Printer with idle wheel

Abstract

A printer. The printer comprises a pick plate having a loading surface on which paper is loaded, a pick-up roller disposed above the pick plate, and at least one idle wheel disposed on the pick plate and positioned under the pick-up roller. When no paper is loaded on the pick plate, the pick-up roller contacts the idle wheel which can be rotated by the pick-up roller to avoid direct contact of the pick-up roller and the pick plate.

1 . A printer, comprising: 
 a pick plate having a loading surface on which paper is loaded;    a pick-up roller disposed above the pick plate; and    at least one idle wheel disposed on the pick plate and positioned under the pick-up roller, wherein when no paper is on the pick plate, the pick-up roller contacts the idle wheel which is rotated by the pick-up roller to avoid direct contact of the pick-up roller and the pick plate.    
   
   
       2 . The printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the axis of the idle wheel is perpendicular to the axis of the pick-up roller.  
   
   
       3 . The printer as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a pad attached to the idle wheel, wherein the pick-up roller contacts the idle wheel via the pad.  
   
   
       4 . The printer as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the pad is made of rubber.  
   
   
       5 . The printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an appropriate distance is between the idle wheel and loading surface.  
   
   
       6 . The printer as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a friction element disposed between the idle wheel and the pick plate, wherein the pick-up roller overcomes the friction between the friction element and the idle wheel to rotate the idle wheel.  
   
   
       7 . The printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the friction element is annular.  
   
   
       8 . The printer as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a coupler disposed under the pick plate, wherein the idle wheel is rotatably secured to the pick plate by the coupler.  
   
   
       9 . The printer as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the coupler comprises a wheel having a shaft, and the idle wheel has a bore in which the shaft is inserted, whereby the idle wheel is rotatably secured on the pick plate.  
   
   
       10 . The printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the idle wheel has a hook, and the pick plate has a hole with which the hook engages, whereby the idle wheel is rotatably secured on the pick plate.