheet When the document 101 is fed, the separation roller 107 rotates following the feeding of the document 101, and the document 101 is further fed.
When two or more originals 101 are fed out in Step 3, the originals 1 are fed between the feed roller 103 and the separation roller 107.
01, the uppermost sheet in contact with the paper feed roller 103 is fed by the paper feed roller 103, but the other originals 101 are stopped without being fed because the separation roller 107 does not rotate. The document 101 is sent one by one.

The separation roller 107 is connected to the sheet feeding roller 10.
3, the separation roller 107 does not affect the feeding of the document 1. Reference numeral 108 denotes a registration roller located downstream of the paper feed roller 103; 109, a pressure roller that is disposed to face the registration roller 108 and presses the original 101 against the registration roller 108;
The registrar 108 and the pressure roller 109 pinch and transport the original 101 fed one by one by the paper feed roller 103 and the separation roller 107.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a sensor located downstream of the registration roller 108 and the pressure roller 109. Reference numeral 111 denotes a platen roller disposed opposite to the sensor 110.
The original 101 sent by the registration roller 108 and the pressure roller 109 is further transferred to the platen roller 1.
The image is read by the sensor 110 while being sent by 11. In the conventional automatic document feeder having the above-described configuration, the document 101 in contact with the paper feed roller 103 is fed out by the rotation of the paper feed roller 103. At this time, when two or more originals 101 are fed, the feeding of the originals 101 other than the original 101 in contact with the paper feed roller 103 is stopped by the separation roller 107.

When the original 101 is fed out of the original placing table 102 by the paper feed roller 103, the registration roller 108 is not yet rotated, and when the original 101 is fed by the paper feed roller 103, the original 101 The leading end abuts on the registration roller 108, and the paper feed roller 103
, The document 101 is given an appropriate deflection for correcting skew.

After that, the image is read by the sensor 110 while rotating the registration roller 108 to feed the original 101 together with the platen roller 111. Here, when the original 101 is sent by the registration roller 108, the original 101 is fed by the set plate 104 to the paper feed roller 103.
Or the separation roller 107 is
When the roller 1 is in contact with the roller 1, there is a problem in that the transport load increases, and the feeding accuracy deteriorates with the aging of the transport force due to contamination of each roller. Therefore, although not shown, as described above, the set plate 102 and the separation roller 1
Reference numeral 07 denotes a drive mechanism having a drive source such as a solenoid, which is moved in a direction away from the paper feed roller 103.
01, the set plate 102 and the separation roller 107 are moved away from the paper feed roller 103, and the set plate 104
The document 101 is fed by the registration roller 108 and the image is read by the sensor 110 so that the document 1 is not pressed against the document 3 and the feeding force of the separation roller 107 does not reach the document 101.

[0010]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional automatic document feeder, a drive mechanism having a drive source such as a solenoid is used to move the separation roller and the set plate toward and away from the paper feed roller. Each has a plurality of drive sources and associated drive mechanisms, which complicates the structure and reduces the size and weight of the device.
There is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the cost.

If a jam occurs while the original is being fed by the paper feed roller, it is difficult to remove the jam when the original is pressed against the paper feed roller by the set plate, and the set plate needs to be retracted. However, at the same time, the feeding of the original 1 by the paper feed roller must be stopped, and the respective driving sources must be controlled, so that there is a problem that the control becomes complicated.

According to the present invention, a plurality of driving sources and a driving system associated therewith are required to move the separation roller and the set plate toward and away from the sheet feeding roller. This is to solve the problem that it is difficult to reduce the size, weight, and cost. In other words, the drive source for moving the separation roller and the set plate toward and away from the paper feed roller is shared with the drive source for the paper feed roller and the registration roller, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing the size and size. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic document feeder that can be reduced in weight and cost.

Further, the present invention solves the problem that it is difficult to remove the jam when the original is pressed against the paper feed roller by the set plate, and the control is complicated to retreat the set plate. The drive source for moving the set plate in the direction to approach and separate from the paper feed roller is shared with the drive source for the paper feed roller and registration roller, and when a jam occurs, the original is fed by the paper feed roller. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic document feeder that does not require complicated control for removing a jam by being driven by the drive source and retracting the set plate in a state where the operation is not performed.

[0014]

In order to achieve this object, the automatic document feeder according to the present invention contacts the uppermost one of the stacked originals, and feeds the original by rotating the original. A paper roller, and a paper roller,
A plate on which documents are stacked and movable in a direction approaching and separating from the paper feed roller; a spring for pushing up the plate to press the document against the paper feed roller; a motor for driving the paper feed roller; end of the spring portion and the coiled spring portion the boss of <br/> receiving Rugiya the driving force from
Torsion having an arm formed by extending the part linearly
Wrap the spring so that the boss is tightened at the spring part
When the motor rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which the paper feed roller is rotated in the document feeding direction, the torsion spring interlocks with the rotation of the gear.
The arm rotates in the direction to push down the plate ,
Push down the plate against the spring to remove the original and
When the torsion spring is rotated by a predetermined amount in the same direction, the tightening of the spring portion with respect to the boss is weakened, and the boss can idle with respect to the torsion spring.
And hold the plate with the original and the paper feed roller apart.
And, rotating the motor has been rotated in a direction to rotate the sheet feeding roller in the document feed direction, the torsion spring in conjunction with the rotation of the gear in the direction in which the arm portion is retracted
Then, the plate is pushed up by a spring and
When the paper feed roller is pressed against the document and the torsion spring rotates a predetermined amount in the same direction, the spring portion is provided with a spring clutch that tightens the boss against the boss weakly and allows the boss to idle with respect to the torsion spring.

In the automatic document feeder, the document is arranged so as to be displaced from the plate in the direction in which the document is fed by the paper feed roller and opposed to the paper feed roller, and can be moved in a direction approaching or leaving the paper feed roller. The motor for driving the paper feed roller rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which the paper feed roller is rotated in the document feeding direction, and is pressed by the plate while the spring clutch is pushing down the plate to feed the paper. Moving in a direction away from the roller, and while the motor is rotating in a direction for rotating the paper feed roller in the document feeding direction, a separating roller pressed against the paper feed roller by the force of a spring is provided. Is also good.

The automatic document feeder according to the present invention further comprises means for detecting a jam of the original fed by the paper feed roller, and when the jam is detected , the motor is fed to the paper feeder.
In the direction opposite to the direction in which the rollers rotate in the original feeding direction
After rotating a predetermined amount, press the spring clutch
Control means for depressing the port.
The locking clutch may retain the force for pushing down the plate even when a motor that rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the paper feed roller rotates in the document feeding direction is stopped.

[0017]

According to the present invention having the above-described structure, the motor feeds paper.
Rotate the roller in the direction to rotate it in the original feeding direction.
When the original is fed by the feeding roller, the plate is pushed up by the force of the spring, and the original is pressed against the feeding roller. Then, when the feeding by the feed roller is completed , the motor drives the feed roller to feed the original.
When rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of rotating the direction Eject and the plate is pushed down, the paper feed roller Ri no longer pressed against the document, the roller located downstream from the paper feed roller
You reduce the load of that document conveyance.

[0018]

An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of an automatic document feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a document, and 2 denotes a document table on which a plurality of documents 1 are stacked. Reference numeral 3 denotes a guide for regulating the position of the document 1 on the document table 2 in the width direction. Two guides 3 are provided on the document table 2 so as to sandwich the document 1 in the width direction.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a paper feed roller. The paper feed roller 4 is located above the leading end of the original 1 loaded on the original placing table 2.
The original 1 that is in contact with the uppermost one of the originals 1 stacked on the original placing table 2 is rotated by being rotated. Reference numeral 5 denotes a set plate which is disposed to face the paper feed roller 4. The set plate 5 is located at the leading end of the original placing table 2, and the leading end of the original 1 loaded on the original placing table 2 is placed on the set plate 5. I'm on Reference numeral 6 denotes a fulcrum serving as a center of the rotation of the set plate 5, and 7 denotes a spring which presses the set plate 5 toward the paper feed roller 4. The spring 7 causes the set plate 5 to rotate about the fulcrum 6 so that the set plate 5 5 is pressed against the paper feed roller 4, whereby the paper feed roller 4
The rotation of the paper feed roller 4 generates a frictional force required to feed out the original 1 between the paper feed roller 4 and the original 1 in contact with the paper feed roller 4.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a separation roller having no direct drive source by a motor or the like.
The document 1 is shifted in the direction in which the document 1 is fed by the sheet feeding roller 4 and is opposed to the sheet feeding roller 4. The separation roller 8 is pressed against the paper feed roller 4 by a spring (not shown). When one document 1 is fed out by the paper feed roller 4, the separation roller 8 is located between the paper feed roller 4 and the separation roller 8. When the original 1 is fed by the paper feed roller 4 by nipping the original 1, the separation roller 8 rotates following the feeding of the original 1 and the original 1 is further fed. Also,
When two or more originals 1 are fed out by the paper feed roller 4, the originals 1 are fed between the paper feed roller 4 and the separation roller 8.
Is pinched so that the uppermost one in contact with the paper feed roller 4
The sheets are fed by the paper feed roller 4, but the other originals 1 are stopped without being fed because the separation roller 8 does not rotate, and the originals 1 are fed one by one.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a registration roller located downstream of the paper feed roller 4. Reference numeral 11 denotes a pressure roller which is disposed opposite to the registration roller 10 and presses the original 1 against the registration roller 10. These registration rollers 10 and the pressure roller 11 are paper feed rollers. The document 1 fed out one by one by the separation roller 4 and the separation roller 8 is pinched and transported. Reference numeral 12 denotes a sensor which is located downstream of the registration roller 10 and the pressure roller 11 and is mounted on the image reading device 13. Reference numeral 14 denotes a platen roller which is disposed to face the sensor 12, and is a document fed by the registration roller 10 and the pressure roller 11. 1 is further fed by the platen roller 14 and an image is read by the sensor 12.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a conveyance path through which the original 1 whose image has been read by the image reading device 14 is sent, and reference numeral 16 denotes a discharge roller for discharging the original 1 sent through the conveyance path 15 to a discharge tray (not shown). 2 and 3 are perspective views showing a mechanism for moving the set plate 5, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the set plate.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a spring clutch. The spring clutch 20 includes a gear 21 for receiving a driving force transmitted from a driving source, which will be described later, and a toe spring 22 attached to wind around a boss (not shown) of the gear 21.
And so on. This torsion spring 22
A coil-shaped spring portion 22a, a first arm portion 22b formed by linearly extending one end of the spring portion 22a, and a second arm portion formed by linearly extending the other end of the spring portion 22a.
And a torsion spring 2 which is wound so that the boss is tightened by the spring 22a.
2 is attached to the gear 21, and the torsion spring 22 also rotates following the rotation of the gear 21.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a limiter, 23a denotes this limiter 2
3, the second arm 22 of the torsion spring 22 is provided on the projection 23a.
c, the amount of rotation of the torsion spring 22 is regulated. Hereinafter, the operation of the set plate 5 will be described. When the gear 21 rotates in the direction of the arrow a, the torsion spring 22 also rotates in the same direction, and the first arm 22b of the torsion spring 22 rotates in the direction of the arrow b to abut the projection 5a of the set plate 5 and set. The plate 5 is pushed down against the spring 7 as shown in FIG.

As described above, the torsion spring 2
2 rotates and the first arm 22b rotates the set plate 5
Is pushed down, the second arm 22 c is moved to the limiter 23.
To the projection 23a. When the gear 21 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow a as it is, a force is applied by the second arm portion 22c in the direction of expanding the spring portion 22a, and the tightening of the boss portion of the gear 21 by the spring portion 22a is weakened.
A slippage occurs between the torsion spring 22 and the torsion spring 22 so that only the gear 21 can rotate without rotating.

When the set plate 5 is pushed down, the original 1 is not pressed against the paper feed roller 4 and the original 1 on the original placing table 2 is not fed. When the gear 21 rotates in the direction of arrow c opposite to the above,
Since the force in the direction of expanding the spring portion 22a caused by the second arm portion 22c abutting on the protrusion 23a of the limiter 23 is not generated, and the spring portion 22a tightens the boss portion of the gear 21, the torsion spring 22 also By rotating in the same direction as 21, the first arm 22b rotates in the direction of arrow d.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 4B, the set plate 5 is pushed up by the force of the spring 7, and the original 1 is pressed against the paper feed roller 4. In order to restrict the rotation range of the torsion spring 22 when the gear 21 rotates in the direction of arrow c, a stopper 23b against which the first arm 22b abuts is provided, and the first end 22b is connected to the stopper 23b. As the gear 21 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow c as it is, a force is applied in the direction of expanding the spring portion 22a by the first arm portion 22b, and the spring portion 22a
The boss of the gear 21 is weakened by the
Sliding occurs between the gear 1 and the torsion spring 22, so that the torsion spring 22 does not rotate and only the gear 21 can rotate.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an automatic document feeder showing a drive system of the spring clutch 20, the feed roller 4 and the registration roller 10. Reference numeral 30 denotes a motor, 31 denotes an output gear fixed to an output shaft of the motor 30, 32 denotes an idle gear, and the idle gear 32 includes a large gear 32a and a small gear 32b arranged coaxially. Reference numeral 32a meshes with the output gear 31 of the motor 30.

A gear 33 is coaxial with the registration roller 10 and drives the registration roller 10. The gear 33 meshes with the small gear 32b of the idle gear 32. Reference numeral 34 denotes a one-way clutch bearing interposed between the gear 33 and the registration roller 10, and a driving force is transmitted to the registration roller 10 when the gear 33 rotates in the direction of arrow L1. The gear 33 meshes with the gear 21 of the spring clutch 20 described with reference to FIGS.

A gear 35 is coaxial with the paper feed roller 4 and drives the paper feed roller 4.
Gear 21. Reference numeral 36 denotes a one-way clutch bearing interposed between the gear 35 and the paper feed roller 4, and a driving force is transmitted to the paper feed roller 4 when the gear 36 rotates in the direction of arrow L2.

The platen roller 14 also receives the driving force of the motor 30 via a transmission mechanism (not shown), and rotates in synchronization with the registration roller 10. Reference numeral 23 denotes a limiter having the protrusion 23a described with reference to FIG. 2. The limiter 23 has a fulcrum coaxial with the rotation axis of the gear 21, and is rotatable by a predetermined amount around the fulcrum. The position of the protrusion 23a moves.

Numeral 37 denotes a screw for fixing the limiter 23 at an arbitrary position. By moving the position of the projection 23a as described later, the amount by which the spring clutch 20 pushes down the set plate 5 can be adjusted. The automatic document feeder 40 having the above configuration is mounted on a part of a printing device (not shown), and the image reading device 13 is removably mounted on the automatic document feeder 40.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 described above. First, a document 1 is set on a document table 2 with an image facing upward, and is positioned in the width direction by two guides 3. When the output gear 31 of the motor 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow e, the driving force is transmitted in the order of the idle gear 32, the gear 33, the gear 21, and the gear 35.

At this time, since the gear 21 rotates in the direction of arrow c, the first arm 22b of the torsion spring 22 rotates upward (direction of arrow d) as described with reference to FIGS. The force for pushing down the plate 5 is not applied. Thus, the set plate 5 rotates upward about the fulcrum 6 by the force of the spring 7 and presses the original 1 against the paper feed roller 4 with an appropriate force.

Since the gear 35 rotates in the direction of the arrow L2, the driving force is transmitted from the gear 35 to the paper feed roller 4 via the one-way clutch bearing 36, and the paper feed roller 4 is also moved in the direction of the arrow L2, that is, the original 1 , And the original 1 is fed out by the feed roller 4.
The leading edge of the original 1 fed by the paper feed roller 4 is fed to a position where it comes into contact with the separation roller 8. If two or more originals 1 are being fed, the uppermost original 1 is fed by the paper feed roller 4. The document 1 on the second and subsequent sheets is stopped by the separation roller 8.

When the motor 30 rotates in the above direction,
Since the gear 33 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow L1, the driving force from the gear 33 is not transmitted to the registration roller 10 by the action of the one-way clutch 34, and the registration roller 10 remains stationary without rotating. . As a result, the leading edge of the original 1 fed by the paper feed roller 4 abuts on the registration roller 10 and the original 1 is fed as it is, thereby giving the original 1 an appropriate deflection and correcting the skew.

As described above, based on the output from a sensor (not shown) provided between the feed roller 4 and the registration roller 10 for detecting the passage of the original 1 and the time during which the motor 30 is rotating, the original 1 When it is determined that an appropriate deflection has been given to the motor 30, the motor 30 is rotated in the opposite direction.
When the output gear 31 of the motor 30 rotates in the direction of arrow f, which is the opposite direction, the driving force is transmitted in the order of the idle gear 32, gear 33, gear 21, and gear 35, and the gear 21 rotates in the direction of arrow a. , Torsion spring 22
Is rotated downward (in the direction of the arrow b), and comes into contact with the protrusion 5a of the set plate 5 so that the set plate 5
Is pressed down against the spring 7.

As a result, the set plate 5 rotates downward about the fulcrum 6 so that the original 1 is not pressed against the paper feed roller 4. Since the gear 33 rotates in the direction of the arrow L1, the driving force from the gear 33 is transmitted to the registration roller 10 via the one-way clutch bearing 34.
The registration roller 10 also rotates in the direction of arrow L1, that is, in the direction in which the document 1 is fed. Further, since the gear 35 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow L2, the driving force from the gear 35 is not transmitted to the paper feed roller 4 by the action of the one-way clutch bearing 36, and the paper feed roller 4 does not rotate.

As a result, the original 1 is sent by the registration roller 10, but since the original 1 is not pressed against the paper feed roller 4, the original 1 and the paper feed roller 4 are transported by the registration roller 10 when the original 1 is transported. The load due to friction acting between the originals 1 or the load due to friction acting between the originals 1 is reduced. Further, since the paper feed roller 4 is supported by the gear 35 via the one-way clutch bearing 36, when the gear 35 is rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow L2, the original 1 in contact with the paper feed roller 4 When a force is applied to rotate the paper feed roller 4 in the direction of arrow L2,
The paper feed roller 4 can rotate following the feeding of the document 1 irrespective of the rotation of the gear 35.

Document 1 sent by registration roller 10
Further, the document 1 is sent by a platen roller 14 rotating in synchronization with the registration roller 10, an image is read by a sensor 12, and the document 1 on which the image reading is completed is sent along a transport path 15. The sheet is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown) by the discharge roller 16. The tension of the torsion spring 22 is applied to the first arm 22 of the torsion spring 22 via the set plate 5.
The friction generated by trying to rotate the torsion spring 22 in a state where the gear 21 does not rotate due to the tension of the spring 7 exceeding the tension of the spring 7 that attempts to lift The torque required for rotating the motor 30 is higher than that of the motor 30, and the tension of the spring 7 is determined by the torsion spring 22, the gear 21, and the gear 33.
The motor 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow g as described above by setting the force to rotate the motor 30 generated by being transmitted to the output gear 31 via the idle gear 32. After the set plate 5 is pushed down by a predetermined amount, the set plate 5 is kept pressed down against the spring 7 even if the driving of the motor 30 is stopped.

Next, the function of the limiter 28 will be described. The amount by which the spring clutch 20 pushes down the set plate 5 depends on the limiter 2 with which the second arm 22c abuts.
8 is adjusted by the position of the projection 28a. That is, as described with reference to FIG. 3, when the gear 21 of the spring clutch 20 rotates in the direction of arrow a, the first arm 22b of the torsion spring 22 rotates in the direction of arrow b to push down the set plate 5. At this time, the second arm 22c of the torsion spring 22 also rotates in the same direction as the first arm 22b and hits the projection 23a of the limiter 23, so that the torsion spring 22 can rotate even if the gear 21 rotates. And the set plate 5 can no longer be pushed down.

Thus, when the limiter 23 is rotated in the direction of the arrow g around the fulcrum coaxial with the rotation axis of the spring clutch 21, the position at which the second arm 22b abuts on the projection 23a of the limiter 23 becomes earlier. When the amount by which the set plate 5 is depressed is reduced, and when the set plate 5 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow h, the second arm 22b is moved to the protrusion 23a of the limiter 23.
Is slowed down, and the amount of pushing down the set plate 5 increases.

The limiter 23 is normally fixed by a screw 37 so as not to rotate. When adjusting the amount of pressing down of the set plate 5, the limiter 23 can be rotated by loosening the screw 37. FIG. 6 shows the feed roller 4
9 is a flowchart showing a removal procedure in the case where a jam occurs when the original 1 is fed out.

As described above, the sensor (not shown) for detecting the original 1 is provided between the paper feed roller 4 and the registration roller 10, and the control means (not shown)
Then, rotation of the motor 30 in the direction of the arrow e for feeding out the document 1 is started (S1). If the sensor does not detect the document 1 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that a jam has occurred (S2).

When it is determined that a jam has occurred, the driving of the motor 30 is stopped (S3), and then the motor 30 is reversed (rotated in the direction of arrow f) to push down the set plate 5 (S4). When it is determined that the set plate 5 has been pushed down by rotating the motor 30 in the direction of the arrow g for a predetermined time, the driving of the motor 30 is stopped (S5).

Here, as described above, even if the rotation of the motor 30 is stopped, the set plate 5 that has been pressed down maintains the pressed state, so that the original 1 is not pressed against the paper feed roller 4. , Making it easier to remove jams. When the motor 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow f, the driving force is not transmitted to the paper feed roller 4, so that the original 1 is not fed, and
Rotates in the direction in which the document 1 is fed, but since the sensor provided between the paper feed roller 4 and the registration roller 10 does not detect the document 1, the document 1 has not reached the position of the registration roller 10. When removing the above-described jam, the original 1
Is not sent by the registration roller 10.

When the sensor detects the document 1 within the predetermined time in S2, it is determined that no jam has occurred, and the motor 30 is further rotated in the direction of the arrow e for a predetermined time so that the leading end of the document 1 is registered. When it is determined that a moderate slack is given to the roller 10 (S6), the motor 30 is stopped (S7), and then the motor 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow f to feed the original by the registration roller 10 (S6).
8).

FIG. 7 is a side view of an automatic document feeder showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a mechanism is added to the automatic document feeder of the first embodiment to move the separation roller in a direction to approach and separate from the sheet feeding roller. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes a bracket for supporting the separation roller 8 so as to be movable toward and away from the paper feed roller 4. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the original 1 is pressed against the paper feed roller 4 by the set plate 5 under the force of the spring 7 to feed out the original 1, the arm 9a of the set plate 5 and the bracket 9 is used. Does not touch,
The separation roller 9 moves in a direction approaching the paper feed roller 4 under the force of a spring or the like (not shown), and the separation roller 8 is pressed against the paper feed roller 4.

When one sheet of the original 1 is fed by the feed roller 4, the original 1 is sandwiched between the feed roller 4 and the separation roller 8. Is sent, the separation roller 8 moves the original 1
It rotates following the feed. When two or more originals 1 are fed out by the paper feed roller 4, the originals 1 are sandwiched between the paper feed roller 4 and the separation roller 8,
The uppermost sheet in contact with the paper feed roller 4 is fed by the paper feed roller 4, but the other originals 1 are stopped without being fed because the separation roller 8 does not rotate, and the originals 1 are fed one by one. Will be.

In order to prevent the original 1 from being pressed against the paper feed roller 4 after the feeding of the original 1 is completed, FIG.
When the set plate 5 is retracted against the spring 7 as shown in FIG.
The arm 9a of the set 1 comes in contact, the bracket 9 is pushed by the retreat of the set plate 5, the separating roller 9 moves in a direction away from the sheet feeding roller 4, and the separating roller 8 and the document 1 are not in contact.

In the second embodiment, the set plate 5 is moved by using the spring clutch 20 described in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the first embodiment and the drive system described in FIGS. The operation of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. The original 1 has an image placed upward on an original mounting table 2, and is positioned in the width direction by two guides 3.

When the output gear 31 of the motor 30 rotates in the direction of arrow e, the idle gear 32, the gear 33, the gear 21,
The driving force is transmitted in the order of the gears 35. At this time, gear 2
Since 1 rotates in the direction of arrow c, the first arm 22b of the torsion spring 22 rotates upward as described with reference to FIG. 2, and the force for pushing down the set plate 5 is not applied. As a result, the set plate 5 rotates upward about the fulcrum 6 by the force of the spring 7 and presses the original 1 against the paper feed roller 4 with an appropriate force, and the separation roller 8
Moves in a direction approaching the paper feed roller 4, and the separation roller 8 is pressed against the paper feed roller 4.

Since the gear 35 rotates in the direction of arrow L2, the driving force is transmitted from the gear 35 to the paper feed roller 4 via the one-way clutch bearing 36, and the paper feed roller 4 is also moved in the direction of arrow L2, that is, the original 1 , And the original 1 is fed out by the feed roller 4.
The leading edge of the original 1 fed by the paper feed roller 4 is fed to a position where it comes into contact with the separation roller 8. If two or more originals 1 are being fed, the uppermost original 1 is fed by the paper feed roller 4. The document 1 on the second and subsequent sheets is stopped by the separation roller 8.

When the motor 30 rotates in the above direction,
Since the gear 33 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow L1, the driving force from the gear 33 is not transmitted to the registration roller 10 by the action of the one-way clutch 34, and the registration roller 10 remains stationary without rotating. . As a result, the leading edge of the original 1 fed by the paper feed roller 4 abuts on the registration roller 10 and the original 1 is fed as it is, thereby giving the original 1 an appropriate deflection and correcting the skew.

As described above, based on the output from a sensor (not shown) provided between the paper feed roller 4 and the registration roller 10 for detecting the passage of the original 1 and the time during which the motor 30 is rotating, the original 1 When it is determined that an appropriate deflection has been given to the motor 30, the motor 30 is rotated in the opposite direction.
When the output gear 31 of the motor 30 rotates in the direction of arrow f, which is the opposite direction, the driving force is transmitted in the order of the idle gear 32, gear 33, gear 21, and gear 35, and the gear 21 rotates in the direction of arrow a. , Torsion spring 22
Of the first arm 22b is rotated downward, and the set plate 5
The set plate 5 is brought into contact with the projection 5a of the
Press down against

As a result, the set plate 5 rotates downward about the fulcrum 6 so that the original 1 is not pressed against the paper feed roller 4 and the separation roller 8 moves in a direction away from the paper feed roller 4. Since the gear 33 rotates in the direction of the arrow L1, the driving force from the gear 33 is transmitted to the registration roller 10 via the one-way clutch bearing 34, and the registration roller 10 also moves in the direction of the arrow L1, that is, in the direction in which the original 1 is fed. Rotate. Further, since the gear 35 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow L2, the driving force from the gear 35 is not transmitted to the paper feed roller 4 by the action of the one-way clutch bearing 36, and the paper feed roller 4 does not rotate.

As a result, the original 1 is fed by the registration roller 10. However, since the original 1 is not pressed against the paper feed roller 4 and the separation roller 8 is separated from the paper feed roller 4, Original 1 and paper feed roller 4 or separation roller 8 when original 1 is transported by roller 10
And the load due to the friction acting between the originals 1 or the friction due to the friction acting between the originals 1 is reduced.

Document 1 sent by registration roller 10
Further, the document 1 is sent by a platen roller 14 rotating in synchronization with the registration roller 10, an image is read by a sensor 12, and the document 1 on which the image reading is completed is sent along a transport path 15. The sheet is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown) by the discharge roller 16. In the second embodiment as well, the adjustment of the amount by which the set plate 5 is pushed down is performed by adjusting the position of the limiter 28 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0060]

According to the present invention, as described in detail above, according to the present invention, the feeding by the feed roller is completed, and the set plate and the separation roller do not obstruct the feeding of the original when the original is conveyed by the registration rollers. Since the drive source for moving is shared with the drive sources such as the feed roller and the registration roller, there is no need for the respective drive sources and drive systems for the set plate and separation roller, and the number of parts is reduced. It is possible to realize a structure, which has an effect that the device can be reduced in size, weight, and cost. You
That is, the drive source moves the paper feed roller in the original feeding direction.
While rotating in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation,
Is kept pressed down, and the driving source is
Can continue rotating in the opposite direction.
Only the driving force for retracting the plate and separation roller
Not the drive source of the register roller downstream of the paper feed roller
Available as set plate and separation row
The drive source for moving the rollers
It can be shared with a drive source such as a roller.

Further, since the feeding of the original by the paper feed roller can be stopped and the set plate can be retracted only by controlling one driving source, the jam can be easily removed without requiring complicated control. Has the effect that it becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of an automatic document feeder according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mechanism for moving a set plate.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a mechanism for moving a set plate.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the operation of a set plate.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the automatic document feeder showing the drive system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a removal procedure when a jam occurs.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the automatic document feeder according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional automatic document feeder.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Paper feed roller 5 Set plate 7 Spring 20 Spring clutch

Claims (3)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. An abutment is made on an uppermost one of stacked originals,
A feed roller that feeds out a document that is in contact with it by rotating, a plate that is disposed to face the feed roller, and that can move in a direction in which documents are stacked and approached or separated from the feed roller; a spring for pressing the document sheet feed roller is pushed up, a motor for driving the feed roller, coiled boss Rugiya receiving a driving force from said motor
Formed by extending the spring part and the end of this spring part linearly.
A torsion spring having an arm
The motor rotates the paper feed roller in the document feeding direction.
When the gear rotates in the opposite direction, the gear rotates
In conjunction with the torsion spring, the arm
Rotate in the direction of pushing down to spring the plate
Press down against the paper to separate the paper feed roller from the original.
When the spring rotates a predetermined amount in the same direction, the spring
Tightening against boss weakens and torsion spring
The boss can be idled against the
And the paper feed roller in a separated state, and the motor rotates the paper feed roller in the document feeding direction.
When the gear rotates in the direction
The spring rotates in the direction that its arm retracts.
Press the plate up with a spring
Paper feed roller, and the torsion spring
After rotating a predetermined amount in the direction, tighten the spring against the boss.
Empty boss against torsion spring as injuries weaken
An automatic document feeder comprising a spring clutch that is rotatable. 2. An automatic document feeder according to claim 1, wherein
And the direction in which the document is fed by the paper feed roller with respect to the plate.
To the paper feed roller
Can move in the direction of approaching and separating, and drive the paper feed roller
Motor rotates the paper feed roller in the document feeding direction.
The spring clutch
Is pressed by the plate while the plate is being pressed down.
To move away from the paper feed roller,
Direction to rotate the paper feed roller in the original feeding direction
During rotation, press the paper against the paper feed roller with the force of the spring.
Automatic document feeder you comprising the discipline is the separation roller. 3. The automatic document feeder according to claim 1, wherein a jam of the document fed by the sheet feed roller is detected.
And a motor that feeds the paper feed roller when a jam is detected.
Rotate a predetermined amount in the direction opposite to the direction in which the paper is fed out
Then press the plate by the spring clutch
An automatic document feeder, comprising: a lowering control unit .