Recording Apparatus Guide Alignment for Jamming Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing recording apparatuses are prone to jamming of the recording medium due to level differences between the upstream guide and the upstream support member, which can cause the leading end of the recording medium to be caught, leading to mechanical issues during the conveyance process.
Innovation Solution
The recording apparatus incorporates a design with upstream and downstream guides that include ribs extending in the conveyance direction, with these ribs having support surfaces that are positioned to minimize level differences, allowing the support members to move in a way that prevents the recording medium from being caught, thereby reducing jamming. The guides are arranged such that their support surfaces are at different positions in the orthogonal direction, ensuring that the recording medium is supported without being caught at the transitions between the guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a level difference including a vertical gap is formed between the upstream guide and the upstream support member, then the structure is simplified, but the leading end of the recording medium is caught at the difference, causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by positioning the support surfaces of the upstream guide, upstream support member, and downstream guide at substantially the same level, eliminating level differences that cause jamming. This creates a continuous, level path for the recording medium to travel through without encountering vertical gaps or steps that would trap the leading end.
2Ease of operation
If the support member is positioned to oppose the ejection surface during recording, then recording function is achieved, but the support member must move between positions, requiring complex moving mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support member movable between a recording position (opposing the ejection surface during recording) and a retracting position (withdrawn during maintenance operations). This dynamic positioning allows the support member to adapt to different operational modes, enabling both recording functionality and maintenance access without permanent structural constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A support member includes first portions. At least one of upstream and downstream guides includes second portions. The first and second portions are arranged in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction. Each of the first and second portions extends in the conveyance direction and includes a support surface for supporting the recording medium. At least one of the first portions is positioned between two second portions of the second portions in the orthogonal direction. The two second portions are adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction. Each of the first portions is at a different position from each of the second portions with respect to the orthogonal direction. Each of the first portions overlaps the second portions with respect to the conveyance direction.