JPH11292325A - Automatic feeder, recorder and automatic feed control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a recorder side control program by arranging a communication port capable of bidirectional communication between it and a recorder, and enabling an automatic paper feeder and the recorder to control each other by the bidirectional communication. SOLUTION: A connector 117 to function as a communication port capable of bidirectional communication is arranged in a printer 101. An ASF connector 44 to function as a communication port capable of bidirectional communication is arranged in an automatic paper feeder (ASF) 1. The control part 201 of the ASF 1 is constituted so as to advance to a sub-flow for controlling paper feeding operation and initializing operation according to the content of a command signal when receiving the command signal from the printer 101 through the ASF connector 44. Therefore, since the ASF 1 side can take charge of a part of feeding operation by mounting a feeding operation control program on the ASF 1 side, a control program of the printer 101 can be simplified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic feeding apparatus, a recording apparatus, and an automatic feeding control method which can be mounted on each other, and more particularly, to an automatic feeding apparatus for feeding a recording medium such as paper to a recording apparatus. The present invention relates to a feeding device, an automatic feeding control method, and a recording device that records information such as documents and images processed by an information processing device on a recording medium such as paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The market demand for a smaller and lighter printer as a recording apparatus is as large as many other devices, and the size and weight of the printer are being improved to reflect this. In order to pursue miniaturization of such a printer, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-303336, a printer main body for image recording and a printer in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and one by one are used. Automatic paper feeder (auto sheet feeder; hereinafter referred to as “A
And the ASF is separated from the printer so that the ASF can be externally attached to the printer. In addition, there is an ASF that can be mounted and used from the outside for a printer having a plurality of paper feed ports or a printer that can only perform manual paper feeding, not limited to a small printer. Note that the recording medium includes various media other than paper.

In an ASF as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-303336, that is, an ASF that can be used externally to a printer, a drive system for a paper feed roller for feeding sheets one by one requires an external ASF. A drive transmission means such as a gear exposed to the printer is connected to a drive transmission means exposed to the outside of the printer main body, and a driving force of a motor or the like inside the printer main body is used as a driving force of the paper feed roller. In this driving method, it is not necessary to independently provide a driving source such as a motor or a power supply on the ASF side, so that the ASF can be configured at a low cost and a light weight, but the degree of freedom in arranging the mechanical parts is limited. For this reason, the optimal arrangement for miniaturization and stable performance may not always be set.

Further, as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-194085, an external ASF incorporating a motor which is a driving source of a paper feed roller has been proposed. In this case, the degree of freedom in arranging the mechanical components is increased, and it is possible to arrange the components of the paper feed mechanism independent of the configuration of the printer main body. When such an ASF performs a paper feeding operation,
The control means built into the printer main body is connected to the ASF via electrical contacts provided at the junction between the printer main body and the ASF.
An electric signal is given to an internal motor for driving a paper feed roller to rotate the motor.

[0005]

The sheet on which the image is recorded by the printer is not limited to plain paper, but may be of various sizes and thicknesses, such as postcards, cardboard, and envelopes. In addition, due to advances in recording technology, finer ink droplets and lighter and darker ink droplets have been ejected in inkjet printers and other printers, resulting in higher-definition, high-quality image formation with excellent gradation reproducibility. Is now possible. In order to utilize the high image quality according to the purpose, special sheets such as coated paper, glossy paper, glossy film, OHP film, cloth, and iron transfer paper have been developed.

[0006] The ASF that can be mounted on a printer is required to have the ability to reliably feed these various types of sheets without any problem. However, these sheets as recording media have different optimal sheet feeding conditions depending on their thickness, size, and surface characteristics.

However, the ASF which can be mounted on the conventional printer as described above does not have a paper feeding operation control means for driving a motor to rotate a paper feeding roller by a predetermined amount. A externally attached to the printer
The control of the sheet feeding operation of the SF was also performed. For this reason, it is necessary that the control means inside the printer has a paper feed operation control function that adjusts all paper feed conditions for various sheets. Had been lost.

[0008] Further, when the printer main body enables the use of, for example, an external ASF dedicated to postcards or an external ASF for continuous paper in addition to a normal external ASF, or a new or improved external ASF. When the ASF or the like can be used and the paper feeding operation control by the ASF is partially different, the printer body needs to have a function of controlling all the paper feeding operations. As a result, the software of the printer body becomes more complicated, or the software must be changed, which may cause a compatibility problem. If the printer itself is widely distributed in the market and its software cannot be changed substantially, on the other hand, when designing a new external ASF, the conventional paper feeding operation of the printer is controlled. Since it is necessary that the paper can be fed without any problem depending on the function, the design flexibility of the ASF may be greatly limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic feeding apparatus, a recording apparatus, and an automatic feeding control method which can greatly simplify the control software on the printing apparatus side and further provide a degree of freedom in designing the automatic feeding apparatus. Is to provide.

[0010]

An automatic feeding device according to the present invention can be mounted on a recording device for recording an image on a recording medium and can feed the recording medium to the recording device. A communication port capable of two-way communication with the recording device, and a process corresponding to a command signal received from the recording device through the communication port is executed; Control means for transmitting to the recording device through a communication port.

The recording apparatus of the present invention can be mounted on an automatic feeding apparatus for feeding a recording medium, and can record an image on the recording medium fed from the automatic feeding apparatus using a recording head. In a possible recording device, a communication port capable of two-way communication with the automatic feeding device, transmitting a command signal to the automatic feeding device through the communication port,
Control means for receiving a response signal in response to the command signal from the automatic feeding device through the communication port, and performing control in accordance with the response signal.

An automatic feeding control method according to the present invention is an automatic feeding control method for feeding a recording medium from an automatic feeding device mounted on a recording device and controlling recording of an image on the recording medium by a recording head of the recording device. In the feeding control method, a command signal is transmitted to the automatic feeding device through a communication port capable of two-way communication with the automatic feeding device, and a command received from the recording device through the communication port. Transmitting a response signal according to the processing result to the recording device through the communication port, and performing control according to the response signal received from the automatic feeding device through the communication port. And a step.

According to the present invention, since the automatic feeding device can perform a part of the control of the control means built in the conventional recording device, the control program of the recording device can be greatly simplified.

For example, when the control means of the external automatic feeding device has an optimum paper feeding operation control program corresponding to various recording media, the recording device is configured to control the external automatic feeding device. Since the feeding operation is completed only by sending the feeding command signal and receiving the feeding completion signal from the external automatic feeding device, the feeding device controls the feeding operation corresponding to various recording media. There is no need to have a program. Therefore, control software on the recording device side can be greatly simplified.

Also, for example, an external automatic feeder dedicated to postcards, an external automatic feeder dedicated to continuous paper, or another external automatic feeder newly developed in the future, etc., according to the present invention. If the recording apparatus has the same feeding operation control program as the automatic feeding apparatus, the recording apparatus transmits a feeding command signal in exactly the same manner when performing the feeding operation,
Since it is only necessary to receive the feed completion signal, other external automatic feeders and new external automatic feeders can be easily used.

Furthermore, for example, other external automatic feeding devices are not limited in the degree of freedom in the arrangement of other mechanical components as long as the position of the communication port is set to a position where communication with the recording device is possible. Also, a high degree of design freedom can be given when designing an improved external automatic feeding device.

Further, the external automatic feeding device according to the present invention can read the detection result of the feeding detection sensor inside the recording device via the communication port. This eliminates the need for a sensor for detecting the recording medium on the side of the automatic feeder, which not only reduces the cost, but also provides a feed detection sensor inside the main body of the recording apparatus near the paper feed roller. Thus, the recording medium can be more accurately fed into the recording apparatus. In addition, by reading whether or not the feed detection sensor has detected the recording medium via the communication port directly without passing through the control unit of the recording apparatus main body, there is no need to repeatedly perform communication with the recording apparatus main body. No time loss occurs. Therefore, the paper feeding operation can be performed in the same time as when the automatic feeding device itself has the recording medium detection sensor.

Also, for example, by supplying power for driving the automatic feeding device control section and the feeding motor from the recording device through the port, the automatic feeding device does not need to have a power source, Numerous effects can be obtained, such as downsizing, space saving, weight reduction, cost reduction, and improved handling due to cordlessness of the feeding device.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an automatic sheet feeding device (auto sheet feeder; hereinafter, referred to as "ASF") as an automatic feeding device according to the present invention and a recording medium automatically fed by ASF according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a recording apparatus that performs recording on recording paper, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show cross sections thereof.

(Configuration of ASF) First, an outline of an ASF as an automatic feeding apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is ASF, 1
Reference numeral 01 denotes a printer as a recording device. In this example, ASF1 and printer 101 are separated,
The printer 101 is configured to be detachable from the SF 1. The printer 101 is a so-called mobile printer that has a battery and is small and portable. In this case,
The ASF is not built in the printer 101, and the printer 1
01 alone is configured to perform sheet feeding only by so-called manual sheet feeding. With this configuration, the printer 1
It is possible to realize miniaturization, simplification, and cost reduction as a single unit, and it is an optimal form as a mobile printer.
Of course, it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable even if the printer 101 has a built-in small ASF. Such small and portable printers 101 are used, for example, outdoors, in a car, or at a destination office when a salesman goes to a destination. In such a situation, the required number of prints is relatively small, and as described above, only manual feed or a simple built-in ASF with a small capacity is sufficient.
In the case where is used in one's own office, there is a need to print a relatively large amount of recording paper as a variety of print media. To meet such needs, Printer 1
ASF1 separated from 01 is very suitable. That is, the ASF 1 has a so-called desktop type form that is always placed on an office desk.
01 attached to the ASF 1, the printer 10
1 can have the characteristics of a desktop printer.
The ASF 1 has various types of recording media (hereinafter, also referred to as “print media”) ranging from plain paper to postcards, envelopes, plastic films and cloths, with a configuration as described below.
Can be automatically fed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a very high value-added printer that can be used as a high-performance desktop printer by mounting an ultra-small mobile printer 101 on the ASF 1 according to the present invention as a printer alone. Can be provided. In this case, the ASF 1 also functions as a storage space when the printer 101 is not used as a single printer, and has a role as a so-called docking station where an automatic paper feeding function is added to the printer 101 when the printer 101 is stored. It can be said that. Here, the ASF according to the present invention is used when the printer is not mounted.
The F can stand alone and stand alone, and the printer can be separated while the sheets as print media are stacked. The user can put the printer in a stand-by mode as a desktop printer simply by attaching the separated printer to the self-standing ASF. This means that it functions as an extremely convenient docking station for the user.

If the printer is to be used as a mobile device or a desktop device as described above, ASF1
It is important that the work of mounting and separating the printer and the printer 101 can be performed extremely easily. Because AS every day
Carry the printer 101 separated from the F1 outdoors,
For a user who combines the printer 101 with the ASF 1 when returning to the room, the ASF 1 and the printer 10
This is because it is very troublesome if the mounting and separating work with the device 1 is complicated or takes time.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a large opening is provided in front of the ASF 1 (to the left in FIG. 3). In the printer 101, the passage path of a sheet as a print medium is a substantially horizontal so-called horizontal path. By pressing the side into the front opening of the ASF 1 as shown in FIG. 2, a paper path as described later is formed. That is, in this example, the printer 101 of the horizontal path is pushed into the ASF 1 substantially horizontally and mounted. When the printer 101 is pushed substantially horizontally into the ASF 1, the printer 101 is automatically fixed to the ASF 1. AS of printer 101
The method of fixing both at the time of mounting on F1 will be described in detail later.

When the printer 101 is separated from the ASF 1, the printer 101 is fixed to the ASF 1 only by pushing the push lever 40 provided on the upper surface of the ASF 1, and the ASF 1 is pushed forward. I have.

With such a configuration, the user can mount and separate the printer 101 and the ASF very easily, and can use the printer as a mobile device or as a desktop device.

In this embodiment, a table 45c is provided in front of the ASF 1 in order to make such mounting and separating operations simple and easy. ASF1 printer 101
First, the printer 101 is placed on the table 45c. At this time, the user holds the upper surface and the lower surface near the center of the front side (paper discharge side; left side in FIG. 4) of the printer 101 with one hand, and places the back side of the printer 101 (paper supply side; 4 (right side in FIG. 4) only needs to be placed lightly (you may hold both sides of the printer 101 with both hands). Then, as described above, the printer 101
When the user pushes the printer 101 inward while holding the printer 101, the printer 101 is positioned by the printer side guide portions 45a provided on both side ends of the table portion 45c while the printer 101 is positioned at both sides. It is guided to the boss, and is fitted and positioned in a positioning hole of the printer 101 described later. In this case, it suffices to place the printer 101 almost at the center of the table 45c and push it in, and it is not necessary to perform unnecessary alignment.

The table 45c has printer sliding parts 45b on both sides. When the printer 101 is pushed into the ASF 1, the sliding portion 45 b
01 is a portion that slides on the back surface. A step is formed between the printer sliding portions 45b on both sides, and the printer 101 and the ASF 1 do not contact each other at this step. A plurality of rubber feet are provided on the back of the printer 101. These rubber feet make it difficult for the printer 101 to be easily moved by an external force when the printer 101 is used on a desk or the like. If the rubber foot comes into contact with the table portion 45c when the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF 1, the user manually operates the printer 101 by hand.
The force for pushing into F1 becomes large, and it becomes very difficult to work. Therefore, the step between the sliding portions 45b is formed to have a depth greater than the height of the rubber foot so that the rubber foot does not contact the table portion 45c.

The reference numeral 47a denotes an upper case 47 of the ASF 1.
Is an eave portion 47a formed at the bottom. This eaves part 47
a is formed substantially parallel to the table 45c, and forms a pocket between the table 45c to hold the printer 101. The pocket formed in this manner indicates to the user that the direction in which the printer 101 is pushed into the ASF 1 is substantially horizontal, and that the printer 101 can be pushed only in that direction. Has become. This pushing direction coincides with the contact direction of both connectors for electrically connecting the printer 101 and the ASF1, which will be described later. During the operation of pushing the printer 101 into the ASF1 and setting it, the connection of the connectors is established. It has become. With this configuration, operability is improved without the need for a separate operation for connecting the connectors, and abnormal interference between the connectors and damage to the connectors due to pushing of the printer 101 from a direction different from the contact direction of the connectors are prevented. Will be prevented. Further, the configuration of such a pocket portion is a
When the front (paper discharge side) of the printer 101 receives a force upward after the mounting of the printer 101, the mounting portion is damaged or the mounting is released due to the printer 101 being pushed up with respect to the ASF 1. To prevent In addition, the eave portion 47a of this example has the largest overhang amount on both side portions thereof, and has an eave concave portion 47b at the center. Therefore, when an operation unit such as a power switch is provided on the upper surface of the printer 101 as in this example, the eaves 47a
Can have an eaves shape that does not cover the operation unit. Also, the eaves portion 47a printer 10
The clearance between the upper surface of the ASF 1 and the upper surface of the ASF 1 is set to about 0.5 mm to 2 mm. If the clearance is too large, the desired effect cannot be obtained.

Here, as shown in FIG.
Assuming that the length in the depth direction of L1 is L1, the length of the table portion 45c in the depth direction is L2, and the length of the eave portion 47a in the depth direction is L3, in the case of this example, they have the following relationship. It is made up.

[0031]

L1 / 2 ≦ L2 ≦ (L1-15) mm First, the depth L2 of the table section 45c is set to be larger than half the printer depth L1 L1 / 2 so that the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF1. A stable state can be secured. If the relationship of L1 / 2> L2 is satisfied, the printer 101 in the mounted state projects greatly from the ASF 1, and when an external force is applied to the protruding portion downward, the printer 101 is mounted. AS
The rear of the entire F1 may be lifted up, making it extremely unstable. Note that this relationship (L1 / 2 ≦ L2) only needs to be satisfied in a part of the table 45c, and does not need to be satisfied in the entire table 45c.

Further, by setting the depth L2 of the table portion 45c to be 15 mm or less than the depth L1 of the printer 101, a space for a user's finger can be secured on the near side of the lower portion of the printer 101. This allows the user to hold the upper and lower surfaces of the printer 101 with one hand when attaching and detaching the printer 101 (of course, with both hands). Such a condition of L2 ≦ (L1−15) mm is satisfied by the table unit 45.
It is not necessary to fill the entire area c in the width direction. For example, a concave portion may be formed only partially near the center or only on both sides. Further, since a space is formed in the lower part in front of the printer 101, a design that does not visually sense the size in the height direction can be realized. Further, it is desirable that the thickness (height) of the table section 45c be about 10 mm or more so that the user's finger can be easily put under the printer 101.

Further, in the present embodiment, the following relationship also holds.

[0034]

L1 / 4≤L3≤L1 / 2 By setting the overhang length L3 of the eaves portion 47a to be not less than 1/4 of the depth of the printer 101, the upward tilt of the printer 101 can be prevented. It was found that the effect of limiting the pushing direction was also sufficient. If
If the overhang length L3 of the eave portion 47a is equal to or more than の of the depth L1 of the printer 101, the push-in amount at the time of mounting with respect to the depth of the printer is too large, which impairs the operational feeling. Was. Also, such an eaves part 4
The large overhang of 7a visually caused the entire apparatus to appear large, giving a sense of oppression to the user, and caused problems.
Further, a large overhang of the eave portion 47a may interfere with the operation on the upper surface of the printer 101. The overhang length of the eaves portion 47a is one of the depth of the printer 101.
/ 2 or less was found to be the most desirable. In addition, with this amount of overhang, the strength of the overhanging eave portion 47a can be sufficiently maintained, and the device can have sufficient robustness.

By configuring the table portion 45c and the eaves 47a under such conditions, it is possible to provide a mode in which the operability is extremely good, and the effects of limiting the pushing direction and preventing the printer 101 from tilting are sufficiently exhibited.

The table 45c and the eaves 47a
A large opening is formed in the side surface between the printer side guide portion 45a and the height of the printer side guide portion 45a.
It is sufficient that the distance is equal to or larger than the clearance between the printer 101 and the upper surface of the printer 101. As described above, the opening formed largely on the side surface portion does not interfere with the power supply cord, the interface connector, or the infrared light transmission / reception portion provided on the side surface of the printer 101. That is, even if the power cord and the interface connector are attached to the printer 101,
It can be attached to F1 or can be separated as it is.

(Regarding Connector Cover) Next, a connector cover of a connector portion for making an electrical connection between the printer 101 and the ASF 1 will be described.

When the printer 101 is used for a long time while being separated from the ASF 1, for example, these connectors are provided alone and are kept unconnected. In such a case, dust or dust may enter the connector portion, or excessive static electricity may travel through the connector to destroy an internal electric circuit. In order to prevent such a situation, in this example, each connector is provided with a connector cover for protecting the connector. This connector cover
Each exists as a single item, and the printer 101 is
It is designed to be removed when attached to Since the space is extremely limited in an ultra-small printer such as a mobile printer, the detachable connector cover described above is optimal as a connector cover that is extremely inexpensive and requires the least space.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the printer 101 has a printer connector 117 above a rear surface facing the ASF 1 when mounted. A for printer 101
When the paper feed tray 116 is mounted on the SF 1, the paper feed tray 116 is opened as shown in FIG. 6 and the printer connector cover 119 is detached from the printer connector 117. Similarly, ASF
The ASF connector cover 57 attached to the first ASF connector 44 (see FIG. 11) is detached. At the time of connector connection, both connector covers 119 and 57 removed as shown in FIG. 4 can be stored in the connector cover storage portions 45d and 45e of the table 45c. The storage sections 45d and 45e are
By utilizing the thickness of c, a protrusion having the same dimensions as the connector is provided therein. ASF printer 101
1 while the connector cover storage portion 45 is mounted.
By storing the connector covers 119 and 57 in d and 45e, the connector covers 119 and 57 can be prevented from being lost. Connector cover storage part 45d, 4
5e functions in the ASF 1 or in any part of the printer 101 as long as the connector covers 119 and 57 are merely stored. However, as in this example, the connector cover storage portions 45d and 45d are placed on the table portion 45c.
e, A in the printer mounted state
Since it is housed between the SF 1 and the printer 101, there is no danger of falling off, and it is not visible from the outside, which is also preferable in appearance. In addition, when the printer 101 is separated, the connector covers 119 and 57 appear again, so that the subsequent work of attaching the connector covers 119 and 57 to the connectors 117 and 44 can be called for, so that forgetting to attach them can be prevented.

As in the present embodiment, a connector cover storage portion can be provided for each of the plurality of connector covers. As for the connector cover, the printer and AS
The same applies to the case where F is related to, for example, a notebook computer and a station.

(Outline of Sheet Feeding and Printing Operations) Next, an outline of sheet feeding and printing operations in a state where the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF 1 will be described (details will be described later).

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a state in which the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF 1, and a predetermined number of sheets 200 as a recording medium are set on the pressure plate 26 as shown in FIG. The upper end of the pressure plate 26 has an ASF
The pressure plate spring 1 is rotatably supported by the chassis 11.
3, a pickup roller 19 as a feeding roller
Is urged clockwise toward the pickup rubber 23 wound around. When the sheet 200 is set, the pressure plate 26 is displaced and held by a cam (not shown) in a direction away from the pickup rubber 23 as a feeding roller. At this time, the pickup rubber 23 and the pressure plate 2
6, a predetermined clearance is formed, and the sheet 200 is inserted and set in the clearance.
The leading end of the sheet 200 is positioned by abutting a plastic film-like bank sheet 37 provided on the bank. Most of the sheet 200 in the rear end direction is supported by the ASF paper tray 2. The lower end of the ASF paper feed tray 2 is rotatably supported by the ASF upper case 47, and when supporting the sheet 200, it is held at a predetermined angle as shown in FIG.

When the ASF 1 receives a paper feed command from the printer 101, the pickup roller 19 starts rotating clockwise, and at the same time, the cam (not shown) releases the pressure plate 26, and the pressure plate 26 releases the sheet 200. It is pressed against the pickup rubber 23. The sheet 200 starts moving due to the surface friction of the pickup rubber 23, and is separated by the bank sheet 37, and then the ASF sheet path 58 formed by the bank 36 and the positioning base 39.
(See FIG. 3). After that, the sheet 200
From the ASF sheet discharge section 56 (see FIG. 3) to the printer 10
Is passed to the first sheet path. The sheet 200
Is transported inside the printer 101 to a sheet path formed by the platen 105 and the lower surface of the battery 107. The sheet path is called a so-called manual feed slot in the printer 101 alone. Thereafter, when the paper end sensor 108 detects the sheet 200, the printer 101 recognizes that the sheet 200 has been conveyed from the ASF 1, and the leading end of the sheet 200 is referred to as a conveyance roller (hereinafter, referred to as an “LF roller”). ) 109 and a pinch roller 110 are pressed against each other. ASF1
Receives the detection information of the paper end sensor 108 from the printer 101 and
A response signal indicating the end of sheet feeding is transmitted to the first side. At this time,
The sheet 200 holds the LF roller 109 and the pinch roller 110 with a predetermined pressure corresponding to the stiffness of the sheet 200.
And the so-called cash register at the leading end of the sheet is being taken. In this state, the printer 101 that has received a response signal indicating the end of sheet feeding from the ASF 1
Rotates the LF roller at a predetermined timing to feed the sheet 200 to the recording unit. The head 115 performs printing on the printing surface of the sheet 200 while performing a predetermined feeding operation of the sheet 200. Further sheet 2
00 is conveyed between the paper discharge roller 112 and the spur 111 and discharged.

In this example, the printer 101 is an ASF
1, the paper path as described above is formed, and the paper path of the printer 101 and the connectors 44 and 11 are connected.
7 are almost parallel to each other. To transfer the sheet 200 from the ASF 1 to the printer 101, the ASF 1
When a sheet is clogged in any part when a sheet 200 common to both the printer 101 and the printer 101 exists, it is necessary to separate the printer 101 from the ASF. The fact that the paper path and the connector connection direction are substantially parallel allows separation of both in such a situation. If the paper path and the connector connection direction are perpendicular to each other, the printer 10
1 needs to be separated, the sheet 200 must be moved in the thickness direction, and the sheet 200 may be torn or the torn sheet 200 may remain in the apparatus. In addition, in the case of a thick sheet 200 or the like that is difficult to tear, the printer 101 may not be able to be separated. In this example, since the paper path and the connector connection direction are set to be substantially parallel, the printer 200 moves in the direction in which the sheet 200 comes out when the sheet is clogged.
01 can be moved and separated, the processing of the sheet, that is, the time, can be extremely simplified, and the sheet 200 can be broken,
00 does not remain in the apparatus.

Next, the reference position in the width direction of the sheet in the above-described paper path will be described.

First, the reference in the width direction of the sheet of the printer 101 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the printer 101
Is provided with a rotatable paper feed tray 116 whose one end is pivotally supported at a predetermined position. This paper feed tray 116
Is to stabilize the sheet feeding operation by manual feeding when the printer 101 is used alone. When the paper feed tray 116 is opened as shown in FIG. 6, a reference guide 116a vertically provided at one end of the paper feed tray 116 is provided.
Appears. The sheet 200 is inserted along the reference guide 116a. In this example, the reference in the width direction of the sheet is determined by the reference guide 116a.
The sheet 200 is positioned in the width direction by inserting the sheet 200 along the sheet side end along 6a. Inside the printer 101 in this example, at the same position as the reference guide 116a in the sheet width direction,
A similar reference guide is provided, and positions the sheet in the width direction together with the reference guide 116a. The reference guide for positioning the sheet in the width direction is
Since the longer one in the sheet conveyance direction stabilizes the sheet 200, the use of the reference guide 116a provided on the sheet feed tray 116 as such a reference guide stabilizes the positioning of the sheet in the width direction. Will be prevented. The sheet 200 can be guided only by the reference guide 116a provided on the movable paper feed tray 116 without the reference guide inside the printer 101.

In particular, in the case of an ultra-small mobile printer, it is extremely difficult to separate the paper feed port for manual paper feed and the paper feed port from the ASF and to provide them with separate sheet guides due to space and other problems. Because it ’s difficult
They need to be a common paper feed port.

For this reason, when the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF 1, it is necessary to use the reference guide 116a, which is a sheet reference at the time of manual sheet feeding, also at the time of sheet feeding from the ASF 1. However, it is difficult to feed the side edge of the sheet automatically fed from the ASF 1 along the reference guide 116a. This is because, in order for the ASF 1 to perform the same operation as the manual sheet feeding operation, that is, the operation in which the user adjusts the sheet by hand and adjusts the sheet side end along the reference guide 116a, the sheet reference of the printer 101 and the ASF 1 is completely set. This is because they must match. The sheet standard of the ASF is the AS
This is the F sheet reference 26a (see FIG. 25), and the sheet is fed at a predetermined position by making the sheet side end thereof follow the sheet. However, ASF sheet standard 2
This position of 6a and the position of the reference guide 116a are very difficult to match because of a lot of structural tolerances, and very high cost and complicated mechanisms are required to realize them. Become. If the sheet standards do not match, the sheet side end portion interferes with the reference guide 116a, and the sheet is skewed, the sheet side end portion is damaged, or the sheet front end is disturbed. The sheet may be clogged by hitting the sheet 116a.

Therefore, the reference guide 116a is
01 is provided only relatively upstream of the manual feed portion, that is, as shown in FIG.
The reference in the width direction of the sheet is determined only by the reference guide 116a that appears when the sheet 16 is opened. When the reference guide 11
The paper path is set so that the sheet passes above 6a. As a result, only the positioning of the sheet based on the sheet reference 26a of the ASF 1 becomes effective, and the printer 1
Interference with the 01 sheet reference is avoided.

In the printer 101 alone, as shown in FIG. 6, when the paper feed tray 116 is open, that is, when the paper is manually fed, the sheet guiding surface of the paper feed tray 116 is substantially horizontal. On the other hand, when the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the movable paper feed tray 116 is further rotated downward from the position of FIG. The paper path is similar to that of manual paper feed. In ASF1,
A reference guide storage portion 36a is formed as a space for storing the paper feed tray 116 at a predetermined rotation position. When the printer 101 is pushed into the ASF 1, the reference guide portion 116a is moved to the reference guide storage portion 36a.
Are rotated while being guided by the reference guide guide portion 36b forming the reference guide storage portion 36a. As a result, the amount of movement necessary to avoid interference between the reference guide 116a and the paper path, that is, the amount of movement of the ASF1 paper path with respect to the paper path at the time of manual feeding can be reduced. Tension, etc.) can be prevented.

Further, the paper feed tray 1 on the printer 101 side
As shown in FIG. 6, a right end guide 122 is provided on the side 16 for guiding a side end of the sheet opposite to the reference side. The right end guide 122 is slidably provided in the sheet feeding tray 116 in the sheet width direction, and guides a side end of the sheet opposite to the reference side according to the sheet width. The shape of the right end guide 122 as viewed from the sheet thickness direction in the paper path is substantially the same as the shape of the reference guide 116a. It is designed to be stored in the portion 36a. The right end guide 122 can be moved to an arbitrary position within a predetermined range on the paper feed tray 116, and the reference guide storage portion 36a is located anywhere within the predetermined range.
Can be stored.

As described above, when the printer is mounted on the ASF, the sheet reference guide on the printer body side
By setting the paper path at a position avoiding the reference guide on the printer side, the sheet reference on the printer body side is invalidated, and the ASF
Only the side sheet reference can be validated. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the complexity of the apparatus for matching the sheet standards of both the printer and the ASF and the increase in cost. Then, when the sheet fed from the ASF interferes with the sheet reference on the printer body side, the problem is that the sheet is skewed, the sheet side end is damaged,
It is possible to prevent the sheet from colliding with the sheet reference and causing a sheet clogging.

On the other hand, when the printer 101 has a reference guide portion at the same position as the reference guide 116a in the sheet width direction and has a longer sheet guide length to stabilize sheet positioning, It is difficult to set a paper path at a position avoiding the reference guide. Therefore, in this case, the sheet reference on the printer body side and the sheet reference on the ASF side are set to positions shifted in advance. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the ASF-side sheet reference is set inside the printer-side sheet reference, that is, at a position shifted by a distance t toward the recording position by the head, and the sheet fed from the ASF is Not to interfere with the sheet standard. The amount t of shifting the sheet reference is equal to or larger than the positioning tolerance in the sheet width direction between the printer and the ASF, and is determined in consideration of the case where the sheet is fed obliquely from the ASF. In this example, the shift amount t is about 0.6 mm.

In this case, since the sheet reference is shifted between when printing is performed by the printer alone and when printing is performed with the ASF mounted, the same is assumed for both of them without considering the shift. When recording is performed by the head at the position, the distance from the sheet side edge to the position to be recorded differs in both cases. Therefore, in this example, the recording position is also shifted by the same amount t as the shift of the sheet reference position between the printer alone and the ASF mounted state. In this example, since the printer 101 and the ASF 1 are electrically connected by the connector, the printer 10
1 can electrically detect the mounting / non-mounting of ASF1. Based on the detection result, it can be determined that the recording position is shifted. This determination may be made by providing an ASF detection switch or the like in addition to the method of making an electrical connection. In this way, the printer alone and the ASF
By shifting the sheet reference in the mounted state, the recording position on the sheet is made the same while eliminating interference of the reference guide. Therefore, in recording in both of them, a defect due to a difference in recording position (for example, a difference in recording position on preprint paper) is eliminated. Here, the sheet-based shift amount t and the print position shift amount for both of the sheets need not be exactly the same, and may be set to different values within an allowable range.

(Regarding the ASF Paper Tray) Next, the ASF paper tray for supporting the stacked sheets will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, AS
One end of the F paper feed tray 2 is supported by the ASF upper case 47, and is rotatable around this support portion. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the ASF paper feed tray 2 is closed. The ASF paper feed tray 2 is opened at a predetermined angle when sheets are stacked, and can be closed when no sheets are stacked. This means that the ASF 1 according to the present embodiment is not only for using the portable printer 101 as a desktop type, but also very compact when the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF 1 and can be carried in that state. Means In order to realize such a usage pattern, ASF
When the paper tray 2 is closed, it needs to be closed along the outer shape of the ASF 1 with the printer mounted as much as possible. For this purpose, the ASF paper feed tray 2 has a thin plate shape. In addition, the paper feed tray 2 of this example
When the printer 101 is closed, the paper feed tray 2 is closed while the printer 101 is mounted on the ASF 1 because the printer 101 has a shape that covers the operation unit of the printer 101 as shown in FIG. In this case, there is no possibility that the printer 101 is operated by touching the operation unit carelessly. Further, when the paper feed tray 2 is closed, an arbitrary portion thereof is engaged with the ASF upper case 47 so that the paper feed tray 2 is prevented from being inadvertently opened when being carried.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the envelope 200a is fed vertically by the ASF 1, the envelope 200a
Tab is usually on the left side. In the ASF1 or the like of this example, the envelope tab is swelled by moisture or the like, so that the tab side (left side) of the envelope 200a receives a strong resistance during paper feeding. As a result, the envelope 200a receives a force that rotates clockwise. In this example,
In order to prevent the clockwise rotation of the envelope 200a,
An ASF paper feed tray side guide 2a (hereinafter, referred to as a "side guide") is provided upstream of the ASF paper feed tray 2 in the paper feed direction. When the envelope 200a is set vertically in the ASF 1, the right side of the rear end of the envelope 200a is located along the side guide portion 2a, and further clockwise rotation is stopped. In the vertical feeding of the envelope 200a, in particular, the envelope 2
The resistance of the tab is received at the timing of sending 00a.
In this example, when the envelope 200a passes over the bank sheet 37 and immediately thereafter, when the leading end of the envelope 200a is lifted along the slope of the bank 36, the resistance of the tab is received. After this timing, the influence of the resistance of the envelope tab decreases, and clockwise rotation does not occur without the side guide portion 2a. For this reason, in this example, the envelope 20
A side guide portion 2a is provided in a part near the rear end of the envelope 0a to prevent the envelope 200a from rotating clockwise, and no side guide is provided over the entire area of the envelope 200a in the vertical direction.
The side guide portion 2a provided partially in this way is accommodated in a step formed between the ASF upper case 47 and the printer 101 when the sheet feeding tray 2 is closed. Thus, when the paper feed tray 2 is closed, the side guide portion 2
Since a does not interfere with other portions, the ASF paper feed tray 2 can be stored along the outer shape of the ASF 1, and portability is not impaired.

Further, if the height of the side guide portion 2a is not less than the thickness when the envelope or the like is stacked, the effect can be exerted. It may be provided between the upper case 47 and the printer 101.

The sheet feed tray 2 of this embodiment has an effect of preventing clockwise rotation in the vertical feeding of the envelope, but not only for the vertical feeding of the envelope but also for other sheets having the same length. When a clockwise rotation force is generated for some reason, the clockwise rotation can be prevented.

Since the side guide 2a is formed integrally with the ASF paper feed tray 2, the cost can be reduced.

It should be noted that the side guide portion 2a may be configured such that when the paper feed tray 2 is closed, the side guide portion 2a is housed in the recess provided in the printer 101 or the ASF 1 instead of being accommodated in the step portion. good.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of components related to the printer attachment / detachment mechanism in the ASF 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a component arrangement related to attachment / detachment to / from the ASF in the printer.

In FIG. 11, the positioning base 39 is
This member is used for positioning the paper path between the ASF 1 and the printer 101 and for positioning the connection between the ASF connector 44 of the ASF 1 and the printer-side connector 117. That is, the positioning base 39 has two positioning bosses 3
9d and 39e are provided.
When the ASF connector 01 is mounted, before the ASF connector 44 and the connector 117 are connected, the positioning boss 39d is positioned in the positioning hole 118a provided in the substrate holder 118 of the printer 101, and the positioning boss 39e is positioned in the positioning elongated hole. 118b. Therefore, the connectors 44,
The connections between the 117 are made after they are positioned and the connectors 44, 11 due to the phase shift between them.
7 is prevented from being damaged. Also, boss 39d,
Depending on the case of holes 39a and holes 118a and 118b, AS
Since the positioning in the x and z directions between the F1 and the printer 101 is performed, the positioning of the paper path between the printer 101 and the ASF 1 is also achieved at the same time.

The ASF 1 is provided with a hook (left) 16 and a hook (right) 17 for positioning the printer 101 in the y direction after the printer 101 is mounted thereon.
Further, on both sides of the base 103 of the printer 101, hook fixing holes 103y,
103z is provided. Printer 101 is ASF1
The hook (left) 16 and the hook (right) 17 provided in the ASF are fitted into the hook fixing holes 103y and 103z provided in the printer 101, respectively, to position the printer 101 in the y direction. Is performed.

Removal of the printer 101 from the ASF 1 is achieved by the user pressing the push lever 40 in the direction of arrow 40A. That is, the push lever 4
When 0 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 40A, the hook (left) 16 and the hook (right) 17 are retracted in the direction of the arrow 40A, as described later, and they and the hook fixing holes 103y,
The connection with 103z is released. Then, when the portion 102a of the printer 101 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 43A (y) by the pop-ups 43a and 43b provided in the ASFA, the connection between the connectors 44 and 117 is released. The pop-ups 43a and 43b are urged in the direction of arrow 43A (y) by an elastic member (not shown), and are configured to be slidable in the y-direction. The urging force of the pop-ups 43a and 43b
It acts as a reaction force when it is mounted on 1. Therefore, if the urging force of the pop-ups 43a and 43b is too strong, the printer 101 cannot be pushed into the ASF 1 and the mounting of the printer 101 becomes impossible. AS printer
ASF1 is not moved by the biasing force when mounted on F1).

If the force required for removal between the connectors 44 and 117 exceeds the urging force of the pop-ups 43a and 43b, the connector 4 can be used only with the pop-ups 43a and 43b.
The connection between 4,117 will not be released. Therefore, in the present configuration, by pushing the push lever 40 in the direction of the arrow 40A, the push lever 40
Is protruded in the direction of arrow y. Therefore, when the portion 40b of the push lever 40 protrudes and presses the portion 102b of the printer 101 in the direction of arrow y, the connection between the connectors 44 and 117 is released. Therefore, the user can use the printer 101 and the ASF1
The printer 101 can be easily pulled out from the ASF 1 in the direction of the arrow y from the state where the connection in the y direction and the connection between the connectors 44 and 117 are released.

FIGS. 13 to 18 are cross-sectional views for explaining the attachment / detachment mechanism between the ASF 1 and the printer 101 in more detail.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of mechanical components related to attachment / detachment of the printer 101 to / from the ASF 1.
In the figure, the push lever 40 is located on the positioning base 3.
The arrow 40 is attached to the lever shaft 42 fixed to
It is attached so as to be movable in directions A and 40B and rotatable in the direction of arrow 40C. A push lever spring 7 is stretched between the hook lever 40 and the chassis 11. The push lever 40 is provided with a boss 40c as a rotation stopper, and the positioning base 39 is provided with slide surfaces 39a and 39 for guiding the boss 40c.
b, 39c are provided. In the figure, the slide surfaces 39a, 39b, 39c are shown by two-dot chain lines so that the configuration is easy to understand. With this configuration, the lever shaft 42
The rotation of the push lever 40 about the rotation center is restricted by the boss 40c of the push lever 40 abutting on the guide surface 39b.

The hook (left) 16 is connected to the ASF chassis 11
Is fixed to a hook shaft 18 which is rotatably mounted on the hook shaft 18. A hook (right) 17 (not shown) is similarly fixed to the hook shaft 18, and the hook (left) 16,
The hook (right) 17 is interlocked. Also,
The hook (left) 16 and the push lever 40 are urged in a direction approaching each other by the connecting spring 9, and the sliding surface 40 e of the push lever 40 and the hook (left)
The 16 portion 16b is always in contact. A hook spring 3 is provided between the hook (left) 16 and the ASF base 45.
Are compressed and interposed, and the urging force causes the claw portion 16a of the hook (left) 16 to protrude from the surface of the printer sliding portion 45b of the base 45.

(Printer Mounting Operation) FIG.
1 shows a state in which the printer 101 is mounted on the printer slide 45b to mount the printer 101. In FIG. 1, the printer 101 is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the base 103 of the printer 101 is shown by a cross section for easy understanding of the mechanism.

The printer 101 moves from the direction of arrow A along the printer sliding portion 45b of the ASF base 45. When the printer 101 is pushed in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG.
6a1 contacts the base bottom surface 103w of the printer 101.

When the printer 101 is further pushed in, the hook (left) 16 is pushed down in the direction of arrow 16A about the hook shaft 18 as a rotation axis, and the hook (left) 1
No. 6 is in a state where the claw plane 16a2 comes into contact with the base bottom surface 103w. At the same time, the push lever 4 interlocked with the hook (left) 16 by the connecting spring 9
0 decreases in the direction of arrow 40A. This printer 1
15, the positioning bosses 39d and 39e are aligned with the positioning holes 118a and 118b of the printer 101 (see FIG. 12), as shown in FIG.
Before the ASF connector 44 and the printer-side connector 117 are connected to each other,
Positioning between 17 is performed.

When the printer 101 is further pushed in the direction of arrow A, the ASF connector 44 and the connector 117 are connected. Then, the hook fixing hole 1 of the printer 101
When the hook 16a of the hook (left) 16 reaches the position opposing the position 03y, the hook (left) 16 is raised in the direction of the arrow 16B by the urging force of the hook spring 3, as shown in FIG.
The hook fixing surface 16a3 of the hook (left) 16 abuts against the wall of the hook fixing hole 103y of the printer 101, and they are in a fitted state. At the same time, push lever 4
0 also moves in the direction of 40B in conjunction with this, so that the user can confirm that the printer 101 is attached (fixed) to the ASF1.

Since the hook (left) 16 and the hook (right) 17 are fixed to the hook shaft 18, the hooks 16 and 17 do not enter the corresponding hook fixing holes 103 y and 103 z of the printer 101. As long as the push lever 40 does not rise in the direction of the arrow 40B. Therefore, if one of the hooks 16 and 17 is not fitted into the fixing hole 103y or 103z of the printer 101, for example, if the printer 101 is improperly mounted such that the printer 101 is mounted obliquely with respect to the ASF 1, the user operates the push lever 40. By checking the height position, the mounting failure can be prevented. Further, in this configuration, the hooks 16,
The fitting position between the printer 17 and the printer 17 is set at the same height as the rotation center of the hooks 16 and 17 or at a position slightly higher than the rotation center. As a result, when the printer 101 is forcibly removed from the ASF 1, the hooks 16 and 17 are stopped at the position where the forces are balanced, that is, at the same height as the height of the rotation center of the hooks 16 and 17. The printer 101 does not come off.

(Removal Operation of Printer) Next, a case where the printer 101 is removed from the ASF 1 will be described.

When the user wants to remove the printer 101 from the ASF 1, the user first presses the push portion 40a of the push lever 40 with a finger in the direction of arrow 40A. At this time, since the boss 40c of the push lever 40 is sandwiched between the guide surfaces 39a and 39b provided on the positioning base 39, the lever shaft 42 is moved until the boss portion 40c comes off below the guide surface 39b. Without being able to rotate as the center, it descends in the direction of arrow 40A. On the other hand, since the push lever 40 and the hook (left) 16 are interlocked,
Hook (left) 16 is 1 around hook shaft 18
It rotates in the 6A direction. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 17, the fitting between the hook fixing hole 103y of the printer 1 and the claw fixing surface 16a3 of the hook (left) 16 is released. Also, the printer 101 is pushed out in the direction of arrow B by pressing the portion 102a by the pop-up 43 (43a, 43b) shown by the broken line in FIG. At the same time,
The connection between the ASF connector 44 and the connector 117 is also released. In this state, when the user releases the push of the push lever 40 in the direction of the arrow 40A, the state shown in FIG. 15 is obtained. In this state, the connection of the connectors 44 and 117 is released, and the engagement between the hooks 16 and 17 and the printer 101 is also released.
1 can be detached from the printer 101.

In some cases, the force required for removing the connectors 44 and 117 is greater than the pushing force of the pop-up 43. In such a state, the printer 101 does not move even if the hooks 16 and 17 are disengaged from the printer 101 and the printer 101 cannot be brought into the state shown in FIG.
It becomes a situation where 1 cannot be removed. Therefore, in the present configuration, a push-out function by the user is added.

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 17, the hook (left) 16 is at the position where the fitting with the hook fixing hole 103y is released, and the boss 40c of the push lever 40 is The guide surface 39b is released downward from the surface 39b, and the movement restriction in the direction of the arrow 40A by the guide surface 39b is released. Further, the push lever 40 is in a state where the upper end surface of the hole 40d is pressed against the lever shaft 42 when the push lever is slid, and the pushing down of the hooks 16 and 17 is restricted. The sliding surface 40e of the push lever 40 with the hook is
Since it has an arc shape with the lever shaft 42 as the center of rotation, the position of the hook (left) 16 does not change even if the push lever 40 rotates.

In the state shown in FIG. 17, the user pushes the push portion 40a of the push lever 40 with the arrow 40A.
When the push lever 40 is further pushed in the direction, the push lever 40 rotates about the lever shaft 42 in the direction of arrow 40D (see FIG. 17) as shown in FIG. Then, with the hooks 16 and 17 and the printer 101 being released, the push-out portion 40b of the push lever 40 comes into contact with the contact portion 102b of the printer, and the printer 101
Extruded in the direction. As shown in FIG. 18, the rotation of the push lever 40 is restricted by the stopper 40f abutting against the stopper 39f of the positioning base 39. Here, the printer 1 using the push lever 40
01 is pushed out by the hooks 16 and 17 and the printer 10.
1 and the connection of the connectors 44 and 117 are released.

After the printer 101 is pushed out, the user releases the pushing of the push portion 40a by the push lever 40. When the pushing force is released, the hook (left) 16 is raised by the hook spring 3 in the direction of arrow 16B. At the same time, the push lever 40 is also pushed up by the hook (left) 16, and the boss 40 c of the push lever 40 contacts the guide surface 39 c of the positioning base 39. And the push lever spring 7
Of the push lever 40 by the arrow 40
It turns in the E direction. When the boss 40c of the push lever 40 abuts on the guide surface 39a of the positioning base 39, the rotation of the push lever 40 is restricted, and the push lever is raised in the direction of 40B by the spring force of the hook spring 3. Finally, as shown in FIG. 15, the connection of the connectors 44 and 117 is released, and the engagement between the hooks 16 and 17 and the printer 101 is released. Can be removed.

As described above, in this configuration, the push lever 40 is pushed in a substantially vertical direction,
Are taken out in a substantially horizontal direction. When the push lever 40 is pushed in a substantially vertical direction, a vertical force acts on the ASF 1 itself. Therefore, even when the printer 101 is pushed in a substantially horizontal direction, the ASF 1 does not shift in the horizontal direction. Further, since the printer 101 is pushed out in a substantially horizontal direction, the printer 101 does not move back in the mounting direction due to its own weight, and there is no occurrence of defective removal.

FIG. 19 shows a push lever 40 in this configuration.
Pop-ups 43a, 43b, positioning bosses 39d, 3
9e, hook (right) 16, hook (left) 17, and AS
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement relationship of an F connector. FIG.
0 to FIG. 23 are simplified top views of the printer 101. FIG.

The positioning bosses 39d, 3 of the printer 101
9e and hooks 16 and 17 are provided near both ends of the printer 101 in the width direction. ASF connector 44
Is the boss 3 between the positioning bosses 39e and 39d.
It is arranged near 9e. The push lever 40 and the pop-up 43b are A
It is arranged at a position farther than the SF connector 44.
In such a configuration, when the printer 101 is to be removed from the ASF 1, the push lever 40 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 40A, and the hooks 16 and 17 are released from the fixing holes 103y and 103z of the printer 101. Of the connector 4 by pushing the
The connection between the hooks 4 and 117 and the engagement between the hooks 16 and 17 and the hook fixing holes 103y and 103z of the printer are released.

The pop-ups 43a and 43b are auxiliary members for reducing the force of pressing the push lever 40 by the user.
1 in the pushing direction. In this configuration,
When the printer 101 is pushed out, as described later, the printer 101 is pushed out while sliding on the printer sliding portion 45b with the positioning bosses 39d and 39e as pivot points. The positioning hole 118a of the printer 101 fitted with the positioning boss 39d is a round hole, and the positioning hole 118b of the printer 101 fitted with the positioning boss 39e is a long hole.

Here, the printer 10 is changed from the state shown in FIG.
When the printer 101 is to be removed from the ASF 1 with the positioning boss 39d as a pivot point, the printer 101 and the ASF 1
Is as shown in FIG. However, this FIG.
In the state shown in FIG. 1, biting occurs between the positioning boss 39d and the positioning hole 118a, and the printer 101 cannot be moved only by the pushing force of the pop-up 43a. Further, if the user forcibly removes the printer 101 from the ASF 1, the positioning boss 39d may be deformed and broken.

Therefore, in the present configuration, before the push lever 40 and the pop-up 43b push the printer 101, the pushing force of the pop-up 43a causes the positioning boss 39d, which is a pivot point of the printer, to engage with the positioning hole 118a. To connectors 44 and 117
Is shifted in the release direction of the lock to prevent the occurrence of biting.

In other words, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 19, the force F1 required to push out the printer 101 with the positioning boss 39e as the rotation fulcrum by the pushing force of the pop-up 43a has the following relationship.

[0089]

F1> (X1 / X2) × P1 + P2 Here, F1 is the printer 10 using the pop-up 43a.
1 is the pushing force, P1 is the force required to remove the connector, P
2 is the frictional force between the printer 101 and the printer sliding surface 45b, X1 is the distance from the positioning boss 39e, which is a rotation fulcrum, to the connector 44, and X2 is the distance from the positioning boss 39e, which is a rotation fulcrum, to the pop-up 43a. It is.

As apparent from the above equation, the pop-up 4
The pushing force F1 of the pop-up 43a can be set smaller as the distance between the 3a and the ASF connector 44 increases, that is, as the value of (X1 / X2) decreases.
The pushing force F1 of the pop-up 43a is
When 1 is mounted on the ASF 1, it works as a reaction force. Generally, considering that the force required to remove the connector is 1-2 kgf, the value of (X1 / X2) is 0.5
The following are appropriate:

The height of the hook 17a of the hook (right) 17 is set lower than the height of the hook of the hook (left) 16. Therefore, the hooks 16 and 17 are connected to the printer 101.
At the time when the hook (left) 16 is released from the fitting state with the hook fixing holes 103y and 103z, the hook (left) 16 is the hook (right) 1
It comes before 7.

As a result, at the moment when the hook (right) 17 is released from the fitting position with the hook fixing hole 103z of the printer 1, as shown in FIG. The positioning boss 39e is rotated around the rotation fulcrum, and the positioning boss 3 is rotated.
9d and the positioning hole 118a fit in the connector 4
4, 117 in the connection release direction. After that, the hook (left) 16 is released from the engagement between the printer 101 and the hook fixing hole 103y, and as shown in FIG.
The printer is pushed out by 0 and the pop-up 43b. As a result, the printer 101 can be removed from the ASF 1 in a state where there is no bite between the positioning bosses 39a and 39b and the positioning boss holes 118a and 118b.

Here, if the push lever 40 and the pop-up 43b are arranged between the positioning boss 39d and the ASF connector 44, the connectors 44, 11
7 is strong, the connector 44 is
As a result, the boss 39d becomes a rotation fulcrum, and biting occurs between the positioning boss 39d and the positioning hole 118a which are fitted in a round hole. Therefore, the arrangement of the push lever 40 and the pop-up 43b is determined by the position of the ASF connector
It is necessary to arrange them at positions more than four.

(Control Unit) FIG. 24 shows the main unit control unit 202 of the printer 101 and the control unit 201 of the external ASF 1.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the configuration.

Main body control unit 20 for controlling printer 101
2 is disposed on the main body substrate 123 shown in FIG.
203, a microcomputer connected to a ROM 204 and a RAM 205 via a bus. When the printer 101 performs recording, the main body control unit 202
Based on the main body control program stored in the OM 204,
First, the carriage motor 121 is driven via the motor driver 208, and the recording head 115 mounted on a carriage (not shown) connected to the carriage motor 121 is driven via the head driver 210, so that one line of the sheet is printed on the sheet. Make a record. Thereafter, the main body control unit 202
Is the paper feed motor 120 via the motor driver 206.
Is driven to drive the carriage motor 121 and the recording head 115 again to record one line. By repeating such recording and sheet feeding, recording on the sheet is completed.

Reference numeral 117 denotes a connector.
In order to output a command signal from the PU 203 to the outside and to input a response signal from the outside to the CPU 203, it functions as a communication port capable of two-way communication and also supplies power to the outside as described later. It is possible. 108
Is a paper end sensor provided inside the printer main body and having an optical switch or a mechanical switch. When the sheet 200 is inserted into the printer body, the output voltage of the paper end sensor 108 changes from the “LO” state to the “HIGH” state. Reference numeral 113 denotes a paper discharge sensor having the same function as the paper end sensor 108. When the sheet 200 after image recording remains inside the printer main body, the output voltage is set to "HIGH". The output voltage of the paper end sensor 108 and the output voltage of the paper discharge sensor 113 can both be monitored by the CPU 203, and the output voltage of the paper end sensor 108
7 can be directly output to the outside.

ASF control unit 2 for controlling external ASF1
01 is the same as that of the printer main body control unit 202.
13, a microcomputer having a ROM 214 and a RAM 215 connected by a bus. CPU
213 drives the paper feed motor 27 via the motor driver 216 based on the ASF control program stored in the ROM 214. An ASF connector 44 receives a signal from an external device such as the printer 101, and receives an ASF connector.
In order to output a signal from the CPU 213 of the SF control unit 201, it functions as a communication port capable of bidirectional communication.

(Communication Port Section) FIG.
7 and the detailed configuration of the ASF connector 44 are schematically shown.

Connector 117 and ASF Connector 44
Are eight ports 117a-117h, 44a-44, respectively.
h, and when the ASF 1 is mounted on the printer 101, the corresponding alphanumeric ports are electrically connected. Ports 44a and 117a are GND lines, port 4
4b and 117b are 5V power supply lines for signals, port 44
Reference numerals e and 117e form a 24v power supply line for driving the sheet feeding motor 27. The port 44f is connected to the port 117.
f, a transmission port for transmitting a signal to port f, a reception port for receiving a signal from port 117g, and port 4g.
4h is the port 117h from the paper end sensor 108
The port receives the output voltage of Since the ports 44c and 44d are short-circuited, the printer 1
On the 01 side, the port 117c and 117d can be used to recognize whether or not an external device is connected.

(ASF Separation and Transport Mechanism) FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing a state in which the external ASF 1 is mounted on the printer 101.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding out the sheet 200. A paper feed rubber 23 is fitted on the paper feed roller 19, and when the paper feed roller 19 rotates, the sheet 200 is conveyed by the frictional force of the paper feed rubber 23. Reference numeral 26 denotes a pressure plate on which the sheets 200 are stacked, and both ends on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction are rotatably supported by the ASF chassis 11. The pressure plate 26 is formed by the pressure plate spring 13 and
3 is urged. In the initial state, the cam portions 19c provided at both ends of the sheet feeding roller 19 and the pressure plate 26
The cam portions 26a provided at both ends of the sheet 2 mesh with each other, and the paper feed rubber 23 and the pressure plate 26 are separated from each other, so that the sheet 200 can be set smoothly. Embankment 36
Has an abutting surface 36a located on the extension of the pressure plate 26 in the sheet conveying direction, and the sheet 200 is set such that the leading end abuts against the abutting surface 36a. A bank sheet 37 as a sheet separating member is attached to the abutting surface 36a. The bank sheet 37 is
The sheet 200 is made of an elastic material such as a plastic film.
It has the function of separating sheets one by one.

(Printer Transport Mechanism and Recording Mechanism) Next, the transport mechanism and the recording mechanism of the printer 101 in FIG. 25 will be described.

Reference numeral 109 denotes an LF roller for conveying the sheet 200. The LF roller 109 is formed by forming a coating film of a material having a high friction coefficient such as urethane resin on the surface of a metal pipe.
And transport it. A recording head 115 records an image on the sheet 200 conveyed by the LF roller 109, and is mounted on a carriage (not shown) that can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the LF roller 109. Recording head 115
Can reciprocate with the carriage driven by the carriage motor 121 in FIG. 25 in the paper width direction of the sheet 200 (the direction of the front and back of the sheet of FIG. 25).

The spur 111 and the discharge roller 112 are L
It is located downstream of the F roller 109 and the recording head 115, and forms two pairs of rollers for transporting the sheet 200 on which the image has been recorded. Discharge roller 112
Is connected to the LF roller 109 via a drive transmission member (not shown).
, And rotates so as to convey the sheet 200 in the same direction as the LF roller 109 using the LF roller 109 as a driving source. A paper end sensor 108 is provided on the paper path upstream of the LF roller 109 in the sheet conveyance direction, and a paper discharge sensor 113 is provided between the two pairs of paper discharge rollers 112. Those sensors 1
08 and 109, the output voltage changes from the “LO” state to the “HIGH” state when the sheet 200 crosses.

(ASF Driving Mechanism) FIG. 26 and FIG.
3 shows a driving mechanism of the external ASF1. The feed motor 27 is
This is a stepping motor that can rotate forward and reverse. Reference numeral 28 denotes an idle gear, which is a motor gear 27a of the sheet feeding motor 27.
And are engaged. Reference numeral 29 denotes an ASF double gear having two-stage gears 29a and 29b having different large and small diameters. The large diameter gear 29a meshes with the idle gear 28. 31
Is a forward rotation planet gear, which meshes with the small diameter gear 29b of the ASF double gear 29 and revolves around the ASF double gear 29. 33 is a two-stage gear 33a, 3 having different large and small diameters.
3b is a reversing sun gear having a large diameter gear 33a
Are engaged with the small-diameter gear 29b of the ASF double gear 28. A reverse planetary gear 35 meshes with the small diameter gear 33b of the reverse rotation sun gear 33 and revolves around the reverse rotation sun gear 33. Reference numeral 19a denotes a paper feed roller gear provided at the shaft end of the paper feed roller 19, and has a toothless portion 19b.
The feed roller gear 19a is on the orbit of the forward rotation planetary gear 31 and the reverse rotation planetary gear 35, and these gears 31,
It is arranged at a position where it meshes with 35.

Next, the operation of each gear will be described.

In FIG. 26, the paper feed motor 27 is
When the gears rotate in the directions (reverse rotation driving), the respective gears rotate in the directions indicated by arrows in FIG. That is, the reverse planetary gear 3
5 revolves around the small diameter gear 33b of the reversing sun gear 33 from the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 26 toward the position indicated by the solid line in the clockwise direction via the idle gear 28 and the ASF double gear 29, and It meshes with the paper roller gear 19a. As a result, the sheet feeding roller 19 moves the sheet 200 stacked on the pressure plate
1). The feed roller gear 19a that meshes with and rotates with the reverse planetary gear 35 is provided with the toothless portion 19.
When b rotates to a position facing the reverse rotation planetary gear 35, the engagement with the reverse rotation planetary gear 35 is released, and after that, the rotation stops even if the sheet feeding motor 27 is driven in reverse rotation. At this time, the forward rotation planetary gear 31 revolves from the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 26 toward the position indicated by the solid line in the counterclockwise direction and stops against the stopper (not shown). It does not affect the rotation of 19.

Next, in FIG. 27, when the sheet feeding motor 27 rotates in the direction of arrow f (forward drive), each gear rotates in the direction of arrow in FIG. That is, the normal rotation planetary gear 31 is connected to the small diameter gear 29 b of the ASF double gear 29 via the idle gear 28 and the ASF double gear 29.
Is revolved from the position of the two-dot chain line in FIG. 27 to the position of the solid line in the clockwise direction in FIG.
Mesh with. Thus, the paper feed roller 19 rotates in the clockwise arrow direction (the direction in which the sheets 200 stacked on the pressure plate 26 are sent out to the printer 101). When the toothless portion 19b rotates to a position facing the forward-rotating planetary gear 31, the paper feed roller 19a meshing with the forward-rotating planetary gear 31 is disengaged from the forward-rotating planetary gear 31. , Even if the paper feed motor 27 is driven to rotate forward. At this time, the reverse planetary gear 33 is connected to 2 in FIG.
It revolves from the position indicated by the dashed line to the position indicated by the solid line in the counterclockwise direction, stops against the stopper (not shown), and does not affect the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 19.

Further, when the missing tooth portion 19b of the paper feed roller gear 19a faces the forward rotation planetary gear 31, when
As shown in the figure, the cam 19c of the paper feed roller 19 meshes with the cam 26a of the pressure plate 26 to have the same phase as the initial state,
The pressure plate 26 is separated from the paper feed rubber 23. Therefore, when the paper feed motor 27 is continuously driven to rotate forward, the paper feed roller cam portion 19c and the pressure plate cam portion 26a mesh with each other, and the pressure plate 26
The paper feed roller 19 stops rotating with the same phase as that in the initial state, while keeping the state separated from the paper feed rubber 23. After that, both the forward rotation planetary gear 33 and the reverse rotation planetary gear 35 idle at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.

(Feeding Operation and Recording Operation (Printer Side)) Next, the operation of feeding, conveying, and discharging the sheet 200 by the printer 101 and the ASF 1 after recording will be described.

When receiving a recording command from an external information device such as a computer, the printer 101 first performs a paper feeding operation, and then performs a recording operation. FIG. 28 shows the printer 10
6 is a flowchart for explaining a sheet feeding operation of No. 1;

First, the main body control unit 202 of the printer 101
Executes the subflow C1. The subflow C1
Is used to determine the model attached to the outside of the printer via the ports 117f and 117g shown in FIG. 35, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the flow proceeds to S1, and if the result of the determination in the sub-flow C1 indicates that the ASF 1 is mounted on the printer 101, the flow proceeds to S2 because ASF paper is fed. S
In 2, the main body control unit 202 transmits an initialization command signal to ASF1, and then proceeds to S3. In S3, the control waits for a response signal from ASF1 indicating completion of initialization, receives the response signal, and proceeds to S4. In S4, the main body control unit 202 transmits a paper feed command signal and a paper type signal indicating the type of sheet to be fed (plain paper, coated paper, postcard, glossy film, etc.) to the ASF 1, and then proceeds to S5.

In S5, if the response signal from ASF1 has not been received, the process proceeds to S8, and in S8, if the predetermined time limit t2 seconds has not elapsed, the process returns to S5. In S8, if the time limit t2 seconds has elapsed from the start of sheet feeding, the process proceeds to S9, and the main body control unit 202
Issues a paper feed error and terminates the paper feed operation.

In S5, if there is a response signal from ASF1 and it is a signal indicating the completion of sheet feeding, the process proceeds to S7.
Step S7 is a step of performing a so-called cueing operation of the sheet 200. The main body control unit 202 drives the paper feed motor 120 to move the LF roller 109 by a predetermined amount R3 in the sheet conveying direction (forward rotation direction) during recording. And the sheet feeding operation is completed. The predetermined amount R3 is such that the leading end of the sheet 200 does not reach the sheet detectable area of the sheet ejection sensor 113,
It is set to a size that reaches just below the recording head 115. Therefore, when the printer 101
When recording on the sheet 200 is started, it is not necessary to return the sheet 200 to the upstream side in the transport direction, and
There is no collision with the mechanical components inside the SF1, and no breakage or misfeed of the sheet 200 occurs.

At S5, if there is a response signal from the ASF 1 and it is a signal indicating a paper feed error, the process proceeds to S9, where the main body control unit 202 issues a paper feed error and ends the paper feed operation.

In S1, if the result of the determination in the sub-flow C1 indicates that the ASF 1 is not mounted on the printer 101, the process proceeds to S10 because the paper is fed manually. S
At 10, the process waits for a sheet to be detected by the paper end sensor 108. When the user has not inserted the sheet, the paper end sensor 108 does not detect the sheet 200, and the output voltage is in the “LO” state. When the user inserts the sheet 200 into the printer 101 and hits it against the LF roller 109, the paper end sensor 108
Becomes "HIGH", the sheet 200 is detected, and the process proceeds to S11. In step S11, the main body control unit 202 controls the paper feed motor 120 via the paper feed motor driver 206 to rotate the LF roller 109 by a predetermined amount R4 in the normal direction (the direction in which the sheet 200 is transported in the transport direction during recording). Drive. The predetermined amount R4 is set to a size such that the leading end of the sheet 200 reaches the sheet detectable area of the sheet discharge sensor 113.

Next, the flow advances to S12, and if the paper discharge sensor 113 has detected the sheet 200, it is determined that the paper feeding has been successful, and the flow advances to S13. In S13, the main body control unit 202 reversely rotates the LF roller 109 by a predetermined amount R5 (rotation direction in which the sheet 200 is conveyed in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction during recording).
The paper feed motor 120 is driven via the paper feed motor driver 206 so as to perform the above operation. The predetermined amount R5 returns the sheet 200 conveyed to the detectable area of the sheet discharge sensor 113 to the recording start position, and the leading end of the sheet 200 is LF.
The amount is set so as not to fall out between the roller 109 and the pinch roller 110.

At S12, the paper discharge sensor 113
Does not detect the sheet 200, for example, when the sheet 200 is not properly bitten between the LF roller 109 and the pinch roller 110 due to weak contact with the LF roller 109, or when the sheet 200 is If the leading end of the sheet 200 does not reach the sheet detectable area of the sheet discharge sensor 113 even if the sheet is conveyed by the predetermined amount R4 due to the collision, the main body control unit 202 determines that the manual sheet feeding has failed and proceeds to S14. . In S14, the main body control unit 202 drives the paper feed motor 120 via the paper feed motor driver 206 so as to reversely rotate the LF roller 109 by a predetermined amount R6. The predetermined amount R6 corresponds to the sheet 20 conveyed to the detectable area
The amount is set to a sufficiently large amount so that the leading end of “0” gets out from between the LF roller 109 and the pinch roller 110.

As described above, at the time of manual paper feeding, it can be reliably confirmed that the paper has been successfully fed by determining whether or not the paper discharge sensor 113 has detected the sheet 200. Further, when the feeding fails, the sheet 200 is
Because it is returned to a position where it does not bite into the F roller 109,
The sheet 200 can be easily removed, and manual sheet feeding can be performed again.

It should be noted that, unlike when the ASF 1 is mounted, there is no mechanical component or the like colliding during the manual sheet feeding, so that even if the sheet 200 is conveyed in the opposite direction, no break or misfeed occurs.

As described above, the printer 101 that has completed the sheet feeding operation according to the control flow of FIG. 28 performs the recording operation thereafter. The main body control unit 202 drives a carriage motor 121 via a motor driver 208 to move a carriage (not shown) connected to the carriage motor 121, and controls the print driver 115 attached to the carriage to a head driver 210. Drive through
One line is recorded on the sheet 200. Thereafter, the main body control unit 202 drives the paper feed motor 120 via the motor driver 206 to convey the sheet 200 for one line recording, and drives the carriage motor 121 and the recording head 115 again to drive the sheet 200 for one line. By repeating the operation of performing the recording on the sheet 200, the recording on the sheet 200 is completed. When the recording is completed, the main body control unit 202
0 is driven to rotate the LF roller 109 forward. As a result, the paper discharge roller 112 rotates, and the sheet 200 is discharged out of the printer 101.

(Paper Feeding Operation (ASF Side)) FIG.
4 shows a main control flow of F1.

The control unit 201 of the ASF 1
1 is normally in a standby state when connected to
At 37, it waits for the reception of a command signal from the printer 101. Via the serial reception port 44g of FIG.
Upon receiving the command signal from the printer 101, the process proceeds to the following sub-flows or steps according to the content of the command signal.

That is, if the command signal from the printer 101 indicates a "paper feed command", the flow proceeds to the sub-flow C2 for controlling the ASF paper feed operation. The process proceeds to subflow C3, and when each subflow is completed, the process returns to S37 again to be in a standby state. If the command signal from the printer 101 indicates a "model discriminating command", the process proceeds to step S6, where the ASF
1 Enter the code ID representing the model of the serial transmission port 4
4f, and then to S3 again.
Then, the process returns to step 7 to be in a standby state.

Of the two sub-flows C2 and C3 described above, the sub-flow C2 for controlling the ASF sheet feeding operation will be described first, and the details of the sub-flow C3 for controlling the initialization operation will be described later.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a sub-flow C2 for controlling the sheet feeding operation in the ASF1.

In step S15, the ASF control unit 201 first determines the optimum paper feed motor 27 for the paper type to be fed based on the paper type information received from the printer 101 together with the paper feed command signal.
Is read from the ROM 214 to the CPU 213. The drive table T includes a registration removal pulse number P5 for rotating the paper supply roller 19 by an optimum amount according to the drive speed of the paper supply motor 27, which is a pulse motor, and the registration operation in S22 described below. And the like, and a plurality of types are prepared according to assumed sheet characteristics.

After reading the drive table T, the ASF control unit 201 sets “INIT”,
“0” is set as an initial value of each variable defined by “n” and “Pc”. Each variable is a variable stored in the RAM 215, and “INIT” is a flag indicating whether or not the phase in the rotation direction of the paper feed roller 19 is at the initial position, and “n” is
Is a rotation number counter indicating how many rotations of the paper feeding roller 19 since the start of the paper feeding flow C2, and “Pc” is a pulse number counter indicating how many pulses the paper feeding motor 27 is driven in the reverse direction. is there.

Next, in S17, the ASF control unit 201 drives the paper feed roller 19 by one pulse in the reverse direction via the paper feed motor driver 216. Next, the process proceeds to S18, where the value of the pulse number counter “Pc” is counted up by 1, and the process proceeds to S19. In S19, the ASF control unit 201
Is the value of the pulse number counter “Pc” and the allowable pulse number Pm
Compare the magnitude of ax. The allowable pulse number Pmax is determined by the value of the feed roller gear 1 after the feed motor 27 starts reverse rotation.
As described above, the toothless portion 19b of the reverse gear 9a
Is the total number of drive pulses until the paper feed roller 19 rotates until the paper feed roller 19 stops rotating. Immediately after the start of sheet feeding, the process proceeds to S20 because the relationship of Pc <Pmax holds. In S20, A
The SF control unit 201 determines the output voltage of the paper end sensor 108 in the printer 101 via the port 44h in FIG. Immediately after the start of the sheet feeding operation, the sheet 200 is still
Does not reach the inside of the printer 101 and the output voltage of the paper end sensor 108 is in the “LO” state.
It returns to S17.

When S17 to S20 are repeated as described above, the reverse planetary gear 35 in FIG. 26 revolves from the position indicated by the two-dot chain line to the position indicated by the solid line, meshes with the paper feed roller gear 19a, and the paper feed roller 19 starts rotating. I do. Paper feed roller 19
Starts rotating from the initial phase, the paper feed roller cam portion 19c and the pressure plate cam portion 26a are disengaged from each other, the pressure plate 26 is lifted upward by the pressure plate spring 13, and the sheet 200 stacked on the pressure plate 26 is moved. It is pressed against the paper feed rubber 23. At this time, the leading end of the sheet 200 that has been abutted against the abutting surface 36a of the bank 36 is also lifted upward, and abuts near the center of the bank sheet 37.

If the paper feed roller 19 is rotated by continuing the reverse rotation of the paper feed motor 27 by repeating S17 to S20, the conveyance of the sheet 200 is started by the frictional force of the paper feed rubber 23. Due to the reaction force generated by bending the elastic bank sheet 37 at the leading end, only one sheet is sent out while being separated from the sheet 200 thereunder.

Then, when the paper feed motor 27 continues to be driven in the reverse direction and the relationship of Pc <Pmax is no longer established,
The process branches from S19 and proceeds to S24. At S24, A
The SF control unit 201 sets the feed motor 27 to a predetermined pulse number P
4 is driven in the normal rotation direction. The predetermined pulse number P4 is a pulse number sufficient for rotating the sheet feeding roller 19 to the initial position by the forward rotation planetary gear 31. That is, S24
Is performed, the paper feed roller 19 makes just one rotation from the initial position, the toothless portion 19b of the paper feed roller gear 19a faces the forward rotation planetary gear 31 and disengages, and the paper feed roller 19 stops. I do. Next, the processing proceeds to S25, where the pulse number counter Pc is returned to “0”, the rotation number counter n is counted up by 1, and the processing proceeds to S26. At this point, since n = 1, the process returns from S26 to S17, and the reverse rotation drive of the paper feed motor 27 is started again.

The ASF control unit 201 returns to S17 to S
20 is repeated, the sheet feeding roller 19 starts the second rotation, and the sheet 200 is further conveyed. Then, when the leading end of the sheet 200 reaches the paper end sensor 108 inside the printer 101, the output voltage of the paper end sensor 108 becomes “HIGH” and S2
From 0, proceed to S21. In S21, the ASF control unit 2
01 compares the value of the pulse number counter Pc with the registration pulse number P5 in the read drive table T and the allowable pulse number Pmax. Pc +
If P5 ≦ Pmax, the transmission is not released during the reverse rotation of the sheet feeding motor 27 when the paper feeding motor 27 is further driven to rotate in the reverse direction by P5 pulse.
Proceeding to 2, the sheet feeding motor 27 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction by the pulse P5.

If the relation of Pc + P5> Pmax is satisfied, when the paper feed motor 27 is further driven to rotate in the reverse direction by the pulse P5, the missing tooth portion 19 of the paper feed roller gear 19a is in-progress.
Since b is opposed to the reverse planetary gear 35 and the drive transmission to the paper feed roller 19 is interrupted, the process proceeds to S24. S24
Then, the sheet feeding motor 27 is driven forward by the pulse P4 again to return the sheet feeding roller 19 to the initial position. Then, in step S25, Pc is set to "0", n is set to n + 1, and the process proceeds to step S26. Normally, since the paper end sensor 108 detects the sheet 200 at the second rotation of the paper feed roller 19, the process returns to S17 at this time (n = 2). At this time, since the output voltage of the paper end sensor 108 is already in the “HIGH” state and the pulse number counter Pc has just been reset, S17 to S18, S19, S20, S2
Then, the process proceeds to S22 to satisfy the relationship of Pc + P5 ≦ Pmax.

Step S22 is a step of performing a so-called registration operation. The ASF control section 201 drives the sheet feeding motor 27 in the reverse direction by the number of pulses P5 in the read drive table T to rotate the sheet feeding roller 19. At this time, the leading end of the sheet 200 is further fed into the printer 101 from the position detected by the paper end sensor 108, stops against the nip formed by the stopped LF roller 109 and the pinch roller 110, but stops. The rear of the sheet 200 is further pushed by the sheet feeding roller 19. For this reason, the leading end of the sheet 200
It is aligned parallel to the nip formed by the LF roller 109 and the pinch roller 110.

Next, proceeding to step S23, the ASF control unit 201 transmits a signal indicating the completion of paper feeding to the printer 101 via the serial transmission port 44f of FIG. 35, and completes the operation.

When the sheet 200 is not stacked on the pressure plate 26, the output voltage of the paper end sensor 108 does not become "HIGH" regardless of the number of rotations of the paper feed roller 19. Therefore, the ASF control unit 201 repeats a loop from step S17 to S17 via S18, S19, S20 a certain number of times, and then repeats S19, S24,
The operation of returning to S17 through S25 and S26 is repeated twice, and at the time of the third operation S26, the sheet feeding roller 19
Becomes n = 3, so that S26 to S
In step 27, a paper feed error signal is transmitted to the printer 101, and the operation is completed.

(Other operations (printer side, ASF
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of the sub-flow C3 for controlling the initialization operation of the ASF1.

Upon receiving the initialization command signal from the printer 101, the ASF control unit 201 proceeds to S28, and checks the value of the flag "INIT" indicating whether or not the phase in the rotation direction of the paper feed roller 19 is at the initial position. I do. If INIT = 1, it indicates that the paper feed roller 19 is already at the initial position, so the process proceeds to step S31, where an initialization completion signal is transmitted to the printer 101, and the operation ends. Also, IN
If IT = 0, the flow advances to step S29 to drive the paper feed roller motor 27 by the predetermined number of pulses P0 in the normal rotation direction.
The predetermined pulse number P0 is maintained until the toothless portion 19b of the feed roller gear 19a faces the forward rotation planetary gear 31 regardless of the rotational position of the feed roller 19, that is, the feed roller 19
Is set to a value that can be sufficiently rotated until is set to the initial position. Therefore, by executing S29, the paper feed roller 19 rotates and returns to the initial position, the pressure plate 26 and the paper feed rubber 23 are separated, and the sheet 200
Can be set smoothly. Next, the process proceeds to step S30, in which the flag INIT is set to "1" so as to indicate that the sheet feeding roller is at the initial position, and then in step S31, an initialization completion signal is transmitted to the printer 101, and the operation is terminated.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a sub-flow C1 for the printer 101 to determine the model attached to the outside of the printer via the ports 117f and 117g shown in FIG.

The main body control unit 202 first executes step S32
, A model determination command signal is transmitted to the external device via the port 117g. Next, the process proceeds to S33, and if a response signal from the external device is not received via the port 117f, the process proceeds to S35, and if the predetermined time limit t1 has not elapsed, the process returns to S33. In S35, if the time limit t1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to S36, where it is determined that no external device is attached, and the operation ends. In S33,
If a response signal from the external device has been received, the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the main body control unit 202 reads the code ID indicating the attached model from the received response signal, and ends the operation.

(Other Embodiments) FIGS. 33 and 34 are similar to FIGS.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a control flow in a printer 101 and an external ASF 1 that can be attached to the printer 101 according to a second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used for portions having the same functions and shapes and the same operations as those in the above-described first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, FIG.
As shown by 0, the ASF control unit 201 drives the sheet feeding motor 27 in the reverse direction by the P5 pulse in S22, and then proceeds to S23.
The feed completion signal has been transmitted to the printer 101. However, in this case, since the paper feed roller 19 has not returned to the initial position, the paper feed roller 19 remains pressed against the sheet 200 as shown in FIG. In this state, if the cueing operation or the recording operation of the printer main body is simply performed using only the LF roller 109, a back tension is generated by the paper feeding roller 19, and the conveyance accuracy of the sheet 200 may be deteriorated.

The second embodiment is to solve such a problem.

That is, as shown in FIG. 34, after performing the registration operation in S22, the ASF control unit 201 proceeds to S38, and drives the sheet feeding motor 27 forward by a predetermined number of pulses P6. This pulse number P6 is a pulse number sufficient for rotating the sheet feeding roller 19 to the initial position by the forward rotation planetary gear 31. In addition, at the same time as the normal rotation drive of the paper feed motor 27 is started, a counter for measuring the time elapsed from the start of the drive is operated. A drive request signal is transmitted. During the predetermined time t3, after the feed motor 27 starts rotating in S38, the normal rotation planetary gear 31 revolves and the feed roller gear 19
This is a time slightly longer than the time required for the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 19 to be engaged with a. Further, S38
The speed at which the paper feed motor 27 is driven depends on the peripheral speed of the paper feed rubber 23 attached to the paper feed roller 19,
It is set to be slightly higher than the peripheral speed when the F roller 109 rotates in S7.

When S38 is completed, the paper feed roller 19 rotates to the same phase as the initial position, and then S4
Go to 0. In S40, the ASF control unit 201
The operation is terminated after the NIT flag is set to "1" to indicate that the rotation direction phase of the paper feed roller 19 is in the initial state. On the other hand, the printer main body control unit 20 that has received the synchronous drive request signal transmitted by the ASF control unit 201 in S39
2 proceeds from S5 to S7 in FIG.
To start normal rotation.

FIG. 36 shows a printer 1 according to this embodiment.
5 is a time chart summarizing the outline of the related operation between ASF1 and ASF1.

When the printer 101 starts the paper feeding operation,
First, a model determination command signal is transmitted to the ASF1 side (S3
2). ASF1 receives a signal I indicating its own model code.
D is transmitted to the printer 101 side (S37). Next, the printer 101 sends an ASF1 initialization command signal to the ASF1.
(S2), and the ASF 1 rotates the paper feed roller 19 to perform an initialization operation if not in the initialization state (S2).
9), an initialization completion signal is transmitted to the printer 101 (S31). Next, the printer 101 sends a paper feed command signal to A
The data is transmitted to the SF1 side (S4). After reading the optimal drive table T based on the paper type information sent together with the paper feed command signal (S15, not shown in FIG. 36), the ASF 1 feeds the paper feed motor based on the paper feed operation control flow C2. 2
7, the paper feed roller 19 rotates (S17). Paper end sensor 108 provided on printer 101 side
When the output voltage is detected as "HIGH" and the sheet 200 is detected, the ASF 1 further rotates the sheet feeding roller 19 by the rotation amount R1 based on the pulse number P5 described above, and performs a so-called registration removing operation (S22). After the completion of this registration operation, the ASF 1 further rotates the paper feed roller 19 by the rotation amount R3 at the same position as the initial state (S38), and at the same time t3 from the start of driving the paper feed motor 27. Is passed, the synchronous drive request signal is transmitted to the printer 101 (S39).

The printer 101 that has received the synchronous drive request signal from the ASF 1 rotates the LF roller 109 by the rotation amount R3 to perform a so-called cueing operation (S7).

As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, in the state where S22 is completed as shown in FIG. 36, the feed roller 19 starts rotating, and the LF roller 109 rotates slightly after a short delay. And LF at this time
The peripheral speed of the paper feed rubber 23 is slightly faster than the peripheral speed of the roller 109. Therefore, when the LF roller 109 starts rotating for the cueing operation in S7, the sheet 2
No back tension occurs because the paper feed rubber 23 pressed against 00 has started to rotate slightly earlier, and the peripheral speed of the paper feed rubber 23 is slightly faster than the peripheral speed of the LF roller 109. As a result, back tension does not occur, and the conveyance accuracy at the time of cueing of the sheet 200 is stabilized.

If t3 is too small, the feed roller 1
Before the transmission of the driving force of the feed motor 27 to the
The roller 109 may start to rotate. On the other hand, if t3 is too large, the sheet feeding roller 19 rotates much before the LF roller 109 starts rotating, and the sheet 200
May be deformed on the way, or the leading end may not be aligned in parallel with the nip formed by the LF roller 109 and the pinch roller 110. In the present embodiment, t3
The optimal value was about 10 ms to 100 ms.

Further, with respect to the peripheral speed of the LF roller 109,
If the peripheral speed of the paper feed rubber 23 attached to the paper feed roller 19 is not so fast, when the paper feed rubber 23 slips due to the type of the sheet 200 or the surrounding environment, back tension is also generated. There is a risk, on the contrary,
If the peripheral speed of the paper feed rubber 23 is too fast, the sheet 200 may be deformed. The optimum condition is that the peripheral speed of the paper feed rubber 23 in S38 of this embodiment is about 5% to 50% faster than the peripheral speed of the LF roller 109 in S7.

In the present embodiment, the name of the signal corresponding to the "feed completion signal" in the first embodiment is referred to as "synchronous drive request signal" due to the difference in the meaning of the operation.
However, even if the same signal as the "paper feed completion signal" is used as the actual signal, no inconvenience occurs. Therefore, the paper supply operation control flow (FIGS. 28 and 33) of the printer in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is essentially exactly the same. That is, the printer 101 according to the first embodiment can be used by mounting both the ASF 1 according to the first embodiment and the ASF 1 according to the second embodiment.

Here, the contents of the plurality of drive tables T in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, when the paper type information received by the ASF 1 indicates plain paper, the ASF control unit 201 selects the drive table T1. For plain paper, S2 in FIG.
2, the driving speed is set to the medium speed because the resistance during the registration operation is small. Further, since the sheet is not skewed during the sheet feeding, it is not necessary to take a large amount of pressing against the LF roller 109, and a small value is set as the number of registration removing pulses P5.

When the paper type information received by the ASF 1 indicates an envelope, the ASF control unit 201 selects the drive table T3. Since the envelope has a high resistance when fed, and particularly has a high resistance during the registration operation in S22, the driving speed of the envelope is higher than that of plain paper so that the paper feed motor 27 does not lose synchronism. Set at low speed to secure large torque. On the other hand, envelopes tend to be skewed (easily skewed) during paper feeding compared to other paper types.
A medium value larger than the plain paper table T1 is set as the registration pulse number P5 in 22. As a result, the amount by which the leading end of the envelope is pressed against the LF roller 109 increases, and the leading end of the envelope is more reliably aligned.

When the paper type information indicates glossy paper, the ASF control section 201 selects the drive table T4. Glossy paper has a large resistance during the registration operation, but does not easily cause skewing. Therefore, in table T4,
The driving speed at the time of registration is low, and the number of registration pulses P5 is set to a small value equivalent to that of plain paper.

When the paper type information indicates a postcard, the ASF control section 201 selects the drive table T2. Since the postcard does not have a large resistance during the registration operation, the driving speed during the registration operation is set to the medium speed as in the case of plain paper.

On the other hand, in FIG. 36, when the LF roller 109 on the printer 101 side and the paper feed roller 19 on the ASF 1 rotate simultaneously, if the sheet has a high rigidity like a postcard and is difficult to be deformed in the middle. In other words, the paper feed roller 19 having a high peripheral speed pushes the postcard against the frictional force of the LF roller 109, and the leading end of the postcard is conveyed beyond the rotation amount R3 of the LF roller 109, and an appropriate recording result is obtained. May not be possible. To avoid this, in the table T2, the number P5 of registration pulses in S22 is set to a value as large as possible. In particular,
P5 = Pmax-Pc, that is, the paper end sensor 1
08 is set as a variable determined by the number of reverse drive pulses of the sheet feeding motor 27 required until the sheet 200 is detected. Thus, no matter when the paper end sensor 108 detects the sheet 200, the total number of pulses of the paper feed motor 27 driven to rotate in the reverse direction at the end of the execution of step S22 in FIG. 34 is Pmax. That is, the toothless portion 19b of the sheet feed roller gear 19a is reliably rotated to a position where the toothless portion 19b is disengaged from the reverse rotation planetary gear 35. Therefore, the phase in the rotation direction of the paper feed roller 19 after the end of step S22 becomes a position greatly advanced from the initial position, and even if the paper feed roller 19 rotates in step S40, the phase of the paper feed roller 19 quickly changes. Return to initial position. Therefore, the postcard loaded on the pressure plate 26 and the paper feed rubber 23
Since the LF roller 109 and the paper feed roller 19 are immediately separated from each other immediately after the synchronous drive is started, the paper feed roller 19 does not push the postcard against the frictional force of the LF roller 109.

The paper type information received by the ASF1 from the printer 101 may be a paper type that does not correspond to the ASF1,
If the paper type is not specified, the ASF control unit 201
Selects the drive table T5. The drive table T5 according to the present embodiment stores the same values as the postcard drive table T2. However, depending on the assumed conditions, it is of course possible to store the same value in the table T5 as in the table of another paper type, or to store a value that does not completely match the table of another paper type.

(Others) Printer 101 as a recording device
May be of various recording systems such as an ink jet system for discharging ink and a thermal transfer system. In the case of the inkjet method, an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy that causes film boiling of the ink can be provided as energy for discharging the ink. Further, the printer 101 includes a sheet 200 as a recording medium.
In addition to the serial type in which the recording head 115 is reciprocated in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the sheet 200, a full line type including a recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of the sheet 200 may be used. In the case of the serial type, the recording head 115 can be removably mounted on a carriage that can reciprocate in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sheet 200.

[0163]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the automatic feeding device and the recording device control each other by two-way communication, the automatic feeding device side can be provided with a feeding operation control program so as to have a part of the feeding operation. The control program on the recording device side can be greatly simplified.

In the two-way communication between the automatic feeding device and the recording device, the recording device may be used in combination with various automatic feeding devices as long as the conditions relating to the command signal and the response signal are satisfied. The automatic feeding device can be provided with high design flexibility.

Also, by making the automatic feeding device read the detection result of the feeding detection sensor of the recording device via the communication port, it can be compared with the case where the automatic feeding device has the feeding detection sensor. Thus, it is possible to reduce the cost and more reliably detect the feeding of the recording medium while keeping the time required for the feeding operation exactly the same.

Further, by supplying power for controlling and driving the automatic feeding device from the recording device, it is not necessary to provide a power source for the automatic feeding device, and accordingly, the size and saving of the automatic feeding device can be reduced. Space, weight, cost, and ease of handling due to cordlessness can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic feeding device and a recording device in a separated state according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a combined state of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the paper feed tray is opened.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a sheet reference position according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of attachment / detachment-related parts of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement of parts related to attachment and detachment of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the middle of connection.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the middle of connection.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view when the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are combined.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when separation starts.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during separation.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view for explaining an arrangement and a force relationship of attachment / detachment-related components of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for describing an attaching / detaching mechanism of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for describing an attaching / detaching mechanism of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for describing a mechanism for attaching and detaching the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for describing an attaching / detaching mechanism of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an automatic feeding device and a recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the automatic feeding apparatus and the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the drive mechanism of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the drive mechanism of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a feeding operation of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating main control of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining a feeding operation of the automatic feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining an initialization operation of the automatic feeding apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining a model determination operation of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a feeding operation of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a feeding operation of the automatic feeding device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of a connection portion between an automatic feeding device and a recording device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a communication relationship between an automatic feeding apparatus and a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view for explaining operations of the automatic feeding device and the recording device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a drive table of the automatic feeding device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ASF 2 ASF paper feed tray 2a ASF paper feed tray side guide part 3 Hook spring 4 ASF connector cap 5 Hook spring base 6 Paper guide spring 7 Push lever spring 8 Chassis cover 9 Connecting spring 10 Shield plate 11 ASF chassis 12 Bundle clamp 13 pressure plate spring 16 hook (left) 16a1 claw slope 16a2 claw flat surface 16a3 claw fixing surface 17 hook (right) 18 hook shaft 19 paper feed roller 19a paper feed roller gear 19b toothless part 19c paper feed roller cam part 20 auxiliary ring 21 Second auxiliary ring 22 Feed roller bearing 23 Feed rubber 24 Paper guide 25 Separation pad 26 Press plate 26a Press plate cam 27 Feed motor 28 Idle gear 29 ASF double gear 30 Forward arm 31 Forward planetary gear 32 Roller spring 33 Reverse sun gear 34 Reverse arm 35 Reverse planetary gear 36 Bank 36a Butt surface 36b Reference guide storage section 36c Reference guide guide section 37 Bank sheet 38 Bank sheet presser 39 Positioning base 39a to 39c Slide surface 39d Positioning boss for round hole 39e Positioning boss for oblong hole 39f Stopper part 40 Push lever 40a Push part 40b Pushing part 40c Sliding boss part 40d Sliding long hole part 40e Sliding surface 40f Stopper part 41 Pop-up spring 42 Lever shaft 43 Pop-up 43a Round hole fitting Release pop-up 43b Oval release pop-up 44 ASF connector 44a-44h Port 45 ASF base 45a Printer side guide part 45b Printer sliding part 45c Table part 45d Connect Cover storage part 1 45e Connector cover storage part 2 46 Bottom cover 47 ASF upper case 47a Eaves part 47b Eaves recessed part 48 Paper feed unit 49 ASF chassis unit 50 Hook unit 51 Paper feed roller unit 52 Pressure plate unit 53 Paper feed motor unit 54 Bank unit 55 Positioning base unit 56 ASF sheet discharge unit 58 ASF sheet path 101 Printer (recording device) 101Y Paper feed port 102 Upper case 102a Pop-up contact unit 102b Push lever contact unit 103 Base 103y Hook (left) hook fixing hole 103z hook (Right) hook fixing hole 103w Base bottom 104 Chassis 105 Platen 107 Battery 108 Paper end sensor 109 LF roller 110 Pinch roller 111 Car 112 Discharge roller 113 Discharge sensor 114 Upper cover 115 Head 116 Paper feed tray 116a Reference guide 117 Connector 117a to 117h Port 118 Board holder 118a Positioning hole 118b Positioning long hole 119 Printer connector cover 120 Paper feed motor 121 Carriage motor 122 Right end Guide 123 Body board 200 Sheet 201 ASF control unit 202 Body control unit 203 Body side CPU 204 Body side ROM 205 Body side RAM 206 Paper feed motor driver 208 Carriage motor driver 210 Recording head driver 212 Option connector 213 ASF side CPU 214 ASF side ROM 215 ASF side RAM 216 Paper feed motor driver P1 Removal force between connectors F1 Pop-up pushing force X1 X2 Distance between rotation fulcrum at the time of disengagement of round hole to connector 44 X2 Distance between rotation fulcrum at the time of disengagement of round hole to pop-up 43a for disengagement of round hole S1 to S40 Operation steps C1 Model determination control sub-flow C2 ASF paper feed Operation control sub-flow C3 ASF initialization operation control sub-flow INIT Feed roller 19 initial position determination flag n Revolution counter Pc Pulse counter P0, P4, P5, Pmax Number of pulses R1, R3, R4, R5, R6 Rotation amounts t1, t2 , T3 time T drive table

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shinya Asano 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takashi Nojima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside (72) Inventor Noriko Kawa ▲ saki ▼ 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Hasegawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon stock In company

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An automatic feeding device capable of being mounted on a recording device for recording an image on a recording medium and capable of feeding the recording medium to the recording device, comprising: a two-way communication with the recording device; And a control unit for executing a process according to a command signal received from the recording device through the communication port, and transmitting a response signal according to the processing result to the recording device through the communication port. An automatic feeding device comprising: A feed roller for feeding the print medium to the printing apparatus; and a motor for driving the feed roller. The control unit controls the motor based on a command signal received from the printing apparatus. 2. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic feeding device performs drive control and transmits a result of the drive control to the recording device as a response signal. 3. The control means sends the recording medium to the recording apparatus by rotating the feed roller by the motor based on a command signal received from the recording apparatus, and when the feeding of the recording medium is completed, 3. The automatic feeding device according to claim 2, wherein a response signal indicating completion of feeding is transmitted to the recording device. 4. The control means detects completion of feeding of the recording medium into the recording device by reading a detection result of a feed detection sensor provided in the recording device through the communication port. The automatic feeding device according to claim 3, wherein 5. The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: rotating the feed roller to a predetermined position by the motor based on the initialization command signal received from the recording apparatus, and initializing the feed roller. 5. The automatic feeding device according to claim 2, wherein a response signal indicating the completion of the initialization is transmitted to the recording device at the time of completion. 6. A plurality of control tables for setting a control mode of the motor, wherein the control means outputs the plurality of control tables based on a command signal indicating a type of the recording medium received from the recording device. 6. The automatic feeding device according to claim 2, wherein a device according to a type of the recording medium is selected. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits an identification code indicating a model of the automatic feeding apparatus as a response signal to the recording apparatus based on a command signal received from the recording apparatus. 6. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1. 8. The power supply for controlling and driving the automatic feeding device is supplied from the recording device via a port that can be electrically connected to the recording device. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1. 9. A recording apparatus capable of being mounted on an automatic feeding apparatus for feeding a recording medium and capable of recording an image on the recording medium fed from the automatic feeding apparatus using a recording head. A communication port capable of two-way communication with the automatic feeding device; transmitting a command signal to the automatic feeding device through the communication port; and transmitting a response signal in response to the command signal through the communication port. A recording unit that receives from the automatic feeding device and performs control according to a response signal. 10. A transport roller for transporting the recording medium sent from the automatic feeding device, wherein the control means controls the transport roller based on a response signal from the automatic feeding device. The recording device according to claim 9, wherein: 11. An automatic feeding control method for feeding a recording medium from an automatic feeding device mounted on a recording device and controlling recording of an image on the recording medium by a recording head of the recording device. Transmitting a command signal to the automatic feeding device through a communication port capable of two-way communication with the feeding device; and causing the automatic feeding device to execute a process corresponding to the command signal received from the recording device through the communication port. Transmitting a response signal according to the processing result to the recording device through the communication port, and performing control in accordance with the response signal received from the automatic feeding device through the communication port. Automatic feeding control method.