Discharge Section Pivoting for Simpler Medium Stack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording devices have a complex structure due to numerous parts and mechanisms for detecting medium stacking, which complicates the detection of medium accommodation devices and discharge mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A recording device with a pivot shaft that pivots a discharge section between nip and non-nip positions, featuring a contact member with a swing restriction and a detection section that detects the contact member's displacement, simplifying the mechanism by changing the swingable position of the contact member using a protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stacking detection mechanism with multiple components (activation member, transmission member, first contact member, detection auxiliary member) is used to detect medium stacking, then the detection function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the activation member, transmission member, and first contact member into a single integrated contact member that performs all three functions simultaneously. The contact member includes an activation portion that activates when medium is stacked, a transmission portion that transmits this activation, and a contact portion that contacts the medium, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the activation member (activating when medium is stacked), the transmission member (transmitting activation to the detection auxiliary member), and the first contact member (contacting the medium). This universal component approach reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driven roller is positioned far from the drive roller when the stacker is not attached, then the stacker can be detachably attached, but the discharge section requires complex pivoting mechanisms to reach the nip position
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge section is designed with dynamic positioning capability through a pivot shaft that allows the discharge section to rotate between a retracted position (when stacker is not attached) and a forward position (when stacker is attached). This dynamic adjustment enables the driven roller to reach the nip position only when needed, maintaining adaptability while reducing the need for complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge section is preliminarily positioned in a retracted state when the stacker is not attached, and automatically moves to the forward position when the stacker is attached. This preliminary positioning approach prepares the system in advance for the two possible states, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device includes a recording section, a discharge section 38 that discharges the medium, a pivot shaft 39 that pivots the discharge section 38, a contact member 48 that configure to swing around the pivot shaft 39 and to contact the medium to be discharged, and a detection section 45 that detects a displacement of the contact member 48, wherein the contact member 48 is provided with a swing restriction section 58 that restricts a range of swinging by engaging the protrusion 57 on the pivot shaft 39, a position of the protrusion 57 that engages with the swing restriction section 58 changes according to pivot the pivot shaft 39, and a position at which the contact member 48 is swingable changes between when the discharge section 38 is positioned at a nip position P1 and when the discharge section 38 is positioned at a non-nip position P2.