JPH02208078A - Apparatus for supply of recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To effectively inform a recording medium supplying timing to a worker by moving a container to a position protruding from a recorder by container moving means when a recording medium is removed from the container by a desired quantity. CONSTITUTION:When an end detection sensor 2 detects that rolled paper P is removed at all or desired quantity from a magazine 9, the magazine 9 is moved to a position protruding from a laser printer 1 by container moving means such as a magazine placing base 27, a pushing member 39, etc., in response to the output of data from a JAM detection sensor 6 to a CPU 22. Accordingly, the worker can visually observe the projection of the base 27 (magazine 9) from the printer 1 without almost influence of a distance, position of the printer 1 and the worker such as when the worker away from the printer 1. As a result, supplying timing of rolled paper P is effectively informed to the worker.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a device for supplying recording paper, which serves as a recording medium, to a recording device such as a laser printer, and particularly relates to a device for supplying recording paper as a recording medium to a recording device such as a laser printer. The present invention relates to a recording medium supply device such as a paper feed device suitable for notifying a worker that a recording medium is needed.

<Prior Art> When information such as characters and figures (image information) is recorded on a recording medium such as a silver halide film made of photosensitive material or photographic paper using a recording device such as a laser printer, at least a series of information is recorded. It is desirable that the recording medium is fed continuously until the recording medium is recorded.

In addition, especially when recording a large amount of information as seamlessly as possible to improve the efficiency of the recording operation, it is necessary to replenish the recording medium in a timely manner during the recording operation.

It is assumed that the replenishment of recording media is performed by an operator in anticipation of a shortage of recording media, or when all recording media are used up.

By the way, the recording medium is installed in a storage device (storage unit) called a magazine, cassette, etc., and the storage device is equipped with a storage medium feeding device (for example, a paper feeding device used in a laser printer, etc.). It is provided in the recording medium supply device and is detachable from the recording medium supply device.

Then, the recording medium is transferred from the storage container to the recording medium supply device main body (
The main functional parts of the recording device) are taken out and supplied to the recording device, and since the recording medium is replaceable and installed in the storage device, replenishment of the recording medium is done by moving the storage device from the storage medium supply device. This is done by removing the recording medium and replacing it with a new one.

Therefore, in order to replenish the recording medium in a timely and speedy manner, it is necessary for the operator to constantly monitor and understand the remaining amount of the recording medium during recording work, which makes the work cumbersome.

Therefore, a recording device equipped with an indicator (for example, an indicator lamp, etc.) that operates as an alarm function to notify the operator when the recording medium installed in the storage container runs out.
(including a recording medium supply device) are known.

In the recording device, an indicator is lit in response to a detection signal from an end detection sensor that detects that all the recording media have been taken out from the storage container, and the operator visually recognizes the lit indicator. The storage container is taken out by operating an eject button for taking out the storage container.

When the eject button is operated, the locking mechanism that secures the storage container to the recording device is released by an electromagnetic solenoid, etc., and the storage container is automatically ejected from the recording device. It is being

<Problems to be solved by the invention> However, during recording work, the worker is generally located at a location away from the recording device (recording medium supply device), so In order for the operator to visually check the display, it is necessary to go to the recording device each time, which is extremely troublesome, and in some cases, the operator may not be able to see it while working on the pond. There is a risk that reliable notification will not be given to the workers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium supply device that can reliably notify the timing of replenishing recording media and whose operation can be easily controlled.

Means for Solving the Problems> In order to achieve the above object, the recording medium supplying device according to the present invention provides a recording medium on which information is recorded by a recording device, a recording medium that can be supplied to the recording device. The medium supply device main body and the recording medium can be installed in a replaceable manner, and
The installed recording medium is made removable by the recording medium supply device main body, and the storage portion is moved to a position protruding from the storage portion installed in the recording medium supply device main body and the recording device. storage section moving means; detection means for detecting that a desired amount of the recording medium has been taken out from the storage section; A control means for controlling the operation of the storage unit moving means.

<Operation> In the recording medium supply device according to the present invention, on condition that a desired amount of the recording medium is taken out from the storage unit, the storage unit is moved by the storage unit moving means to a position where the storage unit protrudes from the recording device. The movement can be performed automatically and dynamically by the control means.

<Embodiments> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the recording medium supply device according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a laser printer 1 in which a recording medium supply device is incorporated, which is a recording apparatus in this embodiment.

The recording medium supply device in this embodiment is a roll-shaped recording medium (
A paper feeding device 5 supplies roll paper P) to the laser printer 1.

The laser printer 1 includes a laser optical system 3 from which a laser beam is emitted, a paper feed device 5 that supplies a roll paper P to the laser optical system 3, and a development process for the roll paper P irradiated with the laser beam. It is mainly composed of a developing machine 7 and the like.

Note that a tray T on which the developed roll paper P is placed is provided at the front of the developing machine 7.

The paper feeding device 5 includes a pair of guide rails 11. which are provided for mounting a magazine 9 (storage section) in which roll paper P is replaceably mounted. 11, a drive source for feeding out or winding up the roll paper P,
The main body of the recording medium supply apparatus in this embodiment is mainly composed of a roll forward/reverse rotation motor 13 that is driven to rotate in both forward and reverse directions, a paper feed roller 15 for transporting the roll paper P, and the like.

At a position along the transport line of the roll paper P, an end detection sensor 2 is provided on the upstream side of the paper feed roller 15 for detecting that the roll paper P has been completely taken out from the magazine 9 (the desired amount). (Detection means) A cutter 4 for cutting the terminal edge of the roll paper P is provided on the downstream side.

Further, at a position on the transport line of the roll paper P from the paper feed roller 15 to the developing device 7, from the upstream side to the downstream side, a guide roller 17, 19, a transport roller 21 that transports the roll paper P, a guide roller n, 25, and a JAM detection sensor 6 such as an ultrasonic sensor for detecting that the roll paper P is put into the developing machine 7 is provided near the upstream side of the guide roller 25.

Note that a display panel 8 shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the upper side of the laser printer 1.
As can be understood from the figure, there is a numeric key 10 for inputting Arabic numerals, a numeric clear key lOA for canceling input digits, and a magazine empty key 10 for indicating that all the roll papers P have been taken out from the magazine 9. Lamp 12 (empty) and alarm lamp 14 (ala
rm) and a print ready lamp 1 that indicates that the laser printer 1 is activated and ready for printing.
6 (ready), a print start key 18 for starting printing, and an LED display 20 capable of displaying numerical values and the like corresponding to input numbers in 7 segments.

Here, the configuration of the paper feeding device 5 will be explained in more detail based on FIGS. 3 and 4, which show the direction indicated by the ■ arrow in FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the paper feed device 5 includes a magazine 9.
A magazine mounting table 27 is provided in the space where the magazine 9 is accommodated, and the magazine mounting table 27 is slidable on a guide rail 11 for accommodating the magazine 9 in a predetermined posture.

Further, a magazine cover 29 is provided at the front of the magazine mounting base 27 to prevent light from entering the housed magazine 9 from outside the laser printer 1, while a magazine cover 29 is provided at the rear of the magazine mounting base 27. has a pair of stopper claws on both sides in the width direction that are respectively engaged with a pair of stoppers IIA protruding from each guide rail 11 in a direction and attitude that are spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the guide rail 11. 31 and 31 are provided in a protruding manner, and the stopper pawl 31 is formed of a plate spring material, and deforms when a certain amount of load is applied to release the engagement with the stopper 11A.

In addition, in order to check that the magazine cover 29 reliably blocks light from outside the laser printer 1, the storage position (fixed position) of the magazine mounting table 27 when the paper feeding device 5 can supply the roll paper P is changed. The magazine cover safety switch 1 is turned on when the magazine mounting table 27 is set in the position) and is normally turned off.
1B is provided on the guide rail 11.

Furthermore, a lock lever 3 provided on the machine frame 33 to which the guide rail 11 is fixed is located at the rear of the magazine mounting table 27.
5, and the lock lever 35 is formed into an L-shape so that one end thereof is engaged with the engaging part 27B, and the other end thereof is engaged with the engaging part 27B. One end of the spring 37 is fixed to a machine frame (not shown), and the other end of the spring 37, which is always in a contracted state, is fixed.

Since the lock lever 35 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 35A provided at a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction, the lock lever 35 is biased by a spring 37 so as to always engage with the engaging portion 11A. has been done.

Further, a protruding end of a movable rod 39A of an electromagnetic solenoid 38 is fixed to the lock lever 35 in order to release the engagement between the lock lever 35 and the engaging portion 27B with a pulling force greater than the contraction force of the spring 37.

Further, the machine frame 33 is provided with a push-out member 39 at a position facing the rear of the magazine mounting base 27 for urging the magazine mounting base 27 toward the front of itself. When the magazine mounting table 27 is slid (pushed) to the predetermined position, it is operated by the return force of the compression spring 41 which gradually becomes compressed.

Therefore, the magazine mounting table 27, the engaging portion 27B, the lock lever 35, the electromagnetic solenoid 38, and the pushing member 39 constitute the storage section moving means in this embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a system block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the laser printer 1. As shown in FIG.

In the figure, a CPU 22, which is a main part of the control means in this embodiment, operates according to a program stored in a program ROM 24 while fetching various data stored in a working RAM 26.

The working RAM 26 has a display panel 8.34.
From the M detection sensor 6, the end detection sensor 2, and the magazine cover safety switch IIB, the I10 controller 28
(human output controller), and the CPU 22 controls the roll forward/reverse rotation motor 13 and the like via the 110 controller 28 based on the data.

The laser printer 1 in this embodiment is constructed as described above, and the procedure for its use will now be explained with reference to the procedure explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Note that both figures show operations performed by the worker as well as processes performed by the CPU 22, and are therefore different from the general processing flow performed by the CPU 22.

The roll paper P is rotated forward and backward by rotating the roll forward/reverse motor 13.
Step 100), the end detection sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as sensor) 2 determines whether the entire roll paper P (or a desired amount) has been fed out (step 100).
step lot, step 102).

The sensor 2 is configured to detect, for example, a mark attached to the end of the roll paper P using infrared rays, etc. When the mark is detected, the sensor 2 turns on, but normally it turns off. ”, and the signal (data) that is output when it is “on” is taken into the CPU 22 via the 110 controller 28, and on the condition that the data is taken in, the CPU 22 controls the roll paper P. In response to the capture of data output from the 34M detection sensor 6 when all the magazines have entered the developing machine 7, operation control is performed to cause the magazine mounting table 27 to protrude from the laser printer 1.

Therefore, if the sensor 2 is "off" in step 102 (no in step 102), the cutter 4 cuts the roll paper P, drives the conveyance roller 21, and conveys the roll paper P into the laser optical system 3. Exposure with laser light is performed (step 103, step 104, step 105).

Then, if the JAM detection sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as a sensor) 6 such as a microswitch is "on", that is, the leading edge of the exposed roll paper P enters the developing machine 7 (steps 106 and 107 are affirmed). ), the conveyance of the roll paper P is continued (step 108), and multi-printing (whether or not to continue exposure and development, that is, whether or not to continue the recording work) is checked (step 109). Step 110 (Yes) Returns to Step 100 and performs the same process, but if the process is not to be continued (Step 110, No), it is confirmed that the development has been completed and the work is ended (Steps 111, 112, Yes).

On the other hand, if sensor 2 turns on in step 102 (
The roll paper P is cut by the cutter 4 (Step 113), and the magazine empty lamp 12 is lit (Step 114).
), the same processes as steps 104 to 108 are performed.

In addition, if the sensor 6 is "off" in step 07, that is, the leading edge of the exposed roll paper P is not inside the developing machine 7 (step 107 negative), there is a jam (paper jam), and the roll paper P Stop the transport of (
Step 117), turn on the alarm lamp 14 (
Step 118) End the work once.

Next, in step 115, it is determined whether the sensor 6 is "off", and if it is not "off" (step 11
6 negative) Since it is JAM, proceed to step 117, and if "r on" (step 116 affirmative) roll paper P
has completely entered the developing device 7, and the process proceeds to step (2) in FIG.

Step 1: First, reverse the roll forward/reverse motor 13 to wind up the rest of the roll paper P (step 119).
, the electromagnetic solenoid 39 is energized and activated (Step 1
20) Magazine mounting stand 270 with lock lever 35
Release the lock.

Therefore, the magazine mounting table 27 is moved by the pushing member 39 to a position protruding from the laser printer 1, but in this embodiment, the movement of the magazine mounting table 27 is stopped at the position where the stopper IIA and the stop claw engage. Ru.

Then, the magazine cover safety switch 11B is turned off.
(Step 121, Step 12)
2 (No), the alarm lamp 14 is turned on (step 123), and the energization to the electromagnetic solenoid 39 is stopped (step 124).

Subsequently, the magazine 9 is replaced and roll paper P is replenished (step 125), the magazine cover 29 is closed (step 126), and the same processes as steps 121 to 123 are performed, and further steps 100 to 123 are performed. Processing similar to step 101 is performed.

Next, the roll forward/reverse motor 13 is stopped (step 130), the magazine empty lamp 12 is turned off (step 131), and the print ready lamp 16 is turned on (step 132).

As explained above, in this embodiment, when the end detection sensor 2 detects that all or a desired amount of roll paper P has been taken out from the magazine 9, data is output from the JAM detection sensor 6 to the CPU 22. In response, the magazine 9 is moved to a position where it protrudes from the laser printer 1 by the storage section moving means mainly including the magazine mounting table 27, the pushing member 39, and the like.

Therefore, when the worker is located far away from the laser printer 1, the worker can easily move the magazine mounting table 27 (magazine 9 ) can be visually seen protruding from the laser printer 1.

As a result, the operator is reliably informed of the replenishment timing of the roll paper P.

Moreover, since the notification is automatically made under the control of the CPU 22, the laser printer 1 can be operated even more easily, resulting in extremely high workability.

In addition, even if the roll paper P gets stuck in the developing machine 7 and the magazine 9 is moved, the roll paper P that has finished image formation
Since the magazine 9 is not moved until the paper is not exposed to light, there is no risk that the roll paper P made of a photosensitive material will be exposed to light from outside the laser printer l.

Next, another embodiment of the recording medium supply device according to the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 8 to 11.

Note that the same parts as in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the laser printer 1 in this embodiment, a shutter 60 is provided on the transport line of the roll paper P and downstream of the cutter 4 to prevent light from outside the laser printer 1 from entering the roll paper P. The shutter 60 is driven by the shutter solenoid 50.

Therefore, as understood from FIG. 9, the CPU 22 controls the operation of the shutter solenoid 50 via the 110 controller 28.

In the laser printer 1 configured as described above, the first
As can be seen from Figure O and Figure 11, step 200
The shutter solenoid 50 is driven and the shutter 6 is activated.
When 0 is expanded, steps 100 to 112,
The processes of step 113, step 114, step 117, and step ttS are performed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment.

In this embodiment, the timing for moving the magazine mounting table 27 is when the driving of the shutter solenoid 5o is stopped, that is, when the shutter 50 is closed.

Therefore, the shutter 50 waits for the end of the roll paper P to pass through the shutter 50 for a time corresponding to each size of the roll paper P (step 210).
is closed (step 220), and the roll forward/reverse motor 1
3 and wind up the rest of the roll paper P (step 119).

Subsequently, steps 120 to 132 are performed in the same manner as in the previous embodiment.

As explained above, in this embodiment, the magazine mounting table 27
The only difference from the above embodiment is that the timing of moving is when the shutter 50 is closed, so it has the same effect as the above embodiment, and data is taken in from the JAM detection sensor 6 to the CPtJ 22. Since the magazine mounting table 27 is moved at a timing earlier than the above timing, the roll paper P can be replenished with even better timing.

Note that the recording medium in the recording medium supply device according to the present invention is not limited to roll paper only, and can be widely applied, for example, when a cut sheet is used as the recording medium.

<Effects> As understood from the above explanation, in the recording medium supply device according to the present invention, when a desired amount of recording media is taken out from the storage section, the storage section moving means stores the recording medium in a position protruding from the recording device. section is moved.

Therefore, when the worker is located far away from the recording device, the worker will be able to see that the storage section protrudes from the recording device without being affected by the distance or positional relationship between the recording device and the worker. It becomes possible to visually recognize it.

As a result, the operator is reliably informed of the timing for replenishing the recording medium.

Further, since the notification is automatically made, the operation of the recording device can be made even easier, resulting in extremely high workability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laser printer in a preferred embodiment of the recording medium supply device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a display panel of the laser printer, and FIG. A detailed explanatory diagram of the paper feeding device of the printer, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the paper feeding device, and FIG.
A system block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the printer, FIGS. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for using the laser printer, and FIG. 8 is a system block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the printer. FIG. A schematic diagram of a laser printer in another embodiment, FIG. 9 is a system block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the laser printer in the other embodiment, and FIGS. The laser in the example of
FIG. 2 is a procedure explanatory diagram showing a procedure for using the printer. 1- ・ ◆ 11 9 2 ・ ・ −・ − 3 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 4 Conflict ・ ・ ・ ・ 5 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 6 ・ ・ ・ ・ 7 Conflict ・ Φ ・ ψ 8 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 9 ・・ ・ ◆ ・ 27. . recording device), end detection sensor, laser optical system, cutter, paper feeding device, JAM detection sensor, developing machine, display panel, magazine (storage section), magazine mounting stand, roll forward/reverse motor, lock lever, extrusion member, CPU. Program ROM, working RAM, 39, 50, 60φ P ・ ・Electromagnetic solenoid ・Shutter solenoid ・Shutter Q roll paper Applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Patent attorney Kiyoshi Kuwai (and 1 other person) Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 8

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A recording medium supply device main body capable of supplying a recording medium on which information is recorded by a recording device to the recording device; and a recording medium supplying device main body capable of supplying the recording medium on which information is recorded by the recording device;
The installed recording medium is made removable by the recording medium supply device main body, and the storage portion is moved to a position protruding from the storage portion installed in the recording medium supply device main body and the recording device. storage section moving means; detection means for detecting that a desired amount of the recording medium has been taken out from the storage section; A recording medium supply device comprising: a control means for controlling the operation of the storage section moving means.