US20150329302A1 - Printer - Google Patents

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Publication number
US20150329302A1
US20150329302A1 US14/710,960 US201514710960A US2015329302A1 US 20150329302 A1 US20150329302 A1 US 20150329302A1 US 201514710960 A US201514710960 A US 201514710960A US 2015329302 A1 US2015329302 A1 US 2015329302A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
roller
frictional
paper
sheet
document feeder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/710,960
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Akira Hayashi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Funai Electric Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Funai Electric Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Funai Electric Co Ltd filed Critical Funai Electric Co Ltd
Assigned to FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. reassignment FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HAYASHI, AKIRA
Publication of US20150329302A1 publication Critical patent/US20150329302A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
    • B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
    • B65H3/0684—Rollers or like rotary separators on moving support, e.g. pivoting, for bringing the roller or like rotary separator into contact with the pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
    • B65H1/04—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles substantially horizontally, e.g. for separation from top of pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
    • B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
    • B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
    • B65H3/0638—Construction of the rollers or like rotary separators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
    • B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
    • B65H3/0669—Driving devices therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/46—Supplementary devices or measures to assist separation or prevent double feed
    • B65H3/52—Friction retainers acting on under or rear side of article being separated
    • B65H3/5207—Non-driven retainers, e.g. movable retainers being moved by the motion of the article
    • B65H3/5215—Non-driven retainers, e.g. movable retainers being moved by the motion of the article the retainers positioned under articles separated from the top of the pile
    • B65H3/5223—Retainers of the pad-type, e.g. friction pads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
    • B65H2403/40—Toothed gearings
    • B65H2403/42—Spur gearing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
    • B65H2403/90—Machine drive
    • B65H2403/94—Other features of machine drive
    • B65H2403/946—Means for restitution of accumulated energy, e.g. flywheel, spring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2405/00—Parts for holding the handled material
    • B65H2405/10—Cassettes, holders, bins, decks, trays, supports or magazines for sheets stacked substantially horizontally
    • B65H2405/11—Parts and details thereof
    • B65H2405/111—Bottom
    • B65H2405/1118—Areas with particular friction properties, e.g. friction pad arrangement

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printer.
  • Printers, photocopiers, multifunction printers and the like include a document feeder to transfer in sequence a plurality of sheets of paper stacked on a loading surface.
  • the document feeder transfers the plurality of sheets of paper in sequence by repeatedly transferring the top one of the sheets stacked on top of each other.
  • Feeding failure occurs at times.
  • Feeding failure includes multi feeding and mispick.
  • Multi feeding refers to transfer of two or more sheets of paper at a time.
  • Mispick refers to transfer of no sheet of paper.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for preventing such feeding failure. Patent Literature 1 prevents no transfer of the last sheet of paper by allowing a roller member disposed across from a feeding roller to rotate with the feeding roller at the time of transferring the last sheet.
  • Patent Literature 1 prevents feeding failure in the case where the document feeder has a structure in which a sheet of paper is pressed against the roller by movement of the loading surface on which the paper is loaded.
  • the technique of Patent Literature 1 cannot be easily applied to a document feeder having a structure in which the roller is pressed against a sheet of paper by power of a driving source (auto compensating document feeder).
  • the present invention provides a document feeder which reduces feeding failure that occurs when the roller is pressed against a sheet of paper by power of a driving source.
  • a printer includes a rotating member which rotates around a first axis; a connecting member which connects with the rotating member; a roller which is disposed in the connecting member and rotates around a second axis to transfer a medium; and a support member disposed across from the roller, wherein the roller applies a force to the medium based on rotation of the rotating member, and the medium is transferred between the roller and the support member.
  • the support member may include a frictional member and an elastic member.
  • a frictional force between the frictional member and an underside of the second sheet of paper may be (i) larger than a frictional force between an underside of the first sheet of paper and a topside of the second sheet of paper and (ii) smaller than a frictional force between the roller and a topside of the first sheet of paper.
  • the elastic member may be smaller than the frictional member in hardness value.
  • the elastic member is smaller than the frictional member in hardness value.
  • the elastic member may be a spring.
  • the elastic member is a spring.
  • the elastic member is deformed, causing the frictional member to move downward.
  • the elastic member may have an end connected to a loading surface on which the medium is loaded, and the elastic member may have an other end which moves downward when the frictional member and the elastic member are pressed by the roller via the medium.
  • the elastic member has an end connected to the loading surface and another end movably structured.
  • the elastic member has a cantilever structure.
  • the printer may further include a flywheel connected to a rotation shaft of a driving source which rotates the rotating member.
  • a flywheel is connected to the rotation shaft of the driving source. This enables stable transmission of a rotary force generated by the driving source to the roller. This also enables rotation of the flywheel even when backlash of the transmission mechanism prevents transmission of power to the roller. After that, when the power can be transmitted to the roller, not only the power of the driving source but also the inertia force of the flywheel is transmitted to the roller, thereby increasing the power for driving the roller. This therefore reduces failure to feed the first sheet of paper upon increase in the frictional force between the roller and the topside of the first sheet.
  • the driving source may be disposed between the flywheel and the rotating member.
  • the driving source can be disposed between the flywheel and the transmission mechanism. This enables rotation of the flywheel without influence of backlash of the transmission mechanism.
  • the roller may be larger than the frictional member in width, and the roller may have an outer circumferential surface having a circumferentially extending dip across from the frictional member.
  • the roller has an outer circumferential surface having a circumferentially extending dip across from the frictional member. Therefore, selecting an appropriate dip enables adjustment of the force by which the roller presses the frictional member against the paper. That is to say, adjustment for reducing feeding failure is simplified.
  • the printer according to an aspect of the present invention reduces feeding failure which occurs when the roller presses a sheet of paper by power of a driving source.
  • FIG. 1 [ FIG. 1 ]
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a document feeder according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 [ FIG. 2 ]
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a transmission mechanism of a document feeder according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 [ FIG. 3 ]
  • FIG. 3 shows enlarged cross-sectional views near a roller, a frictional member, and an elastic member of a document feeder according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a relationship of frictional force in a document feeder according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 5 [ FIG. 5 ]
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view near a roller, a frictional member, and an elastic member of a document feeder according to Variation 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view near a roller, a frictional member, and an elastic member of a document feeder according to Variation 2 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a frictional member and an elastic member according to Variation 2 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a document feeder according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of a roller and a frictional member of a document feeder according to of Embodiment 3.
  • a document feeder according to Embodiment 1 presses a roller against a sheet of paper and rotates the roller by power of a driving source.
  • the document feeder includes an elastic member which supports from below a frictional member disposed across from the roller on a loading surface.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the document feeder according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a transmission mechanism of the document feeder according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 shows enlarged cross-sectional views near a roller, a frictional member, and an elastic member of the document feeder according to Embodiment 1. More specifically, (a) of FIG. 3 shows a state in which no sheet of paper is loaded on the loading surface, and (b) of FIG. 3 shows transfer of a sheet of paper loaded on the loading surface.
  • a document feeder 100 is included in a printer and transfers, one by one in sequence, media (a plurality of sheets of paper, for example) stacked on a loading surface 11 a of a feed tray 11 . More specifically, the document feeder 100 separates the top one of the sheets of paper stacked on the loading surface 11 a of the feed tray 11 from the rest, and transfers the separated top sheet.
  • the document feeder 100 includes a driving source 101 , a transmission mechanism 110 , rollers 120 , a frictional member 130 , and an elastic member 140 .
  • the driving source 101 drives the rollers 120 via the transmission mechanism 110 .
  • the driving source 101 is specifically a motor, for example.
  • the transmission mechanism 110 transmits power of the driving source 101 to rotate the rollers 120 and press the rollers 120 against the topside of the top one of the sheets of paper.
  • the transmission mechanism 110 includes a first gear 111 , a second gear 112 , a third gear 113 , a first shaft 114 , a fourth gear 115 , a fifth gear 116 , a sixth gear 117 , a seventh gear 118 , and a second shaft 119 .
  • clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation hereinafter indicate rotational directions viewed from the positive direction to the negative direction of the X-axis.
  • the driving source 101 rotates counterclockwise to transfer a sheet of paper loaded on the loading surface 11 a.
  • the first gear 111 is connected to the rotation shaft of the driving source 101 and thus rotates counterclockwise with the rotation shaft.
  • the second gear 112 and the third gear 113 rotate with the first gear 111 . This results in counterclockwise rotation of the third gear 113 .
  • the third gear 113 is connected to an end of the first shaft 114 .
  • counterclockwise rotation of the third gear 113 leads to counterclockwise rotation of the first shaft 114 .
  • the first shaft 114 is an example of a rotating member which rotates around a first axis.
  • the first shaft 114 is a rod-like member extending in the direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the direction of paper transfer (Y-axis direction).
  • the first shaft 114 is disposed above the loading surface 11 a.
  • the fourth gear 115 is connected to the other end of the first shaft 114 .
  • counterclockwise rotation of the first shaft 114 leads to counterclockwise rotation of the fourth gear 115 .
  • the fifth gear 116 , the sixth gear 117 , and the seventh gear 118 rotate with the fourth gear 115 . This results in clockwise rotation of the seventh gear 118 .
  • the seventh gear 118 is connected to the second shaft 119 .
  • clockwise rotation of the seventh gear 118 leads to clockwise rotation of the second shaft 119 .
  • the combination of members including the fourth gear 115 , the fifth gear 116 , the sixth gear 117 , the seventh gear 118 , and the second shaft 119 is an example of a connecting member connecting with the rotating member.
  • the second shaft 119 is a rod-like member extending in the direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the direction of paper transfer (Y-axis direction).
  • the second shaft 119 is disposed above the loading surface 11 a and lower than the first shaft 114 .
  • Each end of the second shaft 119 is connected with a roller 120 .
  • clockwise rotation of the second shaft 119 leads to clockwise rotation of the rollers 120 .
  • rollers 120 are pressed against the sheet of paper loaded on the loading surface 11 a. More specifically, when a plurality of sheets of paper is stacked on the loading surface 11 a, the rollers 120 are pressed against the topside of the top sheet.
  • the rollers 120 rotate around a second axis and transfer a medium (a sheet of paper, for example).
  • the rollers 120 apply a force to the medium based on the rotation of the first shaft 114 .
  • the medium is transferred between the rollers 120 and the frictional member 130 .
  • the rollers 120 are specifically pickup rollers.
  • the rollers 120 are pressed against the topside of the top one of the sheets of paper stacked on the loading surface 11 a, and rotate while being in contact with the topside of the top sheet.
  • the rollers 120 transfer the top sheet in Y-axis direction. That is to say, the rollers 120 separate the top sheet from the rest of the sheets of paper. In other words, the rollers 120 pick up only the top sheet from the plurality of sheets of paper. The rollers 120 then transfer the picked up sheet.
  • Each roller 120 specifically includes an inner circumferential member 121 and an outer circumferential member 122 .
  • the inner circumferential member 121 is connected to the second shaft 119 .
  • the inner circumferential member 121 is sometimes called wheel.
  • a light and hard material such as resin is used for the inner circumferential member 121 , for example.
  • the outer circumferential member 122 is a band-like member circumferentially surrounding the inner circumferential member 121 .
  • the outer circumferential member 122 is sometimes called tire.
  • the outer circumferential member 122 generates appropriate frictional force between the outer circumferential member 122 and the topside of the top one of the sheets of paper. More specifically, a material having a high coefficient of friction such as rubber is used for the outer circumferential member 122 , for example.
  • the frictional member 130 is disposed across from the roller 120 on the loading surface 11 a, and is in contact with the underside of the bottom one of the sheets of paper. The frictional member 130 generates appropriate frictional force between the frictional member 130 and the underside of the bottom sheet.
  • the frictional member 130 here is a sheet-like member extending in the direction of paper transfer (Y-axis direction).
  • the frictional member 130 has a thickness of 0.4 mm, for example.
  • the elastic member 140 supports the frictional member 130 from below. That is to say, the elastic member 140 is disposed below the frictional member 130 .
  • the elastic member 140 here is a sheet-like member extending in the direction of paper transfer (Y-axis direction).
  • the elastic member 140 has a thickness of 1 mm, for example.
  • the elastic member 140 is smaller than the frictional member 130 in hardness value (In other words, the elastic member 140 is softer). Put it differently, the elastic member 140 is smaller than the frictional member 130 in Young's modulus in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).
  • application of force from above brings about a change in thickness of the elastic member 140 in the vertical direction larger than a change in thickness of the frictional member 130 in the vertical direction.
  • the elastic member 140 is deformed, causing the frictional member 130 to move downward.
  • the elastic member 140 is specifically formed from sponge or relatively soft rubber, for example.
  • the frictional member 130 is formed from resin, cork, or rubber, for example.
  • the frictional member 130 and the elastic member 140 are disposed in a concave portion 11 b formed in the loading surface 11 a.
  • the concave portion 11 b is formed in such a manner that the topside of the frictional member 130 is higher than the loading surface 11 a.
  • the frictional member 130 and the elastic member 140 are an example of a support member.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a relationship of frictional force in the document feeder according to Embodiment 1. It is to be noted that the frictional force described hereinafter relates to static frictional force. The following will describe a case where a plurality of sheets of paper 20 stacked on the loading surface 11 a is two sheets of paper (a first sheet 21 and a second sheet 22 ).
  • the power of the driving source 101 is transmitted to the rollers 120 by the transmission mechanism 110 .
  • the rollers 120 are pressed against the topside of the first sheet 21 and rotate clockwise as shown in (b) of FIG. 3 .
  • the plurality of sheets of paper 20 includes the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 only, such pressing force and frictional force as shown in FIG. 4 are generated between the roller 120 , the sheets of paper 20 , and the frictional member 130 .
  • the roller 120 is pressed against the sheets of paper 20 by pressing force Fpick. This results in generation of frictional force Ftire between the roller 120 and the topside of the first sheet 21 . There is also generation of frictional force Fpaper between the underside of the first sheet 21 and the topside of the second sheet 22 . There is also generation of frictional force Fpad between the underside of the second sheet 22 and the frictional member 130 .
  • the roller 120 can transfer the first sheet 21 without idling if the frictional force Ftire is larger than the frictional force Fpaper. That is to say, the document feeder 100 can prevent transfer of no sheet of paper. In other words, the document feeder 100 can prevent mispick.
  • the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 can be separated if the frictional force Fpad is larger than the frictional force Fpaper. That is to say, the document feeder 100 can prevent the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 from being transferred together while being overlaid with each other. In other words, the document feeder 100 can prevent multi feeding.
  • the roller 120 can transfer the second sheet 22 without idling if the frictional force Ftire is larger than the frictional force Fpad. That is to say, the document feeder 100 can prevent no transfer of the last remaining sheet of paper. In other words, the document feeder 100 can prevent mispick of the last sheet of paper.
  • the document feeder 100 can prevent feeding failure (multi feeding and mispick) if the relationship of frictional force satisfies Ftire>Fpad>Fpaper.
  • the relationship of frictional force may not satisfy Ftire>Fpad>Fpaper when the pressing force (pressing force Fpick) of the roller 120 against the sheets of paper 20 increases due to a decrease in the height of the sheets of paper 20 . More specifically, when the height of the sheets of paper 20 decreases, the roller 120 moves in the direction opposite the direction of paper transfer, causing the pressing force Fpick to increase. This phenomenon is called a bite.
  • the elastic member 140 supports the frictional member 130 from below according to the present embodiment. That is to say, when the frictional member 130 is pressed from above, the elastic member 140 is deformed, lowering the topside of the frictional member 130 . More specifically, the elastic member 140 lowers the contact face of the frictional member 130 and the second sheet 22 with increase of the pressing force Fpick.
  • the elastic member 140 can reduce the occurrence of the bite. More specifically, the elastic member 140 can maintain the relationship of frictional force (Ftire>Fpad>Fpaper) and reduce feeding failure.
  • the frictional force Fpad between the frictional member 130 and the underside of the second sheet 22 is (i) larger than the frictional force Fpaper between the underside of the first sheet 21 and the topside of the second sheet 22 and (ii) smaller than the frictional force Ftire between the roller 120 and the topside of the first sheet 21 .
  • the elastic member 140 can support the frictional member 130 from below.
  • the elastic member 140 can change the position of the frictional member 130 according to change in the pressing force of the roller 120 against the first sheet 21 .
  • the elastic member 140 can therefore lessen the change in the pressing force of the roller 120 against the first sheet 21 .
  • the document feeder 100 can stably rotate the roller 120 .
  • the document feeder 100 can also maintain an appropriate frictional force between the roller 120 , the sheets of paper, and the frictional member 130 .
  • the pressing force of the roller 120 against the first sheet 21 at times increases when the height of the sheets of paper 20 decreases. Absence of the elastic member 140 in such a case would result in an increase also in the frictional force between the roller 120 and the topside of the first sheet 21 , and the driving source 101 is thus required to have large power.
  • the presence of the elastic member 140 lowers the position of the topside of the first sheet 21 , lessening the increase in the frictional force between the roller 120 and the topside of the first sheet 21 . This reduces the increase in power required of the driving source 101 , thereby allowing the document feeder 100 to stably rotate the roller 120 .
  • an increase in the pressing force of the roller 120 against the first sheet 21 at times makes inappropriate the relationship between: the frictional force between the roller 120 and the first sheet 21 ; the frictional force between the plurality of sheets of paper; and the frictional force between the frictional member 130 and the second sheet 22 .
  • the frictional force between the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 at times becomes larger than the frictional force between the frictional member 130 and the second sheet 22 .
  • the second sheet 22 is transferred with the first sheet 21 .
  • the presence of the elastic member 140 lessens the increase in the pressing force of the roller 120 against the first sheet 21 , thereby allowing the document feeder 100 to maintain an appropriate frictional force relationship.
  • the document feeder 100 can reduce feeding failure caused by a particular phenomenon (increase in the pressing force of the rollers 120 against the plurality of sheets of paper 20 , caused by a decrease in the height of the sheets of paper 20 ) which occurs in the case where the rollers 120 are pressed against the sheets of paper 20 by the power of the driving source 101 .
  • the document feeder 100 according to the present embodiment, an appropriate frictional force relationship is maintained even in the case where the plurality of sheets of paper 20 is two sheets of paper including the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 . More specifically, the elastic member 140 supporting the frictional member 130 from below makes it possible to reduce feeding failure which occurs when the number of sheets of paper loaded on the loading surface 11 a is two.
  • the elastic member 140 is softer than the frictional member 130 .
  • the elastic member 140 is deformed, causing the frictional member 130 to move downward.
  • a document feeder according to the present variation is different from the document feeder according to Embodiment 1 mainly in that the elastic member is a spring.
  • the document feeder according to the present variation will be described centering on the points different from Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view near a roller, a frictional member, and an elastic member of the document feeder according to Variation 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • Structural components in FIG. 5 which are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 3 are given the same reference signs, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
  • a document feeder 100 A includes elastic members 140 A.
  • the elastic members 140 A are springs and support the frictional member 130 from below.
  • the elastic members 140 A are smaller than the frictional member 130 in Young's modulus in Z-axis direction.
  • the elastic members 140 A are coil springs in FIG. 5 , the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the elastic members 140 A may be leaf springs, for example.
  • the frictional member 130 is placed on a plate 141 A.
  • the plate 141 A is supported by the elastic members 140 A.
  • the elastic members 140 A shrink and the frictional member 130 moves downward when the frictional member 130 is pressed by the roller 120 .
  • the elastic members 140 A are springs.
  • the elastic members 140 A are deformed, causing the frictional member 130 to move downward.
  • a document feeder according to Variation 2 is different from the document feeder according to Embodiment 1 mainly in structure of the elastic member.
  • the document feeder according to the present variation will be described centering on the points different from Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view near a roller, a frictional member, and an elastic member of the document feeder according to Variation 2 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a frictional member and an elastic member according to Variation 2 of Embodiment 1. Structural components in FIG. 6 which are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 3 are given the same reference signs, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
  • a document feeder 100 B includes an elastic member 140 B.
  • the elastic member 140 B has a first end 141 B connected to the loading surface 11 a.
  • the elastic member 140 B has a second end 142 B which is not connected to the loading surface 11 a.
  • the elastic member 140 B has a cantilever structure. In the cantilever structure, the first end 141 B is a fixed end whereas the second end 142 B is a free end.
  • the elastic member 140 B is formed integrally with the loading surface 11 a.
  • a cavity 143 B is formed in the area surrounding the elastic member 140 B except for the first end 141 B. That is to say, only the first end 141 B of the elastic member 140 B is connected to the loading surface 11 a.
  • an end (the first end 141 B) of the elastic member 140 B is connected to the loading surface, and the other end (the second end 142 B) is movably structured.
  • the elastic member 140 B has a cantilever structure.
  • a document feeder according to the present embodiment is different from the document feeder according to Embodiment 1 mainly in that the document feeder includes a flywheel connected to the rotation shaft of the driving source.
  • the document feeder according to the present embodiment will be described centering on the points different from Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the document feeder according to Embodiment 2. Structural components in FIG. 8 which are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference signs, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
  • a document feeder 200 includes a flywheel 103 connected to a rotation shaft 102 of the driving source 101 .
  • the flywheel 103 has a circular cylindrical shape in the present embodiment.
  • the rotation shaft 102 of the driving source 101 penetrates the central shaft of the flywheel 103 .
  • the flywheel 103 is disposed opposite to the side on which the transmission mechanism 110 is connected. That is to say, the driving source 101 is disposed between the flywheel 103 and the transmission mechanism 110 . Furthermore, the flywheel 103 is disposed near the driving source 101 .
  • the flywheel 103 is connected to the rotation shaft 102 of the driving source 101 .
  • This enables stable transmission of the rotary force generated by the driving source 101 to the rollers 120 .
  • This also enables rotation of the flywheel 103 even while backlash of the transmission mechanism 110 prevents transmission of power to the rollers 120 .
  • the power can be transmitted to the rollers 120 , not only the power of the driving source 101 but also the inertia force of the flywheel 103 is transmitted to the rollers 120 , thereby increasing the power for driving the rollers 120 . This therefore reduces failure to feed the first sheet upon increase in the frictional force between the rollers 120 and the topside of the first sheet.
  • the driving source 101 can be disposed between the flywheel 103 and the transmission mechanism 110 . This enables rotation of the flywheel 103 without influence of backlash of the transmission mechanism 110 .
  • Embodiment 3 will be described.
  • the present embodiment is different from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that the roller has an outer circumferential surface having a circumferentially extending dip.
  • a document feeder according to the present embodiment will be described centering on the points different from Embodiments 1 and 2.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of a roller 320 and a frictional member 130 of a document feeder 300 according to Embodiment 3. Structural components in FIG. 9 which are the same as or similar to those in the other figures are given the same reference signs, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
  • the roller 320 has an outer circumferential surface 320 a having a circumferentially extending dip 320 b across from the frictional member 130 .
  • the outer circumferential surface 320 a of the roller 320 has circumferentially extending bumps 320 c not across from the frictional member 130 .
  • the dip 320 b is smaller than the bumps 320 c in diameter.
  • an outer circumferential member 322 of the roller 320 in the direction of the rotation axis (X-axis direction) forms the dip 320 b and the bumps 320 c on the outer circumferential surface 320 a of the roller 320 .
  • Another example way of forming the dip 320 b and the bumps 320 c on the outer circumferential surface 320 a of the roller 320 is by forming a dip and bumps on an inner circumferential member 321 of the roller 320 .
  • the circumferentially extending dip 320 b can be formed across from the frictional member 130 on the outer circumferential surface 320 a of the roller 320 . Therefore, selecting an appropriate dip 320 b enables adjustment of the force by which the roller 320 presses the frictional member 130 against the paper. That is to say, adjustment for reducing feeding failure is simplified. For example, changing the outer circumferential member 322 of the roller 320 to alter the shape or size of the dip enables adaptation to factors such as the type of paper and the surrounding environment (temperature, humidity, for example) of the document feeder 300 . As a result, feeding failure can be reduced.
  • the structure of the transmission mechanism in each embodiment above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. That is to say, the power of the driving source may be transmitted in any manner as long as it is by the power of the driving source that the roller is pressed against the sheets of paper and rotates.
  • the document feeder is included in a printer in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the document feeder may be included in a facsimile machine, a photocopier, or a multifunction printer, for example.
  • the printer is a laser printer in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the printer including the document feeder may be an ink-jet printer.
  • the frictional member in the above embodiments is a sheet-like member extending in the direction of paper transfer (Y-axis direction), the present invention is not limited to this. That is to say, the frictional member may be in any shape as long as the frictional member faces the roller on the loading surface.
  • the frictional member may be a plurality of circular members arranged in the direction of paper transfer.
  • the frictional member in the above embodiments is disposed in the concave portion formed in the loading surface, it is not necessary to be disposed in the concave portion.
  • the frictional member may be disposed on the loading surface.
  • the document feeder in the above embodiments includes two rollers
  • the number of rollers is not limited to this.
  • the number of rollers may be one, three, or more.
  • a plurality of frictional members may be disposed for one roller.
  • the roller may have an outer circumferential surface having a plurality of dips across from the plurality of frictional members.
  • two frictional members are each disposed across from one of two ends of the roller in the direction of the rotation axis (X-axis direction)
  • it is sufficient as long as one dip is formed on each of two ends of the outer circumferential surface of the roller.
  • it is sufficient as long as a bump is formed in the middle of the outer circumferential surface of the roller.
  • the shape of the dip in Embodiment 3 is one example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
  • a bump is formed on each side of the dip in Embodiment 3, a bump may be formed on only one side of the dip.
  • the structure of the outer circumferential member of the roller in the above embodiments is one example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the outer circumferential member of the roller does not necessarily cover the entire circumference of the inner circumferential member of the roller. That is to say, the outer circumferential member of the roller may partially lack in circumference.
  • the outer circumferential member of the roller is not limited to an endless-belt shape.
  • another member may be disposed around the outer circumferential member of the roller to form a dip on the outer circumferential surface of the roller.
  • the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the roller in the above embodiments is one example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the outer circumferential surface of the roller may have a plurality of grooves extending in the direction of the rotation axis for increasing the coefficient of friction.
  • a document feeder according to an aspect of the present invention can be used as a document feeder included in a printer, a facsimile machine, a photocopier, and a multifunction printer, for example.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
US14/710,960 2014-05-14 2015-05-13 Printer Abandoned US20150329302A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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JP2014100682 2014-05-14
JP2014-100682 2014-05-14
JP2015-084209 2015-04-16
JP2015084209A JP2015231912A (ja) 2014-05-14 2015-04-16 プリンタ

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US (1) US20150329302A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2944590A3 (de)
JP (1) JP2015231912A (de)
CN (1) CN105082788A (de)

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US20170090385A1 (en) * 2015-09-29 2017-03-30 Konica Minolta, Inc. Paper feed device and image forming apparatus
US9963311B1 (en) * 2017-08-10 2018-05-08 Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd. Paper separation mechanism
US20190031456A1 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-01-31 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
EP4337471A4 (de) * 2021-07-14 2024-10-02 Hewlett Packard Development Co Druckmediumzuführung

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CN108238463B (zh) * 2016-12-23 2020-06-23 杰克缝纫机股份有限公司 提高摩擦轮分离布料稳定性的方法及布料分离装置
CN108313779B (zh) * 2017-03-23 2019-11-01 辽宁虎驰科技传媒有限公司 一种印刷机用调节式压纸轮
CN112520475A (zh) * 2020-12-08 2021-03-19 厦门汉印电子技术有限公司 进纸机构及具有该进纸机构的纸张文件处理设备

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US20190031456A1 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-01-31 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
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US9963311B1 (en) * 2017-08-10 2018-05-08 Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd. Paper separation mechanism
EP4337471A4 (de) * 2021-07-14 2024-10-02 Hewlett Packard Development Co Druckmediumzuführung

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CN105082788A (zh) 2015-11-25
EP2944590A2 (de) 2015-11-18
JP2015231912A (ja) 2015-12-24
EP2944590A3 (de) 2016-03-09

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