Size-adjustable paper feeder

Abstract

An adjustable paper feeder includes a paper feeding module, an extension channel fixed to the paper feeding module, and an angle-adjustable support. The outlet of the extension channel is connected to the paper inlet of the paper feeding module. A guide plate is hinged to the bottom of the inlet of the extension channel. The guide plate is telescopic. The paper feeding module is supported on the top of the printer by the angle-adjustable support, which allows adjustment of the angle between the paper outlet of the paper feeding module and the horizontal plane. In the installed state, the angle-adjustable support is installed on the top of the printer, on both sides of the printer's paper output channel. The extension channel is placed inside the printer's paper output channel, and the extension channel abuts against the bottom of the printer's paper outlet via the guide plate, connecting the printer's paper outlet to the paper inlet of the paper feeding module through the guide plate and the extension channel. This invention can adapt to different distances and angles between the paper outlet of self-service printing equipment and the printer's paper outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printers, and in particular to a size-adjustable paper feeder. Background Technology

[0002] There is a self-service printing device that uses a closed casing around the printer with a paper output port on the casing. By connecting to the printer via a QR code, self-service printing can be provided for a fee or free. However, since most printers on the market, whether desktop or floor-standing, are designed for standalone use, their paper output ports are positioned for easy access. There is usually a gap between the paper output port on the self-service printing device's casing and the printer's paper output port. To allow the printed paper to exit from the self-service printing device's casing, a paper feeder is needed. The paper feeder, with its own power, can transport the printed paper over a distance, thus connecting the printer's paper output port and the self-service printing device's paper output port.

[0003] However, the shapes of self-service printing equipment on the market vary, which makes it impossible to standardize the distance between the paper output port of the self-service printing equipment and the paper output port of the printer. This results in different shapes of self-service printing equipment requiring additional customization of corresponding paper feeders, which greatly increases the design and production costs of self-service printing equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an adjustable paper feeder that can adapt to different distances and angles between the paper output port of a self-service printing device and the paper output port of a printer. It is suitable for printing devices where the paper output port is located on top of the printer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this invention first proposes a size-adjustable paper feeder, including a paper feeding module, an extension channel fixed to the paper feeding module, and an angle-adjustable support base. The width of the extension channel is not greater than the width of the printer's paper output channel. The outlet of the extension channel is connected to the paper inlet of the paper feeding module. A guide plate is hinged to the bottom of the inlet of the extension channel. The guide plate is a telescopic guide plate. Angle-adjustable support bases are installed on both sides of the paper feeding module. The paper feeding module is supported on the top of the printer by the angle-adjustable support bases, and the paper output of the paper feeding module can be adjusted by the angle-adjustable support bases. The angle between the paper outlet and the horizontal plane is adjusted. One fixed end of the angle-adjustable support is fixed to the paper feeding module, and the other fixed end is supported on the top of the printer. The two fixed ends of the angle-adjustable support are connected by a rotatable and lockable movable part. The angle between the paper outlet of the paper feeding module and the horizontal plane is adjusted by the movable part. In the installed state, the angle-adjustable support is installed on the top of the printer and on both sides of the printer's paper output channel. The extension channel is placed inside the printer's paper output channel. The extension channel abuts against the bottom of the printer's paper outlet through a guide plate so that the printer's paper outlet is connected to the paper inlet of the paper feeding module through the guide plate and the extension channel.

[0006] In this embodiment, the paper feeding module includes an upper feeding plate and a lower feeding plate. One end of the upper feeding plate is fixed to the paper feeding module by an upper fixing plate, and one end of the lower feeding plate is fixed to the paper feeding module by a lower fixing plate. A guide plate is hinged to the other end of the lower feeding plate by a damping hinge.

[0007] In this embodiment, the guide plate includes a support plate and an adjusting plate. The support plate is hinged to the lower paperboard via a damping hinge. The support plate is provided with multiple guide grooves arranged along the paper conveying direction. The adjusting plate is fixed with bolts at positions corresponding to the guide grooves. The adjusting plate is slidably installed in the guide grooves via bolts. Nuts with an outer diameter larger than the width of the guide grooves are threaded onto the bolts. The relative position of the adjusting plate and the support plate is achieved by locking the nuts.

[0008] In this embodiment, a connecting plate is hinged to the other end of the upper paperboard. Guide rails arranged along the paper feeding direction are installed on both sides of the connecting plate. The two sides of the clamping plate are slidably installed in the guide rails. One end of the clamping plate is provided with a return spring connected to the connecting plate, and the other end is an L-shaped hook for clamping on the side of the printer.

[0009] As one embodiment of the angle-adjustable support, the angle-adjustable support includes a first module support and a second module support. The first module support is fixed on the paper feeding module, and both sides of the first module support extend symmetrically from both sides of the paper feeding module to form first connecting plates. The two first connecting plates are arranged opposite each other and have arc-shaped grooves. The second module support includes a base plate supported on the top of the printer and a second connecting plate fixed on the base plate for connecting with the first connecting plates. The second connecting plate is arranged perpendicularly to the base plate. An adjustment groove is provided on the second connecting plate in a vertical direction. The second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by bolts that pass through both the adjustment groove and the arc-shaped groove. Nuts are threaded onto the bolts. The relative position of the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate is achieved by locking the nuts. The adjustment groove, the arc-shaped groove, the bolts, and the nuts constitute the movable part.

[0010] In the above embodiment, an adhesive layer is fixed to the bottom of the base plate of the second module support, and the second module support is fixed to the top surface of the printer by the adhesive layer.

[0011] As another embodiment of the angle-adjustable support, the angle-adjustable support includes a first module support and a second module support. The first module support is fixed on the paper feeding module, and the two sides of the first module support extend symmetrically from the two sides of the paper feeding module to form first connecting plates. The two first connecting plates are arranged opposite each other and have stepped grooves. The second module support includes a base plate supported on the top of the printer and a second connecting plate fixed on the base plate for connecting with the first connecting plates. The second connecting plate is arranged perpendicular to the base plate and has through holes. The second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by bolts that pass through both the through holes and the stepped grooves. Nuts are threaded onto the bolts. The relative positions of the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are achieved by locking the nuts. The stepped grooves, through holes, bolts, and nuts constitute the movable part.

[0012] In the above embodiments, the stepped groove includes a vertically arranged straight groove and a plurality of horizontal grooves arranged in parallel to each other and connected to the straight groove.

[0013] In the above embodiment, an adhesive layer is fixed to the bottom of the base plate of the second module support, and the second module support is fixed to the top surface of the printer by the adhesive layer.

[0014] With the above structure, this device has the following advantages:

[0015] (1) The upper and lower paperboards of this device form an extended paper channel, thereby guiding the paper from the printer's paper outlet to the paper feeding module. Then, the paper feeding rollers in the paper feeding module are used to achieve relay transmission, ensuring that the paper can be guided from the printer's paper outlet to the paper outlet of the self-service printing equipment through this device. By adjusting the angle-adjustable support, the height and angle of the paper feeding module of this device can be adjusted to adapt to different distances and angles between the paper outlet of the self-service printing equipment and the printer's paper outlet.

[0016] (2) The angle-adjustable support base of this device includes a first module support and a second module support. The relative height of the paper feeding module and the angle between the paper feeding module's paper outlet and the horizontal plane can be adjusted by the angle-adjustable support base. Specifically, during adjustment, first hold the paper feeding module and use the paper feeding module to drive the first connecting plate to move in the arc groove and / or adjustment groove using bolts, thereby adjusting the height and angle of the paper feeding module. After adjustment, lock the relative positions of the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate with nuts to complete the adjustment. The angle-adjustable support base ensures that the position of the paper outlet of the paper feeding module is connected to the paper outlet of the self-service printing equipment, thereby adapting to different distances and angles between the paper outlet of the self-service printing equipment and the paper outlet of the printer.

[0017] (3) This device is equipped with a clamping plate. The clamping plate is connected to the upper paperboard by a return spring to ensure that the clamping plate can slide in the guide rail. The purpose of the clamping plate is to provide auxiliary connection. Since the overall weight of the paper feeding module is relatively heavy, when it is supported on the top surface of the printer by the angle adjustable support, the clamping plate is fixed on the side of the printer away from the paper feeding module by the angle adjustable support, and in conjunction with the guide plate, the balance of the paper feeding module is further maintained, ensuring the stability of the device during long-term use.

[0018] (4) The bottom of the base plate of the second module support is fixed with an adhesive layer. The second module support 3 is fixed to the top surface of the printer by the adhesive layer. Of course, the base plate of the second module support can also be connected to the printer by screws. The adhesive method can prevent damage to the printer. When fixing, by increasing the size of the base plate or changing the shape of the base plate, the contact area between the adjustable support base and the top surface of the printer is increased, ensuring that the paper feeding module can be stably fixed on the printer and ensuring the stability of the support. After avoiding interference with other modules in the machine. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The three-dimensional representation of the present invention Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 2 The three-dimensional representation of the present invention Figure 2 .

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the angle-adjustable support base of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention installed on a printer.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the invention mounted on a printer.

[0024] In the attached diagram: 1. Paper feeding module; 2. First module support; 3. Second module support; 4. Upper fixing plate; 5. Lower fixing plate; 6. Upper paperboard feeder; 7. Lower paperboard feeder; 8. Clamping plate; 9. Damping hinge; 10. Guide rail; 11. Return spring; 12. Printer; 13. Support plate; 14. Adjustment plate. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0027] Example 1:

[0028] Please see Figures 1-5 An adjustable paper feeder includes a paper feeding module 1, an extension channel, and an angle-adjustable support. The extension channel includes an upper feed plate 6 and a lower feed plate 7. The angle-adjustable support includes a first module support 2 and a second module support 3. After the upper feed plate 6 and lower feed plate 7 are fixed to the paper feeding module 1 by an upper fixing plate 4 and a lower fixing plate 5 respectively, an extension channel for paper is formed between them. This guides paper from the printer's output port into the paper feeding module 1. The paper feed rollers within the paper feeding module 1 then relay the paper, ensuring it is fed from the printer's output port to the self-service printing equipment's output port. The aforementioned paper feeding module 1 is existing technology. Its function is as follows: when paper touches or approaches the edge of the paper feeding module 1, the module senses the paper and activates, sucking the paper in from the inlet and delivering it from the outlet via the feed rollers, thus achieving relay delivery of paper from the printer's output port into the self-service printing equipment.

[0029] Specifically:

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the paper feeding module 1 includes an upper feeding plate 6 and a lower feeding plate 7. One end of the upper feeding plate 6 is fixed to the paper feeding module 1 via an upper fixing plate 4, and one end of the lower feeding plate 7 is fixed to the paper feeding module 1 via a lower fixing plate 5. A guide plate is hinged to the other end of the lower feeding plate 7 via a damping hinge 9. The guide plate includes a support plate 13 and an adjusting plate 14. The support plate 13 is hinged to the lower feeding plate 7 via the damping hinge 9. The support plate 13 is provided with multiple guide grooves arranged along the paper feeding direction. The bottom of the adjusting plate 14 corresponds to the guide grooves. The position is fixed by bolts. The adjusting plate 14 is slidably installed in the guide groove by bolts. The bolts are threaded with nuts with an outer diameter greater than the width of the guide groove. The relative position of the adjusting plate 14 and the support plate 13 is achieved by locking the nuts. The other end of the upper feeding paperboard 6 is hinged to a connecting plate. The two sides of the connecting plate are equipped with guide rails 10 arranged along the paper feeding direction. The two sides of the clamping plate 8 are slidably installed in the guide rails 10. One end of the clamping plate 8 is provided with a return spring 11 connected to the connecting plate, and the other end is an L-shaped hook for clamping on the side of the printer 12. In this embodiment, the clamping plate 8 is connected to the upper paperboard 6 by the return spring 11 to ensure that the clamping plate 8 can slide in the guide rail 10. The purpose of the clamping plate 8 is to provide auxiliary connection. Since the paper feeding module 1 is self-powered and has a relatively heavy overall weight, when it is supported on the top surface of the printer 12 by the angle adjustable support, the clamping plate 8 is fixed on the side of the printer 12 away from the paper feeding module 1 by the angle adjustable support, in conjunction with the guide plate, to further maintain balance and prevent the stability of the device from being compromised during long-term use.

[0031] The angle-adjustable support base includes a first module support 2 and a second module support 3. The first module support 2 is fixed to the paper feeding module 1, and its two sides extend symmetrically from both sides of the paper feeding module 1 to form first connecting plates. The two first connecting plates are arranged opposite each other and parallel to each other, and each has an arc-shaped groove. The second module support 3 includes a base plate supported on the top of the printer 12 and a second connecting plate fixed on the base plate for connection with the first connecting plates. The second connecting plate is arranged perpendicular to the base plate and has an adjustment groove arranged vertically. The second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by bolts that pass through both the adjustment groove and the arc-shaped groove. Nuts are threaded onto the bolts, and the relative position of the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate is achieved by tightening the nuts. An adhesive layer is fixed to the bottom of the base plate of the second module support 3, and the second module support 3 is fixed to the top surface of the printer 12 by the adhesive layer. Alternatively, the base plate of the second module support 3 can also be connected to the printer 12 by screws, but the adhesive method ensures that the printer 12 is not damaged.

[0032] With the above structure, when fixed, the large contact area between the bottom plate of the second module support 33 and the top surface of the printer 12 ensures that the paper feeding module 1 can be stably fixed on the printer 12 and has a suitable spatial posture, while avoiding interference with other modules in the machine.

[0033] By using the cooperation of the first module support 2 and the second module support 3, the relative height of the paper feeding module 1 and the angle between the paper output port of the paper feeding module 1 and the horizontal plane can be adjusted. Specifically, during adjustment, first hold the paper feeding module 1 and use the paper feeding module 1 to drive the first connecting plate to move in the arc groove and / or adjustment groove using bolts, thereby adjusting the height and angle of the paper feeding module 1. After adjustment, lock the relative position of the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate with nuts to complete the adjustment. The angle-adjustable support base ensures that the position of the paper output port of the paper feeding module 1 is connected to the paper output port of the self-service printing equipment.

[0034] In use, first fix the angle-adjustable support base, select a suitable position, and fix the base plate of the second module support to the top surface of the printer. Then, adjust the angle between the first and second module supports so that the paper output port of the paper feeding module 1 connects with the paper output port of the self-service printing equipment. Next, use the damping hinge 9 to adjust the adjustment plate 14 to a suitable angle and position it. Then, extend and retract the support plate 13 so that the extended length of the support plate 13 just abuts against the lower end of the printer's paper output port. Finally, use the clips to attach the clamping plate to the side of the printer to further fix the device. After the device is connected, the paper coming out of the printer's paper output port first falls on the adjustment plate 14, and then is fed into the extended channel formed between the upper and lower paper feeding plates through the paper feeding mechanism inside the printer. The paper is then guided into the paper inlet of the paper feeding module 1 through the extended channel, and finally, the paper is delivered from the paper output port of the self-service printing equipment through the paper feeding roller of the paper feeding module 1 with additional power.

[0035] Example 2:

[0036] like Figure 3The attached figure is for Embodiment 2 of this device. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the angle-adjustable support is different. To ensure that the paper feeding module 1 will not loosen due to vibration or other reasons, a stepped groove is provided on the first connecting plate, and a through hole is provided on the second connecting plate. The second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by bolts that pass through both the through hole and the stepped groove. A nut is threaded onto the bolt. The relative position of the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate is achieved by locking the nut. The stepped groove includes a vertically arranged straight groove and multiple horizontal grooves arranged in parallel to each other that communicate with the straight groove. In this way, the straight groove actually forms multiple adjustment positions. The paper feeding module 1 can be supported and fixed at several fixed positions by bolts, thereby preventing the impact of vibration during long-term use.

[0037] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present invention using the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A size-adjustable paper feeder, comprising a paper feeding module (1), characterized in that: It also includes an extension channel and an angle-adjustable support fixed on the paper feeding module (1). The outlet of the extension channel is connected to the paper inlet of the paper feeding module (1). A guide plate is hinged to the bottom of the inlet of the extension channel. The guide plate is a guide plate with a telescopic length. An angle-adjustable support is installed on both sides of the paper feeding module (1). The paper feeding module (1) is supported on the top of the printer (12) by the angle-adjustable support. The angle of the paper outlet of the paper feeding module (1) and the horizontal plane can be adjusted by the angle-adjustable support. In the installation state, the angle-adjustable support is installed on the top of the printer (12) and on both sides of the paper outlet channel of the printer (12). The extension channel is placed in the paper outlet channel of the printer (12). The extension channel abuts against the bottom of the paper outlet of the printer (12) through the guide plate so that the paper outlet of the printer (12) is connected to the paper inlet of the paper feeding module (1) through the guide plate and the extension channel. The paper feeding module (1) includes an upper paper feeding plate (6) and a lower paper feeding plate (7). One end of the upper paper feeding plate (6) is fixed to the paper feeding module (1) by an upper fixing plate (4), and one end of the lower paper feeding plate (7) is fixed to the paper feeding module (1) by a lower fixing plate (5). A guide plate is hinged to the other end of the lower paper feeding plate (7) by a damping hinge (9). The guide plate includes a support plate (13) and an adjusting plate (14). The support plate (13) is hinged to the lower paperboard (7) via a damping hinge (9). The support plate (13) is provided with a plurality of guide grooves arranged along the paper conveying direction. The adjusting plate (14) is fixed with bolts at positions corresponding to the guide grooves. The adjusting plate (14) is slidably installed in the guide grooves via bolts. Nuts with an outer diameter greater than the width of the guide grooves are threaded onto the bolts. The relative position of the adjusting plate (14) and the support plate (13) is achieved by locking the nuts. A connecting plate is hinged to the other end of the upper paperboard (6). Guide rails (10) arranged along the paper conveying direction are installed on both sides of the connecting plate. The two sides of the clamping plate (8) are slidably installed in the guide rails (10). One end of the clamping plate (8) is provided with a return spring (11) connected to the connecting plate, and the other end is an L-shaped hook for clamping on the side of the printer (12).

2. The adjustable paper feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle-adjustable support base includes a first module support (2) and a second module support (3). The first module support (2) is fixed on the paper feeding module (1), and the two sides of the first module support (2) extend symmetrically from the two sides of the paper feeding module (1) to form a first connecting plate. The two first connecting plates are arranged opposite each other and have arc-shaped grooves. The second module support (3) includes a base plate supported on the top of the printer (12) and a second connecting plate fixed on the base plate for connecting with the first connecting plate. The second connecting plate is arranged perpendicular to the base plate. An adjustment groove is arranged vertically on the second connecting plate. The second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by bolts that pass through the adjustment groove and the arc-shaped groove simultaneously. Nuts are threaded on the bolts. The relative position of the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate is achieved by locking the nuts.

3. The adjustable paper feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the base plate of the second module support (3) is fixed with an adhesive layer, and the second module support (3) is fixed to the top surface of the printer (12) by the adhesive layer.

4. The adjustable paper feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle-adjustable support base includes a first module support (2) and a second module support (3). The first module support (2) is fixed on the paper feeding module (1), and the two sides of the first module support (2) extend symmetrically from the two sides of the paper feeding module (1) to form a first connecting plate. The two first connecting plates are arranged opposite each other and have stepped grooves. The second module support (3) includes a base plate supported on the top of the printer (12) and a second connecting plate fixed on the base plate for connecting with the first connecting plate. The second connecting plate is arranged perpendicular to the base plate and has through holes. The second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are connected by bolts that pass through both the through holes and the stepped grooves. Nuts are threaded onto the bolts. The relative positions of the second connecting plate and the first connecting plate are achieved by locking the nuts.

5. The adjustable paper feeder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The stepped groove includes a vertically arranged straight groove and multiple horizontal grooves arranged in parallel to each other and connected to the straight groove.

6. The adjustable paper feeder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the base plate of the second module support (3) is fixed with an adhesive layer, and the second module support (3) is fixed to the top surface of the printer (12) by the adhesive layer.

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