Document Guide Surface for Image Reading Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image reading apparatuses, the separation of documents can be hindered when the nipping position between the feeding and separation rollers is set too high, causing the document front end to catch on guide surfaces, especially when the document transportation route is oblique, leading to increased apparatus height and potential paper jams.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes a guide surface positioned downstream of the nipping point below the common tangent line of the sending rollers, allowing the document front end to travel upward and preventing catching, along with regulators to manage document contact with the separation roller and adjustable nipping positions to reduce height and prevent paper jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nipping position is set sufficiently above the document guide surface to prevent document catching, then document separation reliability is improved, but the apparatus height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the nipping position below the common tangent line of the sending rollers, utilizing the vertical dimension differently. Instead of raising the nipping position vertically to prevent catching, the invention uses a guide surface that redirects the document front end upward after it passes the nipping position, solving the contradiction by changing the document's trajectory in the vertical dimension rather than simply increasing apparatus height.
2Length of stationary object
If the nipping position is set below the common tangent line to reduce apparatus height, then apparatus height is reduced, but the document front end may catch on the guide surface
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surface is positioned and angled to preemptively redirect the document front end upward before it can catch on subsequent components. By preparing the document's trajectory in advance through the guide surface, the system prevents potential catching issues that would otherwise require a higher nipping position, thus maintaining low apparatus height while ensuring reliable document transportation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures reliable document transportation without catching, reduces apparatus height, and prevents paper jams by guiding the document front end correctly and managing contact forces, enabling efficient handling of various document thicknesses and types.
Implementation Method 1
The document transportation route extends obliquely downward from upstream to downstream... A guide surface is disposed downstream of the nipping position on the document transportation route and below the common tangent line. The guide surface allows the front end of the document sent from the nipping position to travel upward
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a feeding roller configured to feed a document, a separation roller configured to pinch the document with the feeding roller at a nipping position for separation, a first sending roller located downstream of the feeding roller and configured to send the document downstream, a read sensor located downstream of the first sending roller and configured to read the document, and a second sending roller located downstream of the read sensor and configured to send the document downstream. A guide surface is disposed downstream of the nipping position and below a common tangent line to the first sending roller and the second sending roller. The guide surface is positioned to come in contact with a front end of the document sent downward from the nipping position beyond the common tangent line to guide the document upward toward the common tangent line.