JPH04292968A - Automatic paper feed mechanism and automatic paper feed method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically eliminate an abnormally loaded state by a method wherein when the absence of paper on a downstream-side paper feeder is detected in a mechanism provided with two paper feeders, paper is reversely fed, the warpage of the paper is corrected, and the paper is again fed. CONSTITUTION:In an automatic paper feed mechanism in which paper 3 set on a first paper feed mechanism 1 is paid out and loaded on a second paper feed mechanism 2, paper correction means 4 for guiding the leading end of the paper 3 to be loaded on the second paper feed mechanism 2 to the appropriate paper feed mechanism 2 are disposed at the positions opposing to each other on a paper feed path between the both paper feed mechanisms 2 and 3. In addition, a sensor 10 for detecting the paper 3 loaded on the paper feed mechanism 2 is provided. When the sensor 10 fails to detect the paper 3 during an automatic paper feed action, under the control of a control part 27, the paper 3 is reversely fed by a predetermined amount and, thereafter, again fed out while being corrected by the paper correction means 4 so that the leading end thereof can be normally loaded on the paper feed mechanism 2.

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 printers and the like that transport printing paper using paper tractors provided upstream and downstream of a transport path.

Continuous paper is widely used as printing paper in line printers and the like. This continuous paper is sent out by two sets of paper tractors, rollers, etc. provided with the printing section in between. Since it is time-consuming to manually set such continuous paper on a paper tractor, an automatic paper feed mechanism is used that automatically feeds the printing paper to the printer.

0003

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

[0004] In the line printer, paper tractors 1 and 2 are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of a conveyance path for printing paper 3, with a printing section including a print head 5 and a platen 4 sandwiched therebetween. The paper tractors 1 and 2 are provided with a pin belt 23, and the printing paper 3 is conveyed by engaging the feed hole of the printing paper 3 with a pin 22 provided on the pin belt 23 and rotating the pin belt 23. .

FIG. 17 is a side view of a conventional line printer showing the state of automatic paper feeding in the line printer. When feeding the printing paper 3 to the line printer, an operator sets the 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 given from the operation section of the apparatus.

When the control section of the line printer starts automatic paper 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 in the direction of the downstream paper tractor 2. The fed-out printing paper 3 is conveyed to the paper tractor 2 on the downstream side. The printing paper 3 that has been conveyed to the paper tractor 2 on the downstream side is further fed out and loaded onto a pin 22 provided on the paper tractor 2 on the downstream side.

As described above, the printing paper 3 automatically loaded into the upper and lower paper tractors 1 and 2 is conveyed toward the stacker 16 in accordance with the rotation of the pin belts 23 of the two sets of paper tractors.

[0008]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the conventional method has the following problems. First paper tractor 1
There is a certain distance between the paper tractor 2 and the second paper tractor 2. Therefore, if the paper 3 is curled or has a weak stiffness, the printing paper 3 transported by the first paper tractor 1 will be warped, as shown in FIG. is no longer loaded into the second paper tractor 2.

There are two possible ways in which the printing paper 3 may warp: one where it warps toward the platen 4 as shown in FIG. 18A, and one where it warps toward the print head 5 as shown in FIG. 18B. Conventionally, there was no means to deal with the warping of the printing paper 3 during automatic paper feeding, so if the printing paper 3 was not correctly loaded into the paper tractor 2 on the downstream side, the operator had to temporarily remove the printing paper 3. It was necessary to take it out and try again to feed the printing paper 3.

[0010] When trying to load the printing paper 3 again in this way, the work becomes extremely complicated. Furthermore, since the same printing paper 3 is used for refeeding, the warping of the printing paper 3 is not necessarily eliminated. for that,
The probability that the printing paper 3 loading error will occur again also increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to avoid paper loading abnormalities that occur during automatic paper feeding due to deformation such as warping of the paper, and to improve the efficiency and reliability of paper feeding. .

0012

[Means for Solving the Problems] FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration diagram of an automatic paper feeding mechanism according to the present invention. In the figure, 1
1 is a first paper feeding mechanism, 2 is a second paper feeding mechanism, 3 is paper, 8 and 13 are paper correcting means, and 10 is a sensor.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the basic structure of the automatic paper feeding method according to the present invention. The present invention provides a first paper feed mechanism 1 and a second paper feed mechanism 2 at positions facing each other on a paper conveyance path, and a first paper feed mechanism 1 and a second paper feed mechanism 2 are provided at positions facing each other, and the leading edge of the paper 3 loaded into the second paper feed mechanism 2 is connected to a second paper feed mechanism 2. A sensor 10 detects the paper 3 loaded in the second paper feed mechanism 2, and a sensor 10 detects the paper 3 loaded in the second paper feed mechanism 2. When the sensor 10 does not detect the paper 3 during automatic paper feeding operation, After the paper 3 is run backwards by a predetermined amount, the paper 3 is fed to the second paper feed mechanism 2 while the paper correcting means 4 and 13 correct the leading edge of the paper 3 so that it is normally loaded into the second paper feed mechanism 2. The first feature is that it is an automatic paper feeding mechanism that has a control section 27 that controls the mechanism to feed the paper again.

Sensors 11 and 12 for detecting the direction of warpage of the paper 3 are provided in the second paper feed mechanism 2, and the sensor 11 and 12 detects the direction of warpage of the paper 3 when the paper 3 is abnormally loaded. , selects the paper straightening means 4, 13 that corrects the paper 3 in the direction of normal loading into the second paper feed mechanism 2, and activates the selected paper straightening means 4, 13 to correct the warpage of the paper 3. The second feature is that it is an automatic paper feeding mechanism having a control section 27 that controls the leading edge of the paper 3 to be sent out again to the second paper feeding mechanism 2.

A paddle roller 18 provided with an impeller made of an elastic material is provided between the first paper feed mechanism 1 and the second paper feed mechanism 2, and the paddle roller 1
The third feature is that it is an automatic paper feeding mechanism having a roller 17 which is provided at a position opposite to the paper 3 and is configured to sandwich the paper 3 together with a paddle roller 18.

Further, as a paper straightening means, a platen 4 that is moved forward by a certain amount by a motor 8 and a fan 13 that is installed at a position facing the platen 4 are provided. After moving the paper 3 backward by a predetermined amount, the motor 8 is started to push the platen 4 forward, or the fan 13 is started to generate wind, so that the warped paper 3 is properly loaded into the second paper feeding mechanism 2. A fourth feature is that the printer device has an automatic paper feeding mechanism configured to convey the paper 3 again to the second paper feeding mechanism 3 while correcting the paper 3 in the direction.

If the paper 3 is not properly loaded into the second paper feed mechanism 2, an automatic paper feeding method is used in which the leading edge of the paper 3 is moved back and the paper 3 is loaded into the second paper feed mechanism 2 again. The fifth characteristic is to be.

The sensor 10 provided in the second paper feed mechanism 2 detects the leading edge of the paper 3, and after a period of time corresponding to the leading edge of the paper 3 reaching the second paper feeding mechanism, the sensor 10 detects the leading edge of the paper 3. If the paper 3 does not detect the leading edge of the paper 3, the paper correcting means 4, 13 moves the paper 3 backward by a predetermined amount and corrects the paper 3 so that the leading edge of the paper 3 is normally loaded into the second paper feeding mechanism 2. Start the paper correction means 4,
The sixth feature is that it is an automatic paper feeding method in which the paper 3 is sent out again in the direction of the second paper feeding mechanism 2 while the leading edge of the paper 3 is corrected by the paper feeding mechanism 13.

[0019]

[Operation] In the present invention, the sensor 10 installed in the second paper feed mechanism 2 is configured to detect whether or not the paper 3 is loaded into the second paper feed mechanism 2. If the sensor 10 does not detect the paper 3 during automatic paper feeding, it is determined that the paper 3 is loaded abnormally.

In this case, the paper feed mechanism is reversed and the paper 3 is run in the opposite direction until the leading edge 3' of the paper 3 reaches the front of the second paper feed mechanism 2. After that, the paper correcting means 8 and 13 correct the warpage of the paper 3 so that the paper 3 is properly loaded into the second paper feeding mechanism 2, and the paper is loaded again.

Two types of paper straightening means 8 and 13 are provided as means for correcting the warpage of the paper 3. By activating these paper correcting means 8 and 13, deformations such as warping of the printing paper 3 are automatically corrected, and the paper 3 is normally loaded into the second paper feeding mechanism 2. Therefore, even if a paper loading error occurs, it is possible to correct the warpage of the paper and load the paper normally without requiring much effort on the part of the operator.

[0022] Also, as a second feature, the sensors 11 and 12
Detects the warpage of the paper 3 and automatically selects a paper correction means for correcting the warp. Then, the selected paper straightening means corrects the warpage of the paper 3, and the paper 3 is loaded into the second paper feeding mechanism 2.

[0023] By taking such a procedure, when an abnormality in loading the paper 3 occurs during automatic paper feeding, it becomes possible to automatically select the most suitable printing paper correction means and load the paper normally. The time required for this can be shortened.

[0024]

Embodiment FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the vicinity of the printing section of a line printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the main parts of the line printer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a side view of the printing paper conveyance path section of the line printer according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

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

Upon receiving the instruction, the controller 2 of the line printer
7 drives the paper feed motor 6. Then, the tractor drive belt 7 starts rotating in accordance with the rotation of the paper feed motor 6. 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 on 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 section.

The transported printing paper 3 is loaded into the second paper tractor 2. The correctly loaded printing paper 3 is
As the second paper tractor 2 rotates, the paper is transported toward the stacker 16 .

The platen 4 of the line printer is located at a position retreated from its normal position except for printing operations. Therefore,
It is designed so that it does not get in the way of feeding out the printing paper 3 during automatic paper feeding. The platen 4 moves back and forth in accordance with the rotation of a cam 9 attached to the shaft of a motor 8.

The second paper tractor 2 is provided with a sensor 10 as shown in FIG. This sensor 10
For example, an optical sensor is used. When the printing paper 3 is normally loaded in the second paper tractor 2, the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 10, so that the control unit 2
7 confirms that the printing paper 3 is loaded into the second paper tractor 2.

Since there is a certain distance between the first paper tractor 1 and the second paper tractor 2, if the printing paper 3 is deformed such as warping, the printing paper 3 is moved to the second paper tractor 2. There will be cases where it will not be loaded. Figure 18 shows
A side view of the line printer in a case where the printing paper 3 has warped and an abnormal loading onto the second paper tractor 2 has occurred is shown.

When the printing paper 3 is loaded abnormally, the platen 4
There are two possible cases: the case of FIG. 18A in which the printing paper 3 is warped toward the side, and the case of FIG. 18B in which the printing paper 3 is warped toward the print head 5 side. The line printer according to this embodiment has a function of eliminating loading abnormalities caused by warping of the printing paper 3 and loading the paper into the second paper tractor 2 normally.

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

When the printing paper 3 is loaded into the first paper tractor 1 and the paper feed motor 6 is started, the control section 27 of the printer device starts the 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 transferred from the first paper tractor 1 to the second paper tractor 2 based on the two values.
The time required to reach this point is estimated. The timer 28 is set to this time with a slight margin to allow for 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 transport is carried out normally, the timer 28
The printing paper 3 reaches the second paper tractor 2 within the set time, the feed hole of the printing paper 3 is fitted with the pin 22 of the second paper tractor 2, and the second paper tractor
The loading of the printing paper 3 into the printer is completed.

FIG. 7A shows a situation where the printing paper 3 is warped toward the platen 4 side. Similarly, FIG. 8A
3 shows a situation where the printing paper 3 is warped toward the print head 5 side. If the printing paper 3 is warped, the printing paper 3 will not be loaded into the second paper tractor 2;
Sensor 10 cannot detect printing paper 3. The sensor 10 detects the printing paper 3 within the time set in the timer 28.
If it cannot be detected, the controller 27 of the line printer
It is determined that an abnormality in the loading of the printing paper 3 has occurred.

If it is determined that a loading abnormality has occurred, a process for correcting the warpage of the printing paper 3 is started. The control unit 27 first reverses the paper feed motor 6 to feed the printing paper 3.
run backwards. Then, the printing paper 3 is retreated until the leading end of the printing paper 3 comes in front of the second paper tractor 2. To determine the retreat position, for example, a sensor 29 is provided at the part where the leading edge of the printing paper 3 is desired to be positioned, and this sensor 29
When the leading edge is detected, the paper feed motor 6 may be stopped. Alternatively, the amount by which the paper feed motor 6 is reversed may be set in advance. The amount of reverse rotation of the motor 6 can be determined from the amount of feeding of the printing paper.

When the leading edge of the printing paper 3 has retreated to a predetermined position, the control section 27 then 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 in the normal direction again to feed the printing paper 3 in the direction of the second paper tractor 2. At the same time, the timer 28 is activated as the paper feed motor 6 is restarted. In this case, the timer 28 is set to a time that is the time required for the printing paper 3 to be transported from the leading edge position of the printing paper 3 to the second paper tractor 2, plus a slight margin to allow for errors. . This conveyance time also depends on the distance from the leading end of the printing paper 3 to the second paper tractor 2 and the distance between the printing paper 3 and the second paper tractor 2.
It can be estimated from the delivery speed of

Sensor 1 within the time set in timer 28
0 does not detect the printing paper 3, the control unit 27 determines that the abnormality in the loading of the printing paper 3 has not been resolved, and reverses the paper feed motor 6 again to cause the printing paper 3 to run in the reverse direction. At the same time, a correcting means for correcting the warp of the printing paper 3 in the opposite direction is selected, and the correcting process is started again.

The printing paper 3 is normally transferred to the second paper tractor 2.
When the printing paper 3 is loaded, the sensor 10 can detect the printing paper 3. In this case, the printing paper 3 is transported toward the stacker 16.

A platen 4 is used as one of the correction means. FIG. 7B shows how the platen 4 moves forward. When the printing paper correction using 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. The end surface of the cam 9 is in contact with a disc provided on the shaft portion of the platen 4, and as the cam 9 rotates, the platen 4 in the retreated position is pushed forward. By moving the platen 4 forward, the printing paper 3 is pushed from the warped state to the print head 5 side, that is, to the straightened state shown by the solid line.

FIG. 7C shows a state in which the printing paper 3 has been corrected for its warp by the platen 4 and is 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 caught in the opening of the second paper tractor 2. Next, print paper 3
The pin 22 of the second paper tractor 2 is fitted into the feed hole 24 of the printer, and the printing paper 3 is normally loaded into the second paper tractor 2.

In contrast to the state shown in FIG. 7B, FIG. 8B shows a case in which the printing paper 3 has warped toward the print head 5. As shown in FIG. If the sensor 10 cannot detect the printing paper 3 even though the printing paper 3 has been corrected by the platen 4, it is considered that the state shown in FIG. 8B has occurred.
In that case, the control unit 27 controls the printing paper 3 by the fan 13.
Choose the corrective action.

Even if the printing paper 3 is warped toward the print head 5, the leading end of the printing paper 3 is retreated to the front of the second paper tractor 2 as shown by the dotted line, and then the print head 5
The cooling fan 13 is started.

A duct 14 is provided around the print head 5 so that the print head 5 can be efficiently cooled by the air generated by the fan 13. Air generated by the fan 13 passes between the duct 14 and the print head 5 and is blown onto the printing paper 3. The printing paper 3 is pushed toward the platen 4 by the wind, and changes from the warped state shown by the dotted line to the unwarped state shown by the solid line.

FIG. 8C shows the paper feed motor 6 in the state shown in FIG. 8B.
The figure shows the situation when the printer is started and the printing paper 3 is transported to the second paper tractor 2. The printing paper 3 whose warpage has been corrected by the wind generated by the fan 13 is caught in the opening of the second paper tractor 2. Further printing paper 3
The paper feed hole 24 is fitted into the pin 22 provided on the second paper tractor 2, and the printing paper 3 is normally loaded into the second paper tractor 2.

[0046] Through the above procedure, the loading abnormality of the printing paper 3 can be resolved, and automatic paper feeding can be performed reliably. The printing paper 3 loaded into the second paper tractor 2 is
The stocker 16 is driven by the first and second paper tractors 2 and 3.
conveyed in the direction. The transport speed in this case is higher than that during automatic paper feeding.

In this embodiment, the platen 4 is selected first, and then the fan 13 is selected, but which one is selected first can be selected arbitrarily. Further, instead of only selecting the correcting means for the printing paper 3 alternately, it is also possible to select one of the correcting means multiple times and then select the other means.

A stepping motor is used as the paper feed motor 6. Since the amount of feeding of the printing paper 3 corresponds to the amount of rotation of the stepping motor, the amount of feeding of the printing paper 3 can be easily determined from the amount of rotation of the stepping motor. Therefore, the control section 27 starts counting the rotation amount of the stepping motor at the same time as starting the paper feed motor 6. When the sensor 10 does not detect the printing paper 3 even if the paper feed motor 6 rotates by an amount corresponding to the conveyance amount of the printing paper 3 from the first paper tractor 1 to the second paper tractor 2. In this case, the control unit 27 can determine that the printing paper 3 has warped and a loading error has occurred.

Similarly, when retracting the printing paper 3, the control unit 27 counts the amount of rotation of the paper feed motor 6. When the stepping motor rotates by an amount equivalent to retracting the printing paper 3 to a predetermined position, the control unit 27 stops the rotation of the paper feed motor 6. The same applies when restarting the paper feed motor 6.

Furthermore, if the platen 4 and the fan 13 are activated at the same time so that the printing paper 3 is sandwiched between the winds of the platen 4 and the fan 13, the warpage of the printing paper 3 is corrected in one operation, and the second The paper can be normally loaded onto the paper tractor 2. (Other Examples) 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the automatic paper feeding procedure in the second embodiment. 10 and 11 are side views of a line printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
0 shows the correction of the printing paper by the platen 4, and FIG. 11 shows the correction of the printing paper by the fan 13.

In the line printer according to this embodiment, in addition to the sensor 10 that detects the printing paper 3 loaded on the second paper tractor 2, the sensor 11 and the sensor 12 are used to detect the direction in which the printing paper 3 is warped. is provided.

FIG. 10A shows a situation where the printing paper 3 is warped toward 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 the sensor 11. When the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 11, the control section 27 of the line printer selects the platen 4 as a correction means.

FIG. 11A shows a case where the printing paper 3 is warped toward the print head 5 side. If the printing paper 3 is warped in the direction of the print head 5, the printing paper 3
Detected by 2. When the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 12, the control section 27 selects the fan 13 as the correcting means.

After selecting the paper straightening means, the control section 27
rotates the paper feed motor 6 in reverse. 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 has retreated to the front of the second paper tractor 2, the control section 27 stops the paper feed motor 6 and activates the selected correction means. The printing paper 3 is shown in Figure 1.
0B and FIG. 11B each show the state in which the printing paper 3 is retreated and the respective correction means are activated.

In FIG. 10B, the printing paper 3 that has retreated to the front of the second paper tractor 2 is shown by a dotted line. In this state, the control section starts the motor 8 to rotate the cam 9. As a result, the platen 4 moves forward and the printing paper 3
is pushed out in the direction of the print head 5.

FIG. 11B shows how the retreated printing paper 3 is pushed out toward the platen 4 by the wind generated by the fan 13. The control unit starts the fan 13 in a state where the printing paper 3 has retreated to the position of the second paper tractor 2.

From the states shown in FIGS. 10B and 11B, the control unit 2
7 rotates the paper feed motor 6 in the normal direction, and sends out the printing paper 3 in the direction of the second paper tractor 2. When the sensor 10 detects the printing paper 3, the printing paper 3 is moved to the second paper tractor 2.
It is determined that the printing paper 3 has been loaded into the stacker 16, and the printing paper 3 is conveyed to the stacker 16.

If the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 11 or 12 after the printing paper 3 has been corrected, the printing paper correction work is performed again. In this way, the line printer according to this embodiment is configured to automatically select the platen 8 and fan 13, which are correction means corresponding to the direction in which the printing paper 3 is warped. Therefore, the printing paper 3 can be corrected quickly by the necessary correction means, and unnecessary correction means are not activated. Therefore, compared to the line printer according to the first embodiment, it is possible to complete the correction process of the printing paper 3 more reliably and in a shorter time.

Further, in the line printer according to the first embodiment, the timer 28 was used to determine whether the printing paper 3 reached the second paper tractor 2, but the sensor 10
12 is configured to be able to detect the printing paper 3 without fail, there is no need to use a timer or the like to estimate the current position of the leading edge of the printing paper 3. However, for example, the leading end of the printing paper 3 may be connected to the duct 14.
There is also a possibility that the object is caught by the object and is not detected by any of the sensors 10 to 12. As a countermeasure against such a case, using a timer together is an effective means to ensure automatic loading of printing paper. 2. FIG. 12 shows the configuration of a line printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the line printer according to this embodiment, a paddle roller 18 is installed in front of the printing section, and a roller 17 is installed at a position facing the paddle roller 18.

The paddle roller 18 according to this embodiment has a structure in which a plurality of impellers 19 are provided on the shaft at certain intervals. FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the impeller 19 installed on the paddle roller 18. The impeller 19 is made of a material having elasticity and friction, such as rubber. On the other hand, the roller 17 is provided on the shaft at a position facing the impeller 19 with a gap therebetween.

The shaft of the paddle roller 18 is adapted to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft of the paddle drive motor 21. Further, the shaft of the paddle roller 18 is connected to a solenoid 20, and is configured to move back and forth in accordance with the operation of the solenoid 20.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the automatic paper feeding procedure of the line printer according to this embodiment. Further, FIG. 15 is a side view of the line printer during automatic paper feeding in this embodiment. The automatic paper feeding of this embodiment will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

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 2 of the line printer
7 drives the paper feed 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 whose feed hole 24 is fitted into the pin 22 is fed out.

As shown in FIG. 15B, when the leading edge of the printing paper 3 reaches the position of the paddle roller 18, the sensor 2
6 detects the printing paper 3, and the control section 27 stops the paper feed motor 6 accordingly. The leading end of the printing paper 3 is located at the paddle roller 18.

Next, the control section 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 toward the printing paper 3 side, and the printing paper 3 is sandwiched between the paddle roller 18 and the roller 17.

Next, the control unit 27 controls the paddle drive motor 2.
1 and rotate the paddle roller 18. The rotation speed of the paddle roller 18 is set to be faster than the rotation speed of the paper feed motor 6.

After driving the paddle drive motor 21, the control section 2
7 starts the paper feed motor 6 at intervals. Since the rotational speed of the paddle roller 18 is slightly higher than the rotational speed of the pin belt 23 of the paper tractor 1, slack generated in the printing paper 3 is removed. Further, since a uniform force is applied to the printing paper 3 across its width by the paddle roller 18, skewing of the printing paper 3 is prevented.

In this state, the printing paper 3 is conveyed to the second paper tractor 2 and is caught in the opening 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 determines that the printing paper 3 has been properly loaded into the second paper tractor 2, and moves the printing paper 3 toward the stacker 16. be transported to.

Sensors 11 and 12 are provided near the second paper tractor 2 to detect warping of the printing paper 3. When these sensors 11 and 12 detect the printing paper 3, the control unit 27 performs processing to correct the warpage of the printing paper 3.

FIG. 15D shows a case where the printing paper 3 has warped toward the platen 4 side. In this case, the leading edge of the printing paper is detected by the sensor 11, and the control unit 27 rotates the paper feed motor 6 and the paddle 19 drive motor 8 in the reverse direction accordingly. In this case, the motor rotation speed of the paper feed motor 6 is slightly higher. By doing this, even when the printing paper 3 runs in the reverse direction, the printing paper 3 does not become loose.

[0072] When the leading edge of the printing paper 3 has retreated to a predetermined position, the control unit 27 stops each motor 6, 21. Subsequently, since the printing paper 3 is detected by the sensor 11, the control unit 27 selects the correction of the printing paper 3 by the platen 4. This situation is shown in Figure 15E.

Similarly, the sensor 12 detects the printing paper 3.
If detected, the control unit 27 selects 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 restarts the paper feed motor 6 and the paddle 19 drive motor 8 to feed the printing paper 3 in the direction of the second paper tractor 2 again. FIG. 15F shows this state.

In this embodiment, a paddle roller 18 is provided between the first paper tractor 1 and the second paper tractor 2.
The printing paper 3 is sandwiched between the paddle roller 18 and the roller 17, and the printing paper 3 is fed out toward the second paper tractor 2.

Paddle roller 18 and second paper tractor 2
The distance between them is shorter than the distance between the first paper tractor 1 and the second paper tractor 2. Therefore, the print paper 3 is less likely to warp, and even if warp does occur, the width of the warp is reduced, which has the effect of increasing the success rate of loading the paper into the second paper tractor 2.

Furthermore, since slack in the paper is removed by the paddle roller 18, the printing paper 3 can be loaded into the second paper tractor 2 more reliably.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically eliminate loading abnormalities that occur due to curling of paper during automatic paper feeding in a printer or the like. Therefore, there is no need for the operator to redo the paper feeding operation manually, and the time required for this operation can be shortened. Furthermore, a highly reliable printer device can be realized.

[0078]

[Description of drawings]

[0079]

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

[0080]

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the automatic paper feeding method according to the present invention.

[0081]

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

[0082]

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a line printer according to an embodiment.

[0083]

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

[0084]

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an automatic paper feeding procedure in one embodiment.

[0085]

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing loading abnormality correction in one embodiment,
This shows a case in which printing paper is corrected using a platen.

[0086]

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing loading abnormality correction in one embodiment,
A case is shown in which the printing paper is corrected by a fan.

[0087]

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

[0088]

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

[0089]

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating correction of loading abnormality in a line printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a case where printing paper is corrected by a fan.

[0090]

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

[0091]

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

[0092]

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an automatic paper feeding procedure of a line printer according to a third embodiment.

[0093]

FIG. 15 is a side view showing the automatic paper feeding procedure of the line printer according to the third embodiment, showing a case in which printing paper correction is performed using a platen.

[0094]

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

[0095]

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

[0096]

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing how printing paper warps in a line printer.

[0097]

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 1 is a first paper feeding mechanism, 2 is a second paper feeding mechanism, 3 is paper, 8 and 13 are paper correction means, 10,
11 and 12 are sensors.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A first paper feeding mechanism (1) on the upstream side of a paper transport path, a second paper transport mechanism (2) on the downstream side of the paper transport path, the first paper transport mechanism (1) In an automatic paper feed mechanism that feeds out paper (3) set in the paper feed mechanism and loads it into the second paper feed mechanism (2), between the first paper feed mechanism (1) and the second paper feed mechanism (2). paper straightening means (4), which are provided at positions facing each other on the paper transport path of the paper correcting means (4), which guide the leading end of the paper (3) loaded into the second paper transport mechanism (2) to the second paper transport mechanism (2); , 13), a sensor (10) that detects the paper (3) loaded in the second paper feed mechanism (2), and a sensor (10) that does not detect the paper (3) during automatic paper feeding operation. Sometimes, after the paper (3) is run backwards by a predetermined amount, the paper (3) is straightened by the paper correction means (4, 13).
a control unit that controls the paper (3) to be sent out again to the second paper feed mechanism while correcting the leading end of the paper so that it is normally loaded into the second paper feed mechanism (2); An automatic paper feeding mechanism characterized by having 27. 2. A sensor (11, 1) is provided in the second paper feed mechanism (2) to detect the direction of warpage of the paper (3).
2), and when the paper (3) is abnormally loaded, the paper (3) is moved to the second paper feed mechanism according to the direction of warpage of the paper (3) detected by the sensor (11, 12). (2), select the paper correcting means (4, 13) that corrects the paper in the direction of normal loading, and select the selected paper correcting means (4, 13).
13) to correct the warp of the paper (3) while moving the leading end of the paper (3) to the second paper feed mechanism (2).
The automatic paper feeding mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a control section (27) for controlling the paper to be fed again. 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); It is provided at a position opposite to the paddle roller (18), and the paper (
3) The automatic paper feeding mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a roller (17) configured to sandwich the paper. 4. The paper straightening means includes a platen (4) that is moved forward by a certain amount by a motor (8), and a fan (13) installed at a position opposite to the platen (4). If the paper (3) is warped, the control unit (27) moves the paper (3) backward by a predetermined amount, then starts the motor (8) to push the platen (4) forward, or pushes the platen (4) forward. ) to generate wind and move the paper (3) to the second paper feed mechanism (2) while correcting the warp of the paper (3) in the direction of normal loading into the second paper feed mechanism (2). 4. A printer device having an automatic paper feed mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the printer device is configured to transport the paper again to the paper feed mechanism according to claim 1. 5. A first paper feeding mechanism (1) on the upstream side of a paper transport path, a second paper transport mechanism (2) on the downstream side of the paper transport path, and the first paper transport mechanism (1) In an automatic paper feed mechanism that feeds out paper (3) set in the paper feed mechanism and loads it into the second paper feed mechanism (2), the paper (3) is normally loaded into the second paper feed mechanism (2). If not, the leading end of the paper (3) is retracted and the second paper feed mechanism (2) is loaded again. 6. A sensor (10) provided in the second paper feed mechanism (2) detects the leading edge of the paper (3), and the leading edge of the paper (3) is detected by the sensor (10) provided in the second paper feeding mechanism (2). If the sensor (10) does not detect the leading edge of the paper (3) after a period of time corresponding to reaching the mechanism, the paper (3) is moved back by a predetermined amount and the paper (3) is removed. a paper correcting means (for correcting the leading end of the paper so that it is correctly loaded into the second paper feeding mechanism (2);
4, 13), and while the leading edge of the paper (3) is corrected by the paper correction means (4, 13), the paper (3) is again moved in the direction of the second paper feed mechanism (2). 5. The automatic paper feeding method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of sending out the paper.