Printer Feeding Roller Automated Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses require user intervention to slide a second tray for cleaning, increasing labor and component count due to the need for additional driving mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a medium contact section, cleaning section, support section, movement section, and driving section that automatically switches between driving the medium contact section and movement section, allowing the cleaning section to clean the medium contact section without user operation and reducing the number of components by using a single driving source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a second tray is slid manually for cleaning, then the cleaning function is achieved, but user labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs cleaning without user intervention. The driving section autonomously drives the medium contact section to press against the cleaning member, enabling self-service cleaning operation that eliminates manual sliding of trays by users
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed automatically at predetermined timing without waiting for user action. The control section initiates the cleaning process by driving the medium contact section to contact the cleaning member, achieving preliminary automated cleaning before user intervention would be needed
2Extent of automation
If a new driving source is added for automatic tray sliding, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving section serves multiple functions: it drives both the medium contact section during recording operations and the movement section during cleaning operations. This multi-functionality allows automation without adding a separate dedicated driving source, maintaining simplicity while achieving automation
Solution Approach 2:
The driving section and movement section are combined into a single integrated driving mechanism. The same driving source controls both the medium contact section and the movement section, merging multiple driving functions into one component to avoid increasing device complexity
3Extent of automation
If the medium contact section is driven to clean, then automation is achieved, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving section performs dual roles: driving the medium contact section for recording and driving the movement section for cleaning. This universal driving mechanism achieves automation without requiring separate dedicated motors or actuators for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the function of the driving section between driving the medium contact section and driving the movement section. The control section manages this dynamic switching based on operational mode, allowing one driving component to serve multiple purposes without mechanical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a feeding roller, a cleaning member, a holder, a main stacker, and a motor unit. The cleaning member cleans the feeding roller. The holder supports the feeding roller and is provided so as to be movable between a cleaning position and a retreat position. The main stacker moves the holder from the retreat position to the cleaning position. The motor unit is provided so as to be able to perform switching between driving of the feeding roller and driving of the main stacker. The motor unit rotates the feeding roller when the holder is positioned at the cleaning position.