Medium Discharge Device Tray Segmentation for Sorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medium discharge devices in recording apparatuses often require complex configurations with multiple moving parts, leading to increased size and cost, as they need to accommodate multiple trays that move upward and downward to sort discharged sheets effectively.

Innovation Solution

A medium discharge device with a second medium receiving tray that can change its position between an advance and retraction position, allowing the upstream zone to adjust its posture and position relative to the discharge roller pair, thereby simplifying the configuration by eliminating the need for all trays and the discharge unit to move upward and downward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trays move upward and downward to sort discharged sheets, then sheet sorting capability is improved, but device complexity and apparatus size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet sorting capabilityVSAvoidapparatus configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second tray is divided into a movable upstream zone and a fixed downstream zone. Only the upstream zone moves to intercept sheets, while the downstream zone remains stationary to receive sorted sheets. This segmentation reduces the complexity of moving entire trays while maintaining sorting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upstream zone of the second tray is designed to be movable in the vertical direction, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position to intercept sheets discharged from different heights. This dynamic element enables sorting capability without requiring all trays to move, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trays move upward and downward to sort discharged sheets, then sheet sorting capability is improved, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet sorting capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the second tray into movable and fixed zones, the invention reduces the volume of moving components. Only the upstream zone needs to move, while the downstream zone remains stationary, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining sorting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable upstream zone allows the apparatus to achieve sorting functionality with a smaller overall footprint. The dynamic position adjustment enables the same sorting capability in a more compact configuration compared to traditional systems where entire trays must move.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If discharge unit moves upward and downward to switch discharge destinations, then sheet sorting capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge destination switching capabilityVSAvoiddischarge unit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the discharge unit to switch discharge destinations, the invention inverts the approach by moving the second tray's upstream zone to intercept sheets at different positions. This inversion simplifies the discharge unit configuration while maintaining the ability to switch discharge destinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic movement of the second tray's upstream zone provides the discharge destination switching capability without requiring the discharge unit to move. This dynamic tray adjustment reduces the complexity of the discharge unit while achieving the same functional result.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3517469B1Medium discharge device and corresponding recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP

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AI summary

A medium discharge device (18) includes: a discharge unit (40) that discharges a medium (P); a first medium receiving tray (42) that receives the medium discharged by the discharge unit; and a second medium receiving tray (44) that is provided above the first medium receiving tray in a vertical direction and receives the medium discharged by the discharge unit. The second medium receiving tray is capable of changing a position between an advance position for receiving a medium, which is discharged, by causing at least an upstream zone (44a) of the tray including an upstream side end portion (44d) in a medium discharge direction to advance to a passing route (P-2) of the medium from the discharge unit toward the first medium receiving tray and a retraction position to which the upstream zone retracts from the passing route.