JP2758674B2 - Automatic paper feeder for printer - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic paper feeder for a printer that automatically supplies paper to a printer.

[Conventional technology]

When printing a graphic or graph output from a computer, a word processor, or the like by a printer, in order to improve print quality, printing is performed while moving the paper forward and backward in a direction perpendicular to the print head moving in the axial direction of the platen. It is desirable. In the forward and backward movement of the paper, particularly at the time of backward movement, the rear end portion abuts against the paper feed stacker or the paper feed roller, thereby preventing the paper from being retracted.
It caused wrinkles.

In recent years, a multicolor printer has been in the spotlight for outputting multicolor printing. In such a multicolor printer, a high-quality printed matter free from color bleeding due to misregistration of each color printing process several times or bending or wrinkling of the paper end due to forward / backward movement is required. A temporary evacuation path different from the paper stacker is provided. There are many types of recording methods of this multicolor printer, such as an ink jet method and a thermal transfer method.
In general, a multicolor printer is composed of a multicolor printer and an automatic paper feeder for the multicolor printer which can be mounted on the multicolor printer. An automatic paper feeder for a multi-color printer includes a paper feed stacker for storing paper, a paper feed roller disposed in front of the paper feed stacker, and a guide plate disposed near the paper feed roller. The guide plate is used to guide the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the multicolor printer from the paper feeding stacker to the printing section of the multicolor printer, or the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the multicolor printer from the printing section. A paper feed roller configured to selectively form either one of the second guide paths leading to the temporary evacuation path, and supporting the paper feed roller via a driving force transmitting unit by using the rotational driving force of the driving shaft of the multicolor printer. The feed roller is rotated, the paper feed roller shaft is rotated, and the paper stacked on the paper feed stacker by the paper feed roller is guided to the printing section of the multicolor printer.Furthermore, the printing section of the multicolor printer is guided via the guide plate. It is designed to reciprocate.

As this type of automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer, for example, the one shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-260470 is known (FIGS. 10 and 11).

In FIG. 10, in order to guide the paper stacked on the paper feed stacker to the printing section of the multicolor printer, the cylinder is controlled by a control device that is controlled in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft of the multicolor printer.
101 operates, the tip of the guide plate 102 rotates upward, and the first
A guide path 103 is formed.

Then, the upper paper guide 104 and the lower paper guide 105
And a paper passage 106 is formed between the first and second sheets.
It is guided from the guide path 103 to the platen 107 through the paper path 106.

In FIG. 11, in order to perform multicolor printing by reciprocating the paper a plurality of times by forward and reverse rotation of the drive shaft in the printing unit of the multicolor printer, a control device controlled in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft of the multicolor printer is used. When the cylinder 101 operates, the tip of the guide plate 102 rotates downward, and the second guide path 108 is formed.

Then, the paper on which the intermediate color is printed by the printing unit of the multicolor printer passes from the paper path 106 through the second guide path 108,
You are led to a temporary evacuation route.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a conventional automatic paper feeder for a printer, a structure is employed in which a cylinder 101 is operated by a control signal controlled in conjunction with rotation of a drive shaft of the printer, and a guide plate 102 is rotated.

Therefore, in order to operate the guide plate 102 in a timely manner in accordance with the forward / reverse rotation of the printer, a series of components such as a sensor for detecting the rotation direction of the drive shaft of the printer, a control device, and the cylinder 101 operated by a command from the control device are provided. Required electrical and mechanical devices, and the structure was complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic paper feeder for a printer that can easily switch the direction of a guide plate according to the forward / reverse rotation of a drive shaft of the printer. It is to provide.

[Means for solving the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is:
A paper feed stacker for accommodating paper; a paper feed roller disposed in front of the paper feed stacker; and a guide plate disposed near the paper feed roller. Selectively, a first guide path for guiding the paper reciprocating from the paper feeding stacker to the print unit of the printer or a second guide path for guiding the paper reciprocating from the print unit of the printer to the temporary retreat path. The driving force of the driving shaft of the printer is transmitted to the feeding roller shaft supporting the feeding roller via the driving force transmitting means, and the feeding roller shaft is rotated by the feeding roller. In an automatic paper feeder for a printer that guides the paper stacked on the paper feed stacker to a printing unit of a printer and further reciprocates the printing unit of the printer via a guide plate, the guide plate is rotated in a normal direction when the paper is fed. Turn to The first guide path is formed so as to be rotatable so as to rotate in the reverse direction to form the second guide path when returning the paper, and to transmit the rotational driving force of the drive shaft of the printer to the driving force transmitting means. Drive disk, which receives through
A clutch unit having an operating rod for transmitting rotational power, which is rotatably disposed around the feed roller shaft, is arranged side by side with the drive disk, and is rotatably disposed around the feed roller shaft, and supplies a spring receiving plate. A torque transmitting means, which is disposed around a paper roller shaft and presses the clutch portion to the drive disk via the lining by a biasing device mounted between the clutch portion or the drive disk and the spring receiving plate, supplies the torque to the drive disk. The guide plate lever is disposed around a paper roller shaft, and furthermore, a guide plate lever that moves in conjunction with an operating rod of a clutch unit is formed integrally with the guide plate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet feeding stacker for storing sheets, a sheet feeding roller disposed in front of the sheet feeding stacker, and a guide plate disposed near the sheet feeding roller. A first guide path for guiding the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the printer from the paper feed stacker to the printing section of the printer, or a second guide for guiding the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the printer from the printing section to the temporary evacuation path. The path is selectively formed, and the rotational driving force of the driving shaft of the printer is transmitted to the sheet feeding roller shaft supporting the sheet feeding roller via the driving force transmitting means. In an automatic paper feeder for a printer that rotates a shaft and guides the paper stacked on a paper feed stacker by a paper feed roller to a printing unit of the printer, and further reciprocates the printing unit of the printer via a guide plate,
The guide plate is rotatable so as to rotate in the forward direction to form a first guide path when feeding paper, and to rotate in the reverse direction to form a second guide path when returning paper. A drive disk that receives the rotational drive force of the drive shaft of the printer via the drive force transmitting means is rotatably disposed around the paper feed roller shaft, and includes a clutch portion having an operating rod for transmitting rotational power. The torque transmitting means is arranged so as to be rotatable around the feed roller shaft side by side with the drive disk, and filled with a highly viscous oil in the sealed space formed between the clutch part and the drive disk. Around the axis,
Further, a guide plate lever that moves in conjunction with the operating rod of the clutch unit is formed integrally with the guide plate.

Hereinafter, the automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer will be described.

[Action]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the multi-color printing is performed by the paper set in the paper feed stacker of the multi-color printer automatic paper feeder being sent to the multi-color printer and reciprocating a plurality of times by the multi-color printer. Is done.

In the automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer, the guide plate automatically rotates in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the drive shaft of the multicolor printer, and a first guide path is formed during paper feeding.

That is, for example, at the time of forward rotation of the drive shaft of the multicolor printer,
The driving force is transmitted to the drive disk via the driving force transmitting means, and further transmitted to the clutch via the torque transmitting means, so that the clutch portion rotates in the normal rotation direction. Accordingly, the operating rod of the clutch unit rotates in the normal rotation direction, and accordingly, the guide plate lever rotates in the normal rotation direction, and the guide plate integrated with the guide plate lever also rotates in the normal rotation direction by a predetermined amount. , A first guideway is formed.

On the other hand, when returning the paper of the multicolor printer, the guide plate automatically rotates in conjunction with the drive shaft, and the second guide path is formed.

That is, for example, when the drive shaft of the multi-color printer is reversed,
The driving force is transmitted to the clutch unit via the driving force transmission means as described above, and the clutch unit rotates in the reverse direction.

A rotational moment is applied to the guide plate lever by the operating rod of the clutch portion that rotates in the reverse direction, and the guide plate integrated with the guide plate lever rotates by a predetermined amount in the reverse direction by the rotational moment, and the second guide path is rotated. It is formed.

Further, when the rotational force of the drive disk is transmitted to the clutch unit via the lining, the operating force of the urging means is carried between the clutch and the drive disk.

Therefore, the torque transmitting means is independent of the rotation of the paper feeding roller shaft, and the paper feeding roller shaft does not receive the torque from the torque transmitting means, and transmits the torque from the clutch unit to the paper feeding roller shaft during normal rotation of the clutch unit. No torque is applied via the means.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the same operation as the first aspect of the invention is produced, but since the high-viscosity oil is used as the torque transmitting means, the high-viscosity oil is used for the drive disk and the clutch portion. It performs the function of transmitting torque between

Further, when the rotational force of the drive disk is transmitted to the clutch unit via the torque transmitting means, the acting force of the highly viscous oil is carried between the clutch and the drive disk.

Therefore, the torque transmitting means is independent of the rotation of the paper feeding roller shaft, and the paper feeding roller shaft does not receive torque from the torque transmitting means, and transmits torque from the clutch unit to the paper feeding roller shaft while the clutch unit rotates forward. No torque is applied via the means.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show the contents of an automatic sheet feeder for a multicolor printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 6, the automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer and the multicolor printer according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer according to the present embodiment, which is configured to be attachable to a multicolor printer 2 disposed in front of the automatic paper feeder 1 for the multicolor printer.

A printing unit 4 is built in the case 3 of the multicolor printer 2, and a thermal head 5 is provided at a lower end of the printing unit 4. The platen 6 faces the thermal head 5.
Are arranged. A pair of first paper feed rollers 7 and 7 are disposed in front of the platen 6, and a pair of second paper feed rollers 8 and 8 are disposed behind the platen 6. An ink sheet 9 is arranged behind the printing unit 4, and a sensor 10 for detecting the paper P is arranged below the thermal head 5 of the printing unit 4. Also, the paper feed first roller 7,
7, a paper discharge port 11 is provided, and behind the second paper feed rollers 8, 8, a printing section guide path 1 for guiding the paper P to the paper discharge port 11 is provided.
2 are formed.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a lower plate, in which an opening 14 is formed, and a stopper 14A for a guide plate is formed at an edge of the opening 14.

Reference numerals 15 and 16 denote supporting shafts, and concave engaging portions 1A and 1B provided at the lower end of the automatic paper feeder 1 for the multicolor printer.
Is locked, and the automatic paper feeder 1 for the multicolor printer is disengaged.

Next, in the multi-color printer automatic paper feeder 1,
At the front of the lower end of the paper feed stacker 21 for setting the paper P, a paper feed roller 22 is disposed facing and arranged.
23 (shown in FIG. 1) is fixed to a paper feed roller shaft 24, and the paper feed roller shaft 24 rotates by receiving the rotational driving force of the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 (details will be described later). . A friction pad 25 is opposed to and disposed below the paper feed roller 22.

A guide plate 26 rotatably supported by the side plate 23 is disposed in front of the paper feed roller shaft 24. The guide plate 26 temporarily holds the paper P reciprocating in the printing unit 4 of the multicolor printer 2. Evacuation route
A first guide path 27 leading from the printer 28 to the printing unit 4 of the multicolor printer 2;
Alternatively, one of the second guide paths 29 for guiding the paper P reciprocating in the printing section 4 of the multicolor printer 2 from the printing section 4 to the paper feed stacker 21 is selectively formed.

Next, the details of the automatic paper feeder 1 for a multicolor printer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the guide plate
26 is rotatably supported by the left and right side plates 23. The guide plate 26 is formed in a strip shape, and the guide plate convex portion 26 is provided at the tip thereof.
A and 26A are formed, and a guide plate lever 26B is provided integrally.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a spring made of a torsion spring 30 is mounted between the guide plate 26 and the right side plate 23, and the biasing force of the torsion spring 30 causes the guide plate 26 to rotate in the normal rotation direction. It receives a rotating moment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate 13 of the multicolor printer 2 is located below the guide plate 26. The guide plate protrusion 26A of the guide plate 26 (shown by a solid line in FIG. 2) when rotated clockwise abuts the guide plate stopper 14A formed at the edge of the opening 14, and the guide plate 26 Is to stop.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a first gear 31 is loosely fitted to one end of the paper feed roller shaft 24.
The third gear 33 meshes with the third gear 33 via the second gear 32, and the fourth gear 34 provided coaxially with the third gear 33 is a fifth gear
The gear 35 meshes with a sixth gear 36 via 35, and this sixth gear 36
It meshes with a drive gear 37 provided on the drive shaft 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first gear 31 is formed in a ring shape, and a drive disk 38 is integrally formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof (in a positional relationship between the first gear 31 and the feed roller shaft 24). The drive disk 38 is provided with a disk portion 38A, a cylindrical portion 38B continuous with the disk portion 38A, a ring-shaped wall portion 38C formed at an end of the cylindrical portion 38B, and a center of the ring-shaped wall portion 38C. And a cylindrical support portion 38D formed in the portion. A lining 39 is fixed to the wall surface of the ring-shaped wall portion 38C. The lining 39 is in surface contact with a clutch part 43 (described later).

A clutch disc 40 is loosely fitted to a portion of the feed roller shaft 24 outside the first gear 31 (in the positional relationship between the first gear 31 and the feed stacker housing).
Inside, a drive gear 41 is fixed to the feed roller shaft 24. The driving force is transmitted to the drive gear 41 by the pawl 42 provided on the drive disk 38 only during normal rotation until the paper P is separated from the paper feed stacker 21 and fed to the printing unit 4 (for multicolor printing). No driving force is transmitted during normal rotation during paper reciprocation.) The details of the driving force transmission mechanism are disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-163332.

Then, the paper feed roller shaft 24 is arranged alongside the drive disk 38.
The clutch portion 43 is disposed around the
Reference numeral 43A loosely fits on the feed roller shaft 24, and the clutch unit 43 has an operating rod 44 for transmitting rotational power. Also, the clutch part 43
The drive disk 38 is provided on the outer periphery of the annular flange 43A.
Is loosely fitted.

A ring-shaped protrusion 45 is provided at the tip of the annular flange portion 43A of the clutch portion 43, and a spring receiving disk 46 is fitted inside the ring-shaped protrusion 45 of the annular flange portion 43A.
A biasing means including a coil spring 47 is mounted between the drive disk 38 and the ring-shaped wall portion 38C of the drive disk 38. That is,
Torque transmitting means 48 formed by pressing the clutch part 43 against the drive disk 38 via the lining 39 by the coil spring 47
Are provided around the paper feed roller shaft 24.

The operating rod 44 of the above-mentioned clutch portion 43 comes into contact with a stopper 49 provided on the side plate 23 at the time of normal rotation.

 Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the paper P is set in the paper feed stacker 21 of the automatic paper feeder 1 for the multicolor printer, and the paper P is sent to the multicolor printer 2, and the printing section of the multicolor printer 2 is printed. By performing the reciprocating operation a plurality of times in step 4, multi-color printing is performed.

In the automatic paper feeder 1 for the multicolor printer, the guide plate 26
When the drive shaft 17 rotates forward (paper feed), the first guide path 27 is formed (the guide plate 26 is in a solid line state). The paper P is separated by the normal rotation of the paper feed roller 22 and guided to the printing unit 4 of the multicolor printer 2 until the rear end of the paper P passes below the guide plate 26 (depending on the length of the paper P). , The leading edge of the paper P may come out of the paper discharge port 11), and the printing of the first color is performed by the printing unit 4.

When the paper P is fed by a predetermined amount, the trailing end of the paper P is sensed by a sensor or a timer (not shown), and the printing of the first color is completed. In response to this signal, the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 rotates in the reverse direction. At the time of the reverse rotation (return feed), the guide plate 26 automatically rotates in the reverse direction in conjunction with the reverse rotation of the drive shaft 17. Accordingly, the second guide path 29 is formed (the guide plate 26 is in a two-dot chain line). The paper P in the printing unit 4 is guided from its rear end to the second guide path 29 and is guided to the temporary evacuation path 28.

Next, the drive shaft 17 rotates forward (at the time of paper feeding) again, and the paper P is guided from the temporary retreat path 28 to the printing unit 4 of the multicolor printer 2, where the printing of the second color is performed. . By this forward rotation, the first guide path 2 is formed.

Hereinafter, printing of a different color is performed by reciprocating the paper P a plurality of times on the printing unit 4 in the same manner.

The automatic rotation of the guide plate 26 by the forward and reverse rotation of the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
When the drive shaft 17 is rotated forward, the driving force of the drive shaft 17 is the drive gear 37 → the sixth gear 36 → the fifth gear 35 → the fourth gear 34 → the third gear
33 → second gear 32 → first gear 31 → drive disc 38 → claw
Power is transmitted to the feed roller shaft 24 in the order of 42 → drive gear 41 → feed roller shaft 24, and the feed roller shaft 24 rotates forward. However,
The time during which the paper feed roller shaft 24 is driven and rotated by the engagement of the drive disk 38, the claw 42, and the drive gear 41 is such that the paper P is separated from the paper feed stacker 21 and the paper feed second rollers 8, 8
Since the engagement between the pawl 42 and the drive gear 41 is released only during the normal rotation until being gripped by the paper P, and the other time (the leading edge of the paper P is aligned by the second rollers 8 and 8). To do
After the paper P comes into contact with the second rollers 8, 8, the paper P is rotated in the reverse direction,
The sheet P is bent. At this time, the engagement is released. ),
The driving force is not transmitted to the feed roller shaft 24.

Then, the lining 39 fixed to the drive disk 38
Is rotated forward by the frictional force of the lining 39, the clutch portion 43, which comes into surface contact with the lining 39, rotates in the normal rotation direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the operating rod 44 of the clutch unit 43 rotates in the normal rotation direction, the operating rod 44 escapes from the guide plate lever 26B, so that the guide plate lever 26B receives no force from the operating rod 44. . Therefore, the torsion spring 30 that rotates and urges in the normal rotation direction is used.
The guide plate lever 26B is rotated by a predetermined amount in the forward direction until it comes into contact with the operating rod 44 in a stopped state by the urging force of FIGS. 4 and 5, and a guide plate integrated with the guide plate lever 26B. 26 also rotates a predetermined amount (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2).

Accordingly, the first guide path 27 is formed, and preparation for sending the paper P from the paper feed stacker 21 to the printing unit 4 of the multicolor printer is completed.

Then, while the clutch unit 43 is stopped by the stopper 49, the first gear 31 continues to rotate forward. Therefore, a slippage occurs between the clutch part 43 and the lining 39.

On the other hand, when the driving shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 rotates in the reverse direction, the first gear 31 rotates in the reverse direction by receiving the driving force transmitted through the same drive transmission system as in the normal rotation.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at the same time as the first gear 31 reversely rotates, the clutch portion 43 receives the frictional force of the lining 39 and rotates in the reverse direction. The operating rod 44 of the clutch unit 43 rotating in the reverse direction pushes the guide plate lever 26B, and a rotational moment is given to the guide plate lever 26B. Accordingly, the guide plate 26 integral with the guide plate lever 26B is rotated by the rotational moment against the urging force of the torsion spring 30 shown in FIG. The stopper 14A comes into contact with the stopper 14A and stops (shown by a solid line in FIG. 2).

Accordingly, the second guide path 29 is formed, and the paper P partially printed by the multicolor printer 2 is ready to return to the temporary retreat unit 28.

And while the clutch part 43 stops, the 1st gear 31 is continuing reverse rotation. Therefore, the clutch unit 43 and the lining
It is in a state of slipping for 39 hours. That is, the torque transmitting means 48 functions as a kind of torque limiter.

Further, when the rotational force of the drive disk 38 is transmitted to the clutch part 43, the coil spring 47 of the torque transmitting means 48 is interposed between the clutch part 43 and the spring receiving disk 46, so that the feed roller 24 of the coil spring 47 Is carried between the clutch part 43 and the drive disk 38.

Accordingly, the torque transmitting means 48 is independent of the rotation of the paper feeding roller shaft 24, and the paper feeding roller shaft 24 does not receive the torque from the torque transmitting means 48, and the paper feeding roller shaft 24 No torque is applied from the clutch unit 43 via the torque transmitting means 48 to the motor.

According to the above configuration, the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2
Is transmitted to the drive transmitting means of the automatic paper feeder 1 for the multicolor printer in accordance with the forward / reverse rotation of the clutch unit 43.
Rotating the first gear 31 in the forward and reverse directions, and applying a rotational moment in the forward and reverse directions to the guide plate 26 according to the reverse rotation of the drive transmission means, automatically rotating the guide plate 26 Can be changed to

Therefore, in order to operate the guide plate 26 in a timely manner in accordance with the forward and reverse rotations as in the conventional example, a sensor for detecting the rotation direction of the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2, a control device, and a command from this control device are operated. Even without a series of electrical and mechanical devices such as cylinders, only a simple mechanical structure,
The rotation direction of the guide plate 26 can be easily switched in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2.

Further, the torque transmitting means 48 is independent of the rotation of the paper feeding roller shaft 24, and the paper feeding roller shaft 24 does not receive torque from the torque transmitting means 48, regardless of whether the clutch unit 43 rotates normally or reversely. No torque is applied to the shaft 24 from the clutch unit 43 via the torque transmitting means 48. As a result, at the time of normal rotation of the drive shaft 17, the torque from the drive disk 38 is transmitted only to the clutch unit 43 and is not transmitted to the paper feed roller shaft 24, so that the paper feed roller 22 does not rotate and drive. It is possible to prevent a misfeed phenomenon in which the next sheet P of the sheet feeding stacker 21 is fed.

In this embodiment, the lower plate 13 of the multicolor printer 2 is used.
Guide plate stopper 14A at the edge of the opening 14 formed in
However, the guide plate stopper does not necessarily need to be provided on the lower plate 13, and may be provided on the side plate 23, for example.

FIG. 7 shows a main part of an automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer has the same general configuration as that of the first embodiment. Thus, only the torque transmitting means is different from the first embodiment,
The other structures are the same. In the second embodiment, the first
Only parts different from the embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 7, a first gear formed in a ring shape
The drive disk 51 is formed integrally with the drive disk 51. The drive disk 51 includes a disk portion 51A and a cylindrical support portion 51B continuous with the disk portion 51A. To the end of the cylindrical support portion 51B.
1C is formed.

A spring receiving plate 52, a lining 53 fixed to the spring receiving plate 52, and a separate clutch unit 54 are loosely fitted alongside the lining 53 on the outer periphery of the cylindrical support 51 </ b> B. Lining
53 is a clutch portion 54 having an operating rod 55 for transmitting the rotational power.
Is in surface contact with

An urging means including a coil spring 56 is mounted between the drive disk 51 and the spring receiving plate 52. The spring receiving plate 52 is fitted around the outer periphery of the cylindrical support portion 51B so as to be able to move in the axial direction. Thereby, the spring receiving plate 52
And the drive disk 51 move integrally, and the clutch
And the annular projection 51C are slipping. The driving force is transmitted from the drive disk 51 to the clutch unit 54 via the spring receiving plate 52. The spring receiving plate 52, the lining 53, and the clutch part 54 are pressed by the coil spring 56 so as to be pressed against the annular protrusion 51C at the tip of the cylindrical support part 51B. That is, torque transmitting means 57 formed by pressing the clutch portion 54 against the drive disk 51 via the lining 53 by the coil spring 56 is disposed around the paper feed roller shaft 24.

The operating rod 55 of the clutch portion 54 comes into contact with a stopper 49 (shown in FIG. 3) provided on the side plate 23 at the time of normal rotation.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the torque transmitting means
Although the structure of 57 is different from the torque transmitting means 48 of the first embodiment, its operation is the same.

First, when the driving shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 is rotated forward, the driving force of the driving shaft 17 shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted to the first gear 31 via many gears as in the first embodiment. Then, this is rotated forward to form the first guide path 27 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the preparation for feeding the sheet P is completed.

On the other hand, when the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 rotates in the reverse direction, the first gear 31 rotates in the reverse direction by receiving the driving force transmitted through the same drive transmission system as in the normal rotation, and the same as in the first embodiment. Second
The guide path 29 is formed, and preparation for returning the paper P partially printed by the multicolor printer 2 to the temporary retreat unit 28 is completed.

According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 8 shows a main part of an automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer has the same general configuration as that of the first embodiment. Thus, only the torque transmitting means is different from the first embodiment,
The same applies to other structures. In the third embodiment, only portions different from the first embodiment will be described. The first
The same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 8, a first gear formed in a ring shape
The drive disk 61 is formed integrally with the drive disk 61, and the drive disk 61 includes a disk portion 61A and a cylindrical support portion 61B continuous with the disk portion 61A. The cylindrical support 61B has an annular protrusion 61C at its tip.
Are formed.

On the outer periphery of the cylindrical support portion 61B, a spring receiving plate 62 located inside the annular projection 61C and a lining 6 fixed to the disc portion 61A are provided.
3 and a separate clutch part 64 arranged in the lining 63 are loosely fitted. The spring receiving plate 62 is loosely fitted on the outer periphery of the cylindrical support portion 61B so as to be movable in the axial direction. Therefore, the spring receiving plate 62 and the annular projecting portion 61C slide. Lining 6
3 is a clutch part 64 having an operating rod 65 for transmitting the rotational power.
Is in surface contact with

Further, between the clutch portion 64 and the spring receiving plate 62, an urging means including a coil spring 66 is mounted. The spring receiving plate 62 is pressed by the annular protrusion 61C by the coil spring 66, and the clutch portion 64 is pressed by the lining 63. That is, a torque transmission means 67 formed by pressing the clutch portion 64 against the drive disk 61 via the lining 63 by the coil spring 66 is disposed around the paper feed roller shaft 24.

The operating rod 65 of the clutch portion 64 comes into contact with a stopper 49 (shown in FIG. 3) provided on the side plate 23 during normal rotation.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the torque transmitting means
Although the structure of 67 is different from that of the torque transmitting means 48 of the first embodiment, its operation is the same.

First, when the driving shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 is rotated forward, the driving force of the driving shaft 17 shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted to the first gear 31 via many gears as in the first embodiment. Then, this is rotated forward to form the first guide path 27 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the preparation for feeding the sheet P is completed.

On the other hand, when the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 rotates in the reverse direction, the first gear 31 rotates in the reverse direction by receiving the driving force transmitted through the same drive transmission system as in the normal rotation, and the same as in the first embodiment. Second
The guide path 29 is formed, and preparation for returning the paper P partially printed by the multicolor printer 2 to the temporary retreat unit 28 is completed.

According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 9 shows a main part of an automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer has the same general configuration as that of the first embodiment. Thus, only the torque transmitting means is different from the first embodiment,
The other structures are the same. In the fourth embodiment, the first
Only parts different from the embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in the figure, a drive disk 71 is formed integrally with the first gear 31 formed in a ring shape. The drive disk 71 has a disk portion 71A and a paper feed roller shaft 24 continuously connected to the disk portion 71A. An annular flange 71C is provided at the tip of the cylindrical support 71B. The annular protrusion 71D is formed at the tip of the cylindrical support 71B.

Numeral 72 denotes a clutch portion, which is disposed opposite to the drive disk 71 and includes a disk portion 72A and an annular flange portion 72B. The annular flange portion 72B is loosely fitted to the cylindrical support portion 71B of the drive disk 71. , And an operating rod 73 for transmitting rotational power. The clutch 72 is positioned by an annular projection 71D of a cylindrical support 71B of the drive disk 71.

An enclosed space 74 is formed between the disk portion 72A and the annular flange portion 72B of the clutch 72 and the disk portion 71A and the annular flange portion 71C of the drive disk 71. In the enclosed space 74, silicon grease or the like is provided. A torque transmitting means 76 filled with a highly viscous oil 75 having a high viscosity is provided.

The operating rod 73 of the above-mentioned clutch portion 72 comes into contact with a stopper 49 (shown in FIG. 3) provided on the side plate 23 at the time of normal rotation.

Thus, since the high-viscosity oil 75 is interposed between the clutch unit 72 and the drive disk 71, the rotational force of the drive disk 71 is transmitted to the clutch unit 72 via the high-viscosity oil 75,
The operating rod 73 rotates, but when the operating rod 73 comes into contact with the stopper 49, the clutch unit 72 is stopped even when the drive disk 71 rotates. That is, the torque transmitting means 76 functions as a kind of torque limiter.

The acting force of the highly viscous oil 75 along the axis of the feed roller 24 is carried between the clutch unit 72 and the drive disk 71.

Therefore, the torque transmitting means 76 is independent of the rotation of the paper feeding roller shaft 24, and the paper feeding roller shaft 24 does not receive the torque from the torque transmitting means 76, and the paper feeding roller shaft 24 No torque is applied from the clutch section 72 via the torque transmitting means 76 to the motor.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the torque transmitting means
Although 76 is different from the torque transmitting means 48 of the first embodiment, its operation is the same.

Thus, when the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 is rotating forward,
The driving force of the driving shaft 17 shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted to the first gear 31 via a number of gears as in the first embodiment, and is rotated forward. A guideway 27 is formed,
The paper P is ready to be sent.

On the other hand, when the drive shaft 17 of the multicolor printer 2 rotates in the reverse direction, the first gear 31 rotates in the reverse direction by receiving the driving force transmitted through the same drive transmission system as in the normal rotation, and the same as in the first embodiment. Second
The guide path 29 is formed, and preparation for returning the paper P partially printed by the multicolor printer 2 to the temporary retreat unit 28 is completed.

According to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, the automatic paper feeder for a multi-color printer has been described as an example of the automatic paper feeder for a printer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be applied to printing of figures and the like.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the automatic paper feeder of the present invention, the rotational driving force of the drive shaft of the printer is transmitted to the drive transmission means of the automatic paper feeder according to the forward / reverse rotation. Then, while rotating the driving force transmitting means, a rotational moment in the forward and reverse directions is given to the guide plate in accordance with the rotation of the drive transmitting means in the forward and reverse directions, so that the rotating direction of the guide plate can be automatically changed. .

Therefore, in order to operate the guide plate in a timely manner in accordance with the forward / reverse rotation as in the conventional example, a series of sensors such as a sensor for detecting the rotation direction of the drive shaft of the printer, a control device, and a cylinder operated by a command from the control device. Even if there is no electrical and mechanical device, the rotation direction of the guide plate can be easily switched in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the drive shaft of the printer with only a simple mechanical structure.

Further, when the rotational force of the drive disk is transmitted to the clutch unit via the torque transmitting unit, the acting force of the urging unit of the torque transmitting unit is carried between the clutch unit and the drive disk.

Accordingly, the torque transmitting means is independent of the rotation of the paper feed roller shaft, the paper feed roller shaft does not receive torque from the torque transmitting means, and regardless of whether the clutch portion rotates normally or reversely, the torque is transmitted from the clutch portion to the paper feed roller shaft. No torque is applied via the torque transmitting means. As a result, the feed roller shaft does not receive the predetermined transmission torque from the drive disk, and the feed roller does not rotate during normal rotation, thereby preventing the misfeed phenomenon in which the next sheet is fed from the feed stacker. It has the effect of being able to.

According to the automatic paper feeder for a printer according to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the automatic paper feeder for a printer according to the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of an automatic sheet feeder for a multicolor printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of a main part of the automatic paper feeder for the multicolor printer. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the automatic paper feeder for the multicolor printer. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the entire automatic paper feeder for the multicolor printer. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a torsion spring in relation to the arrow A in FIG. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the whole of the automatic paper feeder for the multicolor printer and the multicolor printer. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a main part of an automatic sheet feeder for a multicolor printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a main part of an automatic sheet feeder for a multicolor printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a main part of an automatic sheet feeder for a multicolor printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer showing a state in which paper is sent to a multicolor printer. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a conventional automatic paper feeder for a multicolor printer showing a state in which reciprocating paper is temporarily returned to a retreat unit. [Description of Signs of Main Parts] 1 ... Automatic paper feeder for multicolor printer 2 ... Multicolor printer 17 ... Drive shaft 21 ... Paper stacker 22 ... Paper roller 24 ... Paper roller shaft 26 Guide plate 27 First guide path 28 Temporary evacuation path 29 Second guide path 31 First gear 38 Drive disk 39 Lining 43 Clutch section 44 Operating rod 46: Spring receiving disk 47: Coil spring 48: Torque transmitting means P: Paper.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 11/00 B41J 11/42 B41J 13/00-13/10 B65H 29/60

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A sheet feeder for accommodating a sheet; a sheet feed roller disposed in front of the sheet feeder; and a guide plate disposed near the sheet feed roller. A first guide path for guiding the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the printer from the paper feeding stacker to the printing section of the printer, or a second guiding path for guiding the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the printer from the printing section to the temporary evacuation path. And selectively transmitting the rotational driving force of the drive shaft of the printer to the paper feed roller shaft supporting the paper feed roller via the driving force transmission means.
In an automatic paper feeder for a printer, the paper feed roller shaft is rotated to guide the paper stacked on the paper feed stacker by the paper feed roller to a printing section of the printer, and further, the printing section of the printer is reciprocated through a guide plate. The guide plate is rotated in the normal direction when feeding paper to form a first guide path, and is rotated in the reverse direction when returning paper to form a second guide path. A drive disk configured to receive the rotational driving force of the drive shaft of the printer via the driving force transmission means is rotatably disposed around the paper feed roller shaft,
A clutch portion having an operating rod for transmitting rotational power is arranged on the drive disk so as to be rotatable around the paper feed roller shaft, a spring receiving plate is provided around the paper feed roller shaft, and the clutch portion or the drive is provided. Torque transmitting means formed by pressing the clutch portion against the drive disk via the lining by urging means mounted between the disk and the spring receiving plate,
An automatic paper feeder for a printer, wherein the automatic paper feeder is provided around a paper feed roller shaft, and further includes a guide plate lever integrally formed on the guide plate to move in conjunction with an operating rod of a clutch unit. 2. A paper feed stacker for accommodating paper, a paper feed roller disposed in front of the paper stacker, and a guide plate disposed near the paper feed roller. A first guide path for guiding the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the printer from the paper feeding stacker to the printing section of the printer, or a second guiding path for guiding the paper reciprocating in the printing section of the printer from the printing section to the temporary evacuation path. And selectively transmitting the rotational driving force of the drive shaft of the printer to the paper feed roller shaft supporting the paper feed roller via the driving force transmission means.
In an automatic paper feeder for a printer, the paper feed roller shaft is rotated to guide the paper stacked on the paper feed stacker by the paper feed roller to a printing section of the printer, and further, the printing section of the printer is reciprocated through a guide plate. The guide plate is rotated in the normal direction when feeding paper to form a first guide path, and is rotated in the reverse direction when returning paper to form a second guide path. A drive disk configured to receive the rotational driving force of the drive shaft of the printer via the driving force transmission means is rotatably disposed around the paper feed roller shaft,
A clutch part having an operating rod for transmitting rotational power is arranged on the drive disk so as to be rotatable around the feed roller shaft, and a high viscosity is provided in an enclosed space formed between the clutch part and the drive disk. An oil-filled torque transmitting means is disposed around the feed roller shaft, and further, a guide plate lever that moves in conjunction with an operating rod of a clutch unit is formed integrally with the guide plate. Automatic paper feeder for printers.