JPH04303336A - Automatic paper sheet feed device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To restrain the unnecessary motion of a movable hook and prevent the damage or the like of the movable hook in an automatic paper sheet feed device to be mounted and demounted on and from a recording device by using the hook. CONSTITUTION:A movable hook 37 is so supported with an axis 200 as to be capable of oscillation in a hook engagement direction A' and a hook disengagement direction A, and the hook 37 is energized by a spring 39 in the engagement direction A'. By keeping the spring 39 at a position corresponding to the rear end 210 of the hook 37, the unnecessary motion of the hook 37 (vertical direction to the sheet surface) can be restrained with the section 39A of the spring 39.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic paper feeder for separating stacked recording sheets (cut sheets) one by one and feeding them to a processing section such as a recording section.

0002

[Prior Art] Recording devices such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles print dots on recording sheets such as paper and plastic thin plates by driving an energy generator in a recording head based on transferred image information. It is configured to record images consisting of patterns.

[0003] The recording apparatuses described above can be classified into inkjet type, wire dot type, thermal type, laser beam type, etc., depending on the recording method.

[0004] In addition to plain paper, the recording sheets used in the recording apparatus include thick paper such as postcards and envelopes, and special sheets such as thin plastic plates.

[0005] Recording sheets are supplied by manually inserting them one by one, or by automatically and continuously feeding them using an automatic paper feeder.

The automatic paper feeding device generally includes a paper feeding drive unit that rotates a feeding roller to feed recording sheets, and a paper feeding cassette unit that stacks and stores recording sheets, and is a sheet transport system of the recording device. By driving the sheet feeding drive unit in conjunction with the recording sheet, the recording sheet is separated and fed one by one.

[0007] In addition, automatic paper feeders include built-in types that are built into recording devices, as well as external types that are removably installed. It relates to a recording device that can be freely attached.

[0008] Generally, a horizontal type recording device is adopted, and a sheet insertion port and a sheet discharge port are provided on the top surface of the recording device. It is configured to record while feeding the sheet.

[0009] In a recording apparatus having such a configuration, a recording sheet conveyance path that can be used even in an upright state is configured, and an external type is provided so as to supply the recording sheet to the conveyance path in an upright state. It has been proposed to install an automatic paper feeder.

[0010] Also, when an external type automatic paper feeding device is installed in a recording device, a method is adopted in which the feeding roller is driven using the driving force of the recording sheet conveyance system (sheet feeding roller driving force). The coupling portion between the two is provided with a meshing portion for the driving gear and the driven gear.

[0011] Conventional structures for mounting an automatic paper feeder on a recording device are generally a method in which the flat parts formed by both cases are brought into contact and clamped, or a method in which the automatic paper feeder is mounted on a frame member of the main body of the recording device ( If there are many parts intervening in the relative position between the drive gear (usually via a bearing member) and the driven gear that is pivotally supported on the automatic paper feeder side, the automatic paper feeder A movable hook attached to two places on the left and right of the mounting surface of the recording device is engaged with a hook provided on two places on the left and right of the frame member of the main body of the recording device, and the movable hook is positioned at two places on the left and right above or below the movable hook. It is conceivable that a fitting part for abutment is provided.

0012

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional structure in which a recording device and an automatic paper feeder are mounted using a movable hook, a stopper is used to control the amount of movement of the hook in the engagement direction of the hook. However, there is no stopper in the direction perpendicular to the engagement direction since this is not the direction of actual use. Therefore, if the vertical force is applied to the engaging part of the hook that protrudes from the automatic paper feeder, either intentionally or when attempting to attach the automatic paper feeder, the hook of the frame of the automatic paper feeder will There is a risk that the fitting hole of the hook may become disengaged from the rotational center axis of the paper, and as a result, the hook may become dislodged and the recording device and automatic paper feeder may be incorrectly mounted or may not be able to be mounted.

[0013]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention allows a recording device to be attached to an automatic paper feeder by engaging a movable hook attached to the mounting surface of the automatic paper feeder with a hook provided on the main body of the recording device. In the automatic paper feeder that is operated by the automatic paper feeder, a stopper is provided for the movement of the movable hook in a direction perpendicular to the engagement direction of the movable hook, thereby preventing the hook from coming off and making it easier to attach the recording device to the automatic paper feeder. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a coupling structure that allows accurate paper feeding and provides stable paper feeding operation.

[0014]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The same reference numerals in each drawing are as follows:
Indicates identical (or corresponding) parts.

FIG. 4 is suitable for implementing the present invention, and
Further, it is a perspective view showing a state in use of a horizontal type recording device (recording device main body) 10 suitable for mounting the automatic paper feeder according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an inside view of the recording device of FIG. 4. It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, a recording sheet insertion port 11 and a recording sheet discharge port 12 are formed on the top surface of a recording device (for example, an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting ink using thermal energy). The recording sheet 13 inserted through the insertion slot 11 is transported by a conveyance roller (
The recording sheet is conveyed along a substantially U-shaped recording sheet conveyance path, and is recorded while passing through a recording section facing the recording head 15. , are discharged upward from the discharge port 12.

Here, the paper feed tray 16 is connected to the recording device 10.
It is pivoted to the top surface of the camera so that it can be opened and closed, and when in use (recording)
It opens to function as a paper feed tray, but when not in use (such as when storing), it is set in the closed position as shown in Figure 3, with a recording sheet insertion slot 11 and a recording sheet output slot 12.
, switches 17, display 18, and the like are provided.

In FIG. 5, the recording head 15 has guide shafts 21 and 2 parallel to the conveyance roller (platen roller) 14.
It is mounted on a carriage 22 that reciprocates along 1.

The illustrated recording head 15 is an inkjet recording head, and is constructed integrally with an ink tank.

The ink jet recording head 15 is a recording head that discharges ink using thermal energy, and is equipped with an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy.

Further, the recording head 15 discharges ink from the discharge port by utilizing the pressure change caused by the growth and contraction of bubbles due to film boiling caused by the thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter, and performs recording. This is what we do.

A presser plate 23 for pressing the recording sheet 13 against the conveyance roller 14 is arranged upstream of the recording head 15 in the conveyance direction.

The presser foot 23 is pressed against the circumferential surface of the conveyance roller (platen roller) 14 by a leaf spring 24.

Further, the pressing force of the presser plate 23 can be released by operating a lever 25 supported by the shaft of the platen roller 14.

Furthermore, a spur 26 and a roller 27 are provided at the discharge port 12 to assist in discharging the recording sheet 13.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the recording apparatus (main body) 10 (in the upright position, which will be described later, this becomes the back surface on which an automatic paper feeder is attached).

A second recording sheet insertion opening 28 is formed at the bottom of the recording apparatus 10 , and the recording sheet is passed through the recording section between the recording head 15 and the platen roller 14 from this insertion opening 28 to the recording sheet ejection opening 12 . A substantially linear second recording sheet conveyance path is configured to extend substantially vertically (substantially horizontally in the upright state in FIG. 1).

This second recording sheet conveyance path can be used when the recording apparatus 10 is upright (FIGS. 1 and 2) as will be described later, and since it is not curved, it can be used for storing postcards, envelopes, etc. This has the advantage that even stiff recording sheets such as thick sheets or special sheets such as plastic sheets can be easily fed.

The above-mentioned recording device 10 can be used even in an upright position, and in the upright position, an automatic sheet feeder can be attached and removed, and an automatic sheet feeder can be inserted from the recording sheet insertion slot 28 on the back side (when upright). Paper feeding and manual paper feeding can be performed.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show the recording device 10 in an upright position.
1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the automatic paper feeder 30 attached to the back of the machine. FIG. 1 shows the state in which the automatic paper feeder is used, FIG. 2 shows the state in which manual paper feeding is performed, and FIG. 3 shows the stored state. Each is shown below.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, when the recording apparatus 10 is placed in an upright position, a substantially linear recording sheet conveyance path, that is, a second A conveyance path from the recording sheet insertion port 28 to the recording sheet discharge port 12 is formed.

Therefore, the automatic paper feeder 30 feeds the recording sheet 1 from the inlet (sheet insertion port) 28 to this linear conveyance path.
3, and is detachably attached to the back surface of the recording device 10 (the opening surface of the inlet 28).

The automatic paper feeder 30 is also provided with a paper path surface 31 for guiding the recording sheet, which can be continuous with the substantially linear recording sheet transport path.

Further, in front of the paper path surface 31 (on the left side in FIGS. 1 to 3), a manual paper feed table 43 used for manual paper feeding is mounted so as to be openable and closable about a shaft 44. .

The manual paper feed tray 43 is folded downward and stored during automatic paper feeding (FIG. 1) and storage (FIG. 3), and protrudes to a horizontal position during manual paper feeding (FIG. 2). This is to form a recording sheet guide surface that can be connected to the paper path surface 31.

The automatic paper feeder 30 includes a paper feed drive section 40 fixedly connected to the recording device 10, and a paper feed drive section 40 that is fixedly connected to the recording device 10.
Almost vertical position (closed position) and inclined position (open position)
and a paper feed cassette section 50 rotatably mounted between the paper feed cassette section 50 and the paper feed cassette section 50.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the automatic paper feeder 30 shown in FIG. 1 during automatic paper feeding, viewed from the surface connected to the recording apparatus 10.

The paper feed cassette section 50 stores the recording sheet 13.
The paper feed drive section 40 is a section that feeds the recording sheets 13 one by one to the recording apparatus 10.

In FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7, the paper feed cassette section 50 is pivotably mounted at a position facing the upper half of the paper feed drive section 40 so as to be rotatable (openable/closed) about a fulcrum 51. ing.

A feeding roller 41 and a sliding roller 42 are mounted at a position (upper half) of the paper feeding drive section 40 facing the paper feeding cassette section 50.

The feeding rollers 41 are provided in plural on the same axis, apply feeding force to the loaded recording sheets 13, and cooperate with separation claws 75 and 76, which will be described later, to separate the recording sheets 13 one by one. It has a function of separating and sending it into the recording device 10.

The feeding roller 41 is driven using the driving force of the conveying roller 14 of the recording apparatus 10.

The sliding roller 42 is connected to the feeding roller 4.
A plurality of recording sheets 13 are provided on an axis parallel to the feeding roller 41, and have the function of guiding the recording sheet 13 sent out by the feeding roller 41 to the recording apparatus 10.

This sliding contact 42 is driven in conjunction with the driving force of the conveyance roller 14 of the recording device 10.

A foldable paper feed tray 52 is attached to the paper feed cassette section 50. When in use, it is pulled out to form a tray as shown in FIG. 1, and when stored, the cassette section 50 is pulled out as shown in FIG. Can be folded inside.

The lower part 45 of the case body of the paper feed drive section 40 forms the bottom surface when the recording apparatus 10 is stood up and the automatic paper feeder 30 is attached, and together with the rear surface of the recording apparatus 10 (the lower surface in FIG. 1), It serves as a support surface for stably standing the entire device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the recording apparatus 10 with the automatic paper feeder 30 installed in an upright state folds up the cover (paper ejection tray) 16 and then opens the paper feed cassette section 5.
0 is placed in the vertical position and the paper feed tray 52 is closed to place it in the stored state.

[0049] In this stored state, the outer shape is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with a flat bottom surface, and it is gathered up in a compact upright position without any overhanging parts.

After loading the recording sheet 13 into the paper cassette section 50 and making it ready for recording, if you want to record using automatic paper feeding, open the paper cassette section 50 as shown in FIG. (tilt) to start recording operation.

On the other hand, when recording by manual paper feeding,
As shown in FIG. 3, while the paper feed cassette section 50 remains in the vertical (closed) state, the manual paper feed tray 43 is raised to form an auxiliary guide surface, and the recording sheet 13 is transferred from the manual paper feed tray to the paper path. It is fed into the recording device through the surface 31.

In the illustrated example, the sliding contact roller 42
A gap is formed between the recording sheet 13 and the paper path surface 31, through which the recording sheet 13 passes during automatic paper feeding and manual paper feeding.

[0053] Joint surface (mounting surface) of the automatic paper feeder 30
An outlet 49 for the recording sheet 13 is formed in the recording sheet 13 .

On the other hand, on the side of the exit (discharge port) 12 of the recording sheet transport path of the recording apparatus 10, there is provided a paper discharge tray which is constructed by opening the cover 16.

As shown in the figure, the paper ejection tray 16 is installed at a position lower than the recording sheet ejection port 12 by a predetermined height h and extends substantially horizontally.

Next, the combination structure of the recording device 10 and the automatic paper feeder 30 will be explained.

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the combined state of the recording apparatus 10 and automatic paper feeder 30, and FIG. 9 shows the state in which the lock is released from the state shown in FIG.

First, the frame member 35 inside the recording device 10 has
A drive gear 33 that rotates in synchronization with the transport roller (platen roller) 14 is pivotally supported, and on the mounting surface side of the automatic paper feeder 30, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, there is a drive gear 33 that meshes with the drive gear 33. A driven gear (transfer gear) 48 is pivotally supported, and the driving force of the conveyance roller 14 of the recording apparatus 10 is transmitted to the automatic paper feeder side via these gears 33 and 48.

[0059] The conveyance roller 14 and the conveyance motor 34
etc. are supported by bearings formed on the frame member 35, and the frame member 35 is coupled to the case portion of the recording device 10.

Hook members 38 having a lever 36 and a tip hook 37 are attached to two positions on the left and right sides of the automatic paper feeder 30 in a substantially symmetrical relationship so as to be swingable and movable by a predetermined amount in the front and rear directions. , each hook member 38 is biased inwardly by a tension spring 39.

The hooks 37 of each hook member 38 protrude from the mounting surface of the automatic paper feeder 30 by a predetermined amount.

On the other hand, an opening 53 through which each hook 37 enters is formed at a position corresponding to each hook 37 of the frame member 35 of the recording device 10, and each hook 37 is provided with a periphery of the corresponding opening 53. It can be hung on the part.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each opening 53
A bead-shaped portion on which the hook 37 can be easily and reliably hooked is formed on the peripheral edge of.

When the hook 37 in FIG. 8 is hooked, the tension spring 39 is stretched (for example, 1 to 2 mm), and the automatic paper feeder 30 is drawn toward the recording device 10 by the spring force, and is brought into pressure contact. Become.

Each hook member 38 changes from the locked state shown in FIG. 8 to the state shown in FIG. 9 by pinching and rotating the lever 36.
The lock is released to the open state, and the automatic paper feeder 30 can be removed from the recording apparatus 10.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the hook portion of the automatic paper feeder 30, and FIG. 20 is a bottom view. The hook member 38 is attached to the shaft 20
It rotates in the A-A' direction around 0, and enters a locked state and a released state. In 204 and 205, the hook member 38 is A-A'
This is a stopper when rotating in the direction.

The direction of rotation of the hook member 38 in actual use is A.
-Although only in the A' direction, when the automatic paper feeder 30 is installed,
During storage or intentionally, an external force may be applied to the protruding 37 in the B direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the A-A' direction. Since the rear end portion 210 of the hook member 38 is sufficiently close to the hooking base 39A side of the tension spring 39, the rear end portion 210 can receive sufficient pushing force from the tension spring 39 against the external force in the B direction. , becomes a stopper.

With the above structure, even if an external force unnecessary in actual use is applied in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the hook member 38, the stopper prevents the rotary shaft 200 from coming out of the elongated hole 201 of the hook member 38. In other words, since the hook member 38 does not come off, it is possible to accurately connect the recording device 10 and the automatic paper feeder 30, thereby providing an automatic paper feeder having a coupling structure that allows stable paper feeding operation. .

At left and right positions above the left and right hook members 38 by a predetermined distance, engaging portions are provided for abutting the automatic sheet feeding device 30 against the recording device 10 in a positioned state.

FIG. 10 is a horizontal sectional view of this engaging portion, and FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.

In FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the engaging portion on the side closer to the driven gear 48 (the right side in FIG. 10) is
A bumping protrusion 54 formed on the automatic paper feeder 30 side
and a recess 55 formed in the frame member 35 of the recording device 10. By abutting and fitting the projection 54 and the recess 55, the distance between the automatic paper feeder 30 and the recording device 10 and the vertical direction can be adjusted. positioning.

That is, at the engagement portion between the protrusion 54 and the recess 55, a slight play is provided only in the left-right direction.

On the other hand, the side opposite to the driven gear 48 (FIG. 10)
The engaging portion (on the left side) is composed of a protrusion 56 formed on the automatic paper feeder 30 side and a recessed hole 57 formed in the frame member 35 of the recording device 10. 5
By abutting and fitting 7, the distance between the automatic sheet feeding device 30 and the recording device 10 and the positioning in the vertical and horizontal directions are determined.

In the illustrated example, the left and right abutment and positioning engaging portions are arranged above the left and right hook members 38 (FIGS. 8 and 9), but these may be changed depending on the situation. It is also possible to arrange it below.

Furthermore, in the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 7, protrusions 58 and 59 for auxiliary abutment are formed on the mounting surface of the automatic paper feeder 30.

When these protrusions 58 and 59 are assembled, there is a slight gap between them and the mounting surface of the recording device 10 (for example, about 0.0
．． They are formed so as to face each other at a distance of about 3 mm), and have a function of preventing rattling of the attached automatic paper feeder 30.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the automatic paper feeding device 30 in the automatic paper feeding state, and FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the automatic paper feeding device 30 in the manual paper feeding state (or in a state where recording sheets can be loaded). be.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, a pressure plate 67 is attached to the paper feed cassette section 50 and is biased toward the feed roller 41 by a pressure plate spring 67.

A pair of sliders 71 and 72 whose spacing can be adjusted according to the width of the recording sheet 13 are guided and supported in the paper feed cassette section 50.

FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway front view of the paper feed cassette section 50 showing the sliders 71 and 72 with the pressure plate 68 removed, and FIG.
8 is a partially cutaway front view of the paper feed cassette section 50 shown in FIG.

In FIGS. 12 to 15, the left and right sliders 71 and 72 have side guides 73 and 74 that come into contact with both side edges of the loaded recording sheet 13, as well as side guides 73 and 74 that touch both front end corners of the loaded recording sheet 13. Separation claw 75 that can be engaged with the
, 76 are provided.

The separating claws 75, 76 are formed at the front ends of separating claws 77, 78 fixed to the bodies of the sliders 71, 72.

The separation claw members 77 and 78 are generally made of metal plates such as copper plates.

In the example shown, one of the sliders 71 and 72 can be moved left and right in a large range according to the paper width, and the other can be moved left and right in a small range.
However, depending on the case, either one of them can be attached movably to match the width of the paper.

As shown in FIG. 12, the loaded recording sheet 13 is held between the pressure plate 68 and the separating claws 75, 76, and during automatic paper feeding, a D-shaped (or half-moon-shaped) feeding roller 41 rotates and comes into contact with the recording sheet 13, and a feeding force is applied.

During one rotation of the feeding roller 41, one sheet of the uppermost layer is separated and fed to the starting position in the recording apparatus 10 through the sliding roller 42.

[0087] The sliding contact roller 42 is attached to the paper path surface 31.
is arranged parallel to the feeding roller 41 near the
It is rotated in conjunction with the conveyance roller 14 of the recording device 10 at a peripheral speed slightly (for example, 8%) faster than the conveyance roller.

On the other hand, the feeding roller 41 is also the conveying roller 1.
The feeding roller is driven using the driving force of No. 4, but the feeding roller is controlled by a one-way clutch type spring clutch 98 (on/off controlled during normal rotation and cut off (off) during reverse rotation).
17), it is driven in the forward rotation direction only at predetermined timings, such as when starting the recording sheet 13.

FIG. 16 shows various engagements that operate when the paper feed cassette section 50 is rotated between the vertical closed position and the inclined open position (automatic paper feed position) with respect to the paper feed drive section 40. It is a mechanism diagram showing a mating member.

First, in FIGS. 12 and 16, on both sides of the case of the paper feed drive unit 40, there is a mechanism that abuts against the lower part of the paper feed cassette unit 50 to hold the cassette unit in an inclined position (automatic paper feed position). Stoppers 79, 79 are provided.

Further, the sliders 71 and 72 on both sides are provided with sheet entry prevention means (sheet entry prevention levers) 81 and 81 for preventing the insertion (loading) of the recording sheet 13 at the automatic paper feeding position. There is.

The levers 81, 81 are the sliders 71, 7
2, it is rotatably supported by pins 82, 82, and in the automatic sheet feeding position shown in FIG. .

Therefore, even if an attempt is made to insert a new recording sheet 13, the leading end of the recording sheet 13 will not be inserted into the sheet entry prevention lever 81,
81 and cannot be inserted into the cassette.

On the other hand, when the paper feed cassette section 50 is rotated to the vertical position, the lower ends of the sheet entry prevention levers 81, 81 collide with the case end face on the paper feed drive section 40 side, as shown in FIG. The levers 81, 81 are rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined amount around the pins 82, 82, and their upper ends are lifted to open the insertion slot 83, so that the recording sheet 13 can be inserted into the cassette. can.

In addition, in FIGS. 13 and 16, pressure plate pushing members 84, 84 are provided on both sides of the case of the paper feed drive unit 40, which protrude toward the cassette unit 50, so that the paper feed cassette unit 50 When in the vertical (closed) position, the pressure plate 6
The pressure plate 68 is pushed down by hitting the ears 85, 85 (FIG. 15) formed on both sides of the pressure plate 8.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the distance between the feeding roller 41 and the pressure plate 68 is increased, and the recording sheet 13
An insertion space 86 is formed, and a new recording sheet 13 can be loaded.

In this state, the left and right sliders 71,
The fixed separation claws 75 and 76 provided on the 72 are shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, it remains at a fixed position that is equal to or slightly overlaps the feeding roller 41, and
A guide protrusion 87 having a height that slightly protrudes from the feed roller 41 is formed on the inlet side of the feed roller 41.
The recording sheet 13 to be inserted is separated by separation claws 75, 76 and pressure plate 6.
It can be reliably loaded between 8 and 8.

[0098] The paper feed cassette section 50 is opened by pressing the push button 88 (
The push button 8 is held in the vertical position (closed position) by a latching mechanism that is released when the push button 8 (FIGS. 13 and 16) is pressed.
8 to release the locking mechanism, the pressure plate 68 is automatically rotated to the inclined position (open position) by the reaction force of the biasing spring 67.

As shown in FIG. 16, the latching mechanism is a hook lever 8 provided on the case body of the paper feed drive section 40.
9 and an engaging portion 91 provided on the case body of the paper feed cassette portion 50, and by engaging these, the paper feed cassette portion 50 is held in a vertical position.

In this state, the push button 88 is pressed and the hook lever 89 is elastically deformed at its tip 92 (FIG. 16) and disengaged from the engaging portion 91, thereby releasing the hook.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the drive system and arrangement of the feeding roller 41 and the sliding roller 42.

In FIG. 17, the rotation of the driven gear (transfer gear) 48, which is driven in synchronization with the rotation of the conveyance roller 14 of the recording apparatus 10, is caused by a series of gear trains 93, 94,
It is transmitted to the shaft 97 of the feed roller 41 via 95, 46, and 96.

The gear 95 in the middle is fixed to the shaft 47 of the sliding roller 42.

Furthermore, the gears 93, 94, and 46 are idle gears.

[0105] Here, the gear 96 is connected to the feeding roller 41.
The gear 96 and the feed roller shaft 97 are connected via a one-way clutch (for example, a spring clutch) 98.

This one-way clutch 98 is constituted by a spring clutch that is always disconnected (off) in the reverse rotation direction, but is controlled to be turned on and off in the forward rotation direction as well.

[0107] As the one-way clutch 98, one that operates as follows, for example, is used.

First, when the conveyance roller (platen roller) 14 is slightly reversed (rotated in the opposite direction to the conveyance direction) based on the paper feed signal, the one-way clutch 98 is turned on by the reverse rotation of the gear 96 (clutch trigger). can be switched to

In this on state, the forward rotation of the conveying roller 14 allows the feeding roller 41 to rotate forward.

At this time, the feeding roller 41, which is a D-shaped (or half-moon-shaped) scalene roller, is at the reference position or initial position away from the recording sheet 13.

Next, when the conveying roller 14 is rotated forward by a predetermined amount, the feeding roller 41 rotates in conjunction with this, and one recording sheet 13 is fed to a position beyond the retracting portion of the conveying roller 14. Ru.

[0112] The arrival of the recording sheet 13 at the retracting portion is detected by a sensor, and the stop position of the conveyance roller 14 at this time is controlled by a detection signal from the sensor.

Next, the conveying roller 14 is rotated in the reverse direction by a predetermined amount, and the leading edge of the recording sheet 13 is retracted to a position where it has come out of the sheet drawing section.

[0114] By reversing the conveyance roller 14 at this time, a loop is formed at the leading edge of the recording sheet 13, and registration (operation of making the leading edge of the recording sheet 13 parallel) is performed.

[0115] The one-way clutch (eg, spring clutch) 98 is still in an on state due to the clutch trigger, and is in a state in which rotation can be transmitted in the normal rotation direction.

Then, the conveying roller 14 is rotated forward by a predetermined amount, and the recording sheet 13 is conveyed to the recording start position (starting position) by the forward rotation of the conveying roller 14 and the feeding roller 41.

During this normal rotation, the D-shaped feeding roller 41
is separated from the recording sheet 13, that is, when the feeding roller 41 has made approximately one rotation and returned to the reference position (initial position), the one-way clutch 98 is switched off, and the feeding roller 41 moves to the reference position. Stop in position.

[0118] Thus, during the rotation of the feeding roller 41,
Only one recording sheet 13 is fed into the recording device 10,
It is set to cue state.

Thereafter, recording is performed on the recording sheet 13 based on the image information.

During this recording, the one-way clutch 98 remains off, and the feed roller 41 remains stopped at the reference position despite the normal rotation (paper feeding) of the transport roller 14.

As described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the sliders 71 and 72 include side guides 73 and 74 for regulating the width of the recording sheet 13 and separation claws 75 that engage with both sides of the front end of the recording sheet 13. , 76 are provided.

[0122] The separation claws 75 and 76 are connected to the feeding roller 41.
Since they are provided on the sliders 71 and 72 rather than on the pressure plate 68 which is pushed down by the sliders 71 and 72, they are so-called fixed separation claws.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, the sliders 71 and 72 are manually moved and guided by end cam means (not shown) by setting the clamp levers 101 and 102 to the positions shown. A groove (not shown) is pressed from both sides and set at a predetermined width position by frictional force.

In FIG. 17, the feeding roller 41 is
They are integrally provided at a plurality of positions (two positions in the illustrated example) on the feed roller shaft 97.

[0125] The feeding roller shaft 97 further includes pseudo rollers 193 and 10 located outside each feeding roller 41.
3 are integrally provided.

[0126] These pseudo rollers 103, 103 have approximately the same outline (D-shape, etc.) as the feeding rollers 41, 41, but are different in material and width, and have a small frictional resistance with the recording sheet 13. It is composed of rollers that make sliding contact during paper feeding, but generate virtually no feeding force.

For example, the outer peripheral surfaces of the feeding rollers 41, 41 are made of rubber or the like that generates a large frictional force.
The pseudo rollers 103, 103 are made of plastic such as Teflon or nylon (for example, integrally molded from the same material as the shaft 97), and have smooth outer peripheries.

[0128] Pseudo roller 103 with such a simple structure
, 103, the feeding roller 41
, 41 are fixed, recording sheets 13 of different widths
The separating function of the separating claws 75 and 76 can always be properly maintained.

[0129] Therefore, it is not necessary to use expensive slide structure rollers as the paper feed rollers 41, 41, and costs can be reduced.

On the other hand, the sliding rollers 42 are integrally provided at a plurality of positions (for example, 3 to 5 positions) on the sliding roller shaft 47 at predetermined intervals.

FIG. 18 shows line XVIII-X in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view along line VIII;
The guide structure of the sliders 71 and 72 will be explained with reference to FIG.

In FIGS. 14 and 18, guide rails 105, 106, 107, and 108 are provided on the inner surface of the case of the paper feed cassette section 50 at predetermined intervals B, and the left slider 71 is moved by the guide rails 105 and 106. The slider 72 on the right side is guided by the guide rails 107 and 108.

[0133] As each guide rail 105 to 108,
As shown in FIG. 18, a dovetail-type guide rail in which a dovetail groove (groove with a tapered surface) 109 is formed inside is used.

Each of the guide rails 105 to 108 is formed integrally with the plastic case body of the paper feed cassette section 50.

On the other hand, a guide roller 110 that rolls in contact with the dovetail groove 109 of each of the guide rails 105 to 108 is rotatably supported on each of the sliders 71 and 72.

In the illustrated example, each slider 71, 72 is
As shown in Figure 14, one on the upper side and two on the lower side, a total of 3
It is guided and supported by individual guide rollers 110.

In FIG. 17, the feed roller shaft 97 is integrally formed with a ratchet portion 111 having a plurality of ratchet teeth on its arcuate outer periphery. (In the illustrated example, the case body of the paper feed drive section 40) is pressed against the ratchet teeth of the ratchet section 111 with a predetermined elastic force, and is engaged with the ratchet teeth to lock the sliding roller shaft 47. Plate-shaped claw part 1
12 are provided protrudingly.

[0138] These ratchet portions 111 and pawl portions 1
Reference numeral 12 constitutes a ratchet mechanism for preventing the feeding roller 41 from reversing.

The recording apparatus 10 may be a serial scan type recording apparatus in which a recording head is mounted on a carriage that moves along the recording sheet 13, or a recording head that covers the recording area in the paper width direction of the recording sheet 13. Any type of recording device can be used, such as a line-type recording device using.

In addition to the recording apparatus 10 that uses one recording head, the recording apparatus 10 may also be a color recording apparatus that uses recording heads of a plurality of colors, or a gradation recording apparatus that uses a plurality of recording heads that have the same color but different densities. A recording device with any number of recording heads can be used, such as a recording device for a conventional printer.

[0141] The present invention is particularly effective in a printing apparatus using an inkjet printing method, and moreover, a bubble jet printing head among various printing methods.

[0142] For its typical configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat.
Preferably, this is done using the basic principles disclosed in the '796 specification.

[0143] This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it is applicable to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) and the liquid path. generating thermal energy in the electrothermal transducer by applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and causing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer disposed at the
This is effective because film boiling is caused on the heat-active surface of the recording head, resulting in the formation of bubbles in the liquid (ink) in one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal.

[0144] Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one drop.

[0145] It is more preferable to use this drive signal in the form of a pulse, since the growth and contraction of bubbles can be carried out immediately and appropriately, so that ejection of liquid (ink) with particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, US Pat. No. 446
Those described in Japanese Patent No. 3359 and Japanese Patent No. 4345262 are suitable.

[0146] If the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 concerning the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, even more excellent recording can be achieved.

[0147] In addition to the configuration of the recording head that combines ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4 disclose a configuration in which a heat acting part is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 459600 is also included in the present invention.

In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 123670 of 1982 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and a method for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy is disclosed. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461 of 1981, which discloses a configuration in which the openings correspond to the discharge portions.

Furthermore, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification can be used. Either a configuration that satisfies the length or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used, but the present invention can more effectively exhibit the above-mentioned effects.

[0150] In addition, a replaceable chip-type recording head that is attached to the apparatus main body enables electrical connection with the apparatus main body and ink supply from the apparatus main body, or a print head that is integrated into the print head itself. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge type recording head is used.

[0151] Furthermore, it is preferable to add recovery means, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. for the recording head, which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. .

Specifically, these include capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, electrothermal transducer or other heating element, or preheating means for the recording head using a combination thereof. It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing in order to perform stable printing.

Furthermore, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to a recording mode of only mainstream colors such as black, but may also include a recording head that is configured integrally or a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or multiple colors of different colors or The present invention is also extremely effective for devices equipped with at least one of the following: , full color by color mixing.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is explained as a liquid, but in the present invention, even if the ink is solid at room temperature, it can be softened at room temperature. It can also be used.

[0155] In the above-mentioned inkjet apparatus, the temperature of the ink itself is generally adjusted within the range of 30°C or more and 70°C or less, so that the viscosity of the ink is within the stable ejection range. Any ink may be used as long as the ink is in a liquid state when the recording signal is applied.

[0156] In addition, the temperature increase due to thermal energy can be actively prevented by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or the ink can be left to solidify in order to prevent evaporation. In any case, the ink may be liquefied by applying thermal energy in accordance with the recording signal and ejected as liquid ink, or the ink may already begin to solidify when it reaches the recording material. It is also applicable to the present invention to use ink that is liquefied only by thermal energy, such as ink.

[0157] In such a case, the ink is
56847 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 60-71260, such a material is held in a liquid or solid state in the recesses or through holes of a porous sheet and faces an electrothermal converter. It may also be a form.

In the present invention, the most effective method for each of the above-mentioned inks is the one that implements the above-mentioned film boiling method.

Other Embodiments FIGS. 21, 22, 23 and 24 show the shape of a stopper for rotation of the hook member 38 in the B direction.

(Embodiment 2) In FIGS. 21 and 22, by making the rear end of the hook member 38 into a shape such as 211 that can sandwich a gap between it and the tension spring 39, the rear end portion 211 is connected to the tension spring 39.
Therefore, it is possible to receive a sufficient pushing force against the external force B.

(Example 3) In FIGS. 23 and 24, L
The rear end 213 of the hook member 38 is
The rotation relative to external force B can be controlled.

[0162]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, for example, the entrance opening surface of a recording sheet conveyance path of a recording apparatus having a recording sheet conveyance path formed in a substantially straight line through a recording section. In an automatic paper feeding device that is removably attached by movable hooks attached to two places on the left and right, by providing a stopper against movement in the vertical direction of the movable direction of the hook, the hook member does not come off due to external force. , the recording device and automatic paper feeder can be installed accurately,
It is possible to provide an automatic paper feeder having a coupling structure that provides stable paper feeding operation.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a state of a recording apparatus with an automatic paper feeder according to the present invention during automatic paper feeding.

FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the state of the recording apparatus in FIG. 1 during manual paper feeding.

FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the recording device of FIG. 1 in a state when it is stored.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the recording device in FIG. 1 in a horizontal use state.

FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of the recording apparatus in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view showing the bottom of the recording device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the automatic paper feeder shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the mounting surface side.

8 is a sectional view of a main part showing a locked state of a hook connecting portion between the recording apparatus and automatic paper feeder of FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a main part showing the unlocked state in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a positioning engagement portion between the recording apparatus and automatic paper feeder in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the automatic paper feeding device in FIG. 1 in an automatic paper feeding state.

FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the automatic paper feeder in FIG. 12 in a manual paper feeding state.

FIG. 14 is a front view, partially removed, of the paper feed cassette section of the automatic paper feed device shown in FIG. 12;

15 is a front view of the paper feed cassette section of the automatic paper feeder shown in FIG. 12. FIG.

16 is a partially removed perspective view schematically showing an operating mechanism between a paper feed drive unit and a paper feed cassette unit of the automatic paper feeder shown in FIG. 12; FIG.

17 is a partially removed perspective view schematically showing a drive mechanism for a paper feed roller of the automatic paper feeder of FIG. 12; FIG.

FIG. 18: Line X VIII-X VII in FIG. 14
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a guide roller of a slider along I.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the hook portion.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the hook portion.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the hook portion of the second example.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view as well.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the hook portion of the third example.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view as well.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Recording device 13 Recording sheet 14 Conveyance roller 15 Recording head 16 Paper ejection tray 22 Carriage 28 Recording sheet insertion slot (recording device) 30 Automatic paper feed device 31 Paper path surface 33 Drive gear 34 Conveyance motor 35 Frame member (recording device) 38 Hook member 40 Paper feed drive section 41 Feeding roller 42 Sliding roller shaft 47 Sliding roller shaft 48 Driven gear (transfer gear) 49 Outlet (automatic paper feeder) 50 Paper cassette section 54, 55, 56, 57 Positioning section Joining portion 68 Pressure plates 71, 72 Sliders 73, 74 Side guides 75, 76 Fixed separation claws 95 Gear (sliding roller shaft) 96 Gear (clutch gear) 97 Feeding roller shaft 98 One-way clutch (spring clutch) 200
Central shaft 201 Elongated holes 210, 211 Hook rear end 212 L-shaped rib 213 Hook rear end

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An automatic sheet feeder that is detachably attached to an entrance opening surface of a recording sheet conveyance path of a recording device having a recording sheet conveyance path passing through a recording section by means of a movable hook, in a direction perpendicular to the movable direction of the hook. An automatic paper feeding device characterized by being provided with a stopper for preventing movement of the paper.