Image Reading Apparatus Discharge Unit Drive Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in efficiently setting the moving amounts of the movable plate and discharge unit to meet specific requirements, such as space-saving specifications, due to differences in their required moving amounts, which affects the arrangement and operation of components like the discharge pinch roller and energizing members.

Innovation Solution

The image reading apparatus employs a configuration with a supply tray, a discharge unit, and a system of first and second rotation bodies with different diameters, allowing for adjustable reduction ratios of the drive force to the movable plate and discharge unit, enabling the moving amounts to be set according to required specifications, ensuring proper alignment and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the discharge unit is separated from the discharge tray at a height corresponding to the arrangement space of components, then the arrangement space of components (discharge pinch roller, energizing member) is secured, but the moving amount of the discharge unit becomes smaller than the moving amount of the movable plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrangement space of componentsVSAvoidmoving amount of discharge unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using rotation bodies with different diameters to transform the drive force from a single drive source into different moving amounts for the movable plate and discharge unit. This allows the discharge unit to have a smaller moving amount while still securing adequate arrangement space for its components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the discharge opening is always set higher than the uppermost sheet even when multiple curled sheets are discharged, then the discharge opening position is maintained relative to bulky stacked sheets, but the moving amount of the discharge unit becomes larger than the moving amount of the movable plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge opening position maintenanceVSAvoidmoving amount of discharge unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses different diameter rotation bodies to enable the discharge unit to have a larger moving amount than the movable plate when required. This ensures the discharge opening remains positioned higher than the uppermost sheet even when multiple curled sheets form a bulky stack, maintaining reliable discharge operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single drive source is used to drive both the movable plate and discharge unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control the moving amounts of both components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive system complexityVSAvoidadjustable moving amount control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces rotation bodies with different diameters as intermediary elements between the single drive source and the two driven components. These intermediaries enable independent control of moving amounts for the movable plate and discharge unit while maintaining a simple single-drive-source configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for appropriate setting of the movable plate and discharge unit moving amounts, securing necessary arrangement space and maintaining the discharge opening's position relative to stacked sheets, enhancing operational efficiency and miniaturization.

Implementation Method 1

a first rotation body, which moves the movable plate by transmitting the drive force from the first drive source to the movable plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

a second rotation body, which moves the discharge unit by transmitting the drive force from the first drive source to the discharge unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11623837B2Image reading apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image reading apparatus, includes: a supply tray; a discharge tray; a conveyance guide; a reading sensor; a discharge unit, which includes a discharge opening to discharge the sheet conveyed by the conveyance guide to the discharge tray and is configured to move from a third position to a fourth as the document supported by the paper feed tray is decreased, the fourth position being higher than the third position; a first drive source, which generates a drive force; a first rotation body, which moves the movable plate by transmitting the drive force from the first drive source to the movable plate; and a second rotation body, which moves the discharge unit by transmitting the drive force from the first drive source to the discharge unit, wherein a diameter of the first rotation body and a diameter of the second rotation body are different from each other.