Movable Discharge Outlet and Wall for Clean Sheet Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face issues with foreign matter intrusion through the clearance between the discharge outlet and the supply tray when the amount of sheets decreases, leading to potential mechanical interference and inefficiencies in sheet transport.
Innovation Solution
A sheet transport device with a movable wall that adjusts its posture in response to the up and down movements of the discharge path and discharge outlet, preventing foreign matter intrusion while maintaining efficient sheet transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the discharge outlet is positioned fixedly between the supply tray and discharge tray, then the sheet transport path is simple, but foreign matter can intrude through the clearance when sheet amount decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge outlet is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its position dynamically. When the supply tray moves upward due to decreasing sheet amount, the discharge outlet moves upward accordingly, maintaining proper clearance and preventing foreign matter intrusion while keeping the transport path simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall acts as an intermediary element between the discharge outlet and supply tray. It changes posture in response to discharge outlet movement, blocking the clearance space and preventing foreign matter from reaching the internal mechanism while allowing smooth sheet transport.
2Productivity
If the supply tray moves upward when sheet amount decreases, then sheet transport efficiency is improved, but clearance between discharge outlet and supply tray increases allowing foreign matter intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge outlet is coupled to move upward when the supply tray moves upward, maintaining a consistent relative position. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the clearance remains controlled regardless of sheet amount, preventing foreign matter intrusion while preserving sheet transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall serves as a dynamic barrier that adjusts its position based on the movement of the discharge outlet. It blocks the clearance space created by the upward movement of the supply tray, preventing foreign matter from entering the internal mechanism while allowing the sheet transport to proceed efficiently.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed wall is provided between discharge outlet and supply tray, then foreign matter intrusion is prevented, but the up and down movement of discharge path is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed wall, a movable wall is used that can change its posture in response to the up and down movement of the discharge path. This dynamic structure prevents foreign matter intrusion while fully accommodating the movement requirements of the discharge path, maintaining both protection and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall is designed to automatically adjust its position in anticipation of or in response to the discharge path movement. It proactively blocks the clearance space before foreign matter can intrude, while allowing the discharge path to move freely in the required directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet transport device includes a sheet feeding tray, a reading device, a sheet feeding path, a discharge tray, a discharge path, a discharge elevation device, and a movable wall. On the sheet feeding tray, a plurality of sheets are placed. The discharge tray is located on a lower side of the sheet feeding tray, and receive the plurality of sheets. The discharge path delivers the sheet to the discharge tray. The discharge elevation device moves the discharge path up and down. The discharge path includes a discharge outlet that moves up and down, in a range between the sheet feeding tray and the discharge tray, following an up and downward movement of the discharge path. The movable wall is provided between the discharge outlet and the sheet feeding tray, and changes a posture according to the up and downward movement of the discharge path and the discharge outlet.