Discharge Rib Structure for Image Reading Apparatus Curling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading apparatuses face issues with document curling during discharge, leading to jamming and poor stacking, particularly with thin or low-rigidity media, which existing solutions like reducing discharge speed may not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a rib structure positioned alongside the discharge rollers that can protrude to form a concave shape, providing additional rigidity to the medium and reducing curling, with the rib's position controlled based on medium detection and type to enhance stackability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharging speed of the discharge roller is reduced, then stackability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A rib structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the discharge roller and the document. This rib protrudes into the discharge path and provides mechanical support to the document during discharge, preventing curling without requiring speed reduction. The rib acts as a mediator that transfers support force to the document, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high discharge speed and preventing curling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the discharge system by adding a movable rib structure that can protrude at controlled positions. This structural parameter change allows the system to maintain high discharge speed while preventing document curling, as the rib provides localized support exactly where needed during the discharge process.
2Reliability
If the discharging speed is reduced to increase stackability, then document curling is reduced, but handling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure serves as a mechanical intermediary that directly supports the document during discharge. By providing this intermediate support structure, the system can maintain normal discharge speeds while preventing curling, thus preserving handling efficiency without sacrificing stackability.
3Device complexity
If no additional support is provided for thin media, then device complexity is low, but document curling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A relatively simple rib structure is introduced as an intermediary element that provides the necessary support for thin media. This minimal addition to the discharge mechanism provides curl resistance without significantly increasing device complexity, as the rib can be integrated into the existing discharge roller assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust to the presence and position of documents. This dynamic characteristic enables the rib to provide support only when needed, maintaining simplicity while effectively preventing curling of thin media.
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanner (1) includes a reading section (20) configured to read a medium (P) being transported, a discharge roller pair (17) configured to nip the medium read in the reading section by a first roller (21) and a second roller (22) and discharge the medium, and a rib (23) disposed in a position overlapping the discharge roller pair in a medium transport direction, the rib protruding from the first roller side toward the second roller side out of the first roller and the second roller, the rib including a first rib (23a) disposed on one side in a width direction intersecting the medium transport direction with respect to the discharge roller pair and a second rib (23b) disposed on the opposite side of the first rib in the width direction with respect to the discharge roller pair.