Plate feeding apparatus

Abstract

A plate feeding apparatus includes a multi-cassette unit for storing, in a stacked state, a plurality of cassettes storing plates, a loader unit for fetching from each cassette plates to be fed to an image recorder, and a plate feed unit disposed above the multi-cassette unit to be tiltable about a horizontal axis in a state of having a portion thereof vertically overlapping the multi-cassette unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings several forms which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image recording system having a plate feeding apparatus according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plate feed unit, a multi-cassette unit and a loader unit;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the plate feed unit, multi-cassette unit and loader unit;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the plate feed unit, multi-cassette unit and loader unit;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of principal parts showing a relationship between a cassette, guide rails and support rails;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the principal parts showing the relationship between a cassette, guide rails and support rails;

FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the principal parts showing the relationship between a cassette, guide rails and support rails;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the construction of the loader unit; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a principal part of the plate feed unit.

Claims

1. A plate feeding apparatus for feeding plates to an image recorder, comprising: a multi-cassette unit for storing, in a stacked state, a plurality of cassettes storing the plates;a loader unit for fetching from each of said cassettes the plates to be fed to the image recorder;a first horizontal moving mechanism for horizontally moving the cassettes stored in said multi-cassette unit between said multi-cassette unit and said loader unit;a lift mechanism for vertically moving the cassettes horizontally moved by said first horizontal moving mechanism to a plate feed position for feeding the plates to said image recorder;a plate feed unit disposed above said multi-cassette unit to be tiltable about a horizontal axis in a state of having a portion thereof vertically overlapping said multi-cassette unit; anda second horizontal moving mechanism for horizontally moving said cassettes between said loader unit and said plate feed unit.

2. A plate feeding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said cassettes has a rack attached to a side thereof, said first horizontal moving mechanism including a first guide device for guiding said cassettes horizontally, and a first pinion rotatable by a motor as meshed with said rack.

3. A plate feeding apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said lift mechanism includes a second guide device for guiding said cassettes horizontally, and a second pinion rotatable by a second motor as meshed with said rack, said first guide device and said second guide device being aligned by operation of said lift mechanism itself when said cassettes are horizontally moved between said multi-cassette unit and said loader unit.

4. A plate feeding apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said second horizontal moving mechanism includes a third guide device for guiding said cassettes horizontally, and a third pinion rotatable by a third motor as meshed with said rack, said second guide device and said third guide device being aligned by operation of said lift mechanism when said cassettes are horizontally moved between said loader unit and said plate feed unit.

5. A plate feeding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said plate feed unit is tiltable about an axis disposed above an end of said multi-cassette unit remote from said loader unit.