Medium Loading Device V-Path Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medium loading devices for printing apparatuses face issues with medium discharge due to raised ridges in the discharge path, which can block the medium from being appropriately discharged to the sheet discharge tray, especially when dealing with media of varying sizes and bending rigidity.

Innovation Solution

A medium loading device with a discharging path formed by a downward sloped surface and an upward sloped surface, along with pressing portions, that includes a first loading portion with a downward sloped surface and a second loading portion with an upward sloped surface, allowing for smooth discharge and reduced curling of media, and adjustable pressing forces to accommodate different media types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a raised ridge is provided in the discharge path to correct the angle of the medium, then the leading edge rounding is prevented and medium discharge is optimized, but the raised ridge may block the discharging of the medium

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleading edge angle correctionVSAvoidmedium discharge reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading portion is divided into multiple segments (first loading portion, second loading portion, third loading portion) with different sloped surfaces. Each segment handles a specific function: the downward sloped surface guides the medium from the discharging portion, the upward sloped surface corrects the leading edge angle, and the horizontal surface provides stable loading. This segmentation allows the medium to flow smoothly through each stage without being blocked, while still achieving proper angle correction at each segment transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses continuous curved sloped surfaces instead of sharp angular transitions or raised ridges. The downward sloped surface, upward sloped surface, and horizontal surface are connected through smooth transitions that guide the medium naturally along the discharge path. This curvature approach prevents the medium from encountering abrupt obstacles that would cause blocking, while still achieving the necessary angle correction for proper loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If a raised ridge is provided to optimize the angle of the medium, then the medium can be discharged appropriately along the loading surface, but it may block the discharging path for media of varying sizes and bending rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedium loading alignmentVSAvoidcompatibility with varying media
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device employs a dynamic multi-stage sloped surface structure that adapts to different media types. The downward sloped surface, upward sloped surface, and horizontal surface work together to dynamically guide media of varying sizes and bending rigidity. Pressing portions are also provided to apply dynamic pressure that adjusts to the media characteristics, ensuring proper alignment without blocking the discharge path for any media type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the loading surfaces to accommodate different media. By using multiple sloped surfaces with different angles and a horizontal surface, the system can adapt to media of varying sizes and bending rigidity. The pressing portions can also adjust their position and pressure to match the specific media being loaded, providing versatile compatibility without requiring raised ridges that would block discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11383949B2Medium loading device
Publication Date: 2022.07.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US11383949B2 patent drawing
  • US11383949B2 patent drawing
  • US11383949B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a loading portion configured to load a medium discharged from a discharging portion, and a plurality of pressing portions provided downstream of the discharging portion in a discharging direction of the medium, and configured to press the medium loaded on the loading portion. The loading portion includes a first loading portion including a downward sloped surface sloping downward in the discharging direction, and also includes a second loading portion including an upward sloped surface sloping upward in the discharging direction. The downward sloped surface and the upward sloped surface form a discharging path through which the medium is discharged. The plurality of pressing portions includes a first pressing portion configured to press the medium loaded on the first loading portion, and also includes a second pressing portion configured to press the medium loaded on the second loading portion.