Image Reading Device Motor Sharing via Segmented Drive Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices require complex mechanisms to share a motor for carriage movement and document sheet conveyance, leading to a desire for a simpler configuration that achieves this sharing effectively.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device employs a drive device with a motor, main body gears, and a rack gear system that allows the carriage to move along specific paths while the conveyance rollers operate, optimizing torque distribution to share the motor for both functions without a complex switching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex switching mechanism with planetary gears is used to share one motor for carriage movement and document sheet conveyance, then the motor sharing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional paths: a first drive path for carriage movement and a second drive path for document sheet conveyance. Each path has dedicated components (first main body gear for carriage, second main body gear for conveyance), eliminating the need for complex planetary gear switching while maintaining motor sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which drive path to activate based on operational mode. The carriage can be positioned at different locations (first position, second position, third position) to engage different gears, allowing the single motor to adaptively drive either the carriage or the conveyance rollers without complex switching mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If planetary gears and switching mechanisms are used to restrict carriage movement during ADF operation, then functional coordination is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional paths: a first drive path for carriage movement and a second drive path for document sheet conveyance. Each path has dedicated components (first main body gear for carriage, second main body gear for conveyance), eliminating the need for complex planetary gear switching while maintaining motor sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting member acts as an intermediary element that restricts carriage movement to the first position when document sheet conveyance is required. This simple mechanical intermediary replaces complex planetary gear switching mechanisms, achieving functional coordination through a straightforward positional constraint.
3Ease of operation
If the carriage is allowed to move freely along the entire path, then movement flexibility is improved, but the risk of collision with conveyance rollers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which drive path to activate based on operational mode. The carriage can be positioned at different locations (first position, second position, third position) to engage different gears, allowing the single motor to adaptively drive either the carriage or the conveyance rollers without complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting member acts as an intermediary element that restricts carriage movement to the first position when document sheet conveyance is required. This simple mechanical intermediary replaces complex planetary gear switching mechanisms, achieving functional coordination through a straightforward positional constraint.
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 enables a simple and efficient sharing of a single motor for both carriage movement and document sheet conveyance, reducing mechanical complexity and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (51), a first main body gear (531) and a second main body gear (541) supported by the carriage (110), and respectively rotating in conjunction with the motor (51)
Implementation Method 2
a cover input gear (532) provided in the cover (102) and meshing with the first main body gear (531) in a state where the carriage (110) is located at a position between the first position (P1) and a predetermined relay region (P4)
Implementation Method 3
a main rack gear (542) that is a rack gear disposed in the main body portion (101) in parallel to the moving path, and meshing with the second main body gear (541) in a state where the carriage (110) is located in a region extending from the relay region (P4) to the third position (P3)
Implementation Method 4
an abutting member (55) provided in the main body portion (101) and configured to abut on the carriage (110) that is moving from the second position (P2) side to the first position (P1) side, thereby stopping the carriage (110) at the first position (P1)
Implementation Method 5
a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers (153) provided in the cover (102) and configured to, upon application of a driving force, convey a document sheet (9) along a conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
One motor is shared for carriage movement and document sheet conveyance. An abutting member stops the carriage, that has moved from a second position located below a first end portion of a platen glass, at a first position located below a contact glass. The carriage supports the motor and first and second main body gears. The main body gears interlock with the motor. A cover input gear meshes with the first main body gear when the carriage is located between the first position and a relay region. A main rack gear meshes with the second main body gear when the carriage is located in a region extending from the relay region to a third position located below a second end portion of the platen glass. A load torque applied to the motor is larger when the carriage is fixed than when the cover input gear is fixed.