Image Reading Device Drive Train Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices face challenges in improving the speed of processing, particularly in the discharge operation of the sheet by the discharge roller and the movement operation of the discharge guide, due to the lack of a clear configuration for transmitting drive force to the discharge roller.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device is designed with a supply tray, a discharge tray, a conveyance guide, a reading sensor, a discharge guide, a discharge roller, and a first drive train that transmits drive force from a first drive source to the discharge roller, allowing the discharge roller to operate effectively as the discharge guide moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a configuration for transmitting drive force to the discharge roller is not provided, then the device structure is simpler, but the processing speed including discharge operation and movement operation cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the discharge guide movement function and the discharge roller drive function into a single integrated drive train system. The first drive train simultaneously transmits drive force to move the discharge guide and rotate the discharge roller, merging two previously separate functions into one unified mechanism, thereby improving processing speed without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first drive train is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple operations: it transmits drive force to the discharge roller for sheet discharge and simultaneously controls the movement of the discharge guide. This universal drive train eliminates the need for separate drive mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If the discharge guide moves from third position to fourth position, then the discharge operation can be performed, but the processing time increases without drive force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The first drive train enables continuous and coordinated operation between discharge guide movement and discharge roller rotation. By providing uninterrupted drive force transmission during the discharge guide's movement from third to fourth position, the system eliminates idle time and ensures that the discharge roller is ready to discharge immediately when the discharge guide reaches the appropriate position, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes: a supply tray including a movable plate which moves from a first position to a second position according to a decrease in the number of sheet to be supported by a supply tray; a discharge guide including a discharge opening for discharging the sheet conveyed by a conveyance guide to a discharge tray, and moves from a third position to a fourth position according to the decrease in the number of the sheets to be supported by the supply tray; a first drive source and a first drive train that transmits a drive force from the first drive source to a discharge roller. The discharge roller discharges a sheet through a discharge opening by receiving the drive force from the first drive source.