JPS639597A - Flat bed type x-y plotter - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The present invention particularly relates to a paper stationary type X-Y plotter.

Prior Art and Its Problems X-Y plotters, ie, data plotters designed to provide two-dimensional visual displays of various types of data using monochrome or multicolor recording pens, generally It forms a graph-style display on recording paper by plotting the route, and in recent years, it has been used with the rapid development of high-performance and reliable microcomputers and personal computers and their spread in various technical fields. As a result, the scope of their use is increasing, and the demand for them is increasing, regardless of whether they are large or small.

It is roughly divided into stationary type (paper fixed type) and paper moving type. Examples of the latter type of paper moving type include the sprocket drum type, grid rolling type, and belt bed type, in which the paper is moved continuously or automatically intermittently. Above, in addition to having the advantage that the zero load seen from the drive system motor is relatively small, which makes it easy to increase the speed, it also realizes the miniaturization of -X and has 146 room, so it is especially suitable for large This paper moving type is becoming mainstream in X-Y plotters. Of the three methods mentioned above, the grid rolling method has a simpler structure and the load on the motor can be smaller than the other two methods, and it also allows the use of paper. However, since changes in humidity cause the paper to expand and contract, there is a drawback that if a specific paper is not used, the paper will become flattened. Although the belt bed method falls under the paper moving type category, it uses a sprocket wheel as a driving means to move the recording paper automatically and intermittently, so it can be divided into the paper stationary type and the paper moving type. This method is a compromise between the two methods, and is superior to the other two methods, especially as long as the belt itself is not stretched or contracted by selecting an appropriate material, and the paper is securely fixed on the belt. It is also possible to realize highly accurate recording.

On the other hand, as the size of flatbed X-Y plotters, which is a typical paper stationary type, increases, the total volume of the device increases, which not only makes it difficult to increase the speed, but also makes it difficult to install the device. Although it has disadvantages such as requiring a relatively large area to print, it is simple and low cost, and it also has the advantage of being flexible in terms of the type of recording paper, its material, hardness, etc.
Restrictions on thickness and other factors are significantly relaxed compared to other methods, and as long as the ink requirements are met,
Since it has the advantage of being able to use almost any type of paper, it has recently occupied the mainstream position of small XY plotters. In this way, the market for flatbed X-Y plotters continues to grow year by year, and in order to demonstrate excellent functionality in graphing, drafting, and various design applications, it is important to take advantage of their strengths and to address their weaknesses. Various improvements and proposals have been made to overcome this problem.

However, as a conventional paper stationary X-Y plotter with the function of automatically feeding and feeding paper,
There was one that simply used roll paper, but no one that used sheet paper. That is, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the outline of the main parts of a conventional flatbed type X-Y plotter. A pen carriage 3 having a pen carriage 3 is slidably supported on a Y bar 4, and is movable in the X direction together with the Y bar by reversible rotation of an X axis motor 7.
The pen carriage 3 is also configured to be movable in the Y direction along the Y bar 4 by the reversible rotation of the pen carriage 3 . In the figure, 9 is the X-axis drive pulley, 10 G, t Y
axial drive pulleys each having a wire 11;
and 12 are operatively engaged with the Y-bar 4 and the pen carriage 3. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 are guide rollers. In the conventional flatbed type X-Y plotter configured as described above, after selecting the recording paper 2 of any size and paper quality and manually placing and fixing it on the recording panel 1, a microcomputer (not shown) The X coordinate data and Y coordinate data included in the data signal from
Each signal component representing coordinate data is on the X-axis.
and the Y-axis motor 8, each motor accordingly disturbs the Y bar 4 and the paint A7 rod 3, and records at the coordinate point corresponding to the X coordinate data and Y coordinate data on the recording 12. Move Ben 5 quickly and give IIJ 111 signal to Pen solenoid 6 to plot the coordinate point there. Similarly, each time a data signal including X-coordinate and Y-coordinate data is input, the above operations are quickly performed, and a desired curve, figure, etc. can be recorded on the recording paper 2. In this way, each time when recording on one sheet of recording paper is completed, the recorded sheet is removed from the recording panel 1 by manual operation, and a new recording sheet is placed and fixed in its place for the next recording process. There must be. Therefore, although the recording process is automated as far as each recording sheet is concerned, in the case of multiple recording sheets, the transition from sheet to sheet may be manually performed.
Since the J operation is required, the input of data signals from the microcomputer is stopped during that time, and as soon as the next paper is ready, the data signals are input manually.
Recording must be restarted, which is a disadvantage over the moving paper type as described above.

There is a device that uses roll paper for printing, and the schematic structure thereof is shown in FIG. With this type of plotter, in order to obtain a sheet-like record, it must be cut with a cutter after recording, and the paper selection is limited to only a few types of special roll paper, and moreover, each time the roll paper is changed, , - Since it is necessary to manually attach and detach old and new roll paper, there is a drawback that it takes time and effort. As mentioned above, the main reason why only special roll paper can be applied is that due to the structural limitations of the Because the roll paper moves on the recording surface, it is extremely difficult to fix the roll paper supply, transport, and delivery mechanism on the recording surface.

Of course, it is naturally possible to automatically change the roll paper by pressing the appropriate selection switch from among two or more types of roll paper prepared. However, in order to realize such an idea, the mechanism and control system would have to become more complex, the overall configuration would have to be larger, and the manufacturing cost would increase, so it is inevitable to use a paper stationary type. This is tantamount to losing the advantages of the X-Y plotter, and is rather contrary to the direction in which the technology has been developed as described above.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and provides a novel and highly useful paper stationary X-Y plotter, in particular a sheet-shaped X-Y plotter. While taking advantage of the advantage of a flatbed X-Y plotter that there are no special restrictions on the paper quality or size, the selected sheet-like recording paper can be automatically placed on the recording panel of the X-Y plotter one after another. supply and perform predetermined data recording,
The main purpose of this invention is to realize a flatbed type X-Y plotter that can automatically send out such data.

Solution to the problem: Characteristics of the stage and mm/J The present invention has the following features:
Flatbed type X-Y that uses sheet-like recording paper
In a plotter, in order to automatically supply and feed recording paper, the function is to grasp recording paper one after another at one end of the recording panel, take it out, and feed it onto the recording panel. A function that presses the paper onto the recording panel to bring it into close contact with the recording panel, and a function that feeds out the recording paper that has completed the prescribed recording process by cooperating with a paper feed roller placed adjacent to the other end of the recording panel. is placed on the Y-bar itself, that is, on an automatic feeding adapter attached to the cover of the Y-bar, so that the original movement of the Y-bar in the two directions can be utilized.

The present invention relates to a flatbed type X-Y plotter which is known per se, in particular, a paper tray adjacent to one end of a recording panel that accommodates a sheet of recording paper so as to be able to be pulled out from an outlet, and a paper tray that is integrally attached to a Y bar. An adapter for self-initial feeding, which has means for pulling out the recording paper from the paper tray according to the movement of the Y bar in the X direction; The present invention achieves the following effects and solves the technical problems, that is, the problems in the prior art.

Further, in a preferred embodiment, a configuration characterized by any one of the following items is used.

fiil The recording paper pulling means includes a clamper having an engaging part and a sliding part, a member capable of cooperating with the clamper, and an actuator operatively coupled to the clamper, and the actuator engages the engaging part. +i
ff. When the recording sheet is gripped by the recording sheet gripping means between the cooperating member, and 5. the moving part 81 is configured to be able to slide on the recording panel in accordance with the movement of the Y bar. .

(M) The recording paper gripping means of the self-initial feeding adapter must have roller means that is positioned in either an engagement position or a sliding position with respect to the recording paper by an actuator operatively coupled thereto.

fvl In order to send out the recording paper at the time when recording is completed, a feeding roller is provided which engages with the recording paper pulling means.

Example Clarify the structure and function.

FIG. 1(A)-0 is particularly a flatbed type X- of the present invention.
This is intended to particularly clarify the basic principle of the Y plotter by schematically showing the configuration of an embodiment of the Y plotter and showing the process from paper supply to delivery step by step. First, in Fig. 1 (c), 1 is the recording panel;
Reference numeral 2 indicates a sea (~-shaped recording paper), 3 indicates a pen carriage including a recording pen 5 and a pen solenoid 6, and 4 indicates a Y bar.The pen gear ridge 3 is movably engaged with the Y bar 4 at its bracket portion. It is carried on one side of the cover and moves integrally with the Y bar 4 in the X direction in response to a data signal, and is particularly different from a flatbed type X-Y plotter that runs along the Y bar 4. No, but
In the present invention, as will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, in particular, the curved side wall 4C of the U-shaped cover of the Y bar 4 is further provided with an adapter 10 for self-feeding, which is integrated therewith. ing.

This automatic feeding adapter 10 is equipped with a lifter 11, a reflective photoelectric sensor 12, an actuator 13, and the like.

In addition, sheet-like recording paper 2 [Y] is stored in a paper tray 2a installed outside one side 9111 of the recording panel 1, and a paper supply roller 2b is provided on the upper part of this paper tray 2a.
As the tray rotates (arrow q), the sheets come into contact with it one by one from the outlet of the tray in the direction of the arrow ph. That is, Fig. 1) represents the arrangement or state of each component on the 1132nd floor of this automatic supply/delivery block [1 cess]. When the leading edge appears at the exit of the tray, then, in response to the first control signal component, the Benya V-ridge 3
, the Y bar 4 and the self-initial feeding adapter 10 are connected to the recording panel 1.
The actuator T-13 is actuated between the clamper 11 and the bottom surface of the holder 18 by the paper l1lI signal component, and the clamper 11 is moved toward the bottom surface of the holder 18 in the direction of arrow r. firmly grasp the leading edge of the paper between these two hands. FIG. 1(B) shows a state in which the paper is gripped in this way, and at this time the delivery roller 211 is free.

Then, by the preceding stage of the third control signal component, the Y bar is moved in the direction of arrow S, that is, in the + direction of X7' while pulling out the recording paper 2 from the outlet of the paper tray 2a, so that the adapter 10 and the pen carriage 3 (However, the recording panel 5 is not activated) moves to the other end of the recording panel 1 together with the Y bar 4, and enters the state shown in FIG. In this state, the leading edge of the recording paper 2 has reached a position slightly past the other end of the recording panel 1, and at that time, it is attached to the recording panel by an appropriate means. Since the generated suction force acts, the recording paper is accurately positioned and placed at a predetermined IQ position on the upper surface of the recording panel 1.In order to generate the suction force, static electricity, which is known per se, is required. It is sufficient to use a suction device or a vacuum suction device, but this point is not directly related to the subject matter of the present invention, so the explanation will be omitted.Next, by the latter stage of the third control signal, The Y bar 4 is moved in the S direction for one minute.At the same time, the actuator 13 is again energized for a short period of time to pull the clamper 11 toward its back.

Then, by the fourth control signal component, the Y bar 4 is changed to the opposite S
When the clamper 11 reaches the P2 position shown in FIG. move in the direction. At this time, the compressive force of a spring 19 (FIG. 2), which will be described later, acts on the clamper 11, so the paper 2 is moved while being pressed against the upper surface of the recording panel 1, so that there is no gap between them, and the paper itself The deformation of the paper is also corrected, the paper is brought into close contact with the recording panel, and the paper is set in a recordable state.

In this way, when the recording paper 2 is set, the actuator 13 is energized in response to the input of the fifth control signal component to pull and raise the clamper 11, and the subsequent input signals from the computer are activated. According to the X and Y coordinate data in the data signal included in the command, the Y bar 4 and the pen carriage 3 are moved in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively, and the moment the recording ben 5 reaches a predetermined coordinate point, the pen carriage 3 is moved temporarily. After stopping, the recording ben plots its coordinate point by energizing the ben solenoid 6. In this way, the X-
The recording operation of the Y plotter itself is almost the same as that of ordinary devices of this type.

When recording on one sheet of recording paper is completed, the sixth υ1111 signal component is input, as shown in FIG. The clamper 11 of the automatic feeding adapter 10 is located at a position P slightly beyond the other end of the recording panel 1.
3, it descends to an extension of the upper surface of the recording panel. In this case, the paper feed roller 21
is provided so that its upper part is flush with the top surface of the recording panel, so the leading edge of the recording paper 2 is held between the damper 11 and the paper feed roller 21, and the leading edge of the recording paper 2 is held between the lowered clamper 11 and the paper feed roller 21, and the leading edge of the recording paper 2 is held between the damper 11 and the paper feed roller 21, and Due to the rotation, the paper is transferred in the S direction and sent out from the delivery port 22 to the paper receiver. In addition,
Needless to say, during this paper feeding operation IIIJn, the suction force on the recording panel 1 is released.

The above operations are performed one after another on the recording sheets in one paper tray.

Next, the specific structure of the automatic feeding adapter 1o, which is a main part of the flatbed type X-Y plotter of the present invention, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 showing one embodiment thereof. In FIG. 2 showing a partial cross-sectional structure of the main part of the automatic feeding adapter, one side wall 4b of the U-shaped cover of the Y bar 4 has a
! ! ! There is a Benchire ridge (the entire structure is not shown) that is supported for the first time, and the other side wall 4G of the cover of this Y bar (
The self-initial feeding adapter 10 is fixed to a side wall opposite to the one side wall 4b on which the pen carriage 3 is moved. In this embodiment, the automatic feeding adapter 10 is comprised of the following parts. Reference numeral 11 denotes the above-mentioned clamper, which has a roughly mouth-like shape as a whole, and has a sliding part 11a on the lower side having an arcuate cross section with a smooth surface treatment on the bottom surface, and a rough surface treatment on the top surface. It has an engaging part 11b. This clamper 11 is attached to the cover of the Y bar 4 at the upper end of its side. ! It is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 17 on a suitable support member fixed to the side wall 4C. A holder 18 is further fixed to the other side wall 4C of the Y-bar cover.
It is formed to act as a. 12 is inside the holder 18 and its window 18a1. : A reflection type photoelectric sensor provided facing the sensor, which is made up of, for example, an integrated light emitting diode and a light receiving diode, and, as described above, determines the presence or absence of recording paper appearing at the exit of the paper tray. 13 is an actuator, which includes a solenoid 13a and a movable iron core 13.
A cam 15 is provided at the tip of this iron core, and cooperates with a cam follower 11C on the upper side of the clamper 11. 1
Reference numeral 9 indicates a spring, which is stretched between the tip of the upper side of the clamper and the lower folded part 18C of the holder 18, and applies a pressing force to the clamper 11, causing the solenoid 13
When a is de-energized, turn the clamper @17 times! L
By doing so, the sliding portion 11a on the lower side is pushed down. Here, the sliding portion 11a may be formed by particularly mechanically or chemically cleaning the surface, but other methods may also be used, such as Zunawara (trade name), and the engaging portion 11b may also be formed by Instead of treating the phase portions, it is also possible to sufficiently fulfill this role by pasting felt as shown in the figure. As is clear from the above description of FIG. 2, in this drawing the solenoid 13
a is energized and the flexible J iron core 13b is attracted, and the clamper 11 is rotated via the force follower 11c by the cam 15 that rises accordingly, and the engaging portion 11b is brought into pressure contact with the bottom surface of the holder 18. The condition is shown. Therefore, in this case, if the recording paper were to be present there, it would be easy to understand that it would naturally be held between these two persons.

FIG. 3 is also a drawing showing a partial cross-sectional structure of the main part of the self-help feeding adapter, and from the state shown in FIG. is released, the clamper 11 is rotated by the rotating shaft 17, and the engaging portion 11b on the lower side is engaged with the holder 1.
8 is shown away from the bottom surface 18a. In the state shown in FIG. 3, the recording paper 2 is placed on the bottom surface 18a of the boulder.
and the engaging part 11b of the clamper, and this is as shown in Figs.
This corresponds to the state shown in (1) and (1).

In the above-described embodiment of the flatbed type X-Y plotter embodying the idea of the present invention, the structure of the automatic feeding adapter 10 and the relative arrangement thereof with the Y bar and the paint A7 cartridge are shown in a perspective view. This can be understood more clearly by referring to FIG. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in Fig. 4, the same symbols are given to the components corresponding to those in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, and in particular, the automatic feeding adapter 1
0 shows the state before it is disassembled into two parts and attached to the other side wall 4c of the Y-bar cover. Those skilled in the art will be able to easily recognize the structure in which each part is assembled and integrally attached to the cover of the Y-bar from the interrelationships shown by dashed lines in the drawings.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the recording paper pull-out means for pulling out the recording paper from the paper tray includes a clamper having an engaging portion and a W1 moving portion, and a member that cooperates with the clamper. , for example, the bottom portion 18a of the holder 18.

On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the roller noid 13a of the recording paper pulling means is energized, and the movable iron core \''/ is raised (FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when the solenoid 13a of the actuator 13 is deenergized, the roller is separated from the bottom 18a of the holder 18 (FIG. 6).

Note that this roller is formed to be freely rotatable, and therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 5, this roller is in a freely rotatable state.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to adapt such a mechanism shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to perform the operation shown in FIG. 1 from the previously described embodiments.

It goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that various design modifications and extensions can be made within the scope of the basic idea. For example, multiple paper trays containing recording paper of different sizes and paper qualities are prepared, and these trays are selectively installed on one side of the recording panel, and predetermined recording is performed using control and data signals from a computer. Selecting a paper and recording on it can also be easily realized by utilizing Mazon's technology after the concept of the present invention.

As has become clear through the above explanation, the present invention can effectively solve the problems in the prior art and achieve the above object by the configuration as summarized in the present invention, and has remarkable advantages as described below. It is effective.

(2) It is possible to automatically feed and feed sheet-like recording paper in a flatbed type X-Y plotter by only requiring a simple additional configuration.

@ Movement of the Y-bar to move the recording pen to remove recording paper from the paper tray, feed it onto the recording panel, set it in a recordable state, and send it out after recording is complete. Since the printer is configured to take advantage of the paper, it is possible to omit complicated and special mechanisms and control systems required for paper feeding and feeding.

■ When moving the recording paper for automatic feeding or feeding, the clamper is integrated with the Y bar and also has a function to smooth out the wrinkles of the recording paper placed on the recording panel, or To automatically set paper properly by eliminating sagging and using it together with a Y bar, and to obtain accurate and undisturbed recording results.

■ When the recording paper is not sent out after recording is completed, the clamper of the self-help feeding adapter is used as a means for pressing the paper against the delivery roller disposed at the other end of the recording panel and cooperating with the roller. Since it is configured to utilize its own functions, there is no need for special parts for this sending, and the number of parts is small, making it easy to avoid complicating the configuration.

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a bed bed type X-Y plotter, and FIGS. 2 and 3 clarify the specific structure of the automatic feeding adapter, which is the main part of the flatbed type X-Y plotter of the present invention, and the different operating states. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the specific structure of the automatic feeding adapter, and is an enlarged perspective view showing the relative arrangement of the automatic feeding adapter and the Y-bar and paint ridge. It is.

Figures 5 and 6 show other embodiments of the automatic feeding adapter which is the main part of the present invention, and are partial cross-sectional views to clarify the specific structure and different operating states. .

7 and 8 are perspective views schematically showing different types of prior art.

In the figure: 1...Recording panel, 2...Recording paper, 2a...Paper tray, 3...Pen carriage, 4...Y bar,
5... Recording pen, 6... Pen solenoid, 10...
・Automatic feeding adapter, 11... Clamper, 12.
... Reflective photoelectric sensor, 13... Actuator,
13a...Solenoid, 13b...Movable iron core, 15
...Cam, 17... Rotating shaft, 18... Holder.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A flatbed type X-Y plotter equipped with a Y bar that supports a pen carriage having a recording pen movably in the Y direction, and the Y bar is disposed so as to be movable in the X direction on a recording panel. A paper tray adjacent to one end of the recording panel that stores a sheet of recording paper so as to be able to be pulled out from an outlet; A paper tray that is integrally attached to the Y bar and moves the paper in accordance with the movement of the Y bar in the X direction. The above-mentioned flatbed type X-Y plotter, characterized in that it comprises: an automatic feeding adapter having a recording paper pull-out means for pulling out the recording paper from the tray; (2) In the X-Y plotter according to claim 1, the recording paper pulling means includes a clamper having an engaging part and a sliding part, a member capable of cooperating with the clamper;
and an actuator operatively coupled to the clamper, the actuator grips the recording paper between the engaging part and the cooperating member with the recording paper gripping means, and the sliding part grips the recording paper between the engaging part and the cooperating member. The flatbed type X-Y plotter is configured to be able to slide on the recording panel according to the movement of the flatbed type XY plotter. (3) In the X-Y plotter according to claim 2, the recording paper gripping means of the automatic feeding adapter is moved to an engagement position and a sliding position with respect to the recording paper by an actuator operatively connected thereto. Said flatbed type X, characterized in that it has roller means for positioning
-Y plotter. (4) The X-Y plotter according to claim 1, further comprising a feed roller that engages with the recording paper pull-out means to feed the recording paper at the time when recording is completed. Flatbed type X-Y plotter.