Supply device and recording device

Abstract

A feeding device and a recording device are disclosed, in which when the thickness or the number of sheets of a medium to be fed is changed, the load of the medium acting between a feeding roller and a friction member is changed, thereby possibly reducing the effect of processing the medium. A feeding unit (50) includes a paper tray (21), a lifter (29), a feeding roller (46), a guide plate (142), and a processing section (150). The lifter (29) is capable of displacing a sheet (P) of the paper tray (21) in a +B direction. The guide plate (142) guides a downstream end of the sheet (P) in an +A direction, which is raised by the lifter (29), toward the feeding roller (46). The processing section (150) processes the sheet (P) toward the feeding roller (46). The guide plate (142) forms an opening (49) through which the sheet (P) can pass between an outer peripheral surface (48A) of the feeding roller (46), and is configured to be capable of adjusting the size of the opening (49). The processing section (150) is provided integrally with the guide plate (142).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a feeding device and a recording device. Background Technology

[0002] The paper feeding device of Patent Document 1 has a primary separation section upstream of the conveying roller. A friction member is installed in the primary separation section. The leading ends of multiple sheets of media are shaped to follow the inclined surface of the friction member by the friction force and inclination of the friction member.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-78887

[0004] In the paper feeding device of Patent Document 1, the position of the friction member is not adjusted relative to the position of the conveyor roller. Therefore, if the thickness or number of sheets of the conveyed medium changes, the load on the medium acting between the conveyor roller and the friction member changes, which may reduce the effectiveness of processing the medium. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The feeding device of the present invention, which is used to solve the above-mentioned problems, is characterized by comprising: a medium accumulating section for accumulating medium; a lifting section capable of displacing the medium in the medium accumulating section in the accumulating direction; a rotating member for feeding the medium after it has risen through the lifting section in the feeding direction; a guiding section for guiding the downstream end of the medium rising through the lifting section in the feeding direction toward the rotating member; and a processing section for processing the medium fed toward the rotating member, wherein the guiding section forms an opening between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member through which the medium can pass, and is configured to adjust the size of the opening, and the processing section is integrally provided with the guiding section.

[0006] The recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a feeding device according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments; and a recording unit for recording on the medium fed from the feeding device. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is an overall configuration diagram of the feeding unit and printer involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the open state of the supply tray of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the open state of the supply tray of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 4This indicates that in the open state of the supply tray of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 3 A diagram showing the composition of positions in different width directions.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the base guide and disassembly unit of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the feed roller has been removed from the feed unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the state where the disassembly and assembly unit has been removed from the base guide of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the assembly and disassembly unit of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the back of the assembly / disassembly unit of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the disassembly and assembly unit of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the processing unit of the feeding unit in Embodiment 1 and the front end of the smallest size paper.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a simplified diagram showing the path from the elevator through the processing section to the roller gap section in the feeding unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a simplified diagram showing the path from the elevator through the processing section to the roller gap section in the feeding unit according to Embodiment 1, along with multiple sheets of paper.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a simplified diagram showing the processing section and the outer processing section of the feeding unit according to Embodiment 1, along with the path of the paper.

[0021] Figure 15 This diagram shows the state in which the disassembly unit is housed in the base guide in the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the release lever of the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 17This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the engagement state of the release rod and the tenon of the second bracket in the feeding unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 18 This diagram shows the state in which the disassembly unit is installed on the base guide in the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 19 This diagram shows a state in which the restriction on the disassembly and assembly unit is lifted in the supply unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a front view showing the engagement state of the release lever of the supply unit and the disassembly unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 21 This is a simplified diagram showing the paper path from the elevator of the feeding unit to the roller gap in Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a simplified diagram showing a state in which multiple processing units are arranged at different angles as a variation of the supply unit involved in embodiments 1 and 2.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 10…Printer, 12…Main body, 13…Paper feed roller, 14…Housing, 15…Conveyor roller pair, 16…Discharge section, 17…Door, 18…Box, 19…Opening, 21…Paper supply tray, 21A…Supporting surface, 22…Side guide, 23…Baffle, 24…Recording head, 26…Support base, 28…Control unit, 29…Lifter, 32…Locking unit, 33…Upper wall, 34…Lower wall, 36…Roller cover, 37…Mounting part, 38…Holding part, 42…Drive shaft, 46…Feed roller, 47…Roller body, 48…Elastic part, 48A…Outer peripheral surface, 49…Opening, 50…Feeding unit, 52…Reduction roller, 53…Shaft, 54…Elastic part, 54A…Outer peripheral surface, 55…Torque limiter, 62…Base guide Guide, 63…front wall, 64…upper wall, 65…side wall, 70…receiving part, 72…bottom wall, 73…through hole, 74…guide wall, 75…front wall, 75A…through hole, 76…longitudinal wall, 77…contact surface, 78…upper surface, 79…insertion hole, 80…first pressing part, 81…stop part, 82…mounting plate, 82A…mounting hole, 83…pressing rod, 83A…extension, 83B…cover, 83C…contact part, 84…rib, 86…rear wall, 87…through hole, 88…edge, 90…assembly / disassembly unit, 92…inner wall, 93…recess, 94…support part, 96…first support, 98…roller receiving part, 99…bent wall, 101…left side wall, 102…right side wall, 10… 3… Metal plate component, 103A… Threaded hole, 104… Pinch part, 108… Connecting pin, 112… Knob, 114… Second bracket, 115… Front frame, 116… Left frame, 117… Right frame, 117A… Longitudinal wall, 117B… Longitudinal wall, 117C… Bottom wall, 118… Upper frame, 119… Tenon, 122… Window part, 125… Opening part, 126… Connecting hole, 128… Tenon, 132… Protrusion, 136… Pressed part, 139… Pressed surface, 142… Guide plate, 142A… Guide surface, 143… Adjustment hole, 144… Hole part, 146… Coil spring, 147… Flange part, 150… Processing part, 152… First pad, 152A… Processing surface, 156… Second… Pressing part, 158… Cover, 159… Contact surface, 162… Release lever, 163… Shaft, 164… Operating part, 167… Outer processing part, 168… Second liner, 168A… Outer processing surface, 172… Engaging part, 173… Arm, 174… Peak, 176… First inclined surface, 178… Second inclined surface, 182… Second limiting part, 184… Restricted part, 184A… Restricted part, 184B… Restricted part, 184C… Restricted part, 184D… Restricted part, 186… Limiting surface, 186A… Upper surface, 186B… Upper surface, 190… Feeding unit, 192… Processing part, 194… Lower liner, 194A… Processing surface, 196… Upper liner, 196A… Processing surface198…Processing Section, 198A…First Plate Section, 198B…Second Plate Section, A1…Line, A2…Line, C…Virtual Point, CL…Center Line, d…Interval, D…Perpendicular Line, E…Extension Line, F…External Force, G…Tangent Line, H…Point, K…Point, L1…Length, L2…Length, L3…Length, L4…Length, M…Base Line, NP…Roll Gap Section, P…Paper, PS…Paper, Q…Ink, S…Point, ST…Line Segment, T…Point, T1…Feed Path, T2…Tilting Path. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in general terms.

[0032] The first method relates to a feeding device characterized by comprising: a medium accumulating section for accumulating medium; a lifting section capable of displacing the medium in the medium accumulating section in the accumulating direction; a rotating member for feeding the medium after it has risen through the lifting section in the feeding direction; a guiding section for guiding the downstream end of the medium rising through the lifting section in the feeding direction toward the rotating member; and a processing section for processing the medium fed toward the rotating member, wherein the guiding section forms an opening between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member through which the medium can pass, and is configured to adjust the size of the opening, and the processing section is integrally provided with the guiding section.

[0033] According to this method, by making the processing unit and the guide unit integrally disposed, compared with the configuration in which the processing unit and the guide unit are separately disposed, misalignment between the processing unit and the guide unit can be suppressed.

[0034] Here, by changing the position of the guide relative to the rotating component, the size of the opening is adjusted, so that the number of sheets of medium supplied to the rotating component through the opening can be limited to a specified number.

[0035] Furthermore, when adjusting the size of the opening, since the processing unit and the guide unit are integrally formed, not only the position of the guide unit relative to the rotating member, but also the position of the processing unit relative to the rotating member can be adjusted. In other words, the distance between the rotating member and the processing unit is also adjusted according to the size of the opening. As a result, a predetermined load is applied to the medium clamped between the rotating member and the processing unit, thus suppressing any reduction in the effectiveness of the processing unit in processing the medium.

[0036] The second method involves a feeding device characterized in that, in the first method, a plurality of processing units are provided at intervals in the width direction of the medium intersecting the feeding direction, and when viewed from the feeding direction, one of the processing units is located on one side relative to the center of the width direction of the rotating member, while the other processing units are located on the other side relative to the center of the width direction of the rotating member.

[0037] According to this method, one side of the medium supplied toward the rotating component, relative to the center in the width direction, contacts one of the processing units, while the other side contacts the other processing units. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the processing unit contacts only one part of the medium, the deflection of the medium relative to the supply direction can be suppressed.

[0038] The third method involves a feeding device characterized in that, in the second method, when viewed from the feeding direction, the plurality of processing units are located outside the outer periphery of the rotating member in the width direction.

[0039] According to this method, since the rotating component and the processing unit do not contact the same position in the width direction of the medium, it is possible to suppress the situation where a part of the medium is more easily worn than other parts.

[0040] The fourth method involves a feeding device characterized in that, in the second or third method, the distance in the width direction between one of the processing units and the other processing units is smaller than the width direction of the smallest dimension of the medium being fed.

[0041] According to this method, all sizes of the medium that can be supplied by the supply device can be processed in the processing unit.

[0042] The fifth method involves a feeding device characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth methods, a reduction roller is provided in the feeding device, the reduction roller forms a roller gap by contacting the outer peripheral surface, and the tangent of the outer peripheral surface passing through a virtual point at the center of the feeding direction of the roller gap is used as a reference line, and the processing surface of the processing unit that contacts the medium extends along the reference line.

[0043] According to this method, the roller gap is formed by the rotating component and the deceleration roller. Therefore, the position where the downstream end of the medium initially contacts the outer peripheral surface and the position of the virtual point are offset circumferentially from each other on the outer peripheral surface. Consequently, since the directions of the tangents at each position are different, the medium, advancing as the rotating component rotates, changes its direction of travel by contacting the processing unit and moves towards the roller gap.

[0044] Here, since the processing surface of the processing unit extends along the reference line, compared to a configuration where the processing surface is along a direction different from the reference line, the processing unit has more opportunities to contact the medium, and it is easier to guide the medium to the roll gap. Therefore, the processing unit can improve its effectiveness in processing the medium moving towards the roll gap.

[0045] The sixth method involves a feeding device characterized in that, in the fifth method, it includes: a support portion for rotatably holding the reduction roller; and a receiving portion for receiving the support portion, wherein the support portion is detachably disposed in the receiving portion.

[0046] According to this method, the deceleration roller can be replaced by detaching the support portion from the storage portion.

[0047] The seventh method involves a feeding device characterized in that, in the sixth method, the guide portion is disposed on the support portion.

[0048] According to this method, since the reduction roller and the guide are provided in the support portion, the positional accuracy of the guide relative to the reduction roller can be improved compared to a configuration in which the guide is provided in a different component from the support portion.

[0049] The feeding device according to the eighth method is characterized in that, in any of the first to seventh methods, in the width direction of the medium intersecting the feeding direction, an outer processing section is provided on the outside of the processing section to process the medium fed toward the rotating member, and the outer processing surface of the outer processing section that contacts the medium is located above the processing surface of the processing section that contacts the medium in the vertical direction.

[0050] Based on the same principle as a cantilever beam, the farther the supplied medium is from the center in the width direction, the more likely it is to sag downwards in the vertical direction.

[0051] According to this method, the outer processing surface, located outside the width direction, is positioned further above the vertical direction than the processing surface. Therefore, even if both ends of the medium droop in the width direction, processing is performed through the outer processing surface while simultaneously lifting both ends of the medium upwards, thus facilitating the processing of both ends of the medium in the width direction.

[0052] The ninth method of the feeding device is characterized in that, in any of the first to eighth methods, the processing unit has a plurality of processing surfaces arranged along the feeding direction and in contact with the medium.

[0053] According to this method, by having the plurality of processing surfaces, the contact opportunities between the medium and the processing unit are increased, thereby improving the processing performance of the processing unit on the medium.

[0054] The recording apparatus according to the tenth method is characterized in that it comprises: a feeding device as described in any one of the first to ninth methods; and a recording unit for recording on the medium fed from the feeding device.

[0055] According to this method, the same function and effect as any of the first to second methods can be obtained.

[0056] Implementation Method 1

[0057] Hereinafter, the printer 10 and the feeding unit 50 will be specifically described as Embodiment 1, which is an example of the recording device and feeding device of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 1 The printer 10 is shown in the figure. The printer 10 is an example of a recording device that records by spraying ink Q, a liquid, onto paper P, which is an example of a medium. Specifically, the printer 10 includes a feed unit 50, which is an example of a feed device, and a recording head 24, which is an example of a recording section that records on the paper P fed from the feed unit 50.

[0059] The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0060] The X direction is the width direction of the device as seen from the user of printer 10, and it is horizontal. The leftward direction in the X direction is designated as the +X direction, and the rightward direction as the -X direction.

[0061] The Y direction is the width direction of paper P that intersects with the feeding direction of paper P and is also the depth direction of the device, and it is horizontal. The direction of the Y direction towards the front is called the +Y direction, and the direction towards the inside is called the -Y direction.

[0062] The Z-direction is the height direction of the device; for example, it is the vertical direction. The upward direction of the Z-direction is called the +Z-direction, and the downward direction is called the -Z-direction. The +Z-direction is an example of a retreat direction. The -Z-direction is an example of the opposite direction.

[0063] The direction in which paper P is fed in the paper supply tray 21 (described later) is designated as the +A direction. That is, the +A direction is an example of a feeding direction. The direction opposite to the +A direction is designated as the -A direction. The A direction intersects with the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0064] Furthermore, the direction in which paper P is stacked in the paper supply tray 21 is designated as the +B direction. That is, the +B direction is an example of the stacking direction, and it intersects with the A, X, Y, and Z directions. The direction opposite to the +B direction is designated as the -B direction.

[0065] The printer 10 has a main body 12. Inside the main body 12, paper P is conveyed along the conveying path T shown by the dotted line. The main body 12 has a housing 14 that forms the outer contour of the printer 10. The side of the housing 14 in the -X direction has a door 17 that stands upright in the Z direction.

[0066] The door 17 has an opening 19 that opens in the -X direction. Additionally, the door 17 is provided with a paper feed tray 21 capable of opening and closing the opening 19. The paper feed tray 21 will be described later.

[0067] A discharge section 16 for discharging the paper P to be recorded is formed at a position closer to the +Z direction than the center in the Z direction of the housing 14. Additionally, multiple cartridges 18 are provided in the housing 14. The paper P is stored in the multiple cartridges 18. The media P stored in each cartridge 18 is conveyed along the conveying path T by the paper feed rollers 13 and the conveying rollers 15.

[0068] The transport path T merges with the feed path T1. The feed path T1 is the path from the paper supply tray 21 through the feed unit 50, which will be described later. Furthermore, the feeding of paper P from the feed unit 50 toward the transport path T is referred to as "feeding" to distinguish it from the "transportation" of paper P in other paths.

[0069] Additionally, the transport path T is connected to the flipping path T2 for flipping the front and back of the paper P. Furthermore, the transport path T is equipped with multiple pairs of transport rollers (not shown) for transporting the paper P, a baffle 23 for switching the transport path, and a sensor (not shown) for detecting the width of the paper P in the Y direction.

[0070] In addition, the described recording head 24 and the support platform 26 supporting the paper P at the position opposite to the recording head 24 are arranged in the transport path T.

[0071] The main body 12 has a control unit 28.

[0072] The control unit 28 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device (not shown), and controls the feeding of paper P in the printer 10 and the operation of various parts, including the recording head 24.

[0073] like Figure 2As shown, the door portion 17 is configured to house the housing 14 ( Figure 1 The door 17 is a part of the opening and closing mechanism that allows the door to be opened or closed. The +Y end of the door 17 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 14 via a hinge (not shown). A locking part 32 is provided at the -Y end of the door 17. The locking part 32 locks the door 17 into the housing 14 or releases it. Thus, the door 17 opens and closes laterally.

[0074] In the door section 17, an upper wall 33 and a lower wall 34 are provided on the inner side of the opening 19.

[0075] The upper wall 33 contacts the +Z end of the upright paper supply tray 21.

[0076] The lower wall 34 is positioned relative to the upper wall 33 in the -Z and +X directions. Additionally, the lower wall 34 is provided with a roller cover 36. A base guide 62, described later, is provided in the -Z direction relative to the lower wall 34.

[0077] Roller cover 36 covers the feed roller 46 described later. Figure 3 This is an example of a cover component. Additionally, the roller cover 36 has a plate-shaped mounting portion 37 and a holding portion 38 protruding from the mounting portion 37 in the -X direction. The roller cover 36 can be detached from the door portion 17 by removing screws (not shown).

[0078] With the roller cover 36 installed on the door 17, the roller cover 36, from the +Z direction and the -X direction, will direct the feed roller 46 (described later) Figure 3 ), Knob 112 ( Figure 10 ) and operating unit 164 ( Figure 6 On the other hand, with the roller cover 36 removed from the door 17, the feed roller 46, knob 112, and operating part 164 are exposed in the +Z and -X directions.

[0079] Next, the supply unit 50 will be described.

[0080] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the feeding unit 50 includes a paper feeding tray 21, a lifting device 29, a feeding roller 46, a reduction roller 52, a base guide 62, a storage section 70, a first pressing section 80, a support section 94, and a guide plate 142. Furthermore, the feeding unit 50 includes a processing section 150. Figure 4 ), second pressing part 156 ( Figure 7 Release lever 162 Figure 16 ), Second Restriction Section 182 ( Figure 7 ) and outer processing section 167 ( Figure 6 ).

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the paper supply tray 21 is an example of a media stacking section for stacking paper P. The paper supply tray 21 is rotatably supported in the Y direction by a hinge (not shown) provided on the -Z direction edge of the opening 19. The paper supply tray 21 closes the opening 19 in an upright state along the Z direction. The paper supply tray 21 opens the opening 19 in a tilted state where the end in the -X direction is located further towards the +Z direction than the end in the +X direction.

[0082] Furthermore, the paper supply tray 21 is formed in a plate shape. The paper supply tray 21 has a mounting surface 21A for placing paper P. A side guide 22 is provided on the mounting surface 21A. The side guide 22 aligns the two ends of the multiple sheets of paper P stacked on the mounting surface 21A in the Y direction.

[0083] The lifter 29 is disposed between the side guide 22 and the base guide 62 (described later). The lifter 29 is an example of a lifting unit capable of displacing the paper P on the paper supply tray 21 in the +B direction. As an example, the lifter 29 is constructed including a motor and a cam (not shown). Specifically, the lifter 29 raises the downstream end of the paper P accumulated on the mounting surface 21A in the +A direction in the +B direction.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, a drive shaft 42 and a feed roller 46 are provided in the door section 17 opposite to the paper supply tray 21 in the X direction.

[0085] The drive shaft 42 extends axially in the Y direction. The drive shaft 42 is rotatably supported on the door portion 17. In addition, the drive shaft 42 is rotated by a motor and gears (not shown).

[0086] The feed roller 46 is an example of a rotating component that feeds paper P, which is rising in the +B direction via the lifter 29, in the +A direction. The feed roller 46 has a cylindrical roller body 47 and an elastic portion 48 that covers the outer periphery of the roller body 47. The outer peripheral surface 48A of the elastic portion 48 is an example of the outer peripheral surface of the feed roller 46.

[0087] Furthermore, the feed roller 46 is arranged axially in the Y direction. The feed roller 46 is mounted on the drive shaft 42, thus allowing it to rotate along with the rotation of the drive shaft 42. In addition, the feed roller 46 is configured to be detachable from the drive shaft 42.

[0088] The reduction roller 52 is located in the -Z direction relative to the feed roller 46 and is configured to rotate axially in the Y direction. The reduction roller 52 rotates by contacting the feed roller 46. The reduction roller 52 forms a nip portion NP by contacting the outer peripheral surface 48A. The nip portion NP is the part of the paper P that is clamped between the feed roller 46 and the reduction roller 52.

[0089] The reduction roller 52 is an example of a separating component for separating paper P.

[0090] The reduction roller 52 has a shaft portion 53 extending in the Y direction and a cylindrical elastic portion 54 surrounding the shaft portion 53. The outer peripheral surface 54A of the elastic portion 54 contacts the outer peripheral surface 48A when there is no paper P. Furthermore, viewed from the Y direction, the rotation direction of the reduction roller 52 is opposite to the rotation direction of the feed roller 46. Thus, one of the multiple sheets of paper P is fed towards the +A direction, while the remaining sheets of paper P are separated and left behind. The outer diameter of the reduction roller 52 is smaller than the outer diameter of the feed roller 46. A torque limiter 55 is provided in a portion of the shaft portion 53. Figure 8 ).

[0091] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, as an example, the base guide 62 is made of resin and formed into a column extending along the Y direction. Furthermore, the base guide 62 is positioned relative to the supply path T1 ( Figure 1 It is configured in the -Z direction. Specifically, the base guide 62 is composed of a front wall portion 63 configured toward the paper supply tray 21, an upper wall portion 64 extending along the feed path T1 from the +Z end of the front wall portion 63, side wall portions 65 located at both ends in the Y direction, and a storage portion 70 described later.

[0092] The storage portion 70 is formed by spanning the central portion of the front wall portion 63 in the Y direction and the central portion of the upper wall portion 64 in the Y direction. Specifically, the storage portion 70 is formed as a recess that opens in the +Z direction.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, as an example, the storage portion 70 is a recessed portion formed by a bottom wall 72, a front wall 75, a rear wall 86, and two inner side walls 92. Additionally, the storage portion 70 has an edge portion 88, described later, and houses the support portion 94. Figure 5 In other words, the storage section 70 stores the second support 114. Figure 5 Furthermore, a first pressing part 80, which will be described later, is provided in the storage part 70.

[0094] The bottom wall 72 is generally arranged along the XY plane. A through hole 73 is formed at the +Y end of the bottom wall 72. At the edge of the through hole 73, two guide walls 74 are provided at intervals in the Y direction. The two guide walls 74 stand upright from the bottom wall 72 toward the +Z direction.

[0095] The front wall 75 extends obliquely upward from the end of the bottom wall 72 in the -X direction, intersecting the X direction. Two longitudinal wall portions 76 are provided at both ends of the front wall 75 in the Y direction. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 In the middle, the longitudinal wall portion 76 in the Y direction is not shown. Figure 17 ).

[0096] Two longitudinal wall portions 76 protrude from the front wall 75 in the +X and +Z directions, respectively. The height of the two longitudinal wall portions 76 is lower than the height of the inner wall 92, which will be described later. A contact surface 77 is formed at the +X end of each of the two longitudinal wall portions 76. An upper surface 78 is formed at the +Z end of each of the longitudinal wall portions 76. Figure 17 ).

[0097] As an example, the contact surface 77 is a plane along the YZ plane. Furthermore, the contact surface 77 is configured to engage with the tenon 119 and tenon 128 described later. Figure 9 The contact surface 77 is the surface that guides the tenon 119 and tenon 128 along the Z direction, and is the surface that restricts the misalignment of the tenon 119 and tenon 128 in the -X direction.

[0098] upper surface 78 ( Figure 17 ) is used to release lever 162 by pressing in tenons 119 and 128 when installing the second bracket 114 into the storage section 70. Figure 16 The swaying inclined plane also serves to hold the tenon 119 and tenon 128 when the second bracket 114 is disengaged.

[0099] Thus, the storage section 70 is provided with a longitudinal wall section 76 that guides the tenons 119 and 128 in the Z direction.

[0100] A circular through hole 75A is formed at the center of the front wall 75 in the Y direction. In addition, insertion holes 79 are formed in the front wall 75 in the +Y and -Y directions respectively, relative to the through hole 75A. A prism-shaped stop portion 81 extending in the Y direction is provided at the edge of each insertion hole 79.

[0101] The storage section 70 is provided with a mounting plate 82. The mounting plate 82 protrudes from the through hole 73 in the +Z direction and is fixed to the storage section 70. A mounting hole 82A, which serves as a threaded hole, is formed in the mounting plate 82. A screw (not shown) can be tightened in the mounting hole 82A. The mounting plate 82 can be used to adjust the guide plate 142 (described later). Figure 5 After positioning the guide plate 142, fix it in place.

[0102] The bottom wall 72 and the front wall 75 are provided with two ribs 84. The two ribs 84 are spaced apart along the Y direction. Connecting holes (not shown) are formed in the two ribs 84, extending through the ribs 84 along the Y direction.

[0103] Two through holes 87 are formed at intervals along the Y direction on the rear wall 86. The edge 88 of the through hole 87 retains the protrusion 132 described later. Figure 9 ( ) part.

[0104] The inner sidewall 92 extends vertically along the Z direction from both ends of the bottom wall 72, the front wall 75, and the rear wall 86 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the inner sidewall 92 is disposed along the XZ plane. The inner sidewall 92 is provided with a recess 93 that exposes the engaging portion 172 (described later) in the Y direction.

[0105] The first pressing part 80 is pressed after pressing the first support 96 (described later). Figure 9 ) to make the reduction roller 52 ( Figure 3 ) and feed roller 46 ( Figure 3 This is an example of another pressing part that comes into contact with the other pressing part. Specifically, as an example, the first pressing part 80 has a pressing rod 83 and a coil spring 85.

[0106] The helical spring 85 is mounted on a frame (not shown) and protrudes from the front wall 75 in the +Z direction through a through hole 75A.

[0107] As an example, the pressing lever 83 has two extensions 83A, a cover 83B, and a contact portion 83C.

[0108] Two extensions 83A are spaced apart in the Y direction and extend in the X direction respectively. A connecting pin (not shown) is formed at the +X end of each extension 83A. This connecting pin connects to a connecting hole (not shown) in the rib 84. Thus, the pressing rod 83 can rotate about this connecting pin.

[0109] The cover 83B connects to the -X direction ends of the two extensions 83A in the Y direction. Additionally, the cover 83B is mounted to the +Z direction end of the helical spring 85.

[0110] The contact portion 83C is a part that protrudes from the center of the cover portion 83B in the Y direction towards the +Z direction. In addition, the contact portion 83C is formed into a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the Y direction.

[0111] The pressing rod 83 is pressed in the +Z direction by the helical spring 85. Furthermore, the contact portion 83C is connected from the -Z direction to the curved wall 99 (described later). Figure 9 ) contact, thereby placing the first support 96 ( Figure 9 Press in the +Z direction.

[0112] like Figure 8 As shown, the support portion 94 includes a first support 96 that rotatably holds the reduction roller 52 and a second support 114 that swingably holds the first support 96. In other words, the support portion 94 rotatably holds the reduction roller 52. Furthermore, the support portion 94 engages with the engaging portion 172 and the second limiting portion 182 described later. Figure 7 )touch.

[0113] The support section 94 is stored in the storage section 70. Figure 7Furthermore, at least the +Z direction portion of the support portion 94 extends from the base guide 62. Figure 7 It protrudes outwards.

[0114] Here, the reduction roller 52, torque limiter 55, bracket 94, and guide plate 142 (described later) are collectively referred to as the disassembly unit 90. The disassembly unit 90 can be installed and detached from the storage unit 70. In other words, the bracket 94 is provided in the storage unit 70 in a detachable manner.

[0115] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first bracket 96 includes a roller receiving portion 98, a pinch portion 104, a connecting pin 108, and a knob 112. Furthermore, the first bracket 96 holds the reduction roller 52 and the torque limiter 55.

[0116] The roller receiving section 98 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and has a curved wall 99, a left side wall 101 and a right side wall 102. The curved wall 99 is formed to receive a portion of the deceleration roller 52.

[0117] A pinch portion 104 is provided on the roller receiving portion 98 and is elastically deformable in the Y direction. A connecting pin 108 protrudes from the pinch portion 104 in both the +Y and -Y directions. The drawing of the connecting pin 108 in the -Y direction is omitted. Through the elastic deformation of the pinch portion 104, the connecting pin 108 is connected to the left frame 116 and right frame 117, which will be described later. Thus, the first support 96 can rotate relative to the second support 114.

[0118] The knob 112 is located on the right side wall 102. When the knob 112 is subjected to an external force, the external force is transmitted to the roller receiving part 98 and the pinching part 104, thereby causing the roller receiving part 98 and the pinching part 104 to rotate around the connecting pin 108.

[0119] Furthermore, by operating knob 112 in the direction containing the -Z component, the reduction roller 52 is moved away from the feed roller 46. Figure 3 ).

[0120] like Figure 10 As shown, as an example, the second support 114 includes a front frame 115, a left frame 116, a right frame 117, and an upper frame 118. The space surrounded by the front frame 115, the left frame 116, the right frame 117, and the upper frame 118 is designated as an opening 125.

[0121] The front frame 115 is positioned relative to the center of the second bracket 114 in both the -X and -Z directions. Furthermore, the front frame 115 extends along the Y direction. The lower end of the coil spring 146, described later, contacts the front frame 115.

[0122] The left frame 116 is a wall section that stands upright along the XZ plane and is connected to the end of the front frame 115 in the -Y direction. The end of the left frame 116 in the -Z direction is formed to be able to connect with the bottom wall 72 and the front wall 75. Figure 7 The shape of the surface contact. Tenons 119 are provided at positions in the -X and -Z directions of the left frame 116.

[0123] The tenon 119 is cylindrical and protrudes from the left frame 116 in the -Y direction. A connecting hole (not shown) is formed in the +X and +Z directions of the left frame 116.

[0124] The right frame 117 has longitudinal walls 117A and 117B spaced apart along the Y direction. Longitudinal walls 117A and 117B are upright along the XZ plane. Longitudinal wall 117A is connected to the -Y end of the front frame 115. Longitudinal wall 117B is located in the +Y direction relative to longitudinal wall 117A. The -X and -Z directions of portions of longitudinal wall 117A and longitudinal wall 117B are connected via a bottom wall 117C.

[0125] A window portion 122 is formed by the longitudinal walls 117A, 117B and the bottom wall 117C. It is housed in the storage section 70 by the second bracket 114. Figure 7 In the state where the window portion 122 is in and the guide plate 142 is not installed, the mounting plate 82 ( Figure 7 It protrudes in the -X direction. This allows the guide plate 142 to be fixed to the mounting plate 82.

[0126] Viewed from the Z direction, the upper frame 118 is formed in a U-shape that opens towards the -X direction. In addition, the upper frame 118 covers the left frame 116 and the right frame 117 from the +Z direction.

[0127] A connecting hole 126 is formed at a position in the +X and +Z directions of the longitudinal wall 117A. Figure 9 Tenons 128 are provided at positions in the -X and -Z directions of the longitudinal wall 117B. Figure 9 The tenon 128 is cylindrical and protrudes from the longitudinal wall 117B in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the tenon 128 is positioned on the same axis as the tenon 119.

[0128] Tenon 119 and tenon 128 are examples of engaged portions located at both ends of the second bracket 114 in the Y direction.

[0129] like Figure 9 As shown, two protrusions 132 are provided at the end of the upper frame 118 in the +X direction. The two protrusions 132 are arranged at intervals along the Y direction.

[0130] The protrusion 132 is L-shaped when viewed from the Y direction and can elastically deform in the X direction. The protrusion 132 can maintain its position relative to the edge 88. Figure 7 The contact state of the protrusion 132 swings relative to the edge 88. In other words, from the Y direction, the protrusion 132 becomes the fulcrum for the swing of the support portion 94.

[0131] A pressing part 136 is provided at the position between the longitudinal wall 117A and the longitudinal wall 117B of the upper frame 118.

[0132] The pressing portion 136 extends from the upper frame 118 in the -Z direction. Additionally, as an example, the pressing portion 136 is formed in a cross shape when viewed from the +Z direction. A pressing surface 139 is formed at the -Z end of the pressing portion 136. The second pressing portion 156, described later... Figure 7 It contacts the pressed surface 139. Thus, the pressed part 136 is the part that is pressed in the +Z direction by the second pressing part 156.

[0133] The first support 96 and the second support 114 are connected by a connecting pin 108, etc. Moreover, the first support 96 swings when an external force is applied to it.

[0134] like Figure 10 As shown, a metal plate component 103 is mounted on the front frame 115. A threaded hole 103A is formed in the metal plate component 103. A screw 109 can be fastened into the threaded hole 103A. Here, a guide plate 142 is provided on the second bracket 114.

[0135] The guide plate 142 is disposed on the front frame 115 of the second bracket 114. In other words, the guide plate 142 is disposed on the bracket portion 94.

[0136] like Figure 3 As shown, guide plate 142 is an example of a guide portion that guides the paper P in the +A direction toward the feed roller 46. Specifically, guide plate 142 is mounted on the second bracket 114 ( Figure 10 In the state of ), the downstream end of the paper P in the +A direction is guided towards the outer peripheral surface 48A of the feed roller 46 and rising through the lifter 29.

[0137] like Figure 10 As shown, the guide plate 142 is formed into a rectangle whose dimension in the Y direction is longer than its dimension in the B direction. The guide plate 142 is mounted on the second bracket 114, and the second bracket 114 is housed in the storage section 70. Figure 7 In the state of +B, the end in the +B direction is positioned closer to the +A direction than the end in the -B direction. In the guide plate 142, the surface that the end of the paper P can contact is designated as the guide surface 142A. The tilt direction of the guide surface 142A is consistent with the tilt direction of the guide plate 142.

[0138] Two adjustment holes 143 and one hole 144 are formed at the end of the guide plate 142 in the -Z direction.

[0139] The two adjustment holes 143 are elongated holes extending along the B direction. In addition, the two adjustment holes 143 are arranged at intervals along the Y direction so as to communicate with the two threaded holes 103A.

[0140] The hole 144 is located further in the +Y direction than the adjustment hole 143 in the +Y direction, and is located at the +Y direction end of the guide plate 142.

[0141] Two flanges 147 are formed at the end of the guide plate 142 in the +B direction.

[0142] The two flange portions 147 are plate-shaped portions extending from both ends of the guide plate 142 in the Y direction toward the +A direction. The two flange portions 147 are provided with the processing section 150, which will be described later. In other words, the processing section 150 is integrally provided with the guide plate 142 and is capable of contacting the paper P.

[0143] One axial end of the coil spring 146 is mounted to the front frame 115. The coil spring 146 is capable of elastic deformation in the B direction. Thus, the coil spring 146 supports the guide plate 142 in the -B direction by contacting the end of the guide plate 142 before it is fixed, allowing it to move in the B direction.

[0144] With screw 109 loose relative to threaded hole 103A, and with the end of guide plate 142 in the -B direction in contact with helical spring 146 before fixing, helical spring 146 moves guide plate 142 toward feed roller 46. Figure 3 Press. In this state, by changing the magnitude of the external force acting on the guide plate 142, the position of the guide plate 142 in the +B direction is changed.

[0145] Processing section 150 pairs of feed rollers 46 ( Figure 3 The paper P is processed. Multiple processing units 150 are spaced apart along the Y direction in the guide plate 142. Specifically, each processing unit 150 consists of two first pads 152.

[0146] Two first pads 152 are disposed on the flange portion 147. Furthermore, viewed from the +A direction, the two first pads 152 are located relative to the outer peripheral surface 48A of the feed roller 46. Figure 3 (outside the Y direction)

[0147] The first pad 152 in the -Y direction is an example of a processing unit. The first pad 152 in the +Y direction is an example of another processing unit.

[0148] The first pad 152 is a rectangular sheet material whose dimension in the Y direction is larger than its dimension in the +A direction. As an example, the first pad 152 is made of resin. Alternatively, the first pad 152 may also be made of an elastic component such as rubber. The first pad 152 is bonded to the flange portion 147. The +B direction surface of the first pad 152, i.e., the processed surface 152A, contacts the paper P. The coefficient of friction μ1 of the processed surface 152A in contact with the paper P is set to a predetermined value.

[0149] like Figure 11 As shown, the distance between the two first pads 152 in the Y direction is smaller than the Y-direction size of the smallest paper PS among the fed papers P. Let L1 (mm) be the length corresponding to the distance from the +Y direction end face of the first pad 152 in the -Y direction to the -Y direction end face of the first pad 152 in the +Y direction. Let L2 (mm) be the length corresponding to the width of the paper PS in the Y direction. Here, L1 < L2. In other words, when the paper PS is fed in a center-aligned manner, both ends of the paper PS in the Y direction contact the two first pads 152.

[0150] Figure 12 The image shows the state of a sheet of paper P after it has been raised by the lifter 29.

[0151] The roll gap NP is formed through the contact between the feed roller 46 and the reduction roller 52. When the feed roller 46 and the reduction roller 52 are in line contact, the roll gap NP is formed as a straight line along the Y direction. When the feed roller 46 and the reduction roller 52 are in surface contact, the roll gap NP is formed as a strip with a predetermined width in the +A direction and extending along the Y direction. A virtual point C is designated as the center of the roll gap NP in the +A direction, and a tangent line passing through the outer peripheral surface 48A of the virtual point C is designated as the reference line M. The virtual point C is the separation roll gap point where the paper P is separated. A line passing through the virtual point C and orthogonal to the reference line M is designated as the perpendicular line D.

[0152] Viewed from the Y direction, the processing surface 152A extends along the baseline M.

[0153] The guide plate 142 forms an opening 49 between itself and the outer peripheral surface 48A, allowing paper P to pass through. The guide plate 142 is configured to adjust the size of the opening 49. Specifically, the opening 49 is formed between the end of the processing surface 152A in the -A direction and the outer peripheral surface 48A. The guide plate 142 is positioned on the second support 114 such that the interval d (mm) in the +B direction of the opening 49 can be adjusted. Figure 8 Furthermore, the adjustment of the interval d is performed by shifting the position of the guide plate 142 in the +B or -B direction while a spacer of a specified thickness is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 48A and the processing surface 152A.

[0154] After determining the position of guide plate 142 in the +B direction, screw 109 ( Figure 10 Install the guide plate 142 onto the second bracket 114.

[0155] exist Figure 12 In the diagram, the extended line E, representing the movement trajectory of the front end of the elevator 29 in the +A direction, is represented by a dashed line. The point where the paper P is picked up on the outer peripheral surface 48A of the feed roller 46 is designated as point K. When the elevator 29 raises a sheet of paper P, point K lies on the extended line E. Furthermore, the tangent line passing through the outer peripheral surface 48A at point K is designated as tangent line G. Tangent line G is the entry line of the paper P from the elevator 29 toward the roll gap NP. Viewed from the Y direction, tangent line G intersects the processing surface 152A. The point H represents the intersection of tangent line G and processing surface 152A.

[0156] Let L3 (mm) be the length from point H to the end of the processing surface 152A in the +A direction. The length L3 is equivalent to the distance that the paper P slides on the processing surface 152A.

[0157] like Figure 13 As shown, when multiple sheets of paper P are stacked on the lifter 29, the weight of the paper P causes it to descend, reducing the gap between the paper P and the lifter 29. In other words, the tilt angle of the paper P decreases. Therefore, point K shifts in the +X direction relative to the extension line E, and the angle between the tangent G and the reference line M decreases. Consequently, the entry angle of the paper P relative to the processing section 150 becomes shallower, and point H shifts in the +X direction. Through these effects, the length from point H to the end of the processing surface 152A in the +A direction becomes longer than the length L3 ( Figure 12 The shortest length is L4 (mm). Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the length is L4, the processing effect of the processing unit 150 on the paper P can still be obtained.

[0158] like Figure 6 As shown, in the base guide 62, an outer processing unit 167 is provided on the outer side in the Y direction relative to the processing unit 150.

[0159] The outer processing section 167 pairs of feed rollers 46 ( Figure 3 The paper P is processed. As an example, multiple outer processing sections 167 are provided at intervals along the Y direction. Specifically, the multiple outer processing sections 167 are composed of two second pads 168.

[0160] Two second gaskets 168 are attached to the upper wall portion 64 by adhesive bonding.

[0161] The second pad 168 is a rectangular sheet material whose dimension in the Y direction is larger than its dimension in the +A direction. As an example, the second pad 168 is made of resin. Alternatively, the second pad 168 may also be made of elastic materials such as rubber. The outer surface 168A of the second pad 168 in the +B direction contacts the paper P. The coefficient of friction μ2 of the outer surface 168A in contact with the paper P is set within a specified range. As an example, μ2 = μ1.

[0162] Figure 14 The arrangement of the processing unit 150 and the outer processing unit 167 is shown when viewed from the Y direction.

[0163] The outer processing surface 168A of the outer processing section 167 that contacts the paper P is located in the Z direction above the processing surface 152A of the processing section 150 that contacts the paper P.

[0164] The angle between the outer processing surface 168A and the X direction is larger than the angle between the processing surface 152A and the X direction.

[0165] like Figure 15 As shown, the second pressing part 156 is an example of a pressing part that presses the second bracket 114 in a +Z direction away from the storage part 70. The second pressing part 156 has a coil spring 157 and a cover 158.

[0166] The helical spring 157 is configured axially approximately along the Z-direction. The Z-direction end of the helical spring 157 is mounted to a portion of the base guide 62. Additionally, the helical spring 157 is positioned on both guide walls 74. Figure 7 It extends from between ) in the +Z direction.

[0167] The cover 158 is a hollow, cuboid component that is open in the -Z direction. The +Z end of the helical spring 157 is mounted on the cover 158. Thus, the helical spring 157 applies a +Z direction pressing force to the cover 158. Furthermore, the cover 158 is clamped by two guide walls 74, thereby restricting movement in the Y direction and guiding it in the Z direction.

[0168] The end of the cover 158 in the +Z direction has a contact surface 159 that is approximately along the XY plane. The contact surface 159 contacts the pressed surface 139 of the second bracket 114, thereby pressing the second bracket 114 in the +Z direction. In this way, the second pressing portion 156 presses the bracket portion 94 in the +Z direction.

[0169] like Figure 16 As shown, the release lever 162 is used to limit the second bracket 114 ( Figure 15 An example of a first limiting part that moves in the +Z direction. As an example, the release lever 162 has a shaft portion 163, an operating portion 164, and two engaging portions 172.

[0170] The shaft portion 163 is formed as a cylinder extending in the Y direction. Both ends of the shaft portion 163 in the Y direction are rotatably supported by a support portion (not shown), which is disposed on the base guide 62. Figure 15 A torsion spring (not shown) is provided on the shaft portion 163. This provides a pushing force that forces the engaging portion 172 (described later) toward the restricted position.

[0171] The operating part 164 extends radially from the end of the shaft portion 163 in the -Y direction. The end of the operating part 164 in the +Z direction is located at the base guide 62. Figure 5 The shaft 163 is exposed in the center. This allows operation of the operating part 164. By pressing the operating part 164 downwards in the -Z direction, the shaft 163 is rotated. At this time, the rotation direction of the shaft 163 is such that the two engaging parts 172 move away from the tenons 119 and 128. Figure 9 The direction of the engagement part 172 is such that the operating part 164 can be operated to make the engaging part 172 swing.

[0172] Two engaging portions 172 are spaced apart along the Y direction on the shaft portion 163. The engaging portions 172 restrict the movement of the second bracket 114 in the +Z direction by engaging with tenons 119 and 128. As an example, the engaging portion 172 has an arm portion 173 and a peak portion 174. The arm portion 173 extends radially from the shaft portion 163 and bends, and the peak portion 174 is located on the side of the arm portion 173 opposite to the shaft portion 163.

[0173] Peak 174 is a trapezoidal portion when viewed from the Y direction. Additionally, peak 174 is located in recess 93 ( Figure 7 The tip 174 is exposed on the inside of the storage section 70. Furthermore, the tip 174 is connected to the tenons 119 and 128. Figure 9 ) card.

[0174] The engaging portion 172 is configured to swing between a restricted position where the peak 174 engages with the tenon 119 and tenon 128, and a retracted position where the peak 174 retracts from the tenon 119 and tenon 128. Furthermore, in the engaged state with the tenon 119 and tenon 128, the engaging portion 172 pushes the tenon 119 and tenon 128 towards the longitudinal wall portion 76 (…). Figure 7 )Push.

[0175] like Figure 17 As shown, viewed from the Y direction, the engaging portion 172 has a first inclined surface 176 and a second inclined surface 178 formed on the peak portion 174.

[0176] The first inclined surface 176 contacts the tenon 119 and the tenon 128, and moves toward the tenon 119 and the tenon 128. Figure 9 Apply a pushing force containing a component in the -Z direction.

[0177] The second inclined surface 178 applies a pushing force, including a component in the +Z direction, to the tenon 119 and tenon 128 by contacting the tenon 119 and tenon 128.

[0178] Viewed from the +Y direction, the center point of the shaft 163 is designated as point S. The contact point between the first inclined surface 176 in the engaged state and the outer peripheral surface of the tenon 119 is designated as point T. The line orthogonal to line segment ST is designated as line A1. Furthermore, the line that extends the first inclined surface 176 is designated as line A2.

[0179] Here, relative to point T, line A2 is inclined more counterclockwise than line A1. The counterclockwise direction is the direction in which the engaging portion 172 moves away from the tenon 119 and tenon 128. That is, in the engaging portion 172, the inclination of the first inclined surface 176 is adjusted to facilitate retraction from the tenon 119 and tenon 128.

[0180] like Figure 18 As shown, with the disassembly unit 90 stored in the storage part 70, the second limiting part 182 restricts the second bracket 114 from moving in the -Z direction.

[0181] As an example, the second limiting part 182 has a limiting surface 186 provided on the storage part 70.

[0182] like Figure 9 As shown, as an example, a total of four restricted portions 184 are provided on the second bracket 114. Furthermore, in the following description, the four restricted portions 184 are sometimes distinguished as restricted portions 184A, 184B, 184C, and 184D. When the four restricted portions 184 are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as restricted portion 184.

[0183] Two of each of the four restricted portions 184 are spaced apart in both the Y and +A directions. That is, the four restricted portions 184 are configured to be located at the vertices of a rectangle having an edge in the Y direction and an edge in the +A direction.

[0184] The restricted part 184A is a protrusion that protrudes from the end of the left frame 116 in the -Z and -X directions toward the -B direction.

[0185] The restricted part 184B is a protrusion that protrudes from the end of the left frame 116 located in the -Z direction and +X direction towards the -Z direction.

[0186] The restricted portion 184C is a protrusion that protrudes from the end of the longitudinal wall 117B located in the -Z and -X directions toward the -B direction.

[0187] The restricted portion 184D is a protrusion that protrudes from the end of the longitudinal wall 117B located in the -Z direction and +X direction towards the -Z direction.

[0188] Thus, the restricted part 184B is located in the +A direction relative to the restricted part 184A. The restricted part 184C is located in the +Y direction relative to the restricted part 184A. The restricted part 184D is located in the +Y direction relative to the restricted part 184B and in the +A direction relative to the restricted part 184C.

[0189] like Figure 19 As shown, the limiting surface 186 is a surface provided on the storage part 70 and is able to contact the four limited parts 184.

[0190] As an example, the limiting surface 186 is composed of the upper surface 186A in the +Z direction of the bottom wall 72 and the upper surface 186B in the +B direction of the front wall 75.

[0191] Here, the restricted parts 184A and 184C are in contact with the upper surface 186A, and the restricted parts 184B and 184D are in contact with the upper surface 186B, thereby restricting the movement of the second support 114 in the -Z direction.

[0192] like Figure 20 As shown, the disassembly / assembly unit 90 is housed in the storage section 70. This state is designated as the stored state of the disassembly / assembly unit 90. Furthermore, the line passing through the center of the outer peripheral surface 54A of the reduction roller 52 in the Y direction and along the Z direction is designated as the center line CL.

[0193] In the stowed state, the tenon 119 engages with the engagement part 172 in the -Y direction, restricting the movement of the disassembly unit 90 in the -Y direction relative to the center line CL in the +Z direction. The tenon 128 engages with the engagement part 172 in the +Y direction, restricting the movement of the disassembly unit 90 in the +Y direction relative to the center line CL in the +Z direction.

[0194] Furthermore, the four restricted portions 184 of the second support 114 ( Figure 9 ) through the constraint surface 186 ( Figure 19 It is restricted from moving in the -Z direction due to contact.

[0195] In this way, when the unit is stowed, the movement of the disassembly / assembly unit 90 in the +Z and -Z directions is restricted.

[0196] Next, the replacement of the feed roller 46 and the reduction roller 52 will be explained. It should be noted that, for each component, the description of individual reference numerals in the accompanying drawings is sometimes omitted.

[0197] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, when replacing the feed roller 46 and the reduction roller 52, open the paper feed tray 21 and remove the roller cover 36. Release the pressing state of the feed roller 46 by pressing the knob 112 of the first bracket 96. Then, remove the feed roller 46 in the -Y direction.

[0198] Next, as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, by releasing the operation of the operating part 164, the engaging part 172 moves to a retracted position away from the second bracket 114. At this time, the pressing force of the second pressing part 156 acts on the second bracket 114, thereby causing the disassembly unit 90 to float in the +Z direction. Then, the disassembly unit 90 is removed.

[0199] Next, as Figure 9 As shown, the first bracket 96 is removed from the second bracket 114 by operating the pinch part 104. At this time, the reduction roller 52 and the torque limiter 55 are also removed. Then, a new first bracket 96, reduction roller 52, and torque limiter 55 are installed on the second bracket 114.

[0200] like Figure 18 , Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 As shown, when the disassembly unit 90 is installed on the base guide 62, the disassembly unit 90 is housed in the storage portion 70. Furthermore, when an external force F is applied to the disassembly unit 90, the tenons 119 and 128, from their contact with the +Z direction end and peak 174 of the longitudinal wall portion 76, press the peak 174 towards the +X direction. As a result, the engaging portion 172 rotates in the +X direction, allowing the tenons 119 and 128 to move in the -Z direction. Guided by the contact surface 77, the tenons 119 and 128 move in the -Z direction, causing the engaging portion 172 to rotate in the -X direction. Thus, the engaging portion 172 engages with the tenons 119 and 128. In this way, the disassembly unit 90 is installed on the base guide 62.

[0201] Next, with the knob 112 of the first bracket 96 pressed, the feed roller 46 is installed. Then, the replacement operation is completed by installing the roller cover 36 onto the door 17.

[0202] Next, the functions of the feeding unit 50 and the printer 10 will be explained. It should be noted that, for each component, the description of individual reference numerals in the accompanying drawings is sometimes omitted.

[0203] According to the feeding unit 50, when the second support 114 is about to move in the +Z direction due to contact with the second support 114 or the guide plate 142 at the downstream end of the paper P, the release rod 162 restricts the second support 114 from moving in the +Z direction.

[0204] Furthermore, when a piece of paper P thicker than a specified thickness enters the roll gap NP formed by the feed roller 46 and the deceleration roller 52, the first support 96 oscillates as the deceleration roller 52 moves in the -Z direction. This makes it possible for a force in the -Z direction to be applied to the second support 114, but when the second support 114 attempts to move in the -Z direction, at least one of the plurality of restricted portions 184 contacts the restricting surface 186 of the second restricting portion 182, thereby restricting the movement of the second support 114 in the -Z direction.

[0205] These actions can suppress the position of the second support 114 from shifting in the +Z or -Z direction.

[0206] According to the feeding unit 50, at both ends of the second bracket 114 in the Y direction, the engaging portion 172 engages with the tenon 119 and the tenon 128, thereby restricting the movement of the second bracket 114 in the +Z direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration that only restricts one part of the second bracket 114 in the Y direction, unnecessary torque is less likely to act on the second bracket 114 when restricting its movement, thus suppressing changes in the posture of the second bracket 114.

[0207] According to the feeding unit 50, compared with the configuration of sliding of the first limiting part, the range of motion of the release rod 162 can be reduced, so the feeding unit 50 can be miniaturized.

[0208] According to the supply unit 50, the operation of swinging the release lever 162 can be easily performed by having the operation part 164.

[0209] According to the feeding unit 50, the first inclined surface 176 contacts the tenons 119 and 128, thereby applying a pushing force including a component in the -Z direction to the tenons 119 and 128. As a result, the second bracket 114 is easily held in the storage part 70.

[0210] Furthermore, the second inclined surface 178 contacts the tenons 119 and 128, thereby applying a pushing force including a +Z direction component to the tenons 119 and 128. As a result, the second bracket 114 can be easily detached from the storage portion 70.

[0211] According to the feeding unit 50, since the tenons 119 and 128 are clamped by the engaging part 172 and the longitudinal wall part 76 and are not easy to move, the misalignment of the tenons 119 and 128 in the X direction when the engaging part 172 engages with the tenons 119 and 128 can be suppressed.

[0212] According to the feeding unit 50, the deceleration roller 52 is brought closer to the supply roller 46 by the pressing force applied to the first support 96 from the first pressing part 80. As a result, even when a thicker piece of paper P enters the roll gap NP between the supply roller 46 and the deceleration roller 52, the paper P can be easily processed by the deceleration roller 52.

[0213] According to the feeding unit 50, with the second support 114 housed in the storage section 70, the position of the guide plate 142 can be adjusted relative to the second support 114. This allows for easy adjustment of the gap d formed by the outer peripheral surface 48A of the feeding roller 46 and the guide plate 142.

[0214] According to the supply unit 50, by making the processing unit 150 and the guide plate 142 integrally arranged, compared with the configuration where the processing unit 150 and the guide plate 142 are separately arranged, misalignment between the processing unit 150 and the guide plate 142 can be suppressed.

[0215] Here, the size of the opening 49 is adjusted by changing the position of the guide plate 142 relative to the feed roller 46, so that the number of sheets of paper P supplied to the feed roller 46 through the opening 49 can be limited to a specified number.

[0216] Furthermore, when adjusting the size of the opening 49, since the processing unit 150 and the guide plate 142 are integrally provided, not only the position of the guide plate 142 relative to the feed roller 46 is adjusted, but also the position of the processing unit 150 relative to the feed roller 46. In other words, the distance d between the feed roller 46 and the processing unit 150 is also adjusted according to the size of the opening 49. As a result, a predetermined load is applied to the paper P clamped by the feed roller 46 and the processing unit 150, thus suppressing the reduction in the effect of the processing unit 150 on the paper P.

[0217] According to the feeding unit 50, one side of the paper P fed toward the feeding roller 46 relative to the center in the Y direction contacts the first pad 152 in the -Y direction, and the other side contacts the first pad 152 in the +Y direction. Therefore, compared with the configuration where the processing unit 150 only contacts one part of the paper P, the skewness of the paper P relative to the +A direction can be suppressed.

[0218] According to the feeding unit 50, since the feeding roller 46 and the processing unit 150 do not contact the same position in the Y direction of the paper P, it is possible to suppress the situation where a part of the paper P is more easily worn than other parts.

[0219] According to the feeding unit 50, since the processing unit 150 is configured to contact even the smallest size paper PS, all sizes of paper P that can be fed in the feeding unit 50 can be processed in the processing unit 150.

[0220] According to the feeding unit 50, the nip portion NP is formed by the supply roller 46 and the reduction roller 52. Therefore, the position where the downstream end of the paper P initially contacts the outer peripheral surface 48A and the position of the virtual point C are offset in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 48A. As a result, since the direction of the tangent at each position is different, the paper P, which moves forward as the supply roller 46 rotates, changes its direction of travel by contacting the processing unit 150 and moves towards the nip portion NP.

[0221] Here, since the processing surface 152A of the processing unit 150 extends along the reference line M, compared to a configuration where the processing surface 152A is in a direction different from the reference line M, the processing unit 150 has more opportunities to contact the paper P, and it is easier to guide the paper P to the roll gap NP. As a result, the processing unit 150 can improve its effectiveness in processing the paper P moving toward the roll gap NP.

[0222] According to the feeding unit 50, the reduction roller 52 can be replaced by detaching the support part 94 from the storage part 70.

[0223] According to the feeding unit 50, since the reduction roller 52 and the guide plate 142 are provided in the support part 94, the positional accuracy of the guide plate 142 relative to the reduction roller 52 can be improved compared with the configuration where the guide plate 142 is provided in a different part than the support part 94.

[0224] Based on the same principle as a cantilever beam, the farther the paper P being fed is from the center in the Y direction, the easier it is for it to droop downwards in the Z direction.

[0225] According to the feeding unit 50, the outer processing surface 168A, located outside in the Y direction, is positioned above the processing surface 152A in the Z direction. Therefore, even if the two ends of the paper P in the Y direction droop, the two ends of the paper P are lifted upwards while being processed by the outer processing surface 168A, thus making it easy to process the two ends of the paper P in the Y direction.

[0226] According to the feeding unit 50, by having multiple outer processing surfaces 168A, the contact opportunities between the paper P and the outer processing section 167 are increased, thereby improving the processing performance of the outer processing section 167 on the paper P.

[0227] According to the printer 10, the same function and effect as any of the above-mentioned feeding units 50 can be obtained.

[0228] Implementation Method 2

[0229] Hereinafter, the feeding unit 190 of Embodiment 2 will be described in detail. In addition, for configurations that are the same as those of the printer 10 and feeding unit 50 in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be used, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0230] like Figure 21 As shown, the feeding unit 190 is an example of a feeding device for feeding paper P. Furthermore, the feeding unit 190 replaces the feeding unit 50 ( Figure 4 The processing unit 192 is provided in the processing unit 150 of the supply unit 50. The configuration other than the processing unit 192 is the same as that of the supply unit 50.

[0231] The processing section 192 has processing surfaces 194A and 196A arranged along the +A direction and in contact with the paper P. Specifically, the processing section 192 has a multi-layer structure in which the lower pad 194 and the upper pad 196 are overlapped and bonded in the B direction.

[0232] The lower liner 194 is a rectangular sheet material whose dimension in the Y direction is larger than its dimension in the +A direction. As an example, the lower liner 194 is made of resin. Alternatively, the lower liner 194 may also be made of an elastic component such as rubber. The lower liner 194 is bonded to the flange portion 147. Figure 10 The surface of the lower pad 194 in the +B direction, i.e., the treatment surface 194A, contacts the paper P. Treatment surface 194A is one example of multiple treatment surfaces. As an example, the coefficient of friction μ3 of treatment surface 194A in contact with the paper P is set to the same value as the coefficient of friction μ1.

[0233] The upper pad 196 is a rectangular plate with a dimension in the Y direction larger than that in the +A direction. Except for its size, the upper pad 196 has the same structure as the lower pad 194.

[0234] The Y-direction dimension of the upper pad 196 is the same as that of the lower pad 194. The +A-direction dimension of the upper pad 196 is smaller than that of the lower pad 194. The upper pad 196 overlaps and bonds with the lower pad 194 from the +B direction with its -A-direction end face aligned with the -A-direction end face of the lower pad 194.

[0235] The surface of the upper pad 196 in the +B direction, i.e., the treatment surface 196A, contacts the paper P. Treatment surface 196A is one example of multiple treatment surfaces. As an example, the coefficient of friction μ4 of treatment surface 196A in contact with the paper P is set to the same value as the coefficient of friction μ1.

[0236] Thus, processing surface 194A is located in the -B direction and the +A direction relative to processing surface 196A.

[0237] Here, according to the feeding unit 190, by having a processing surface 194A and a processing surface 196A, compared with a configuration where there is only one processing surface, the contact opportunity between the paper P and the processing unit 192 is increased, and therefore, the processing performance of the processing unit 192 on the paper P can be improved.

[0238] As an example, when four sheets of paper P are fed, firstly, the paper P is separated from four sheets into three sheets in the upper pad 196. Next, the paper P is separated from three sheets into two sheets in the lower pad 194. Finally, the paper P is separated from two sheets into one sheet in the roll gap NP. In this way, pretreatment is performed upstream in the +A direction relative to the roll gap NP.

[0239] Variations

[0240] The feeding units 50 and 190 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention have basically the configuration described above. However, it is of course possible to make changes or omissions to some configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0241] like Figure 22 As shown, the processing unit 198 of the modified example can also be used.

[0242] The processing unit 198 has a first plate portion 198A and a second plate portion 198B arranged along the +A direction, and they are integrally formed. Viewed from the Y direction, the extending directions of the first plate portion 198A and the second plate portion 198B have different angles relative to the +A direction. The corner of the second plate portion 198B is located in the -A direction and the +B direction relative to the corner of the first plate portion 198A. Thus, by providing multiple processing units arranged along the +A direction, the contact opportunities between the paper P and the processing units can be increased.

[0243] Other variations

[0244] In the feeding unit 50, either the tenon 119 and the engaging portion 172 in the -Y direction, or the tenon 128 and the engaging portion 172 in the +Y direction, may be omitted. The release lever 162 is not limited to swinging; it may also slide in one direction. The release lever 162 may also lack the operating portion 164. The engaging portion 172 may also lack the second inclined surface 178. The longitudinal wall portion 76 may also be omitted. The first pressing portion 80 may also be omitted.

[0245] The configuration in which multiple restricted parts 184 are provided in both the Y direction and the +A direction means that there are multiple restricted parts when viewed from either the +A or Y direction. In other words, the number of restricted parts 184 is not limited to four, but can also be three or more than five.

[0246] In the feeding unit 50, the number of processing units 150, 190, 198 and the outer processing unit 167 in the Y direction is not limited to two; it can be one or more. Furthermore, the width in the Y direction, the length in the +A direction, and the thickness in the +B direction of the processing units 150, 190, 198 and the outer processing unit 167 can be different from those in the above embodiment. Alternatively, the outer processing unit 167 may not be provided.

[0247] The spacing in the Y direction of processing sections 150, 190, and 198 can also be larger than the Y direction spacing of the paper PS. Processing surface 152A may not extend along the baseline M.

[0248] The guide plate 142 may also be located on a different component than the second support 114. Viewed from the +A direction, a portion of the processing sections 150, 190, and 198 may also be located inside the Y direction relative to the outer peripheral surface 48A of the feed roller 46.

Claims

1. A feeding device, characterized in that, have: Medium stacking section, for stacking media; The lifting unit enables the medium in the medium stacking unit to be displaced in the stacking direction; A rotating component supplies the medium, which has risen through the lifting unit, in the feeding direction; A guide portion guides the downstream end of the medium that rises through the lifting portion in the supply direction toward the rotating component; as well as The processing unit processes the medium supplied toward the rotating component. The guide portion forms an opening between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component, allowing the medium to pass through, and is configured to allow adjustment of the size of the opening. The processing unit and the guiding unit are integrally formed. The feeding device is equipped with a reduction roller, which forms a roller gap by contacting the outer peripheral surface. The tangent of the outer peripheral surface passing through the virtual point at the center of the feeding direction of the roller gap is used as a reference line, and the processing surface of the processing unit that contacts the medium extends along the reference line.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of processing units are provided at intervals along the width of the medium, which intersects the feeding direction. When viewed from the feeding direction, one of the processing units is located on one side relative to the center of the rotation component in the width direction, and the other processing units are located on the other side relative to the center of the rotation component in the width direction.

3. The feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When viewed from the feeding direction, the plurality of processing units are located outside the width direction relative to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component.

4. The feeding device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The width-direction spacing between one of the processing units and the other processing units is smaller than the width-direction spacing of the smallest-sized medium among the supplied media.

5. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The support portion rotatably holds the reduction roller; and Storage section, for housing the support section. The support portion is detachably mounted on the storage portion.

6. The feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide portion is disposed on the bracket portion.

7. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit has a plurality of processing surfaces arranged along the feeding direction and in contact with the medium.

8. A feeding device, characterized in that, have: Medium stacking section, for stacking media; The lifting unit enables the medium in the medium stacking unit to be displaced in the stacking direction; A rotating component supplies the medium, which has risen through the lifting unit, in the feeding direction; A guide portion guides the downstream end of the medium that rises through the lifting portion in the supply direction toward the rotating component; as well as The processing unit processes the medium supplied toward the rotating component. The guide portion forms an opening between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component, allowing the medium to pass through, and is configured to allow adjustment of the size of the opening. The processing unit and the guiding unit are integrally formed. In the width direction of the medium intersecting the feeding direction, an outer processing section is provided on the outer side of the processing section to process the medium fed toward the rotating member. The outer processing surface of the outer processing unit that contacts the medium is located higher in the vertical direction than the processing surface of the processing unit that contacts the medium.

9. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and The recording unit records on the medium supplied from the feeding device.

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