Platen Interlock Mechanism for Automatic Tray Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing image recording apparatuses, users face difficulties in reliably moving a platen from a printing position to a release position after a sheet is jammed, often requiring manual operation of switches or levers, which can be forgotten, leading to incomplete sheet removal and increased labor.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a tray that interlocks with the movement of the platen, automatically moving it to a release position when withdrawn from the casing, eliminating the need for additional user-operated switches or levers and ensuring the platen returns to the printing position during sheet insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the platen is rotated to the release position after tray withdrawal, then the sheet can be removed, but the user may forget to operate the switch/lever and the platen remains at the reference position
Solution Approach 1:
The platen automatically moves to the release position itself when the tray is withdrawn, without requiring the user to operate any switch or lever. The system serves itself by using the tray withdrawal action to trigger the platen position change, eliminating the need for separate user operations and preventing forgetfulness.
Solution Approach 2:
The platen is moved to the release position in advance, simultaneously with the tray withdrawal, rather than requiring a separate subsequent operation. This preliminary positioning ensures the sheet can be removed immediately when the tray is taken out, preventing the platen from remaining at the reference position.
2Reliability
If a switch or lever is provided for platen release, then the platen can be moved to release position, but time and labor are required to perform the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The platen position change is achieved automatically through the tray withdrawal mechanism itself, without requiring any separate user operation of switches or levers. The system uses the existing user action (tray withdrawal) to self-trigger the platen release, eliminating additional time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of tray withdrawal and platen release are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The platen is moved to the release position as part of the same user action used to withdraw the tray, combining two previously separate operations into one simultaneous action that saves time and effort.
3Device complexity
If the platen remains at the reference position, then the structure is simple, but the sheet cannot be taken out
Solution Approach 1:
The platen is automatically moved to the release position in advance as part of the tray withdrawal process, ensuring the sheet can be immediately removed when the tray is taken out. This preliminary positioning prevents the problematic situation where the platen remains at the reference position blocking sheet removal.
4Device complexity
If manual operation is required for platen release, then the mechanism is simpler, but user error increases and labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual operation of switches or levers by making the platen self-actuating through the tray withdrawal mechanism. The platen automatically moves to the release position based on the user's natural action of removing the tray, eliminating user error and increasing operational reliability without significantly increasing mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus is provided, including a casing; a tray which is to be installed to the casing by being inserted in a first orientation and which is to be withdrawn from the casing in a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation; a sheet conveying passage; a platen; a recording part; and an interlock which moves the platen while being interlocked with movement of the tray in the first orientation or movement in the second orientation. The platen is movable to a printing position and a release position. The interlock moves the platen from the printing position to the release position while being interlocked with the withdrawal of the tray from the casing or the insertion of the tray into the casing.