Medium Discharge Roller Switching to Cut Noise and Curling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium processing apparatuses lack the ability to discharge media without processing, leading to user demands for such functionality and the need to suppress operation sounds and prevent media curling.
Innovation Solution
A medium processing apparatus with a switchable discharge mode that allows media to be either placed on a processing tray for processing or discharged without being placed, along with a roller pair that can switch between nipping and non-nipping states to control discharge and alignment, and a curvature imparting mechanism to prevent curling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the medium is always placed on the processing tray for processing, then the processing function is improved, but the device cannot discharge medium without processing which reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge roller pair is designed with a movable second roller that can dynamically change its position between two states: a first state where it contacts the medium to nip it for processing mode, and a second state where it is separated from the medium for direct discharge mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to switch between processing and direct discharge functions, enhancing operational flexibility without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each mode.
2Ease of operation
If the discharge roller pair always nips the medium, then the medium transport control is improved, but operation noise increases due to continuous contact and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge roller pair employs a dynamic configuration where the second roller can be positioned to contact or separate from the medium. In direct discharge mode, the second roller is separated from the medium, eliminating continuous contact and friction, thereby reducing operation noise while still maintaining the capability to nip and control medium transport when needed for processing operations.
3Speed
If the medium is discharged without being placed on the processing tray, then the discharge speed is improved, but media curling occurs due to lack of support and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
A curvature imparting portion is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the feeding roller and the discharge path. This curvature imparting portion actively imparts a controlled curvature to the medium as it is being fed, which prevents the medium from curling during direct discharge. By proactively managing the medium's shape during transport, the system enables fast direct discharge while maintaining media flatness and preventing curling issues.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the curvature imparting portion is always active, then media flatness is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The curvature imparting portion is designed to operate dynamically based on the discharge mode. It is activated specifically during direct discharge operations where medium flatness needs to be maintained during fast transport. During processing mode operations, the curvature imparting portion can be deactivated or operated at reduced intensity, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining media flatness when actually needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A medium processing apparatus includes a feeding portion configured to transport a medium, a processing tray on which the medium transported by the feeding portion is placeable, a processing portion configured to process the medium on the processing tray, and a discharging portion configured to discharge the medium placed on the processing tray, wherein a first mode in which the medium transported by the feeding portion is placed on the processing tray and then discharged by the discharging portion, and a second mode in which the medium transported by the feeding portion is discharged by the discharging portion without being placed on the processing tray are switchable.