Linear Conveyance Path for Thick Document Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading devices experience conveyance failures and image quality deterioration when handling thick documents due to curved document conveying paths, leading to paper jamming and instability in the document convey-read mode.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device employs a linear conveyance path that inclines downward from the document load tray to the first document receiving tray, with the second document table positioned to intersect with the plane of the first document table, reducing the curvature of the conveyance path and preventing document conveyance failures, even for thick documents like cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a curved document conveying path is used to miniaturize the image reading device, then the device size is reduced, but document conveyance failure occurs when thick documents are conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a curved two-dimensional conveying path to a linear three-dimensional path by utilizing vertical space. The document conveying path extends from the document load tray located above the first document table down to the first document receiving tray below, creating a linear inclining path that avoids the first document table while maintaining compact horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the document conveying function into two separate tables: the first document table for stationary document reading and the second document table for convey-read mode. This segmentation allows the conveying path to be optimized independently for thick documents without interfering with the stationary reading function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a curved document conveying path is used to avoid the first document table, then the path can be routed, but document conveyance failure and paper jamming occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of routing the conveying path horizontally around the first document table, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the document load tray above the first document table and the first document receiving tray below it, creating a linear inclining path that directly crosses the horizontal plane of the first document table without contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the document load tray above rather than beside the first document table, and the receiving tray below rather than beside it. This inversion transforms the conveying path from a horizontal curve to a vertical linear incline, eliminating the rubbing issue.
3Volume of moving object
If the document load tray and document receiving tray are arranged vertically, then the device can be miniaturized, but the head edge portion of thick documents rubs against the conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the vertical arrangement into a linear inclining path that extends downward from the load tray to the receiving tray, positioned to the side of the first document table. This creates sufficient clearance for the head edge portion of thick documents to pass through without rubbing against any components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the linear conveyance path is offset to the side of the first document table rather than being centered, creating asymmetric clearance space that accommodates the head edge portion of thick documents during conveyance.
Data Source
AI summary
A document reading section includes a document load table, a document load tray, a first document receiving tray, a linear conveyance path, a first guide member and a first reading section. The linear conveyance path, inclining downward from the document load tray, reaches the first document receiving tray. The first guide member is disposed in the linear conveyance path, and its top surface inclines downward along the linear conveyance path toward a downstream side in a document conveying direction in relation to the document load table. The first guide member is disposed in such a manner that part of its top surface intersects with a plane containing a top surface of the document load table.