US3771745A

US3771745A - Film feed mechanism for moving the film in normal and reverse directions

Info

Publication number: US3771745A
Application number: US00204951A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Yamada
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 1970-12-21
Filing date: 1971-12-06
Publication date: 1973-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 1990-11-13
Also published as: DE2162624B2; DE2162624C3; JPS546891B1; DE2162624A1; CA952887A; GB1373240A

Abstract

The mechanism is arranged to move film between a film supply reel and a film take-up reel each mounted on and rotatable with a respective shaft. A respective drive wheel is mounted on each shaft, and a one-way clutch is interposed between each drive wheel and its associated shaft, with reversible driving means being operatively connected to both drive wheels to rotate the same simultaneously in the same selected direction. Each one-way clutch couples its drive wheel to its shaft only when its drive wheel is driven in a direction to wind film on the associated reel, and disconnects its drive wheel from its shaft when its drive wheel is driven in the direction to unwind film from the associated reel. A respective brake wheel is mounted on each shaft and is engaged by an associated brake shoe, and a second one-way clutch is interposed between each brake wheel and its associated shaft. The one-way clutches associated with each brake wheel are effective to brake the associated shaft when the latter is being rotated in an unwinding direction, and to uncouple the brake wheel from the shaft when the latter is being driven in a film winding direction.

Description

United States Patent, [19'] Yamada 1 Nov. 13, 1973 [75] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ricoh, Tokyo,

Japan 22 Filed: Dec. 6, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 204,951

Hiroshi Yamada, Ichikawa, Japan [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 21, 1970 Japan 45/116048 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 471955 McCollough 242 204 2/1966 Johnson et al 242/674 Primary ExaminerLeohard D. Christian Attorney-John J. McGlew et al.

[57] ABSTRACT The mechanism is arranged to move film between a film supply reel and a film take-up reel each mounted on and rotatable with a respective shaft. A respective drive wheel is mounted on each shaft, and a one-way clutch is interposed between each drive wheel and its associated shaft, with reversible driving means being operatively connected to both drive wheels to rotate the same simultaneously in the same selected direction. Each one-way clutch couples itsdrive wheel to its shaft only when its drive wheel is driven in a direction to wind film on the associated reel, and disconnects its drive wheel from its shaft when its drive wheel is driven in the direction to unwind film from the associated reel. A respective brake wheel is mounted on each shaft and is engaged by an associated brake shoe, and a second one-way clutch is interposed between each brake wheel and its associated shaft. The one-way clutches associated with each brake wheel are effective to brake the associated shaft when the latter is being rotated in an unwinding direction, and to uncouple the brake wheel from the shaft when the latter is being driven in a film winding direction.

9 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEU "UV 1 3 I873 SHEET 10F 4 E I Q 6Q INVENTOR mosw VHMHDH ATTORNEY PMENIEnNOv 13 um 3771, 745 SHEET 2 CF 4 MW e INVENTOR HWKOSW IQMHDH ATTORNEY PMENIEBNnv 13 I973 3.77 1. 745

SHEET 3 er 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEY INVENTOR HKROSHl VHHHDH ATTORNEY FILM FEED MECHANISM FOR MOVING THE FILM IN NORMAL AND REVERSE DIRECTIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to film feed mechanism and, more particularly, to an improved and simplified such mechanism for moving film in normal and reverse directions while maintaining a selected tension on the film and preventing slackness in the film, without overtensioning the film.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Projection of film by a movie projector, while the film is being moved in the normal direction, or feeding of microfilm by a microfilm projector, while the microfilm is being moved in the normal direction, has been effected by driving the film take-up reel shaft in the film take-up direction while permitting the film supply reel shaft to rotate freely. On the. other hand, in both film projectors and in microfilm projectors, when the film is being moved in the reverse direction, the film supply reel shaft is driven in the rewind direction while the film take-up reel is allowed-to rotate freely. These arrangements require additional means for transmitting a driving force to a selected one of the two reel shafts, while no driving force is transmitted to the other reel shaft, and additional means for reversing the directions in which the two reel shafts are rotated.

For this purpose, it has hitherto been the usual practice to provide a friction wheel on each of the shafts and to provide a drive friction wheel in a shifter for each of the shafts. The drive friction wheel of the shifter of a selected one of the two shafts is brought into engagement with the friction wheel of the associated shaft so as to move the particular shifter to transmit a driving torque to one of the two reel shafts while the other shaft remains freely rotatable. These known prior art devices are complicated in construction and unreliable in performance.

Particularly inamicrofilm 'projector, it is necessary to move the microfilmin both the normal and the reverse directions for feeding the microfilm to locate a required frame. Switching between the normal and reverse directions'thus occurs very frequently, and movement of the microfilm should be interrupted, so as to index accurately the required frame at a' predetermined position, without deviation. The devices mentioned above and other prior art devices known hitherto have been unable to carry out these operations satisfactorily and without error. I

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objective of the invention is to provide a film feed mechanism, for movingthe film in normal and reversedirections, and comprising a drive wheel and a brake wheel mounted on a film supply reel shaft and In the film feed mechanism of the invention, film can be moved in either direction, or the movement of the film can be interrupted, quite readily merely by switching the direction of rotation of the drive means between normal and reverse or by interrupting rotation of the drive means. The mechanism of the invention thus eliminates switching means, such as shifters mounted in conventional devices, which require arelatively high operating force, thereby making it possible to obtain an overall compact size and a simplified construction in equipment in which the invention mechanism is used.

The mechanism forming the subject matter of the invention does not include any floating intermediate member disposed between the film supply reel shaft and its drive wheel and between the film take-up reel shaft and its drive wheel, for switching the direction of rotation of the associated shaft between the normal and reverse directions. This is conducive to very accurate performance of the mechanism in switching between the two directions, and very quick response to switching commands.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved film feed mechanism for moving film between a film supply reel and a film take-up reel.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a mechanism which is selectively operable to move the film in either a normal direction or a reverse direction, or to interrupt movement of the film.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a mechanism in which there is no slack in the film between the two reels, irrespective of the direction of film movement, and likewise no excessive tension on the film in moving between the two reels.

For an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made to the following description of a typical embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing: FIG. 1 is a planview, partly broken away, of a microfilm projector having incorporated thereina'filrn feedalso'on a film take-up reel shaft. Respective one-way mechanism, for movingthe film in either the normal or the reverse direction, and embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view, broken away, of the microfilm projector and illustrating the manner in which film is automatically drawn out from asupp'ly reel cartridge;

FIG. Sis a sectional view taken along the line III III of FIG. 1; l 1

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating .a switch control mechanism provided on the film take-up reel side of the microfilm projector; I

FIG. 5 is a plan view'illustrating one embodiment of drive means for rotating the film supply and filmtakeside of the microfilm projector; and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but'illustrating the mechanism elements mounted on the film take-up reel shaft side of the microfilmprojector of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The figures of the accompanying drawing illustrate a microfilm projector incorporating the film feed mechanism for moving the film in normal and reverse directions, in accordance with the invention, and the invention will be explained with reference to its use in such a microfilm projector. However, it is to be understood that this is merely by way of example, as the invention is applicable equally not only to microfilm projectors but also to movie projectors as well as to any other equipment utilizing an information recording medium in tape form. Stated differently, the terms microfilm or film, as used in the following description, should be understood as being equivalent to the term tape, or, alternatively, the term information recording strip.

Referring first to FIG. 1, the microfilm projector or reader therein illustrated comprises a microfilm supply section 1, a projection section 2 and a winding section 3 as its main component parts. A microfilm 4, supplied from supply section 1, is gripped between a capstan roller 5 and a pinch or counter roller 6 pressing against roller 5. Capstan roller 5 is driven by suitable drive means (not shown) so that rollers 5 and 6 are rotated to advance microfilm 4 until it is introduced into a space between gate plates 7 and 8 of projection section 2. A lens tube 9, having a built-in optical system for projection, is disposed on one side ofgate plates 7 and 8, and a light source, which has not been shown, is disposed on the other side thereof. Frames of microfilm 4 are projected successively on a screen (not shown) by the projection optical system, for a projection through a reflector, if necessary. After passing through gate 7, 8, the microfilm passes over an idler roller 10 to winding section 3.

Microfilm 4 can be fed either automatically or manually, as desired, by controlling rotation of capstan roller 5 in a manner such that the direction of rotation thereof is switched between the normal and reverse directions, the rate of rotation can be switched between high and low rates, and the rotation can be interrupted at will. When a frame containing an image of the desired information is disposed in gate 7, 8, the microfilm 4 is held stationary so as to project the image on the screen. The foregoing description relates to the general construction and operation of the microfilm projector or reader, and film supply section 1 and winding sec tion 3 will now be described in detail.

In supply section 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a film supply reel shaft 11 is mounted in a predetermined position, and a cartridge 12 is illustrated as comprising two

square plates

12a and 12b of identical shape and size, each formed with an annular recess in its inner surface. Plates 12a and l2bare assembled with their inner surfaces facing each other, and are secured together by four pins 14 so as to provide therebetween an annular space for housing a reel 13. Reel l3,'which is rotatably housed in the annular space, has a central portion formed with a mounting opening adapted to receive snugly supply shaft 12. Cartridge 12 is formed, on opposite sides thereof, with circular openings 120 having a diameter larger than that of the mounting opening of reel 13, and openings 120 are concentric with the mounting opening in reel 13. Cartridge 12 is attached firmly to supply section 1 by fitting shaft 11 in the mounting opening of reel 13, and by fixedly securing the cartridge against rotation, by suitable means.

The annular space within cartridge 12 is defined by peripheral walls 12d adapted to serve as a guide when the leading end of microfilm 4, wound on reel 13, is drawn out from cartridge 12, as described hereinafter. These peripheral walls are'formed with respective peripheral grooves 12e, so as to prevent damage to the surface of microfilm 14 by frictional drag, which might otherwise be caused when microfilm 4 is guided by peripheral w'alls 12d. Reel 13 is mounted on shaft 11 by suitable means in a mannersuch that it is detachable from this shaft but rotates as a unit therewith. On the other hand, shaft 11 is connected to drive means, described hereinafter, through a one-way clutch or clutches also described hereinafter, and which are of a suitable type so that shaft 1 1 may be driven by the drive means only when microfilm 14 is to be rewound thereon or moved in a reverse direction. Thus, reel 13 is free to rotate in cartridge '12 in slaved relation to the microfilm when the microfilm is moved in the normal direct.

An aperture 12f, of relatively large angular extent and communicating with the reel chamber defined by the annular recess in cartridge 12, is fomed on the right side of the cartridge as viewed in FIG. 1, and oriented toward capstan roller 5. A cutout 12g is formed in plate 12b adjacent aperture 12f, and this cutout extends slightly inwardly of the periphery of the flange or flanges of reel 13 and toward the center of the reel. The cutout has a width sufficiently large to permit a reel drive roller 15, or a tape draw-out roller 16, to enter thereinto when these rollers are pivoted toward cartridge 12 as described hereinafter.

Reel drive roller 15 and tape draw-out roller 16, whose diameter is larger than that of roller 15, as best seen in FIG. 3, are positioned adjacent cutout 12g. These rollers are constructed of a material having a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber or the like, and are mounted on a common shaft 17 rotatably supported, again as shown in FIG. 3, by a bearing 19 secured to a pivotal arm 18, and a bent or offset support 21 secured to arm 18 by two screws 20.

A pulley 22 is secured on shaft 17 between bearing 19 and support 21, and is connected, through an endless belt 23, to another pulley 24 secured to a drive shaft 25 which is journaled by a bearing 27 disposed to the right of the collar 26, as viewed in FIG. 3. A friction disk 28 and a sleeve 29 are slidably and rotatably mounted on an outer end portion of drive shaft 25 adjacent pulley 24. A washer 30 and a compression coil spring 31 are mounted on a minor diameter portion at the outer end of drive shaft 25, and are retained in position by a stop ring 32 threaded onto this outer end of shaft 25. Spring 31 biases sleeve 29, through washer 30, toward pulley 29, so that flange 29a of sleeve 29 presses against an end surface of pulley 24 through frictional disk 28, so that pulley 24 and sleeve 29 are maintained in frictional engagement with each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, pivotal arm 18 has its base fitted over sleeve 29, and secured by two screws 33 to the outer end surface of flange29a, as shown in FIG. 1. A pin 34 is secured to arm 18, and has connected thereto one end of a tension coil spring 35 biasing arm 18 to pivot clockwise about shaft 25, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2. Drive shaft 25 is connected, through an electromagnetic clutch (not shown), to drive means which will bedescribed hereinafter, and is driven in the direction of an arrow a shown in FIG. 1 when the electromagnetic clutch is engaged.

If a main switch (not shown) is closed to energize a motor (not shown) and to engage the electromagnetic clutch, drive shaft 25 will begin to rotate in the direction of arrow 0, and pulley 24 will also begin to rotate in the same direction as shaft 25. Rotation of pulley 24 is transmitted through friction disk 28 to sleeve 29 and, as a result, pivotal arm 18 is swung in the direction of arrow a, shown in FIG. 1, against the bias of spring 35. Thereby, rollers and 16 are shifted, together with arm 18, and introduced into cutout 12g in cartridge 12, so that reel drive roller 15' is pressed against the periphery of a flange 13a (FIG. 3) of reel 13 and tape drawout roller 16 is disposed in a position in which part of its periphery is disposed between the two flanges of reel 13, as shown in FIG. 2.

When reel drive roller 15 is positioned against the periphery of flange 13a of reel 13, the force pivoting arm 18 toward cartridge 12 is absorbed bythe frictional connection between sleeve 29 and pulley 24. However, since drive shaft 25 is still rotating, arm 18 is still biased counterclockwise, and roller 15 is maintained pressing against the periphery of flange 13a of reel 13.

Also, rotation of pulley 24 is transmitted, through belt 23 shown in FIG. 3 to pulley 22, so that shaft 17 and

rollers

15 and 16 rotate as a unit in the same direction as drive shaft 25.

Rollers

15 and 16, which are thus shifted toward reel 13 while rotating, continue to rotate even after roller 15 is engaged with flange 13a. When roller 15 engages the periphery of flange 13a, reel 13 is driven by roller 15 and begins to rotate in a direction in which microfilm 4 is moved in a normal, or clockwise, direction about reel shaft 11, which direction is shown by the arror b in FIG. 2, as viewed in FIG. 1.

A taper leader 4a, shown in FIG. 2 and of slight rigidity, is connected to the leading end of microfilm 4 and wound on reel 13 along with the microfilm in cartridge 12. When cartridge 12 is attached, tape leaderl4a is completely wound on reel 13 together ,with microfilm 4. If reel 13 is rotated by drive roller 15 in the direction of arrow b shown in FIG. 2, the roll of microf lm 4on reel 13 is gradually loosened and outer convolutions, thereof are caused to move radially outwardly b'ycen. trifugal force as reel 13 rotates. Tape leader 4a is gradually shifted radially outwardly toward the periphery of the flanges of reel 13 and, finally, the forward end of tape leader 4;: isbrought into engagement withdrawout roller 16 and presses against the same with a pressure of considerable magnitude...

Since roller 16 has a diameter greater than that of roller 15, it has a peripheral velocity higher than that of roller 15. Consequently, the forward end of tape leader 4a, pressing against roller 16, is subjected to the drawing out action of roller 16 and which is performed at-a rate higher than the rate of rotation of reel 13. At the same time, the forward end portion of tape leader 4a, maintained in engagement with roller 16, is curved along the periphery of roller 16, so that this forward end portion is disengaged from the periphery of theroller microfilm 4 and is brought to an upright position. Thus, the forwardend is directed toward aperture 12], so that microfilm 4 can be drawn automatically out of cartridge 12 by simple means. Tape leader 4a, drawn out through aperture 12f of cartridge 12, is moved between capstan roller 5 and pinch roller 6 through the medium of a guide 36 disposed between aperture 12f in capstan roller 5, as shown and FIG. 2.

Capstan roller 5 is mounted on a shaft 5a which is driven by the drive means described hereinafter to rotate in either the normal or the reverse direction, or to remain stationary. This shaft is adapted to rotate in the normal direction, or in the direction of the arrow c in FIG. 1, when the equipment is loaded with microfilm 4. A peripheral groove 5b, having a width slightly less than the width of the microfilrn 4 and tape leader 4a, is, formed in the periphery of capstan roller 5, and flanges 5c are provided on axially opposite end surfaces of this roller.

Pinch roller 6 hasa width such that its periphery is received in peripheral groove 5b of capstan roller 5. Roller'6 is rotatably supported by a shaft 611 secured to an arm 37 which has itsbase secured to a rotatable support shaft 38. An arm 39 is secured to shaft 38 and has secured thereto one end of a tension spring 40 which

biases arms

38 and 39 to pivot counter-clockwise about support shaft 38, as viewed in FIG. 1. A switch actuator 39a is mounted at the free end of arm 39 to face toward a normally open switch S1. When there is no microfilm 4 or tape leader 4a between capstan roller 5 and pinch or counter roller'6, roller 6 is received-in the peripheral groove 5b of roller 5, and arm 39 maintains switch S1 closed through switch actuator 39a.

If tape leader 4a is introduced between the rotating capstan roller 5 and its associated pinch or counter roller 6, as mentioned above and as shown in FIG. 2, roller 6 is scooped out of peripheral groove 5b of roller 5 by the tape leader, and brought into a position in which it presses against tape leader 4a. The distance covered by this movement of roller 6 corresponds to the depth of peripheral groove 5b. As roller 6 is thus shifted,

arms

37 and 39 pivot clockwise about shaft 38, as viewed in FIG. 1, through an angle corresponding to the distance covered by the movement of pinch roller 6. Clockwise pivoting of arm 39 releases switch actuator 39a from engagement with switch S1, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 2, so that switch S1 is opened.

Switch S 1 serves to connect the electromagnetic clutch of drive shaft 25 to a source of potential so that,

whenv switch S lis opened, the electromagneticclutch is disengaged to disconnect shaft 25, from the motor. Consequently, drive shaft'2S is free to rotate and, accordingly, the torque tending to swing pivotal arm 18 and that rotating pulley 22 are discontinued. As a result,-

rollers

15 and 16 cease to rotate and, at the same time, pivotal arm 18 is restored by spring 35 to its original position 18A, shown in dash and dot lines in FIG.

2, in which arm 18 and pulley 22 maintainrollers 15 and 16 away from reel 13. With

rollers

15 and 16 disengaged from reel 13, tape leaderv 4a and microfilm 4 are advanced in the normal direction by capstan roller 5 and pinch roller 6 operating along on the tape leader and the microfilm. The forward 'end of tape leader4a passes between gate plates7 and 8 and is introduced into winding section 3 over idler roller 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, in microfilm winding section 3 there is-dispo'sed a casing 42 formed with an annular recess for housing a take-up reel 41 which is rotatable in casing 42 and has a central or axial opening receiving therein'a film take-up reel shaft 43. Reel 41 has ahub 41a with a peripheral surface formed of rubber, synthetic resin, or other material having a high friction coefficient. The frictional dragging of the peripheral surface of hub 41a can be increased, as by mounting on hub 41a an O-band of rubber. A pinch or counter roller 44 is disposed against the peripheral surface of hub 41a between two flanges of reel 41, and is rotatably mounted on the free end of a tape guide arm 45 whose base is secured to a rotatable shaft 46 disposed outwardly of the periphery of reel 41. An arm 47 is secured to shaft 46 and has a pin 48 to which is secured one end of a tension coil spring 49, connected to a fixed pin 50, biasing

arms

45 and 47 to pivot clockwise about shaft 46, as viewed in FIG. 1, so that arm 45 urges pinch roller 44 to press against the periphery of hub 41a of reel 41.

Walls 42a of casing 42, which define an annular recess in the casing as shown in FIG. 1, are formed, at the side thereof toward idler roller 10, with the microfilm inlet aperture 42b, and the walls serve as a guide for introducing tape leader 4a into aperture 42b and winding of the film or tape on reel 41. Peripheral grooves 420 formed in walls 42a reduce frictional dragging of the walls on tape leader 4a or microfilm 4, to protect the surface thereof. The open end of casing 42 is covered with a plate 51 secured to the casing by four pins 50.

Reel 41 is connected, by suitable means, to take-up reel shaft 43 so as to rotate as a unit therewith, and shaft 43 is connected to the drive means described hereinafter through a one-way clutch or clutches, also described hereinafter, so that it may be driven in a direction in which it winds microfilm 4 on reel 41, or in the direction of arrow d in FIG. 1, only when the microfilm is moved in the normal direction. Thus, reel 41 rotates, together with shaft 43, in the samedirection.

Tape guide arm 45 is shaped like the letter 7, and its free end is formed with an intercepting portion 45a effective to prevent tape leader 4a from entering into reel 41 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the microfilm is to be wound on reel 41. Arm 45 also is formed with a curved guide portion 45b extending from its base to pinch roller 44 and serving to guide tape leader 4a to move between the periphery of hub 4laof reel 41 and pinch roller 44, after thetape leader has been introduced along the peripheries of the flanges of reel 41. Thus, tape leader 4a, entering into aperture 42b over idler roller 10, moves between the flanges of reel 41 as this reel rotates in the direction of arrow d, to be held readily by the peripheries of hub 41a and pinch roller 44. Since reel 41 rotates at a rate higher than the movement of tape leader 4a, tape leader 4a and microfilm 4 are wound rapidly on the outer peripheral surface of hub 41a.

As microfilm 4 is wound progressively on reel 41, the diameter of the roll of microfilm on this reel increases gradually, as shown in FIG. 4, and moves pinch roller 44 toward the peripheries of the flanges of reel 41. This movement of roller 44 causes arm 45 to be swung angularly about the axis of shaft 46, which has secured thereto an indicator 52 cooperating with a graduated scale 53, as shown in FIG. 4, provided on plate 51 to indicate the amount of microfilm wound on reel 41 as shaft 46 is gradually displaced angularly.

A slot large enough to permit pinch roller 6 to pass therethrough is formed in the trailing end portion of microfilm 4 and, when this trailing end portion is indexed with capstan roller 5, pinch roller 6 is received in the slot so that capstan roller 5 and pinch roller 6 cease to advance microfilm 4. This is effective to prevent microfilm 4 from being subjected to extensive tension and damage in reel 13, or between rollers 5 and 6, when microfilm 4 is moved in the normal direction.

When roller 6 passes through the slot to press against roller 5,

arms

37 and 39 pivot and switch S1, shown in FIG. 1, is closed. A switch actuator 47a at the free end of arm 47 of winding section 3 maintains a normally open switch S2 in closed position when the roll of microfilm wound on reel 41 is small in diameter. However, with an increase in the diameter of the roll of microfilm on reel 41, actuator 47a is moved away from switch S2 as guide arm 45 pivots, thereby permitting switch S2 to open.

Switches S1 and S2 are connected in series with each other between the main switch and the electromagnetic clutch for drive shaft 25 so that, even if pinch roller 6 is received in through theslot of microfilm 4 and switch S1 is closed, as mentioned, the electromagnetic clutch is not engaged again because switch S2 is open. This prevents

rollers

15 and 16, or pivotal arm 18, from being rendered operative inadvertently when it is not required to feed the microfilm. Switches S1 and S2, however, are both closed in the initial stages of feeding microfilm 4, so that the electromagnetic clutch is engaged immediately once the main switch is closed.

Referring to FIG. 5, which illustrates a driving mechanism for the microfilm projector thus far described, a pulley 54 is secured to shaft 5a of capstan roller 5, and a pulley 55 is secured to a shaft 10a loosely mounting idler roller 10.

Pulleys

54 and 55 are connected, through an endless belt 56, to a main drive pulley 57 secured to a shaft 57a which is connected to a suitable drive means (not shown) such as a reversible motor, for example, which can be operated from a point externally of the microfilm reader, so that the direction of its rotation can. be switched between normal and reverse so that pulley 57 can be rotated in the normal direction as indicated by the arrow e, or in the reverse direction.

Other pulleys

58 and 59 are also secured to shaft 5a. A crossed endless belt 61 is trained about pulley 58 and a drive pulley 60 secured to film supply reel shaft 11 to rotate shaft 11 in the direction indicated by i the arrow f, in FIG. 5, and pulley 59 is connected, through an endless belt 63, to a pulley 62 secured to drive shaft 25 for pivotal arm 18. The electromagnetic clutch mentioned before is interposed between drive shaft 25 and pulley 62.

Furthermore, a pulley 64 is secured to shaft 10a of idler roller 10, and a crossed endless belt 66 is trained about this pulley and about a drive pulley 65 secured to film take-up reel shaft 43. Rotation of main drive pulley 57 in either the normal or the reverse direction thus is transmitted to shaft 5a of capstan roller 5, drive shaft 25 and

pulleys

60 and 65, so that

pulleys

60 and 65 rotate simultaneously in the same direction.

Referring now to. FIG. 6, film supply reel shaft 11 is I journaled, atone end portion thereof, by a bearing fitted in a sleeve 69 secured to a fixed member 67 by a screw 68 and, at the other end portion thereof, by a bearing 73 mounted on a support plate 72 secured to a fixed member 71. Shaft 11 has fitted thereover, through a one-way clutch 74, a brake ring against which a rod-shaped brake shoe 77, of nylon or other similar material, and biased by a spring 76, presses at its outer end, so that brake shoe 77 exerts a weak braking force on brake'ring 75. One-way clutch 74 transmits the braking force of brake ring 75 to shaft 11 only when this shaft rotates in a direction in which it pays out microfilm 4 from a reel thereon, or in the direction of an arrow f as shown in FIG. 5. The rear or outer end of spring 76 abuts against a setscrew 76a.

Another sleeve 79'is fitted over film supply reel shaft 11 through another one-way clutch 78, and drive pulley 60 is loosely fitted over sleeve 79 which is formed with a flange 79a.'A friction disk 80 is interposed between flange 79a and one end surface of drive pulley 60, whose other end surface is engaged by a spring 71, mounted on sleeve 79, and biasing pulley 60 to press toward flange 79a. As a result, drive pulley 60 is maintained in frictional engagement with sleeve 79 through friction disk 80. The rear end of spring 81 abuts against a ring 82 threadedly fitted on sleeve 79.

One-way clutch 78 for sleeve 79 is prevented from being disengaged from film supply reel shaft 11 by a locking sleeve 83 secured to shaft 11, and is adapted to transmit the driving torque of pulley 60 to shaft 11 only when pulley 60 is driven to rotate in a direction oppo site to the direction of arrow f in FIG. 5. At this time, microfilm 4 is rewound on the film supply reel on shaft 11, or is fed in the reverse or opposite direction.

Referring to FIG. 7, film take-upreel shaft 43 is shown as rotatably journaled by

bearings

87 and 88 fitted in a sleeve 86 connected to a fixed member 84 by a screw 85. A brake ring 90 is fitted over shaft 43 through a one-way clutch 89, and a rod-shaped brake shoe 92, biased by a spring 91, presses at its front end against brake shoe 92 so that the brake shoe exerts a weak braking force on brake ring 90. The rear end of spring 91 abuts against a setscrew 91a. One-way clutch 89 is adapted to transmit the braking force of brake ring 90 to shaft 43 only when shaft 43 rotates in the direction in which microfilm 4 is paid out therefrom, or in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow d in FIG. 5.

Another sleeve 94 is fitted over shaft 43 through another one-way clutch 93, and drive pulley 65 is loosely fitted over sleeve 94, which is formed witha flange 94a. A friction disk 95 is interposed between flange 94a and one end surface of drive pulley 65 whose other end surface is biased by a spring,96, mounted on sleeve 94, to

press pulley 65 against flange 94a As a result, pulley 65' is maintained in frictional engagement with sleeve 94 through friction disk 95. The rear end of sleeve 96 abuts against a stop ring 97, threaded onto sleeve 94.

One-way clutch 93 for sleeve 94 is prevented from being dislodged from film take-up reel shaft 43 by a locking sleeve 98 secured to shaft 43, and this clutch is adapted to transmit the driving torque of pulley 65 to shaft 43 only when pulley 65 rotates in the direction of arrow d of FIGS. At this time, microfilm 4 is moved in a direction in which it is wound on film take-up reel 41, or is fed in the normal direction.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that film supply reel-shaft 11 and film take-up reel shaft 43 are provided with similar'devic'cs which constitute the mechanism according to the invention, and are simultaneously driven to perform similar operations. The operation of the mechanism embodying the invention will now be described with reference to feeding of microfilm 4 in the normal direction. I

When the microfilm is fed in the normal direction, main drive pulley 57, shown in FIG. 5, is rotated in the direction of arrow e so as to drive shaft 5a of capstan roller 5 to rotate in the direction of arrow c, and to rotate drive pulleys 60 and 65 to rotate in the directions of arrows f and d, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5. If shaft 5a rotates in the direction of arrow 0, microfilm 4 will be fed in the normal direction by capstan roller 5 and pinch roller 6. The rate of rotation of film supply reel 13, rotating during this film feed operation, is set such that 'it is either equal to or smaller than the rate of rotation of drive pulley 6t). Thus, at this time, oneway clutch 78 for drive pulley 60 is disengaged to declutch shaft 11 from pulley 60, so that film supply reel 13 is free to rotate without interference. However, the weak braking force of brake ring is transmitted to shaft 11 by one-way clutch 74, so that excessive acceleration of the rotation of reel 13 is thereby inhibited. This prevents slackening of the microfilm between

reels

13 and 41.

If drive pulley 65 rotates in the direction of arrow d, its rotation will be transmitted to shaft 43 by one-way clutch 93, so that film take-up reel 41 is driven to rotate in the same direction as drive pulley 65. At this time, the one-way clutch 89 for brake ring is disengaged to leave shaft- 43 free, so that no excessive braking force is exerted on the shaft. Film take-up reel 41 is driven by drive pulley 65 at a rate which is equal to or higher than the rate at which microfilm is fed by capstan roller 5 and pinch roller 6. The difference between this microfilm feed rate and the film winding rate is absorbed by the frictional engagement of drive pulley 65 with sleeve 94, thus avoiding the imposition of an excessive tensile force on microfilm 4. This frictional engagement means may be disposed in any position as desired between drive pulley 65 and film take-up reel 41,- which is also the case with the friction engagement means disposed between drive pulley 60 and film supply reel 13. I

When microfilm 4 is fed in the normal direction and a desired frame of the microfilm is indexed at a predetermined position for projecting the image thereof on the screen, rotation of main drive pulley 57 is interrupted. This results in interruption of the rotation of shaft 5a of capstan roller 5 and of drivevpulleys 60 and 65. At this time, further rotation of film supply reel 13, which might otherwise be caused by inertia, is preventedthrough the frictional engagement of drive pulley 60 with sleeve 79, the rotation pf drive pulley 60 having been interrupted, so thatexcessive unwinding ofing of the roll of microfilm wound on reel 41. Also, the

braking forceof braking ring90 contributes, through lone-way clutch 89, to preventing rotation of reel 41 in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow d.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the film. feed mechanism embodying the invention provides for ready and positive feeding of microfilm 4 in the normal direction, and indexing of a desired frame thereof at a predetermined position, by the functional cooperation of various components of the mechanism. Microfilm 4 can be fed in the reverse direction by rotating main drive pulley 57 in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow 2. In such case, capstan roller 5 rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow c, and drive

pulleys

60 and 65 also rotate in directions opposite to the respective arrows f and d, with the various components of the mechanism functioning as if film supply reel shaft 11 and film take-up reel shaft 45 were merely interchanged with respect to the feeding of the microfilm in the normal or forward direction. Consequently, description of the operation of feeding the microfilm in the reverse direction, utilizing the mechanism of the invention, will be omitted. The mechanism functions rationally and accurately and its performance is reliable because various components of the mechanism functionally cooperate with one another in the reverse feed operation also.

While the mechanism has been described as using drive pulleys 60 and 65 in the illustrated embodiment, for exemplary illustration of the principles of the invention, it is to be understood that a power transmitting means including gears and chains, for example, may be utilized by substituting suitable gears for drive pulleys 60 and 65. The order of mounting various elements of the mechanism on shafts l1 and 43 may be varied as desired as long as such variation does not interfere with proper functioning of the mechanism.

In order to rotate main drive pulley 57, or a corresponding gear, in both the normal and reverse directions, means may be provided to change the polarities of a DC motor from a point outside the microfilm projector, by actuating a switch for rotating the same in either the normal or reverse direction. Alternatively, means may be provided to bring an intermediate pulley or intermediate gear into and out of contact with a drive system by operating a shifter, so that an AC motor, which rotates only in one direction, may be caused to rotate the film reels in both the normal and reverse directions.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the applification of the principles of the invention, the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. A feed mechanism for moving a strip, having information recorded thereon, in normal and reverse directions between a supply reel and a take-up reel comprising, in combination, a supply reel shaft for mounting and rotating a supply reel; a take-up reel shaft for mounting and rotating a take-up reel; a respective drive wheel mounted 'on each shaft; a respective one-way clutch interposed between each drive wheel and its associated shaft; reversible driving means operatively connected to both drive wheels to rotate the same simultaneously in the same selected direction; each oneway clutch coupling its associated drive wheel to its associated shaft only when its associated drive wheel is driven in a direction to wind strip on a reelmounted on its associated shaft, and disconnecting its associated drive wheel from the associated shaft when its associated drive wheel is driven in a direction to unwind strip from a reel mounted on its associated shaft; a respective braking wheel mounted on each shaft; a respective brake shoe engaged with each braking wheel; and a respective further one-way clutch interposed between each braking wheel and its associated shaft; each further one-way clutch coupling its associated braking wheel to its associated shaft only when its associated shaft is driven in a direction to unwind strip from a reel mounted thereon, and disconnecting its associated braking wheel from its associated shaft when its associated shaft is driven in a direction to wind strip on a reel mounted thereon.

2. A feed mechanism for moving a strip, having information recorded thereon, in normal and reverse direc' tions between a supply reel and atake up reel comprising, in combination, a supply reel shaft for mounting and rotating a supply reel; a take-up reel shaft for mounting and rotating a take-up reel; a respective drive wheel mounted on each shaft; a respective one-way clutch interposed between each drive wheel and its associated shaft; reversible driving means operatively connected to both drive wheels to rotate the same simultaneously in the same selected direction; each oneway clutch coupling its associated drive wheel to its associated shaft only when its associated drive wheel is driven in a direction to wind strip on a reel mounted on its associated shaft, and disconnecting its associated drive wheel from the associated shaft when its associated drive wheel is driven in a direction to unwind strip from a reel mounted on its associated shaft; said driving means including a main driving pulley; driven pulleys and endless belts interconnecting said driving pulley to said drive wheels; a capstan roller engaged with the strip between said supply reel shaft and said take-up reel shaft; a driven pulley rotatable with said capstan roller; said endless belts including an endless belt interconnecting said main driving pulley and said last-named driven pulley; a third shaft between said capstan roller and said take-up reel shaft; an idler pulley rotatable on said third shaft and having the strip trained thereover; a driven pulley rotatable on said third shaft; said endless belt interconnecting said driving pulley and the driven pulley rotatable with said capstan roller being trained over said last-named driven pulley; an additional driven pulley rotatable with said last-named driven pulley; a first endless belt interconnecting said additional pulley and the drive wheel I mounted on said take-up reel shaft; another additional driven pulley rotatable with the driven pulley which is rotatable with said capstan roller; and an endless b'elt interconnecting said other additional driven pulley with the drive wheel mounted on said supply reel shaft.

3.'A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, in which said reversible driving means includes capstan roller means operatively engaged with the strip between said supply reel shaft and said take-up reel shaft; said capstan roller means being rotated simultaneously with said drive wheel to move the strip in the selected direction.

4. A strip feed mechanism,'as claimed in claim 3, in which each drive wheel, when rotated in a direction to wind strip on the reel connected to its associated shaft is rotated by said driving means at an angular velocity greater than the angular velocity of its associated shaft as controlled by the strip being wound thereon as driven by said capstan roller means.

5. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, including means frictionally coupling each drive wheel to its associated one-way clutch.

6. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, in which said drive means includes an external-switchcontrolled reversible electric motor.

7. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, in which said driving means includes a main driving pul- 13 14 ley; and driven pulleys and endless belts interconnectsaid main driving pulley and said last-named driven puling said driving pulley to aid drive wheels. 16%

A Smp feed mechanism as claimed m clam 9. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 2, in

cluding a capstan roller engaged with the strip between said supply reel shaft and said take-up reel shaft; a driven pulley rotatabh with i capstan roller; Said wheel to its associated driven pulley are crossed belts.

endless belts including an endless belt interconnecting which the endless belts interconnecting each drive

Claims

1. A feed mechanism for moving a strip, having information recorded thereon, in normal and reverse directions between a supply reel and a take-up reel comprising, in combination, a supply reel shaft for mounting and rotating a supply reel; a take-up reel shaft for mounting and rotating a take-up reel; a respective drive wheel mounted on each shaft; a respective oneway clutch interposed between each drive wheel and its associated shaft; reversible driving means operatively connected to both drive wheels to rotate the same simultaneously in the same selected direction; each one-way clutch coupling its associated drive wheel to its associated shaft only when its associated drive wHeel is driven in a direction to wind strip on a reel mounted on its associated shaft, and disconnecting its associated drive wheel from the associated shaft when its associated drive wheel is driven in a direction to unwind strip from a reel mounted on its associated shaft; a respective braking wheel mounted on each shaft; a respective brake shoe engaged with each braking wheel; and a respective further one-way clutch interposed between each braking wheel and its associated shaft; each further one-way clutch coupling its associated braking wheel to its associated shaft only when its associated shaft is driven in a direction to unwind strip from a reel mounted thereon, and disconnecting its associated braking wheel from its associated shaft when its associated shaft is driven in a direction to wind strip on a reel mounted thereon.

2. A feed mechanism for moving a strip, having information recorded thereon, in normal and reverse directions between a supply reel and a take-up reel comprising, in combination, a supply reel shaft for mounting and rotating a supply reel; a take-up reel shaft for mounting and rotating a take-up reel; a respective drive wheel mounted on each shaft; a respective one-way clutch interposed between each drive wheel and its associated shaft; reversible driving means operatively connected to both drive wheels to rotate the same simultaneously in the same selected direction; each one-way clutch coupling its associated drive wheel to its associated shaft only when its associated drive wheel is driven in a direction to wind strip on a reel mounted on its associated shaft, and disconnecting its associated drive wheel from the associated shaft when its associated drive wheel is driven in a direction to unwind strip from a reel mounted on its associated shaft; said driving means including a main driving pulley; driven pulleys and endless belts interconnecting said driving pulley to said drive wheels; a capstan roller engaged with the strip between said supply reel shaft and said take-up reel shaft; a driven pulley rotatable with said capstan roller; said endless belts including an endless belt interconnecting said main driving pulley and said last-named driven pulley; a third shaft between said capstan roller and said take-up reel shaft; an idler pulley rotatable on said third shaft and having the strip trained thereover; a driven pulley rotatable on said third shaft; said endless belt interconnecting said driving pulley and the driven pulley rotatable with said capstan roller being trained over said last-named driven pulley; an additional driven pulley rotatable with said last-named driven pulley; a first endless belt interconnecting said additional pulley and the drive wheel mounted on said take-up reel shaft; another additional driven pulley rotatable with the driven pulley which is rotatable with said capstan roller; and an endless belt interconnecting said other additional driven pulley with the drive wheel mounted on said supply reel shaft.

3. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, in which said reversible driving means includes capstan roller means operatively engaged with the strip between said supply reel shaft and said take-up reel shaft; said capstan roller means being rotated simultaneously with said drive wheel to move the strip in the selected direction.

4. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 3, in which each drive wheel, when rotated in a direction to wind strip on the reel connected to its associated shaft is rotated by said driving means at an angular velocity greater than the angular velocity of its associated shaft as controlled by the strip being wound thereon as driven by said capstan roller means.

6. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, in which said drive means includes an external-switch-controlled reversible electric motor.

7. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, in which said driving means includes a main driving pulley; and driven pulleys and endless belts interconnecting said driving pulley to aid drive wheels.

8. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 7, including a capstan roller engaged with the strip between said supply reel shaft and said take-up reel shaft; a driven pulley rotatable with said capstan roller; said endless belts including an endless belt interconnecting said main driving pulley and said last-named driven pulley.

9. A strip feed mechanism, as claimed in claim 2, in which the endless belts interconnecting each drive wheel to its associated driven pulley are crossed belts.