JPH1179416A - Paper sheet feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a separation pad system, reduce back tension, also surely feed a paper sheet sheet by sheet. SOLUTION: After separated paper sheet P1 in the uppermost is fed by a prescribed amount by a paper sheet feed roller 121, a separating pad 150 is separated from the paper sheet feed roller 121. A stopper 160, wherein a protruding position protruded to a paper sheet feed roller side from a pad surface 150a and a refuge position not protruded can be taken, which is placed in the refuge position in the case of a tip end of a paper sheet in the uppermost passing a press holding part between the paper sheet feed roller and the separating roller and protruded in the forward from the press holding part after the tip end of paper sheet in the uppermost passes the press holding part before the separating pad separates from the paper sheet feed roller, is provided. A paper sheet return lever, which is turned rearward, after a rear end of the paper sheet in the uppermost passes, to press return a paper sheet in the next position toward the rearward, is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to one sheet of laminated paper (plain paper, coated paper, OHP (overhead projector) sheet, glossy paper, cut sheet of glossy film, etc.) from the top one. The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device that feeds each sheet. The present invention mainly relates to a sheet feeding device suitable for a printer or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, as a paper feeding device, a paper feeding device of a nail separation type and a paper feeding device of a pad separation type are known.

In the claw separation method, as is well known, the leading edge of the stacked sheets is locked by a claw, and a paper feed roller is disposed behind the claw portion (downstream in the paper feed direction). By rotating the paper feed roller, the uppermost paper is bent between the paper feed roller and the claw portion. This is a method in which only the uppermost sheet is fed while being separated from the other sheets.

On the other hand, the pad separation system, as is well known, has a friction coefficient between the paper feed roller and the paper of μ1,
When the friction coefficient between the separation pad and the paper is μ2 and the friction coefficient between the papers is μ3, the paper feed roller and the separation pad are configured so that the relationship of μ1>μ2> μ3 is established, and the rotation is performed. In this method, the uppermost sheet and the next sheet are separated by squeezing the sheet between a paper feed roller and a separation pad pressed against the sheet, and only the uppermost sheet is fed.

In each of these systems, when the uppermost sheet moves while the surface of the uppermost sheet comes into contact with the rotating paper feed roller, the back surface of the uppermost sheet is placed on the other side of the contact portion. And the surface of the next sheet are in sliding contact with each other. Therefore, the surface of the next sheet is slightly scratched by the sliding contact, and when the sheet is, for example, glossy paper or a glossy film, the thin scratch is somewhat noticeable. .

In the case of the claw separation system, the sliding contact portion (that is, the slightly damaged portion) is located behind the claw portion, that is, behind the top sheet so that the topmost sheet can be bent. It is located in the area, which is not preferable.

On the other hand, in the case of the pad separation system, although a thin scratch due to sliding contact occurs, the thin scratch is only located at the front end of the next sheet, so that it is not usually located in the printing area. .

Accordingly, from the viewpoint of the above-mentioned thin wound,
The pad separation method is superior.

However, the pad separation method has the following disadvantages.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when a paper feeder 1 using a pad separation system is used in a printer, the fed paper P1 is conveyed while being nipped by conveying roller pairs 2 and 3. The paper P1 is not completely removed from the paper feeder when the transport of the paper P1 by the transport roller pairs 2 and 3 is started.

On the other hand, in the pad separation system, the above-mentioned μ1
>Μ2> μ3, that is, when the frictional force between the paper feed roller and the paper is f1, the frictional force between the paper and the separation pad is f2, and the frictional force between the paper and the paper is f3, f
The paper feed roller and the separation pad must be pressed against each other so that the relationship 1>f2> f3 is established. Therefore, when the conveyance of the sheet P1 by the conveyance roller pairs 2, 3 is started, the paper supply roller and the separation pad are started. Is pressed against the paper P
Reference numeral 1 denotes a state in which the rear portion is sandwiched between the paper feed roller and the separation pad.

Therefore, the sheet P1 is conveyed under a load (pulled backward) by the pressure section until its rear end passes through the pressure section between the paper feed roller and the separation pad. It is conveyed by the roller pairs 2 and 3.

If such a load (ie, back tension) is large, the accuracy of feeding the paper by the pair of transport rollers 2 and 3 is reduced, and the print quality is also reduced. The pressing force with
It is desirable to make it as small as possible. However,
If the pressing force is small, there is a problem that the next sheet gradually enters the pressing portion between the sheet feeding roller and the separation pad every time the sheet feeding operation is repeated, so that the sheet cannot be separated.

As a solution to such a disadvantage, there is a sheet medium alignment mechanism described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-53062.

FIGS. 17A to 17E are views showing the structure and operation of this mechanism.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 18 denotes a paper feed roller, 24 denotes a separation pad, and 22 denotes a lever.

The lever 22 is rotatably supported by a pivot A as shown in FIG. 1C, and is urged clockwise by a cantilever spring 26 pressing its arm 22c.

According to this mechanism, when the paper feed roller 18 rotates clockwise as shown in FIGS. 2B to 2E, the uppermost sheet S1 is pressed by the pressure contact portion between the paper feed roller 18 and the separation pad 24. Is separated from the next sheet S2, and only the top sheet S1 is fed as shown in FIG. On this occasion,
The lever 22 is pushed by the sheet S1 and escapes as shown in FIGS. Then, even if the next sheet S2 (and further the next sheet S3) enters or is about to enter the press contact portion between the sheet feeding roller 18 and the separation pad 24, the rear end of the preceding sheet S1 is After passing through the upper end, the lever 22 is rotated clockwise by the urging force of the cantilever spring 26, and the next sheet S2 (and the next sheet S3) is pushed back as shown in FIG. Becomes

Therefore, according to this mechanism, the above-mentioned problem, that is, the problem that the next sheet gradually enters the press contact portion between the sheet feeding roller and the separation pad and the sheet cannot be separated, is temporarily solved. Seems to get.

[0020]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional mechanism (FIG. 17), as is apparent from FIGS. 17D and 17E, the sheet feeding roller 18 and the sheet feeding roller 18 are pushed back when the next sheet S2 is pushed back. Since the separation pad 24 is press-contacted, if the leading end portion of the next sheet S2 has already entered the press-contact portion, it must be pushed back by the lever 22 without fail. The urging force of the spring 26 must be increased. However, lever 2
2 when the uppermost sheet S1 is fed.
(C) As shown in (d), it is necessary to escape by being pushed by the sheet S1, and it is not desirable to increase the urging force of the spring 26. To increase the urging force of the spring 26 so that the lever 22 is pushed by the uppermost sheet S1 and escapes, the feeding force of the sheet S1, that is, the pressure contact force between the sheet feeding roller 18 and the separation pad 24 is required. This is because the original purpose of reducing the load (back tension) described above cannot be achieved.

That is, in order to reduce the load (back tension) in the above-described conventional mechanism, the urging force of the spring 26 must be reduced. If the urging force of the spring 26 is reduced, the next sheet S2 However, there is a problem that the paper cannot always be reliably pushed back, and as a result, two or more sheets may be sent.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to reduce the above-mentioned load by using a separation pad system, and to surely feed sheets one by one. Is to provide.

[0023]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet feeding apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding roller which is driven to rotate forward during a sheet feeding operation; A plurality of sheets to be stacked, and pressing the sheet between a hopper that presses the sheet toward the sheet feeding roller when the sheet feeding roller is normally rotated and the sheet feeding roller when the sheet feeding roller is normally rotated. A separation pad that separates the uppermost sheet to be fed by the sheet feed roller from the next sheet, separates from the sheet feed roller after the top sheet is fed by a predetermined amount by the sheet feed roller, and the separation pad. A projecting position that projects toward the paper feed roller side, as viewed from the side, than a surface facing the paper feed roller,
It can be in a retracted position where it does not protrude, and is located at the retracted position when the leading edge of the uppermost sheet passes through the pressure portion between the paper feed roller and the separation pad, and the leading edge of the uppermost sheet is positioned at the retracted position. After passing, before the separation pad separates from the paper feed roller, a stopper protruding forward of the squeezing portion, and after the rear end of the uppermost sheet fed by the paper feed roller passes, And a sheet return lever that pivots rearward to push back the next sheet toward the rear.

Here, the predetermined amount means that, when this paper feeding device is used in a printer as shown in FIG. 16, for example, the leading end of the fed paper is at least a conveying means (for example, The feed amount required to reach the pair of transport rollers 2, 3). Further, the side view means that it is viewed from the axial direction of the sheet feeding roller.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sheet feeding apparatus of the first aspect, the hopper is disposed so as to be inclined downward toward the separation pad.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sheet feeding apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the hopper is configured to stack the sheets stacked on the hopper at least when the sheet returning lever rotates backward. And a support surface for supporting the leading end of the paper stacked on the hopper is provided in front of the hopper in the paper feeding direction, and the paper return lever is The next sheet is pushed back so that the leading edge of the next sheet reaches the rear of the support surface.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sheet feeding apparatus.
4. The sheet feeding device according to 2, 3 or 4, wherein the sheet feeding roller once reversely rotates before the forward rotation, and the reverse rotation causes the sheet return lever to rotate backward.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet feeding device.
5. The paper feeder according to 2, 3, or 4, wherein the separation pad is separated from the paper feed roller by an operation of a cam provided on a shaft of the paper feed roller.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sheet feeding apparatus.
6. The sheet feeding device according to 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the operation of the stopper is interlocked with the rotation of the shaft of the sheet feeding roller.

[0030]

According to the sheet feeding device of the first aspect, a sheet feeding roller that is driven to rotate forward during a sheet feeding operation and a plurality of sheets to be fed in contact with the sheet feeding roller are stacked. By clamping the paper between the hopper that presses the paper toward the paper feed roller when the paper feed roller rotates forward and the paper feed roller when the paper feed roller rotates forward, the paper to be fed by the paper feed roller is minimized. Since there is provided a separation pad for separating the upper sheet from the next sheet, only the uppermost sheet is fed during the sheet feeding operation.

Since the separation pad is separated from the paper feed roller after the uppermost sheet is fed by a predetermined amount by the paper feed roller, the above-mentioned load (back tension) is extremely reduced even if it is almost eliminated. It will be small.

After the uppermost sheet is fed by a predetermined amount by the paper feed roller, when the separation pad is separated from the paper feed roller,
When the uppermost sheet is transported by the subsequent transport unit,
The next sheet may be sent together with the top sheet because the next sheet is attracted to the top sheet by the action of static electricity or due to friction between the sheets.

However, according to the paper feeder of the first aspect, the separation pad is separated from the paper feed roller after the leading edge of the uppermost paper has passed through the pressing portion between the paper feed roller and the separation pad. Before the stopper, the stopper projects forward from the surface of the separation pad facing the feed roller toward the feed roller in a side view, so that the next sheet can pass through the stopper. As a result, only the top sheet is conveyed. When the leading edge of the uppermost sheet passes through the pressurizing portion between the sheet feeding roller and the separation pad, the stopper is at the retracted position, which is a non-projecting position. It does not impede.

In this manner, the next sheet, the passage of which is prevented by the stopper, is pushed back backward by the sheet return lever rotating backward after the rear end of the top sheet has passed. Become.

Thus, the next sheet gradually (cumulatively) enters the press contact portion between the paper feed roller and the separation pad,
The situation that the paper cannot be separated does not occur.

As described above, according to the sheet feeding apparatus of the first aspect, the sheets can be reliably fed one by one even though the load can be reduced by using the separation pad system. be able to.

According to the paper feeder of the second aspect, in the paper feeder of the first aspect, the hopper is disposed so as to be inclined downward toward the separation pad. When the paper is fed, the next paper is also likely to slide down toward the pressure portion between the paper feed roller and the separation pad. When the separation pad is separated from the paper feed roller after the top paper is fed by a predetermined amount by the paper feed roller, the next paper is more easily fed together with the top paper.

However, according to the paper feeder of the second aspect, the configuration of the first aspect prevents the next sheet from passing by the stopper, and is directed rearward by the sheet return lever. Since the sheet is pushed back, it is possible to feed the sheets one by one even if the inclination angle of the hopper is increased.

Therefore, according to the sheet feeding device of the second aspect, the inclination angle of the hopper is increased (for example, 45 degrees).
゜ or more), and the installation area can be reduced.

According to the sheet feeding device of the third aspect, in the sheet feeding device of the first or second aspect, the hopper is stacked on the hopper at least when the sheet return lever rotates backward. And a support surface for supporting the leading end of the paper stacked on the hopper is provided in front of the hopper in the paper feeding direction. The lever is
Since the next sheet is pushed back so that the leading edge of the next sheet reaches the rear side of the support surface, the tip of the pushed back next sheet is supported by the support surface.

Accordingly, the above-described cumulative entry of the next sheet is reliably prevented.

According to the sheet feeding device of the fourth aspect, in the sheet feeding device of the first, second or third aspect, the sheet feeding roller once reversely rotates before the forward rotation, and the reverse rotation causes the rotation. Since the paper return lever is configured to rotate backward, even if the paper enters between the paper feed roller and the separation pad for some reason before the paper feeding operation starts, You can put it back once.

Therefore, a problem (for example, a failure to locate a sheet) which would occur if the sheet feeding operation is performed while the sheet is inserted between the sheet feeding roller and the separation pad for some reason. Can be prevented.

According to the sheet feeding device of the fifth aspect, in the sheet feeding device of the first, second, third or fourth aspect, the separation pad is operated by a cam provided on a shaft of the sheet feeding roller. , The separation pad can be separated at a desired timing, and the structure can be simplified. For example,
The separation pad can be separated at a more reliable timing and a simple structure can be achieved as compared with a case where the structure is operated by a solenoid or the like.

According to the sheet feeding device of the sixth aspect, in the sheet feeding device of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect, the operation of the stopper is interlocked with the rotation of the shaft of the sheet feeding roller. With the configuration, the stopper can be projected or retracted at a desired timing, and the structure can be simplified. For example, the stopper can be protruded or retracted at a more reliable timing, and a simple structure can be achieved, as compared with a case where the stopper is operated by a solenoid or the like.

[0046]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a sheet feeding apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partially omitted side view showing an example of attachment to a printer.

As shown in FIG. 1, this sheet feeding device SF
A frame 100, a feed roller shaft 110 rotatably supported by the frame, and a pair of feed roller units 120 and 12 attached to the feed roller shaft 110.
0 ′ and a hopper 130 rotatably attached to the frame 100.

An edge guide 131 slidable in the sheet width direction is attached to the hopper 130. One of the pair of paper feed roller units 120 and 120 ′ is connected to the edge guide 131 and is slidable along the paper feed roller shaft 110 together with the edge guide 131. I have.

Such a sheet feeding device SF is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure below. In FIG.
Reference numerals 2 and 3 denote transport roller pairs for transporting paper, 4 denotes a print head for printing on paper, 5 and 6 denote paper discharge roller pairs for discharging printed paper, and 8a and 8b denote paper guides.

The hopper 130 is inclined as shown, and a plurality of sheets P (see FIG. 2) are set thereon in a stacked state.

The edge guide 131 shown in FIG. 1 is slid in accordance with the width of the sheet set by the user, and guides one side edge of the fed sheet. The other side edge is
It is guided by the side wall 101 of the frame 100. Therefore, the other sheet feeding roller unit 120 is connected to the sheet feeding roller shaft 1.
Do not slide on 10.

A pair of paper feed roller units 120 and 12
0 'is configured symmetrically and differs only in whether or not it slides. Therefore, only one sheet feeding roller unit 120 will be described below.

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away side view showing a main part of the paper feeder, namely, a paper feed roller and a separation pad mainly inside the paper feed roller unit, and the periphery thereof. FIG.
FIG.

In these figures, reference numeral 121 denotes a paper feed roller, which is formed in a substantially D-shape in side view having an arc portion 121a and a straight portion 121b.
The surface of a and the surface of the linear portion 121b are formed of a high friction material (for example, rubber). This paper feed roller 121
Is fixed to the feed roller shaft 110 via a bush 122. That is, the feed roller 121 and the bush 122 cannot rotate with respect to the feed roller shaft 110. The paper feed roller shaft 110 is driven to rotate just one rotation during a paper feed operation by a driving means (not shown) via a gear 111 (see FIG. 1) fixed to the shaft end.

The hopper 130 has a shaft 13 as shown in FIG.
2, it is rotatably attached to the frame 100. Reference numeral 137 denotes a paper feed tray, which is attached to the printer. A plurality of sheets P are set in a stacked state on the hopper 130 and the sheet feed tray 137. The leading end Pa of the set sheet P is set to the back (supporting surface) 152 of the separation pad holder 151 described later.
Are supported and aligned by contacting the

Reference numeral 140 denotes a frame of the sheet feeding roller unit 120 (hereinafter, referred to as a sub-frame). A hopper spring (compression spring) 133 is provided between the sub-frame 140 and the tip of the hopper 130. Accordingly, the hopper 130 is constantly urged by the hopper spring 133 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2, that is, in the direction in which the paper P is pressed against the paper feed roller 121, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 (a1). A cam follower 134 is formed at both ends of the hopper 130, and the rotation of the cam follower 134 is restricted by abutting the cam follower 134 with a hopper cam 135 (see FIG. 1) fixed to the feed roller shaft 110. . As shown in FIG. 2, a pad 136 similar to a separation pad described later is provided on the upper surface of the tip of the hopper 130.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing details of the subframe 140. FIG. 5A is a plan view, and FIG. 5B is bb in FIG.
It is sectional drawing.

The sub-frame 140 is an integrally molded product.
Track holes 142, 142 for rotatably supporting a receiving portion 141 of the hopper spring 133 and a separation pad holder 151 described later (only one is shown in FIG. 8B).
A restricting portion 143 for restricting rotation of a stopper 160 described later, and a receiving portion 14 of a pad spring 156 described later.
4 and shafts 145a and 145b for rotatably supporting a sheet return lever 180 described later.

2 to 4, reference numeral 150 denotes a separation pad, which is fixed to the separation pad holder 151. The separation pad 150 is made of a material (for example, a material such as cork) whose friction coefficient with respect to the paper P is smaller than the friction coefficient of the paper feed roller 121. Each of the friction coefficients is made of a material having a friction coefficient larger than the friction coefficient between sheets. That is, if the friction coefficient between the paper feed roller 121 and the paper is μ1, the friction coefficient between the separation pad 150 and the paper is μ2, and the friction coefficient between the papers is μ3, μ1>μ2> μ3. I have.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing details of the separation pad holder 151. FIG. 6A is a plan view, FIG. 6B is a left side view when FIG. ) Is a right side view when a front view is shown.

The separation pad holder 151 holds the separation pad 1
A pad support portion 153 to which the sheet 50 is fixed, a support surface (rear surface) 152 at the leading end of the sheet integrated with the pad support portion 153, and an arm portion 154 formed integrally therewith are provided. Shafts 155 and 155 provided on both sides of the rear end
Are rotatably attached to the sub-frame 140 by fitting into the track holes 142, 142 of the sub-frame 140.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pad spring (compression spring) 156 is provided between the lower surface of the pad support 153 and the subframe 140 as pad urging means. Therefore, the separation pad holder 151 is constantly urged by the pad spring 156 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2, that is, in the direction in which the separation pad 150 is brought into contact with the paper feed roller 121, but is directed to one side of the separation pad holder 151. Is formed with a protrusion 157 (see FIGS. 6 and 3). The protrusion 157 is attached to the feed roller shaft 110 via the bush 122, as shown in FIGS. Further, a pad cam 158 serving as a pad regulating means
(See FIG. 7), the rotation thereof is regulated. As shown in FIG. 7, the pad cam 158 has a large-diameter portion 158a and a small-diameter portion 158b. When the protrusion 157 contacts the large-diameter portion 158a, the separation pad 150 separates from the paper feed roller 121. When the projection 157 comes off the large-diameter portion 158a, the separation pad 150 is rotated clockwise by the urging force of the pad spring 156 (pushed up). 3.) The sheet can be pressed against the sheet feeding roller 121.

3 and 4, reference numeral 160 denotes a stopper. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the stopper 160, and FIG.
Is a right side view, (b) is a rear view, and (c) is a left side view.

The stopper 160 is an integrally molded product and includes a cylindrical base 161, a claw 162, and an arm 163. The stopper 160 is provided with a shaft 159 protruding from the separation pad holder 151. By lightly fitting
It is rotatably attached to the separation pad holder 151. As shown in FIG. 4, a torsion coil spring 164 as a stopper urging means is mounted on the cylindrical base 161. One end 165 of the torsion coil spring 164
The stopper 160 is always urged in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 by being hooked on the spring hook 151a of the separation pad holder 151 and the other end 166 being hooked on the claw 162. As shown in FIG.
Is in contact with the above-described regulating portion 143, or in FIG.
As shown in (b5), the arm 163 is
The rotation is restricted by abutting on zero. As shown in FIG.
1 is pressed down, the lower part of the claw portion 162 is
When the arm portion 163 contacts the hopper 130 as shown in FIG. 13B5, the stopper 160 rotates clockwise against the urging force of the spring 164. The upper portion of the claw portion 162 is located closer to the surface 150 a of the separation pad 150 facing the paper feed roller 121.
When viewed from the side (as viewed from the axial direction of the paper feed roller shaft 110 as shown in FIG. 3), it projects toward the paper feed roller 121 side. That is, it takes a protruding position. When the separation pad holder 151 is pushed up and the arm 163 does not come into contact with the hopper 130 as shown in FIG. 12 (b3), the stopper 160 moves until the lower portion of the claw 162 comes into contact with the regulating portion 143. Rotating in the counterclockwise direction, the claw portion 162 does not protrude from the facing surface (hereinafter referred to as a pad surface) 150a. That is, it takes the retreat position.

In FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG.
Is a paper return lever.

This paper return lever 180 is
81 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a C-shaped cross section, and by using this elasticity, the cylindrical base portion 181 is fitted to the shafts 145 a and 145 b formed on the sub-frame 140, thereby rotating the sub-frame 140. Mounted as possible. A small-diameter portion 181a is formed on the cylindrical base 181. A torsion coil spring 182 is mounted on the small-diameter portion 181a (the small-diameter portion 181a is inserted into the coil portion 182a of the torsion coil spring 182). One arm 182b of the torsion coil spring 182 is inserted into a hole 183 formed in the paper return lever 180 and is locked by the lever 180, and the other arm 182c is formed at both ends in receiving grooves 146 and 146 formed in the sub frame 140. Are supported and the center portion is hooked on the hook 147 to be locked to the sub-frame 140. Therefore, when no external force acts on the lever 180, the lever 180 is at the neutral position shown in FIG. 3, but when an external force (an external force due to a disk 124 described later of the bush 122 or a fed sheet) acts, the spring 182 is attached. 3 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise against the force and returns to the neutral position due to the restoring force of the spring 182 when the external force stops acting.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bush 122
, A disc 124 is integrally formed at a position corresponding to the paper return lever 180. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the disc 124 is provided with a recess 124a, into which the sheet return lever 180 at the above-described neutral position enters. . Therefore, when the bush 122 rotates (when the paper feed roller shaft 110 rotates), the corners 12 of the disk 124 are rotated.
4b or 124c abuts on the lever 180, which causes the lever 180 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG. When rotated clockwise, the paper is pushed back as described later.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 170 denotes a cover for the sheet feeding roller 121, which is attached to the sub-frame 140.

3 and 4, reference numeral 190 denotes an idle roller. The idle roller 190 has a disk shape, and a bush 12
It is rotatably attached to 2. The circumferential surface 191 of the idle roller 190 is located outside the linear portion 121b of the paper feed roller 121 in a side view.

Next, the operation of the above-described paper feeder will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. FIG.
1 to 14, FIGS. (A1) to (a8) mainly show the relationship between the hopper cam 135 and the hopper 130, and (b1) to (b8) mainly show the paper feed roller 121.
, A pad cam 158, a separation pad holder 151,
The relationship with the stopper 160 is shown, and (c1) to (c)
8) mainly shows the relationship between the disk 124 and the paper return lever 180. In the drawings other than the drawings (b1) and (b2), the paper P is omitted, but actually, the paper P is set on the hopper 130 as shown in the drawings (b1) and FIG. I have.

First, the standby state will be described.

FIGS. 3 and 11 (a1) (b1) (c)
1) shows a state during standby.

At the time of standby, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11 (a1), the cam follower 134 of the hopper 130
0 is depressed.

As shown in FIG. (B1), the paper feed roller 12
Reference numeral 1 denotes a state in which the linear portion 121b faces the paper P, and the paper feed roller 121 is not in contact with the paper P.

Therefore, in this state, the paper P can be easily set on the hopper 130.

The separation pad holder 151 (that is, the separation pad 150) is urged clockwise in FIG. 3 by the pad spring 156 (see FIG. 2). However, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. Since the portion 157 is in contact with the large diameter portion 158a of the pad cam 158, its rotation is restricted. Therefore, the separation pad 150 is pushed down to a position where the separation pad 150 is separated from the sheet feeding roller 121 and cannot come into contact therewith at all.

The stopper 160 is connected to the torsion coil spring 16
4 (see FIG. 4), it is urged in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 11 (b1). However, since the separation pad holder 151 is pushed down as described above, the lower portion of the claw portion 162 is restricted. When it comes into contact with the roller 143 and rotates largely in the clockwise direction, the upper portion of the claw portion 162 protrudes more toward the sheet feed roller 121 than the pad surface 150a. That is, it is in the protruding position.

The paper return lever 180 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1 (c1), it is in the neutral position, and its tip enters the recess 124a of the disk 124.

Next, the sheet returning operation and the sheet feeding operation will be described.

(I) In this embodiment, first, a paper return operation is performed.

However, for convenience of explanation, it is easier to understand the paper return operation after the paper supply operation described in the following (ii) has been performed, so that it will be described later.

(Ii) Referring to FIG.
0 starts clockwise rotation. Therefore, the paper feed roller 121, the bush 122 (the disk 124), the hopper cam 135, and the pad cam 158 also start rotating.
Since the rotation angles (phases) of these parts are always the same, they will not be described below unless otherwise required.

(Iii) As shown in FIG. 11 (b2),
When the pad cam 158 rotates a predetermined angle together with the feed roller shaft 110 and the projection 157 of the separation pad holder 151 comes off from the large diameter portion 158a of the pad cam 158, the separation pad holder 151 moves upward by the urging force of the pad spring 156,
The protrusion 157 contacts the small diameter portion 158b. As a result, the pad surface 150a of the separation pad 150 is located in the rotation orbit of the arc portion 121a of the paper feed roller 121.

Since the stopper 160 also moves upward with the upward movement of the separation pad holder 151 (ie, the upward movement of the shaft 159), the contact with the regulating portion 143 is released, and the stopper 160 is moved by the spring 164 ( (See FIG. 4). However, the rotation is restricted by the arm portion 163 contacting the hopper 130, and the tip 162a of the claw portion 162 is still in the pad surface 1
It protrudes above 50a.

At this point, the contact between the hopper cam 135 and the cam follower 134 of the hopper 130 has not been released as shown in FIG. 11 (a2). FIG.
As shown in (c2), the paper return lever 180 is
Although it is pushed by the corner 124c of the 24 and rotates counterclockwise, its tip does not fall out of the recess 124a.

(Iv) As shown in FIG. 12A3, when the hopper cam 135 further rotates together with the paper feed roller shaft 110 and the contact between the hopper cam 135 and the cam follower 134 of the hopper 130 is released, the hopper spring 133 ( 2), the hopper 130 is momentarily pushed up, the sheet P is also pushed up, and the uppermost sheet P1 is pressed against the arc portion 121a of the sheet feeding roller 121. Since the hopper 130 and the sheet P are instantaneously pushed up, even if the upper sheet comes off the support surface 152, it hardly descends.
And it will be in the state of being sandwiched.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 12 (b3), the circular arc portion 121a of the paper feed roller is placed on the pad surface 150.
a, and therefore, the arc portion 121 a of the paper feed roller 121 presses the separation pad 150. As a result, the separation pad 150 becomes a pad spring 156 (see FIG. 2).
Is pressed down counterclockwise against the urging force of the sheet feeding roller 12 by the urging force of the pad spring 156.
It is pressed into contact with one circular arc portion 121a. As a result, the projection 157 of the separation pad holder 151 is
Is separated from the small diameter portion 158b.

Further, as a result of the upward movement of the hopper 130, the contact between the hopper 130 and the arm portion 163 of the stopper 160 is released. Therefore, the stopper 160 rotates counterclockwise until it comes into contact with the regulating portion 143. , Claws 16
2 is a retracted position that does not protrude above the pad surface 150a.

As shown in FIG. 12 (c3), the paper return lever 180 is pushed by the corner 124c of the disk 124, rotates counterclockwise, comes out of the recess 124a, and has its tip at the disk. The state is along the peripheral surface of the reference numeral 124.

(V) As the paper feed roller shaft 110 continues to rotate, the arc portion of the paper feed roller 121 is formed as shown in FIGS. 12 (b4) and 15 (a partially omitted enlarged view of FIG. (B4)). Since the uppermost sheet P1 is in contact with the uppermost sheet P1, this sheet P1 is
And the paper is nipped between the arc portion 121 a of the paper feed roller 121 and the separation pad 150. That is, the uppermost sheet P <b> 1 is fed while being pressed between the sheet feeding roller 121 and the separation pad 150.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the next sheet P2 is attracted to the sheet P1 by the action of static electricity, or a frictional force acts between the sheet P1 and the sheet P2. As a result, the sheet P2 may be sent together with the sheet P1, but the movement of the sheet P2 is hindered by the tip P2a of the sheet P2 abutting against the separation pad 150, and the sheet P2 can be temporarily separated from the sheet P1. Similarly, even if a lower-order sheet P3 or the like is to be sent, it can be separated in the same manner.

Further, as described above, the paper feed roller 121
Is the friction coefficient between the paper and the paper, μ2 is the friction coefficient between the separation pad 150 and the paper, and μ is the friction coefficient between the papers.
If μ3>μ2> μ3, the sheet P1 and the sheet P2 are pressed by the arc portion 121a of the sheet feeding roller and the separation pad 150 as the sheet feeding roller 121 rotates. , Paper P2 is separated pad 15
The movement is hindered by the frictional force between 0 and 0, and the sheet is secondarily separated from the sheet P1, and only the sheet P1 is fed. Similarly, even if a lower-order sheet P3 or the like is to be sent, it can be separated in the same manner. As will be understood from the description, the “subsequent paper” includes the lower-order paper P3 and the like. However, in order to avoid complicating the description, the “lower-order paper P3” is used unless otherwise required. etc"
It is simply referred to as "the next paper".

As described above, the paper is pinched between the normally rotating paper feed roller 121 and the separation pad 150, so that the uppermost paper P1 to be fed by the paper feed roller 121 is separated from the next paper P2. Thus, only the uppermost sheet P1 is fed.

At this time, since the stopper 160 is already in the retracted position, it does not hinder the fed sheet P1.

That is, when the leading edge P1a of the sheet P1 to be fed passes between the separation pad 150 and the idle roller 160, the stopper 160 is already in the retracted position.

(Vi) Further, the feed roller shaft 110 continues to rotate, and as shown in FIG.
5 comes in contact with the cam follower 134 of the hopper 130 again, and the hopper 130 is pushed down.

At this point, as shown in FIG. 13 (b5), the separation pad 150 is still in pressure contact with the paper feed roller 121 via the paper P1.
The top sheet P1 continues to be fed by the feed roller 121, and the leading end P1a of the sheet P1 has already been fed.
1 and the separation pad 150.

When the hopper 130 is pushed down and the hopper 130 pushes down the arm portion 163, the stopper 160 rotates clockwise, and the tip 162a of the claw portion 162 projects above the pad surface 150a. Therefore, the tip 162a of the claw portion 162 comes into contact with the back surface of the uppermost sheet P1.

That is, the tip 162a of the stopper 160
After the leading end P1a of the uppermost sheet P1 passes through the pressure portion between the sheet feeding roller 121 and the separation pad 150, the separation pad 150 is moved to the sheet feeding roller 121 as described below (FIG. 13B6). Before it separates from the pad surface 150a, it projects on the pad surface 150a ahead of the clamping portion (forward in the paper feed direction).

As shown in FIG. 13 (c5), the sheet P1 is fed by turning the sheet return lever 180 counterclockwise, and the sheet return lever 180 is moved until the rear end of the sheet P1 passes. In a counterclockwise direction.

(Vii) Further, the feed roller shaft 110 continues to rotate, and as shown in FIG.
The large-diameter portion 158 a contacts the projection 157 of the separation pad holder 151 again to push down the separation pad holder 151, and the separation pad 150 is separated from the paper feed roller 121.

At this point, the leading end of the sheet P1 has reached the pair of conveying rollers 2, 3 which is the conveying means at the subsequent stage. Therefore, the sheet P1 can be conveyed thereafter by the pair of conveying rollers 2, 3.

The stopper 160 is provided for the separation pad holder 15.
1 is pressed down, the lower portion of the claw portion 162 contacts the regulating portion 143 and largely rotates clockwise,
The upper portion of the claw portion 162 protrudes largely toward the paper feed roller 121 than the pad surface 150a. At this time, the claw portion 162
The tip 162 a of the claw portion 162 overlaps the tip 162 a of the claw portion 162 with the circumferential surface of the sheet feeding roller 121.
a is still in contact with the back surface of the sheet P1.

Therefore, as described above, the feed roller 1
21 and the separation pad 150 are separated from each other, whereby the next sheet P2 slides down by its own weight, and even if the leading end P2a tries to pass between the pad surface 150a and the sheet feeding roller 121, this is reliably prevented. The Rukoto.

In the process in which the uppermost sheet P1 is conveyed by the conveying rollers 2 and 3 at the subsequent stage, the next sheet P2 is attracted to the sheet P1 by the action of static electricity, or the sheet P1 is interposed between the sheet P1 and the sheet P1. This is prevented even if the paper P1 is fed together with the paper P1 by frictional force.

The hopper 130 remains depressed as shown in FIG. 13 (a6), and the paper return lever 180 moves the paper P as shown in FIG. 13 (c6).
1 remains counterclockwise.

(Viii) When the paper feed roller shaft 110 further rotates, and just one rotation from the standby state described above, each member becomes as shown in FIGS. 14 (a7), (b7) and (c7).
This is the same state as the standby state (the state shown in FIGS. 11 (a1), (b1), and (c1)).

However, at this point, the sheet P1 is not completely removed from the sheet feeding device, and is conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 2 and 3 shown in FIG. Become.

Also in this case, the stopper 160
Since the upper portion of the claw portion 162 remains protruding from the pad surface 150a toward the paper feed roller 121, the next paper P2 tries to slide down by its own weight, or
1 is attracted by the action of static electricity or is fed together with the sheet P1 by the frictional force with the sheet P1,
This is prevented.

As described above, the paper feed roller 121
One side (right side in FIG. 4) is an idle roller 190
Is provided, and its circumferential surface 191 is located outside the linear portion 121b of the paper feed roller 121 in a side view,
A disk 124 is provided on the other side (left side in FIG. 4) of the paper feed roller 121, and its outer peripheral surface (mainly, corners 124b and 124c) is formed in the paper feed roller 12 when viewed from the side.
1 (see FIGS. (C7) and 3), when the paper P1 is transported by the transport roller pairs 2 and 3, the paper P1 is made of a high friction material. Since the contact with the paper roller 121 does not occur or the contact with the paper roller 121 is very slight, the contact with the paper feed roller 121 made of a high friction material does not increase the load on the conveyance of the sheet P1.

(Ix) After the trailing end P1b of the sheet P1 fed and conveyed as described above is removed from the sheet feeding device as shown in FIG. 14 (b7), the sheet feeding operation is performed again if necessary. However, once the sheet feeding operation is performed as described above, the leading edge P2a of the next sheet P2 has entered the space between the separation pad 150 and the sheet feeding roller 121. There is. In particular, in the paper feeder of this embodiment, since the hopper 130 is disposed in a downward slope toward the separation pad, the leading end P2a of the next sheet P2 is placed between the separation pad 150 and the paper feed roller 121. It is easy to be in a state of entering. This tendency is promoted when the paper is a slippery film or the like.

Therefore, when the sheet feeding operation is repeated in such a state, the next sheet P3 or the like is further fed to the sheet feeding roller 121.
And the separation sheet 150, and then the next sheet enters, so that the entry of the sheet is accumulated. As a result, even if the stopper 160 is provided, the next sheet that should not be sent May be sent together with the top sheet (double feed).

Therefore, in the paper feeding apparatus of this embodiment, before performing the paper feeding operation, the paper returning operation is first performed in (i) as described above. That is, this paper return operation
Prior to the above operation (ii), the operation is performed as follows.

The sheet returning operation is as follows.

(I) The standby state described above (FIG. 11 (a)
1) (b1) (c1) or FIG. 14 (a7) (b7)
14 (a8) and (b8) from the state shown in (c7)).
As shown in (c8), the paper feed roller shaft 110 rotates counterclockwise (reverse rotation).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 14 (c8), the paper return lever 180 is moved to the corner 124b of the disk 124.
To rotate clockwise (rearward), and the trailing edge 185
To push back the leading edge P2a of the paper.

At this time, the protrusion 1 of the separation pad holder 151
57 remains in contact with the large-diameter portion 158a of the pad cam 158, and therefore, the separation pad 150 remains separated from the paper feed roller 121, so that the paper P2 is pushed back smoothly.

As shown in FIGS. 14 (a8) and (c8), the hopper 130 has its cam follower 134 kept in contact with the hopper cam 135 and is pushed down. Easy to fall on.

In this embodiment, the hopper cam 1
The sheet return lever 180 is further rotated backward by rotating the sheet feed roller shaft 110 further in the range in which the roller 35 does not come off the cam follower 134 (the tip of the lever 180 that has been further rotated backward is shown in FIG. 3). Virtual line 18
0), and the sheet P2 is completely pushed back onto the hopper 130. That is, the paper return lever 180
Pushes back the paper P2 so that the leading end P2a of the paper P2 reaches the rear of the support surface 152. Thereby, the sheet P2
Is completely returned (dropped) onto the hopper 130 by its own weight. Thus, FIG.
When the paper feed roller shaft 110 is further rotated in the reverse direction from the state shown in (b8), the protrusion 157 of the separation pad holder 151 is
Since the separation pad 150 and the paper feed roller 121 are pressed against the large diameter portion 158a of the pad cam 158, the leading end of the sheet P2 is already pushed back from the pressure contact portion at this time. , Paper P
The push-back operation of No. 2 is not adversely affected.

As described above, it is possible to completely return the sheet P2 to the hopper 130.
If the leading edge P2a of at least the next sheet P2 is pushed back so as to be located behind the pressure contact position between the sheet feeding roller 121 and the separation pad 150, the above-described cumulative entry is prevented.

After the paper return operation as described above is performed,
The paper feed roller shaft 110 rotates forward, and after the above-described standby state, the paper feed operation after (ii) is performed.

According to the above-described paper feeder, the following operation and effect can be obtained.

(A) A plurality of sheets P to be fed in contact with the sheet feeding roller 121 and the sheet P to be fed in contact with the sheet feeding roller 121 are stacked. The paper P is pressed by the paper feed roller 121 by pressing the paper P between the hopper 130 that presses the paper P toward the paper feed roller 121 and the paper feed roller 121 when the paper feed roller 121 rotates forward. Since there is provided a separation pad 150 for separating the upper sheet P1 from the next sheet P2, only the uppermost sheet P1 is fed during the sheet feeding operation.

The separation pad 150 is separated from the paper feed roller 121 after the uppermost paper P1 is fed by a predetermined amount by the paper feed roller 121, so that the load (back tension) described above hardly disappears. Even very small.

In the case of the paper feeder of this embodiment, the paper P
When the sheet P1 is conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 2 and 3, the rear of the sheet P1 may come into contact with the idle roller 190 as a free roller, the stopper 160, the sheet return lever 180, and the disk 124. (The pad cam 158 and the projection 157 of the separation pad holder 151 are not in contact with the sheet because they are outside the sheet passage area, as is apparent from FIG. 4), and these members simply contact the sheet P1. However, since the sheet is not pinched as in the related art, the load (back tension) acting on the sheet P1 becomes very small even if it is almost eliminated. The spring 182 biasing the sheet return lever 180 is only for returning the lever 180 to the neutral position when no external force acts on the lever 180.
Since it is not for returning the paper, the contact force of the lever 180 against the paper P1 by the spring 182 can be extremely small.

When the separation pad 150 is separated from the paper feed roller 121 after the uppermost paper P1 is fed by a predetermined amount by the paper feed roller 121, when the uppermost paper P1 is conveyed by the subsequent conveyance means, The next sheet P2 is attracted to the upper sheet P1 by the action of static electricity or the frictional force between the sheets causes the next sheet P2.
2 may be sent together with the uppermost sheet P1.

However, according to the paper feeder of this embodiment, after the leading edge P1a of the uppermost paper P1 passes through the pressing portion between the paper feed roller 121 and the separation pad 150, the separation pad 150 is fed. Before separating from the roller 121,
The stopper 160 projects forward of the pinching portion from the pad 150a toward the sheet feed roller 121 in a side view, so that the next sheet P
2 is prevented, and as a result, only the top sheet P1 is conveyed. When the leading edge P1a of the uppermost sheet P1 passes through the pressing portion between the sheet feeding roller 121 and the separation pad 150, the stopper 160 is at the retracted position which is a non-projecting position. Paper P1
Does not hinder the passage of the tip P1a.

In this way, the next sheet P2, the passage of which is prevented by the stopper 160, is directed rearward by the sheet return lever 180 which rotates backward after the rear end P1b of the topmost sheet P1 has passed. Will be pushed back.

As a result, the situation in which the next sheet P2 gradually (accumulated) enters the press contact portion between the sheet feeding roller 121 and the separation pad 150 and the sheet cannot be separated does not occur.

As described above, according to the paper feeder of this embodiment, it is possible to reliably feed paper one by one despite the fact that the load can be reduced by using the separation pad system. it can.

(B) The hopper 130 is mounted on the separation pad 150
When the uppermost sheet P1 is fed, the next sheet P2 also slides down toward the pressure portion between the feed roller 121 and the separation pad 150 when the uppermost sheet P1 is fed. Easier to do. Also, the uppermost sheet P1 is the sheet feed roller 1
When the separation pad 150 is separated from the paper feed roller 121 after being fed by the predetermined amount by the sheet 21, the next sheet P2 is more easily fed together with the top sheet P1.

However, according to the paper feeder of this embodiment, the passing of the next paper P2 is stopped by the stopper 16
0, and is pushed backward by the sheet return lever 180, so that sheets can be fed one by one even if the inclination angle of the hopper 130 is increased.

Therefore, according to the paper feeder of this embodiment, the installation area can be reduced by increasing the inclination angle of the hopper (for example, 45 ° or more).

(C) The hopper 130 is a hopper that separates the paper stacked on the hopper 130 from the paper feed roller 121 when at least the paper return lever 180 rotates backward. A support surface 152 for supporting the leading edge of the paper stacked on the hopper 130 is provided in front of the paper feeding direction, and the paper return lever 180 moves the leading end P2a of the next paper P2 to the rear of the support surface 152. , The leading edge P2a of the pushed back next sheet P2 is supported by the support surface 152.

Therefore, the above-described cumulative entry of the next sheet P2 is reliably prevented.

(D) The sheet feeding roller 121 once reverses before the forward rotation, and the sheet return lever 180 is rotated backward by the reverse rotation. Therefore, before the sheet feeding operation is started, Even if the paper enters between the paper feed roller 121 and the separation pad 150 for some reason, it can be reliably returned once.

Accordingly, a problem (for example, a failure in finding the head of the sheet) that would occur if the sheet was fed as it was while the sheet was between the sheet feed roller 121 and the separation pad 150 for some reason. It can be prevented beforehand.

(E) Since the separation pad 150 is separated from the paper feed roller 121 by the operation of the pad cam 158 provided on the shaft 110 of the paper feed roller, the separation pad 150 is separated at a desired timing. And the structure can be simplified. For example, the separation pad 15 can be moved at a more reliable timing as compared with the case where the separation pad 15 is operated by a solenoid or the like.
0 can be separated and a simple structure can be achieved.

(F) Since the operation of the stopper 160 is interlocked with the rotation of the shaft 110 of the sheet feeding roller, the stopper 160 can be protruded or retracted at a desired timing, and the structure can be simplified. Can be planned. For example, the stopper can be protruded or retracted at a more reliable timing, and a simple structure can be achieved, as compared with a case where the stopper is operated by a solenoid or the like.

(G) Since the stopper 160 is in the protruding position during standby as shown in FIG. 11 (b1), the leading edge of the paper passes between the paper feed roller 121 and the separation pad 150 for some reason. That situation is prevented.

As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of the present invention.

For example, the paper feed roller is not limited to the D-shaped one in side view, but may be a round roller.

[0144]

According to any one of the paper feeders according to the first to sixth aspects, the load can be reduced by using the separation pad system, but the paper can be reliably fed one by one. it can.

Further, according to the sheet feeding device of the second aspect, the installation area can be reduced by increasing the inclination angle of the hopper.

According to the sheet feeding device of the third aspect, the cumulative entry of the next sheet is reliably prevented.

According to the paper feeder of the fourth aspect, a problem that would occur if the paper feed operation was performed as it was while the paper was in between the paper feed roller and the separation pad for some reason ( For example, paper cueing failure) can be prevented.

According to the sheet feeding device of the fifth aspect, the separation pad can be separated at a desired timing, and the structure can be simplified.

According to the sheet feeding device of the sixth aspect, the stopper can be projected or retracted at a desired timing, and the structure can be simplified.

[0150]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a sheet feeding device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially omitted side view showing an example of attachment of a sheet feeding device to a printer.

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away side view showing a main part of the paper feeding device, that is, a paper feeding roller and a separation pad mainly inside a paper feeding roller unit, and a periphery thereof;

4 is a partially omitted view taken in the direction of an arrow IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of a sub-frame 140;
Is a plan view, and (b) is a bb cross-sectional view in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view showing details of a separation pad holder 151;
(A) is a plan view, (b) is a left side view when FIG. (A) is a front view, and (c) is a right side view when FIG. (A) is a front view.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the pad cam 158.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing details of a stopper 160, wherein FIG. 8A is a right side view, FIG. 8B is a rear view, and FIG. 8C is a left side view.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view mainly showing a sheet return lever 180 and a sub-frame 140.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a disk 124 of the bush 122.

FIG. 11 (a1) (b1) (c1) (a2) (b2)
(C2) is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 12 (a3) (b3) (c3) (a4) (b4)
(C4) is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 13 (a5) (b5) (c5) (a6) (b6)
(C6) is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 14 (a7) (b7) (c7) (a8) (b8)
(C8) is an operation explanatory view.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation, and is a partially omitted enlarged view of FIG. 12 (b4).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional technique.

17 (a) to (e) are explanatory diagrams of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 P sheet P1 Top sheet P2 Next sheet 110 Feed roller shaft 121 Feed roller 121a Arc section 121b Linear section 130 Hopper 150 Separation pad 150a Pad surface (opposite surface) 152 Support surface 158 Pad cam 160 Stopper 180 Paper return lever

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A paper feed roller driven forward in a paper feed operation and a plurality of sheets to be fed in contact with the paper feed roller are stacked, and the paper feed roller is rotated by the paper feed roller in a forward rotation. A hopper that presses the paper toward the paper feed roller, and presses the paper between the paper feed roller during normal rotation of the paper feed roller to separate the uppermost paper to be fed by the paper feed roller from the next paper. A separation pad which is separated from the paper feed roller after the uppermost sheet is fed by a predetermined amount by the paper feed roller, and is closer to the paper feed roller side in a side view than a surface of the separation pad facing the paper feed roller. There can be a protruding projecting position and a retreating position not protruding, and when the leading end of the uppermost sheet passes through the pressure portion between the sheet feeding roller and the separation pad, the sheet is at the retracting position, and the leading end of the uppermost sheet After passing through the pinching portion, the separation pad is supplied. A stopper protruding forward of the squeezing portion before being separated from the paper roller; and a rear end of the uppermost sheet fed by the sheet feeding roller passes through, and then rotates rearward to move to the next position. A sheet feeding device, comprising: a sheet return lever for pushing a sheet backward. 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the hopper is disposed to be inclined downward toward the separation pad. 3. The hopper is a hopper that separates the paper stacked on the hopper from the paper feed roller when at least the paper return lever rotates rearward, and the hopper feeds the paper. A support surface for supporting the leading end of the paper stacked on the hopper is provided at the front side in the direction, and the paper return lever is operated so that the leading end of the next paper reaches the rear of the support surface. 3. The paper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the paper feeding device is pushed back. 4. The sheet feeding roller according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding roller once reversely rotates before the forward rotation, and the reverse rotation causes the sheet return lever to rotate backward. Paper equipment. 5. The paper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the separation pad is separated from the paper feeding roller by operation of a cam provided on a shaft of the paper feeding roller. . 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the stopper is interlocked with the rotation of the shaft of the paper feed roller.
The paper feeder according to 2, 3, 4, or 5.