JPH02208073A - Sheet feeding mechanism for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the number of components of an operating member and to decrease a manufacturing cost by switching switching means to a cut sheet using position and a continuous sheet using position to operate a sheet retaining roller, a power transmission mechanism and a changeover switch. CONSTITUTION:A sheet feeder can simultaneously perform switching disposition of a sheet retaining roller 5 for feeding a cut sheet or a continuous sheet, switching of setting power transmission to a platen 2 and a pin tractor 14 and further switching to set a signal output from a changeover switch 33 corresponding to cut or continuous sheet feeding relatively to each other by the operation of one switching lever 32. As a result, a sequence of switching to set the cut or continuous sheet feeding can be reduced, the number of components of an operating member, etc., required for operating another changeover switch can be decreased and a manufacturing cost can also be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a paper feeding device for a printer that feeds continuous paper or cut paper.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, this type of paper feeding device includes a continuous feed mechanism consisting of a pin tractor or the like for feeding continuous sheets, and a platen and paper presser rollers for feeding single sheets. A sheet feeding device is generally known which combines two mechanisms: a cut sheet feeding mechanism and a cut sheet feeding mechanism. This paper feeding device is provided with switching means such as a switching lever for arbitrarily switching settings for continuous paper feeding or single sheet feeding. When the continuous sheet feeding state is set by operating the switching means, power is transmitted to the continuous sheet feeding mechanism. On the other hand, when the cut sheet feeding state is set by operating the switching means, power transmission to the continuous sheet feeding mechanism is cut off, and power is transmitted only to the sheet feeding mechanism.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional paper feeding device, in addition to settings for connecting and disconnecting the power transmission of the passbook feeding mechanism, etc., signals related to continuous paper feeding or single sheet feeding, such as printing Settings for control signals, etc. of the unit may be changed.

For this reason, a changeover switch provided separately from the changeover means is operated. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned switching means, the number of steps such as operating a separate changeover switch is increased (and it is necessary to provide an operating member to enable the operation of a separate changeover switch, which may increase manufacturing costs. there were.

This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to reduce the number of operating procedures for switching settings for continuous sheet feeding and single sheet feeding, and for changing settings for signal output corresponding thereto. Another object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeding device for a printer that can reduce the number of operating members.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a platen that is rotatably supported by a frame and supports cut sheets and continuous sheets, and a platen that is supported by a strong force. A paper presser roller is switchably arranged between a first position where it is in pressure contact and a second position where it is in pressure contact with the platen with a weak force or is separated from the platen, and a plurality of pins that are movable in rotation, and the pins and the continuous paper are A pin tractor that feeds the continuous paper as each pin rotates based on engagement with the feed hole of the paper, a drive source for driving the platen and the pin tractor, and a power source for the drive source. A power transmission mechanism that can be set to switch between a first state in which it is transmitted only to the platen and a second state in which it is transmitted to both the platen and the pin tractor, and outputs signals that correspond to the usage states of single sheets and continuous sheets respectively. The switch is provided so as to be switchable between a cut paper use position and a continuous paper use position, and is operatively connected to the paper press roller, the power transmission mechanism, and the changeover switch, so that the arrangement positions thereof can be switched. and switching means for associating and switching the respective members with each other based on the above.

[Function] Therefore, by switching and arranging the switching means to the cut paper use position, the paper press roller, power transmission mechanism, and changeover switch are operated, and each member is associated with each other based on the switching of the arrangement position of the switching means. The switch is activated and a state is set in which feeding is applied to the cut sheet. Further, by switching and arranging the switching means to the continuous paper use position, the paper pressing roller, the power transmission mechanism, and the changeover switch are operated, and based on the switching of the arrangement position of the switching means, each member is switched and operated in association with each other. , the state for applying feed to continuous paper is set.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in Figure 1.3, the printer frame l includes a platen 2 that extends along the paper width direction on the paper transport path.
is rotatably supported by the platen shaft 3. or,
A print head 4 that can reciprocate along the platen 2 is disposed on the front side of the platen 2, and the platen 2 and the print head 4 are used to print desired information on the cut sheet P or the continuous sheet Q. A printing section A is configured. Further, below the platen 2, a paper guide plate 6 rotatably supporting a plurality of paper pressing rollers 5 is disposed along the platen 2.

As shown in FIG. 1.2, in this embodiment, the paper guide plate 6 is supported by a pair of support pins 7 (only one of which is shown) that protrudes upward from both upper surfaces of the printer frame 1 below the platen 2. It is supported so that it can move up and down. That is, the support pin 7 includes a small-diameter tip 7a and a step 7b. Both sides of the paper guide plate 6 are penetrated and supported by the tip 7a of the support pin 7, and vertical movement is allowed within the length range of the tip 7a, while downward movement is restricted by a step 7b.

Furthermore, support protrusions 8 are provided on the upper surfaces of both sides of the printer frame 1 on the lower side of the paper guide plate 6 to protrude upward, and the support protrusions 8 are provided with an actuating member 9 that is tilted to move the paper guide plate 6 up and down. is supported. A tension spring 10 is attached to the base end of the operating member 9, and the spring force of the tension spring 10 biases the operating member 9 so that its tip 9a pushes up the paper guide plate 6. is pressed against the platen 2. That is, the paper pressing roller 5 is placed at the first position where it presses against the platen 2 with a strong force.

Further, on the lower side of the actuating member 9, a tension spring 1 is connected to the actuating member 9.
An actuation shaft 11, which is engaged with the actuation member 9 for tilting in the opposite direction against a zero spring force, is rotatably supported. As shown in FIG. 2, when the actuation shaft 11 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the actuation member 9 is tilted in the same direction around the support protrusion 8, as shown by the two-dot chain line in the same figure. Accordingly, the pushing up of the paper guide plate 6 by the tip 9a is released, and the paper pressing roller 5 is separated from the platen 2. That is, the paper pressing roller 5 is moved to the second
It is placed at the position of

In this embodiment, the cut sheet P held between the platen 2 and the paper pressing roller 5 is transferred based on the rotation of the platen 2.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, below the paper guide plate 6 on the upstream side of the platen 2 on the transport path of the paper sheets P and Q, there is a paper sheet corresponding to the printing section A. A paper sensor 12, which is an optical sensor that detects whether a printer is attached, is fixed to the printer frame 1 via a bracket 13.

The paper guide plate 6 has a through hole 6a corresponding to the paper sensor 12.
is formed, and the paper sensor 12 detects whether or not paper is attached via this through hole 6a.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of pin tractors 14 (only one is shown) are disposed upstream of the platen 2 on the transport path of the sheets P and Q shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. There is. The pin tractor 14 is supported so as to be movable in the width direction of the sheets P and Q on a transmission shaft 15 and a guide shaft 16 which extend parallel to the platen 2 and are rotatably supported by the printer frame l. This pin tractor 14
The drive pulley 17 is rotatable integrally with the transmission shaft 15, and the driven pulley 18 is rotatable on the guide shaft 16.
A pin belt 19 having a plurality of movable pins 19a is hung between both pulleys 17, 18.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, each pin 1 of the pin belt 19 is
When the transmission shaft 15 is rotated with the feeding hole Qa of the continuous paper Q being engaged with 9a, the pin belt 19 is moved around and the continuous paper Q is rotated with the rotation of each pin 19a.
is given a feed.

Next, a driving mechanism for the platen 2 and the pin tractor 14, and a switching mechanism for continuous sheet feeding and cut sheet feeding will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

On the outside of one side wall of the printer frame 1, a platen gear 21 is fixed to one end of the platen shaft 3, and a transmission shaft gear 22 is similarly fixed to one end of the transmission shaft 15. In the vicinity of the platen gear 21, the printer frame 1 includes a small diameter gear portion 23a and a large diameter gear portion 23 that can rotate integrally.
A two-stage gear 23 consisting of a gear 23 is rotatably supported via a support shaft 24, and the platen gear 21 is meshed with the small diameter gear portion 23a. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a drive motor 25 as a drive source for driving the platen 2 and the pin tractor 14 is installed inside the printer frame 1, and its motor gear 26 meshes with the large diameter gear portion 23b. has been done.

Both gears 23 are provided between the two-stage gear 23 and the transmission shaft gear 22.
．． Latch gear 2 that can connect and disconnect power transmission between 22
7 are arranged. That is, as shown in Fig. 3.4.8, a horizontally extending support shaft 28 is fixed in a cantilever manner on the outside of one side wall of the printer frame l, and a clutch gear 27 is rotatably mounted on the support shaft 28. Supported for reciprocating movement. Further, a clasp 29 is fixed to the tip of the support shaft 28, and a compression spring 30 is interposed between the clasp 29 and the clutch gear 27.

And, platen gear 21 transmission shaft gear 22. 2nd stage gear 2
3. A power transmission mechanism is constituted by the motor gear 26, clutch gear 27, etc., and the clutch gear 27 is biased to an operating position close to the printer frame 1 by the spring force of the compression spring 30, as shown in FIG. . Further, in this operating position, the clutch gear 27 is engaged with the small diameter gear portion 23a of the two-stage gear 23 and the transmission shaft gear 22, respectively, and power is transmitted between the two gears 23.22. That is, a second state is set in which the power of the drive motor 25 is transmitted to both the platen 2 and the pin tractor 14.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the clutch gear 27 is moved to a non-active position where it is separated from the printer frame 1 against the spring force of the compression spring 30, so that the clutch gear 27 is connected to the small diameter gear portion 23a. It disengages from the transmission shaft gear 22 while maintaining meshing, and power transmission between both gears 23 and 22 is interrupted.

That is, a first state is set in which the power of the drive motor 25 is transmitted only to the platen 2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6.7, below the two-stage gear 23 is an operating shaft 1 that is operated to move the paper guide plate 6 up and down.
An operating shaft gear 31 is fixed at one end of the shaft.

Further, a switching lever 32 as a switching means is provided at one end of the platen shaft 3 in order to switch the connection/disconnection of power transmission by the clutch gear 27 and to switch the contact/separation of the paper pressing roller 5 with respect to the platen 2. It is arranged. The switching lever 32 is moved between the continuous paper use position in which the operating portion 32a is tilted to the right as shown by the solid line in FIG. As shown by the two-dot chain line, the operating section 32a can be switched to two different positions from the slip sheet usage position, which is tilted to the left.

That is, the switching lever 32 is rotatably mounted on the platen shaft 3 between the printer frame 1 and the platen gear 21 at one end of the platen shaft 3. 4th to 7th
As shown in the figure, the switching lever 32 is located at the upper operating section 32a.
, a lower acting part 32b, and an arm part 32c extending laterally from the vicinity of the operating part 32a. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, an arcuate gear portion 32d that meshes with the operating shaft gear 31 is formed inside the operating portion 32b. Further, as shown in FIG. 4.6.7, a retaining portion 3213 that can be engaged with one side of the clutch gear 27 is provided on the distal end side of the arm portion 32c and protrudes downward. An engagement slope 32f for guiding engagement with the clutch gear 27 is formed on the surface.

In addition, in this example, the 5th to 71st! As shown in FIG. 1, on the outside of the printer frame 1 in the vicinity of the action part 32b, there is a switch position of the switch lever 32 that can output signals corresponding to the usage status of the cut paper P and the continuous paper Q, respectively. A removable changeover switch 33 is attached to a part of the operating portion 32b for detection. This changeover switch 33
is a normally open switch equipped with a tiltable contact 33a and a contact 33b connectable to the contact 33a,
By engaging the action portion 32b of the switching lever 32 with the contact 33a and connecting the contact 33a to the contact 33b,
The changeover switch 33 is turned on.

When the changeover switch 33 is turned off, a control section (not shown) executes a program corresponding to the continuous paper Q as a program for controlling the rotation of the drive motor 25 based on an output signal indicating this. The display section 36 above the panel switch 35 shown in FIG. 9 displays characters or symbols, such as rFORMsJ, indicating that the printer has been switched to the continuous paper Q usage state. Conversely, when the changeover switch 33 is turned on, the control section executes the program corresponding to the cut sheet P based on an output signal indicating this, and the printer is displayed on the display section 36. A character or symbol indicating that the state has been switched to the state in which paper P is used, such as rSHEETJ, is displayed.

Therefore, when the operating portion 32a of the switching lever 32 is placed in the continuous paper use position as shown by the solid line in FIGS. Next, the rFORMs appear on the display section 36.
J is displayed, the engaging portion 32e at the tip of the arm portion 32C is disengaged from the clutch gear 27, and the second gear 23, clutch gear 27, and transmission shaft gear 22 enter the power transmitting state. or,
Based on the engagement between the gear part 32d on the side of the action part 32b and the actuation shaft gear 31, the actuation shaft 11 tilts the actuation member 9 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. is kept separated from the platen 2.

In this state, the drive motor 25 is operated based on the program corresponding to the passbook paper Q, so that the two-stage gear 23 is rotated by the engagement of the motor gear 26 and the large diameter gear portion 23b, and the second gear 23 is rotated through the platen gear 21. The platen shaft 3 is rotated, and the platen 2 is rotated. At the same time, the transmission shaft 15 is rotated via the small diameter gear portion 23a, the clutch gear 27, and the transmission shaft gear 22, and the pin belt 19 is moved around. As a result, feeding can be applied to the continuous paper Q.

On the other hand, when the operation part 32a of the changeover lever 32 is placed in the cut paper use position as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The switch 33 turns on and the display section 36 shows r.
sHEETJ is displayed, the engaging portion 32e at the tip of the arm portion 32c engages with the clutch gear 27, the gear 27 is disengaged from the transmission shaft gear 22, and the power of the second gear 23, the clutch gear 27, and the transmission shaft gear 22 is reduced. Transmission is cut off. Also, as the switching lever 32 is switched, the operating portion 32
b Based on the meshing between the inner gear portion 32d and the operating shaft gear 31, the operating shaft 11 allows the operating member 9 to tilt by the tension spring 10 as shown by the solid line in FIG. The paper pressing rollers 5 are held in a state where they are pushed up and pressed against the platen 2.

In this state, the drive motor 25 is operated based on the program corresponding to the cut sheet P, and the two-stage gear 23 is rotated by the engagement between the motor gear 26 and the large diameter gear portion 23b, and the platen gear 21 is rotated. The platen shaft 3 is rotated through the platen shaft 3, and the platen 2 is rotated. At this time, the cut paper P can be fed by cooperation between the platen 2 and each paper pressing roller 5. Further, since power transmission from the small diameter gear portion 23a to the transmission shaft gear 22 is cut off, the pin belt 19 is not moved around.

As described above, in the paper feeding device of this embodiment, by operating only one switching lever 32, the positioning of the paper presser roller 5 for single-sheet feeding or continuous sheet feeding can be changed, and the power can be transmitted to the platen 2 and the pin tractor 14. change the settings,
Furthermore, the settings of the signal output from the changeover switch 33 corresponding to single sheet feeding or continuous sheet feeding can be changed at the same time in association with each other. Therefore, unlike the paper feeding device of the conventional example, the paper feeding device of this embodiment has the following features:
There is no need to operate a separately provided changeover switch to change the setting of the signal output corresponding to ticket paper feed or passbook paper feed.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of steps required to change the settings for single sheet feed or continuous sheet feed, and to reduce the number of parts such as operating members required to operate a separate changeover switch. Cost can be reduced.

Note that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
The present invention can be implemented as follows by changing a part of the structure as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(1) In the embodiment, the paper presser roller 5 is switched to a first position in which it presses against the platen 2 with a strong force;
Although the second position is spaced apart from the platen 2, it is also possible to provide a first position where the platen 2 is pressed with a strong force and a second position where the platen 2 is pressed with a weak force.
The paper pressing roller 5 may be in contact with the continuous paper sheet Q when feeding the continuous paper sheet.

(2) In the embodiment described above, the pin tractor 14 was provided on the upstream side of the platen 2, but the pin tractor may be provided on the downstream side of the platen 2, or on both the upstream and downstream sides.

[Effect of the invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, continuous paper feeding and
It is possible to reduce the number of operating steps for changing the cut paper feed settings and the corresponding signal output settings.
This provides an excellent effect in that the number of parts of the operating member can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a paper feeding device showing an embodiment embodying the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view illustrating the action of the paper pressing roller approaching and separating from the platen, and FIG.
The figure is a partially cutaway plan view of the paper feeding device, Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the installation of each gear and switching lever, etc., and Figure 5 is a partially exploded view of the installation of each gear. FIG. 6 is a side view showing how each gear and switching lever are mounted, and FIG. 7 is a partially broken perspective view showing the relationship between the switching movement of the switching lever and the clutch gear and the switching switch. FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway plan view illustrating the action of the clutch gear, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the entire printer. 1...Printer frame, 2...Platen, 5...
・Paper presser roller, 14...Pin tractor, 19a...
・Pin, 21...Platen gear, 22...Transmission shaft gear, 23...2-stage gear, 26...Motor gear, 27
. . . Clutch gear (21 to 23, 26, 27 etc. constitute a power transmission mechanism), 25 . . . Drive motor as a drive source, 32 . . . Switch lever 33 as a switching means. Changeover switch, P... cut sheet, Q.
... Continuous book paper, Qa... Spread hole.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A platen (2) that is rotatably supported by a frame (1) and that supports single sheets (P) and continuous sheets (Q).
and a first position where the platen (2) is pressed against the platen (2) with strong force;
Press the platen (2) with a weak force or press the platen (2)
), and a plurality of pins (19a) that are movable in rotation, and the pins (19a) and the feed hole for continuous paper (Q) are provided. (Qa), a pin tractor (14) that feeds the continuous sheet (Q) as each pin (19a) rotates; and the platen (2) and the pin tractor (14). ), a first state in which the power of the drive source (25) is transmitted only to the platen (2), and both the platen (2) and the pin tractor (14). A power transmission mechanism (21 to 23, 26, 27, etc.) that can be set by switching between the second state and the second state that transmits the data.
and a changeover switch (3) capable of outputting a signal corresponding to the usage status of the cut sheet (P) and the continuous sheet (Q), respectively.
3), and is provided so as to be switchable between a cut paper usage position and a continuous paper usage position, and the paper press roller (5), the power transmission mechanism (21 to 23, 26, 27, etc.) and the switching Each of the members (5, 21 to 23) is operatively connected to a switch (33), and the respective members (5, 21-23
, 26, 27, 33, etc.).