JP2890870B2 - Automatic paper feeding mechanism and automatic paper feeding method - 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 paper feeding mechanism and an automatic paper feeding method in a printer or the like for conveying printing paper by paper tractors provided upstream and downstream of a conveying path.

[0002] In a line printer or the like, continuous paper is widely used as printing paper. The continuous paper is sent out by two sets of paper tractors, rollers, and the like provided with a printing unit interposed therebetween. Manually setting such continuous paper on a paper tractor is time-consuming, and therefore, an automatic paper feeding mechanism for automatically sending out printing paper and feeding it to a printer is used.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 16 is a side view of a line printer showing how a printing sheet is transported in a line printer.

In the line printer, paper tractors 1 and 2 are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the conveyance path of the printing paper 3 with a printing section having a print head 5 and a platen 4 interposed therebetween. The paper tractors 1 and 2 are provided with a pin belt 23. The pin 22 provided on the pin belt 23 is engaged with a feed hole of the printing paper 3, and the printing paper 3 is conveyed by rotating the pin belt 23. .

FIG. 17 is a side view of a line printer showing a state of automatic paper feeding in a conventional line printer.
When supplying the printing paper 3 to the line printer, the operator sets a feed hole of the printing paper 3 on the pin 22 of the paper tractor 1 on the upstream side. Next, an instruction to perform automatic paper feeding is issued from the operation unit of the apparatus.

When the control unit of the line printer starts automatic sheet feeding in response to an operator's operation, the pin belt 23 of the upstream paper tractor 1 is driven, and the printing paper 3 is sent out toward the downstream paper tractor 2. The fed printing paper 3 is conveyed to the paper tractor 2 on the downstream side. The printing paper 3 conveyed to the paper tractor 2 on the downstream side is further fed out and the pins 22 provided on the paper tractor 2 on the downstream side are provided.
To be loaded.

As described above, the upper and lower paper tractors are automatically
The printing papers 3 loaded in 1 and 2 are conveyed toward the stacker 16 in accordance with the rotation of the pin belt 23 of the two paper tractors.

[0008]

However, the conventional method has the following problems. First paper tractor 1
There is a certain gap between the first paper tractor 2 and the second paper tractor 2. Therefore, if the paper 3 is curled or the paper 3 is weak, the printing paper 3 conveyed by the first paper tractor 1 is warped as shown in FIG. Is not loaded into the second paper tractor 2.

The printing paper 3 can be warped in two ways, as shown in FIG. 18A, and warped toward the platen 4 as shown in FIG. 18B.
Conventionally, there is no means to deal with the warpage of the printing paper 3 during automatic paper feeding. Therefore, when the printing paper 3 is not normally loaded in the downstream paper tractor 2, the operator temporarily removes the printing paper 3 once. It was necessary to take it out and try feeding the printing paper 3 again.

[0010] When the loading of the printing paper 3 is attempted again, the operation becomes very complicated. In addition, since re-feeding is performed using the same printing paper 3, the warpage of the printing paper 3 is not necessarily eliminated. For this reason, the probability that the loading error of the printing paper 3 occurs again increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid a paper loading abnormality which occurs during automatic paper feeding due to a deformation such as a warpage of a paper, and to improve the efficiency of paper feeding and improve its reliability. .

[0012]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the principle configuration of an automatic sheet feeding mechanism according to the present invention. In the figure, 1
Is a first sheet feed mechanism, 2 is a second sheet feed mechanism, 3 is a sheet, 8 and 13 are sheet correcting means, and 10 is a sensor.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the principle of the automatic paper feeding method according to the present invention. The present invention is provided at a position facing each other on a sheet transport path between the first sheet feed mechanism 1 and the second sheet feed mechanism 2, and the leading end of the sheet 3 loaded in the second sheet feed mechanism 2 is moved to the second position. Sheet correction means 4 and 13 leading to the second sheet feed mechanism 2, a sensor 10 for detecting the sheet 3 loaded in the second sheet feed mechanism 2, and a sheet when the sensor 10 does not detect the sheet 3 during the automatic sheet feeding operation. After the sheet 3 is moved backward by a predetermined amount, the sheet 3 is fed by the sheet correcting means 4 and 13 while the leading end of the sheet 3 is corrected so as to be normally loaded into the second sheet feed mechanism 2. The first feature is that it is an automatic paper feed mechanism having a control unit 27 that controls the paper to be fed again to the mechanism.

The second sheet feeding mechanism 2 is provided with sensors 11 and 12 for detecting the direction of the warpage of the sheet 3, and according to the direction of the warp of the sheet 3 detected by the sensors 11 and 12 when the sheet 3 is loaded abnormally. Then, the sheet correction means 4, 13 for correcting the sheet 3 in the direction in which the sheet 3 is normally loaded into the second sheet feed mechanism 2 are selected, and the selected sheet correction means 4, 13 are activated to correct the warpage of the sheet 3. The second feature is that the automatic feeding mechanism has a control unit 27 that controls the leading end of the sheet 3 to be sent out again to the second sheet feeding mechanism 2.

A paddle roller 18 provided with an impeller made of an elastic material between the first sheet feeding mechanism 1 and the second sheet feeding mechanism 2;
A third feature is that the automatic feed mechanism has a roller 17 provided at a position opposed to the roller 8 and configured to sandwich the sheet 3 together with the paddle roller 18.

Further, a first paper feed mechanism 1 is provided on the upstream side of the paper transport path on which the paper 3 is transported, and a second paper feed mechanism 2 is provided on the downstream side of the paper transport path. A print head 5 that is provided between the second paper feed mechanism 2 and performs printing on the paper; and a platen 4 that is provided at a position facing the print head 5 across the paper transport path. In a printer device in which a sheet 3 set in one sheet feed mechanism 1 is fed out and loaded into the second sheet feed mechanism 2 and printing is performed on the loaded sheet 3 by a print head 5, the first sheet feed mechanism A sheet correcting means provided between the first and second sheet feed mechanisms 2 for guiding the leading end of the sheet 3 loaded in the second sheet feed mechanism 2 to the second sheet feed mechanism 2; Loaded in the paper feed mechanism 2 And a moving means 8, 9 for moving the platen 4 in the direction of separation from or approaching the paper transport path, and a sensor 10 for detecting the correction. And a fan 13 installed at the position.
When the sensor 10 does not detect the paper 3, the paper 3 is moved backward by a predetermined amount, and then the moving means 8 and 9 are activated to move the platen 4 in a direction approaching the transport path. Or a control unit 27 for controlling the correcting means to activate the fan 13 to generate wind and correct the warpage of the sheet 3 in a direction in which the sheet 3 is normally loaded in the second sheet feeding mechanism 2. A fourth feature is that the printer device is a feature.

[0017]

The sensor 10 provided in the second paper feed mechanism 2 detects the leading end of the paper 3 and after a lapse of time corresponding to the leading end of the paper 3 reaching the second paper feed mechanism, the sensor 10 Does not detect the leading end of the sheet 3, the sheet correcting means 4, 13 for retreating the sheet 3 by a predetermined amount and correcting the leading end of the sheet 3 so that the leading end of the sheet 3 can be normally loaded into the second sheet feeding mechanism 2. Activate paper correction means 4,
A fifth characteristic is that the automatic feeding method is to feed the paper 3 again in the direction of the second paper feed mechanism 2 while correcting the leading end of the paper 3 by the use of the paper feed mechanism 13.

[0019]

According to the present invention, the sensor 10 provided in the second paper feed mechanism 2 detects whether the paper 3 is loaded in the second paper feed mechanism 2 or not. If the sensor 10 does not detect the paper 3 during automatic paper feeding, the paper 3
Is determined to be abnormal.

In this case, the paper feed mechanism is reversed and the paper 3 is made to run backward until the leading end 3 ′ of the paper 3 reaches the position before the second paper feed mechanism 2. Thereafter, the sheet 3 is corrected for warpage by the sheet correcting means 8 and 13 so that the sheet 3 is normally loaded into the second sheet feed mechanism 2, and the sheet is loaded again.

As means for correcting the warpage of the sheet 3, two types of sheet correcting means 8, 13 are provided. By activating these sheet correcting means 8 and 13, deformation such as warpage of the printing paper 3 is automatically corrected, and the paper 3 is normally loaded into the second paper feeding mechanism 2. Therefore, even when a paper loading error occurs, it is possible to correct the warpage of the paper and to load the paper normally without taking the trouble of the operator.

As a second feature, the sensors 11 and 12 detect the warpage of the sheet 3 and automatically select a sheet correcting means for correcting the warp. Then, the warpage of the paper 3 is corrected by the selected paper correction means, and the paper 3 is loaded into the second paper feed mechanism 2.

By taking such a procedure, it becomes possible to automatically select the optimum printing paper correcting means when the paper 3 is abnormally loaded at the time of automatic paper feeding, so that the paper can be loaded normally. Can be shortened.

[0024]

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a printing section of a line printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of a configuration of a main part of the line printer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

The automatic feeding of the printing paper 3 to the line printer according to the present embodiment is the same as the conventional method. That is, to the pin 22 of the first paper tractor 1 on the upstream side,
The feed hole 24 of the printing paper 3 is fitted, and the operation unit 25 is operated to instruct the start of automatic paper feeding.

In response to the instruction, the controller 27 of the line printer
Drives the paper feed motor 6. Then, the paper feed motor 6
The tractor drive belt 7 starts to rotate according to the rotation of the tractor.
In conjunction with the rotation of the tractor drive belt 7, the pin belts 23 provided on the first paper tractor 1 and the second paper tractor 2 start rotating. The printing paper 3 set in the first paper tractor 1 is sent out at a predetermined speed in the direction of the second paper tractor 2 in accordance with the rotation of the pin belt 23, and is conveyed to the second paper tractor 2 part.

The transported printing paper 3 is loaded in the second paper tractor 2. Normally loaded printing paper 3 is
The sheet is conveyed in the direction of the stacker 16 according to the rotation of the second sheet tractor 2.

The platen 4 of the line printer is at a position retracted from the normal position except for the printing operation. for that reason,
This does not hinder the feeding of the printing paper 3 during automatic paper feeding. The platen 4 moves back and forth according to the rotation of a cam 9 attached to a shaft of a motor 8.

The second paper tractor 2 is provided with a sensor 10 as shown in FIG. As the sensor 10, for example, an optical sensor is used. If the printing paper 3 is normally loaded in the second paper tractor 2, the sensor
Since the printing paper 3 is detected by 10, the control unit 27 confirms that the printing paper 3 is loaded in the second paper tractor 2.

Since there is a certain distance between the first paper tractor 1 and the second paper tractor 2, when the printing paper 3 is deformed such as warpage, the printing paper 3 is moved to the second paper tractor 2. May not be loaded in FIG. 18 is a side view of the line printer in a case where the printing paper 3 is warped and an abnormal loading of the second paper tractor 2 occurs.

When the loading of the printing paper 3 is abnormal, the platen 4
18A in which the printing paper 3 warps toward the print head 5 and FIG. 18B in which the printing paper 3 warps toward the print head 5. The line printer according to the present embodiment has a function of eliminating a loading abnormality caused by the warpage of the printing paper 3 and allowing the second paper tractor 2 to be loaded normally.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for correcting the warpage of the printing paper 3 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the warp to the platen side shown in FIG. 18A is corrected, and FIG. 8 shows a state in which the warp to the print head side shown in FIG. 18B is corrected. Hereinafter, the correction of the printing paper 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the printing paper 3 is loaded in the first paper tractor 1 and the paper feed motor 6 is started, the control unit 27 of the printer starts a timer 28 at the same time. Since the distance between the first and second paper tractors 2 and 3 and the feeding speed of the printing paper 3 are known in advance, the printing paper 3 is moved from the first paper tractor 1 to the second paper tractor 2 based on the two values. The time required to reach is estimated. In this time, a time is set in the timer 28 with some margin in consideration of an error.

When the paper feed motor 6 is started, the printing paper 3 is fed from the first paper tractor 1 to the second paper tractor 2. If the conveyance is performed normally, the printing paper 3 reaches the second paper tractor 2 within the time set in the timer 28, and the feed hole of the printing paper 3 is fitted to the pin 22 of the second paper tractor 2. Thus, the loading of the printing paper 3 into the second paper tractor 2 is completed.

FIG. 7A shows a state in which the printing paper 3 has warped to the platen 4 side. Similarly, FIG.
Shows a state in which the printing paper 3 is warped toward the print head 5 side. When the printing paper 3 is warped, the printing paper 3 is not loaded in the second paper tractor 2, and
The sensor 10 cannot detect the printing paper 3. If the sensor 10 cannot detect the printing paper 3 within the time set in the timer 28, the control unit 27 of the line printer determines that an abnormal loading of the printing paper 3 has occurred.

When it is determined that a loading error has occurred, a process for correcting the warpage of the printing paper 3 is started. The control unit 27 first rotates the paper feed motor 6 in the reverse direction,
Run backwards. Then, the printing paper 3 is retracted until the leading end of the printing paper 3 comes to the front of the second paper tractor 2. To determine the retreat position, for example, a sensor 29 may be provided at a position where the leading end of the printing paper 3 is to be located, and the paper feed motor 6 may be stopped when the sensor 29 detects the leading end. Alternatively, the amount of reverse rotation of the paper feed motor 6 may be set in advance. The reverse rotation amount of the motor 6 can be obtained from the feeding amount of the printing paper.

When the leading end of the printing paper 3 has retreated to a predetermined position, the control unit 27 subsequently activates means for correcting the warpage of the printing paper 3. After the correction means for the printing paper 3 is activated, the control unit rotates the paper feed motor 6 forward again to feed the printing paper 3 toward the second paper tractor 2. at the same time,
The timer 28 is started when the paper feed motor 6 is restarted. In this case, the timer 28 is set to the time required for the printing paper 3 to be conveyed from the position of the leading end of the printing paper 3 to the second paper tractor 2 with a slight margin allowing for errors. . This transport time can also be estimated from the distance from the leading end of the printing paper 3 to the second paper tractor 2 and the sending speed of the printing paper 3.

If the sensor 10 does not detect the printing paper 3 within the time set in the timer 28, the control unit 27
It is determined that the loading abnormality has not been eliminated, the paper feed motor 6 is again rotated in reverse, and the printing paper 3 is made to run backward. At the same time, a correction means for correcting the warpage of the printing paper 3 in the opposite direction is selected, and the correction processing is started again.

When the printing paper 3 has been properly read from the second paper tractor 2
, The sensor 10 can detect the printing paper 3. In this case, a process of transporting the printing paper 3 in the stacker 16 direction is performed.

The platen 4 is used as one of the correcting means. FIG. 7B shows a state where the platen 4 has moved forward. When the correction of the printing paper by the platen 4 is selected, the control unit 27 drives the motor 8 to rotate the cam 9 attached to the shaft of the motor 8. Cam 9
Is in contact with a disk provided on the shaft of the platen 4, and the rotation of the cam 9 causes the platen 4 at the retracted position to be pushed forward. As the platen 4 moves forward, the printing paper 3 is extruded from the warped state to the print head 5 side, that is, a corrected state shown by a solid line.

FIG. 7C shows a state in which the printing paper 3 has been corrected into warpage by the platen 4 and has been loaded into the second paper tractor 2. The printing paper 3, whose warpage has been corrected by the platen 4, is conveyed to the second paper tractor 2, and is sandwiched between the openings of the second paper tractor 2. Then, print paper 3
The pin 22 of the second paper tractor 2 is fitted in the feed hole 24 of the second paper tractor 2, and the printing paper 3 is normally loaded in the second paper tractor 2.

FIG. 8B shows a case where the printing paper 3 is warped toward the print head 5 in contrast to the state shown in FIG. 7B. If the sensor 10 cannot detect the printing paper 3 even though the printing paper 3 correction processing by the platen 4 has been performed, it is considered that the state is as shown in FIG. 8B. The correction of the printing paper 3 by the fan 13 is selected.

Even if the printing paper 3 warps toward the print head 5, the leading end of the printing paper 3 is retracted to a position just before the second paper tractor 2 as shown by a dotted line, and then the print head 5 is cooled. Activate Juan 13.

A duct 14 is provided around the print head 5 so that the wind generated by the fan 13 cools the print head 5 efficiently. The air generated by the fan 13 is blown onto the printing paper 3 through the space between the duct 14 and the print head 5. The printing paper 3 is extruded toward the platen 4 by the wind, and changes from a state where the dotted line is warped to a state where the warp indicated by the solid line is corrected.

FIG. 8C shows the paper feed motor 6 in the state of FIG. 8B.
Is activated, and the printing paper 3 is conveyed to the second paper tractor 2. The printing paper 3 whose warpage has been corrected by the wind generated by the fan 13 is sandwiched between the openings of the second paper tractor 2. Further, a paper feed hole 24 of the printing paper 3 to be fed is provided with a pin 22 provided in the second paper tractor 2.
And the printing paper 3 is normally loaded in the second paper tractor 2.

With the above procedure, the abnormal loading of the printing paper 3 can be eliminated, and the automatic paper feeding can be reliably performed. The printing paper 3 loaded in the second paper tractor 2 is
The sheet is conveyed in the direction of the stocker 16 by the first and second sheet tractors 2 and 3. The transport speed in this case is set higher than at the time of automatic paper feeding.

In this embodiment, the platen 4 and the fan 13 are selected first, but it is possible to select any one first. Also, printing paper 3
In addition to alternately selecting the correction means, the one means may be repeated a plurality of times, and then the other means may be selected.

As the paper feed motor 6, a stepping motor is used. Since the feed amount of the printing paper 3 corresponds to the rotation amount of the stepping motor, the feeding amount of the printing paper 3 can be easily obtained from the rotation amount of the stepping motor. Therefore, the control unit 27 starts counting the rotation amount of the stepping motor at the same time as activating the paper feed motor 6. Even if the paper feed motor 6 rotates by the amount corresponding to the transport amount of the printing paper 3 from the first paper tractor 1 to the second paper tractor 2, the sensor 10 detects the printing paper 3.
Is not detected, the control unit 27 can determine that the printing paper 3 has warped and a loading error has occurred.

Similarly, when the printing paper 3 is moved backward, the control section 27 counts the rotation amount of the paper feed motor 6.
When the stepping motor rotates by an amount corresponding to the retreat of the printing paper 3 to the predetermined position, the control unit 27 stops the rotation of the paper feeding motor 6. The same applies when the paper feed motor 6 is restarted.

When the platen 4 and the fan 13 are simultaneously activated and the printing paper 3 is sandwiched by the wind of the platen 4 and the fan 13, the warpage of the printing paper 3 is corrected by a temporary operation, and the second operation is performed. The paper tractor 2 can be normally loaded. (Other Embodiments) 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a procedure of automatic paper feeding in the second embodiment. 10 and 11 are side views of a line printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows correction of printing paper by the platen 4, and FIG. 11 shows correction of printing paper by the fan 13. .

In the line printer according to the present embodiment, in addition to the sensor 10 for detecting the printing paper 3 loaded in the second paper tractor 2, a sensor 11 and a sensor 12 for detecting the direction in which the printing paper 3 is warped. Is provided.

FIG. 10A shows a state in which the printing paper 3 has warped to the platen 4 side. When the printing paper 3 is warped in the direction of the platen 4, the printing paper 3
Is detected by When the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 11, the control unit 27 of the line printer selects the platen 4 as the correcting means.

FIG. 11A shows a case where the printing paper 3 is warped toward the print head 5. When the printing paper 3 warps in the direction of the print head 5, the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 12. When the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 12, the control unit 27 selects the fan 13 as the correcting means.

After selecting the paper correcting means, the control section 27 rotates the paper feed motor 6 in the reverse direction. As a result, the first paper tractor 1 connected to the tractor drive belt 7 rotates in the reverse direction, and the printing paper 3 runs in the reverse direction.

When the printing paper 3 retreats to a position short of the second paper tractor 2, the control unit 27 stops the paper feeding motor 6 and activates the selected correcting means. The printing paper 3 is shown in FIG.
B and FIG. 11B show a state in which the printing paper 3 is retracted and the respective correcting means are activated.

In FIG. 10B, the printing paper 3 retreated to a position just before the second paper tractor 2 is indicated by a dotted line. In this state, the control unit activates the motor 8 to rotate the cam 9.
As a result, the platen 4 moves forward and the printing paper 3
Is extruded toward the print head 5.

In FIG. 11B, the retreated printing paper 3 is
The state when the platen 4 is pushed to the platen 4 side by the wind generated by 13 is shown. The control unit activates the fan 13 with the printing paper 3 retracted to the position of the second paper tractor 2.

From the state shown in FIGS. 10B and 11B, the control section 27 rotates the paper feed motor 6 forward to feed the printing paper 3 in the direction of the second paper tractor 2. When the sensor 10 detects the printing paper 3, it is determined that the printing paper 3 is loaded on the second paper tractor 2, and the printing paper 3 is transported to the stacker 16.

If the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 11 or 12 after the printing paper 3 is corrected, the printing paper correction work is performed again. As described above, the line printer according to the present embodiment is configured to automatically select the platen 8 and the fan 13 which are correction means corresponding to the warped direction of the printing paper 3. for that reason,
The correction of the printing paper 3 by the necessary correction means can be performed promptly, and the unnecessary correction means is not activated. Therefore, as compared with the line printer according to the first embodiment, the correction processing of the printing paper 3 can be completed more reliably and in a shorter time.

In the line printer according to the first embodiment, whether or not the printing paper 3 has reached the second paper tractor 2 is determined by using the timer 28.
Is configured to be able to detect the printing paper 3 without fail, there is no need to employ a method of estimating the current position of the leading end of the printing paper 3 using a timer or the like. However, for example, there may be a case where the leading end of the printing paper 3 is caught by the duct 14 and is not detected by any of the sensors 10 to 12. The use of a timer as a countermeasure in such a case is an effective means for ensuring the automatic loading of printing paper. 2. FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a line printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the line printer according to the present embodiment, a paddle roller 18 is provided in front of the printing unit, and a roller 17 is provided at a position facing the paddle roller 18.

The paddle roller 18 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of impellers 19 are provided on the shaft at intervals. FIG. 13 shows an impeller installed on the paddle roller 18.
19 is a sectional view of FIG. The impeller 19 is formed of a material having elasticity and friction, such as rubber. On the other hand, the rollers 17 are provided on the shaft at positions opposed to the impeller 19 at intervals.

The axis of the paddle roller 18 is a paddle drive motor
It is designed to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the 21 rotating shafts. Further, the shaft of the paddle roller 18 is connected to the solenoid 20, and moves back and forth in accordance with the operation of the solenoid 20.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of automatic sheet feeding of the line printer according to this embodiment. Also,
FIG. 15 is a side view of the line printer at the time of automatic sheet feeding in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the automatic sheet feeding according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 15A, when the printing paper 3 is set on the first paper tractor 1 and an automatic paper feeding instruction is given by the operator, the control unit 27 of the line printer drives the paper feeding motor 6. . In accordance with the rotation of the paper feed motor 6, the pin belt 23 of the paper tractor is rotated by the tractor drive belt 7, and the printing paper 3 in which the feed holes 24 are fitted to the pins 22 is fed.

As shown in FIG. 15B, when the leading end of the printing paper 3 reaches the position of the paddle roller 18, the sensor 26 detects the printing paper 3, and the control unit 27 stops the paper feeding motor 6 accordingly. I do. The leading end of the printing paper 3 is a paddle roller
It is in the 18 position.

Next, the control unit 27 activates the solenoid 20, and
The paddle roller 18 moves forward in accordance with the operation of the solenoid 20. At the same time, the roller 17 moves to the printing paper 3 side, and the printing paper 3 is sandwiched between the paddle roller 18 and the roller 17.

Subsequently, the control unit 27 starts the paddle drive motor 21 to rotate the paddle roller 18. Paddle roller 18
Is set to a speed higher than the rotation speed of the paper feed motor 6.

After driving the paddle drive motor 21, the control unit 27 starts the paper feed motor 6 at intervals. Paddle roller
Since the rotation speed of 18 is slightly higher than the rotation speed of the pin belt 23 of the paper tractor 1, slack generated on the printing paper 3 is removed. Further, since a uniform force is applied to the printing paper 3 in the width direction by the paddle roller 18, the skew of the printing paper 3 is prevented.

In this state, the printing paper 3 is transported to the second paper tractor 2 and is sandwiched between the openings of the second paper tractor 2. When the sensor 10 installed on the second paper tractor 2 detects the printing paper 3, the control unit 27
Is determined to be normally loaded in the second paper tractor 2,
The printing paper 3 is transported toward the stacker 16.

In the vicinity of the second paper tractor 2, sensors 11 and 12 for detecting the warpage of the printing paper 3 are provided. When these sensors 11 and 12 detect the printing paper 3,
The control unit 27 performs a process for correcting the warpage of the printing paper 3.

FIG. 15D shows a case where the printing paper 3 is warped to the platen 4 side. In this case, the leading end of the printing paper is detected by the sensor 11, and the control unit 27 reversely rotates the paper feed motor 6 and the paddle 19 drive motor 8 accordingly. In this case, the rotation speed of the motor is slightly higher in the paper feed motor 6. By doing so, even when the printing paper 3 runs backward, the printing paper 3 does not loosen.

When the leading end of the printing paper 3 has retreated to a predetermined case, the control unit 27 stops the motors 6 and 21. Subsequently, since the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 11, the control unit 27 selects correction of the printing paper 3 by the platen 4.
This state is shown in FIG. 15E.

Similarly, when the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 12, the control unit 27 selects the correction processing of the printing paper 3 by the fan 13. After the warpage of the printing paper 3 is corrected, the control unit 27 starts the paper feeding motor 6 and the paddle 19 driving motor 8 again, and feeds the printing paper 3 toward the second paper tractor 2 again. FIG. 15F shows this state.

In the present embodiment, a paddle roller 18 is provided between the first paper tractor 1 and the second paper tractor 2, and the print paper 3 is sandwiched between the paddle rollers 18 and the rollers 17 so that the print paper 3 is placed in the second position. The paper is fed toward the second paper tractor 2.

The distance between the paddle roller 18 and the second paper tractor 2 is shorter than the distance between the first paper tractor 1 and the second paper tractor 2. As a result, the printing paper 3 is less likely to warp, and even if warping occurs, the width of the warping is reduced, so that there is an effect that the success rate of loading the second paper tractor 2 increases.

Further, since the slack of the paper is removed by the paddle roller 18, the second paper tractor 2 of the printing paper 3 is removed.
Can be more reliably performed.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically eliminate a loading abnormality that occurs due to a warpage of a sheet at the time of automatic sheet feeding in a printer device or the like. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to restart the sheet feeding operation, and the time for the operation can be shortened. Further, a highly reliable printer device can be realized.

[0078]

[Description of the drawings]

[0079]

FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram of an automatic feeding mechanism according to the present invention.

[0080]

FIG. 2 is a principle configuration diagram of an automatic sheet feeding method according to the present invention.

[0081]

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a line printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082]

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a line printer according to an embodiment.

[0083]

FIG. 5 is a side view of the line printer according to one embodiment.

[0084]

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of automatic sheet feeding according to an embodiment.

[0085]

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing correction of abnormal loading in one embodiment;
The case where the printing paper is corrected by the platen is shown.

[0086]

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing correction of abnormal loading in one embodiment;
The case where the printing paper is corrected by the fan is shown.

[0087]

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a procedure of automatic sheet feeding of a line printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0088]

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating correction of a loading error of a line printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where a printing paper is corrected by a platen.

[0089]

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating correction of a loading error of a line printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where a print sheet is corrected by a fan.

[0090]

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a line printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0091]

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an impeller according to a third embodiment.

[0092]

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of automatic sheet feeding of the line printer according to the third embodiment.

[0093]

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a procedure of automatic sheet feeding of the line printer according to the third embodiment, and illustrates a case where correction of a printing sheet is performed by a platen.

[0094]

FIG. 16 is a side view of a printing paper transport path portion of a conventional line printer.

[0095]

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of automatic paper feeding of a conventional line printer.

[0096]

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state of warpage of printing paper in a line printer.

[0097]

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 1 is a first paper feed mechanism, 2 is a second paper feed mechanism, 3 is paper, 8, 13 is paper correction means, 10, 11,
12 is a sensor.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B65H 20/00-26/08 B41J 11/00-11/70

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] A first paper feed mechanism provided upstream of the paper transport path and a second paper feed mechanism provided downstream of the transport path; An automatic paper feed mechanism for feeding out the paper (3) set in the second paper feed mechanism (2) and loading the paper (3) set in the second paper feed mechanism (2) between the first paper feed mechanism (1) and the second paper feed mechanism (2). Sheet correcting means (4) which is provided at a position facing each other on the sheet conveying path of (2) and guides the leading end of the sheet (3) loaded in the second sheet feeding mechanism (2) to the second sheet feeding mechanism (2). , 13), and the sheet (3) loaded in the second sheet feed mechanism (2).
A sheet (3) for detecting the position of the sheet (3), when the sensor (10) does not detect the sheet (3) during the automatic sheet feeding operation, the sheet (3) is reversely moved by a predetermined amount, and then the sheet correcting means (4). , 13), while correcting the leading end of the sheet (3) so as to be normally loaded into the second sheet feeding mechanism (2), the sheet (3) with respect to the second sheet feeding mechanism. An automatic sheet feeding mechanism having a control unit (27) for controlling the sheet feeding again. 2. A sensor (11, 12) for detecting the direction of warpage of a sheet (3) is provided in the second sheet feed mechanism (2), and when the sheet (3) is abnormally loaded, the sensor (1) is detected.
In accordance with the direction of warpage of the sheet (3) detected by (1, 12), the sheet (3) is transferred to the second sheet feed mechanism (2).
Paper straightening means (4,
13) is selected, and the selected sheet correcting means (4, 13) is selected.
And a control unit (27) for controlling the sheet (3) to re-feed the leading end of the sheet (3) to the second sheet feed mechanism (2) while correcting the warpage of the sheet (3). The automatic paper feeding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A paddle roller (18) provided with an impeller made of an elastic material between the first paper feed mechanism (1) and the second paper feed mechanism (2).
And a roller (17) provided at a position facing the paddle roller (18) and configured to sandwich the sheet (3) together with the paddle roller (18). 3. The automatic paper feeding mechanism according to 1 or 2. 4. An upstream side of a paper transport path on which the paper (3) is transported.
Paper feed mechanism (1) on the side, a second paper feed mechanism (2) downstream of the paper transport path, a first paper feed mechanism (1) and a second paper feed mechanism (2).
And a print head for printing on paper
(5) and a position facing the print head (5) across the paper transport path.
And a platen (4) provided, and a sheet set in the first sheet feed mechanism (1).
(3) is fed out and loaded in the second paper feed mechanism (2).
Print head (5) for loaded and loaded paper (3)
A first paper feed mechanism (1) and a second paper feed mechanism
(2), the second paper feed mechanism
The leading end of the paper (3) loaded in (2) is
Paper correcting means for leading to the paper feeding mechanism (2), and paper (3) loaded in the second paper feeding mechanism (2 )
And a correcting means for detecting the position of the platen (4) and moving the platen (4) away from and away from the sheet transport path.
(8, 9), and a fan installed at a position facing the platen (4).
(13) , the sensor (10) detects the sheet (3) during the automatic sheet feeding operation.
When no detection was made, the paper (3) was run backward by a predetermined amount.
Thereafter, the moving means (8, 9) is activated to activate the platen.
(4) is moved in the approaching direction with respect to the
Alternatively, the fan (13) is activated to generate wind,
The warpage of the recording paper (3) is transmitted to the second paper feed mechanism (2).
Control the straightening means so that it can be loaded correctly.
Printer device having a control unit (27)
Place. 5. A first paper feed mechanism upstream of a paper transport path.
(1) a second paper feed mechanism downstream of the transport path;
(2) has, Se Tsu bets on the first paper feed mechanism (1)
The second sheet feed mechanism by feeding out the sheet (3)
In the automatic paper feed mechanism loaded in (2), a sensor (1) provided in the second paper feed mechanism (2) is used.
0), the sensor (10) detects the leading edge of the paper (3), and after a time corresponding to the leading edge of the paper (3) reaching the second paper feed mechanism elapses, the sensor (10) detects the leading edge of the paper (3). When the leading end of (3) is not detected, the sheet (3) is retracted by a predetermined amount, and the leading end of the sheet (3) is normally loaded into the second sheet feeding mechanism (2). The paper straightening means (4, 13) for rectifying the paper (3) is activated, and the paper (3) is fed to the second sheet while the leading end of the paper (3) is straightened by the paper straightening means (4, 13). Characterized in that it is sent out again in the direction of the mechanism (2) .
Automatic paper feed how.