Rotatable Discharge Tray for Compact Sheet Conveying Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses with double-sided image reading functions face challenges in space utilization due to fixed stackers that occupy unnecessary space when not in use and require user intervention for path switching, making operations cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A document sheet conveying device with a rotatable second discharge tray that can switch between use and storage postures, coupled with a detection mechanism to automatically adjust conveying paths based on tray posture, allowing for space-saving design and intuitive path switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed second discharge tray is provided in the apparatus, then document sheets can be discharged to multiple locations, but the apparatus size increases and space is wasted when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The second discharge tray is made rotatable about a rotation axis, allowing it to dynamically change its position between a use posture (extending from the apparatus) and a storage posture (retracted into the apparatus). This dynamic configuration enables the tray to provide discharge functionality when needed while minimizing apparatus volume when not in use, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The second discharge tray utilizes rotational movement around an axis to transition between positions, effectively using a dimensional transformation (from extended to retracted state) to achieve space-saving. This allows the same component to serve multiple functions in different spatial configurations, addressing both the need for discharge flexibility and compact storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switching blade is provided for path switching, then conveying paths can be changed, but user intervention is required making operations cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically switches conveying paths based on the detection of the second discharge tray's posture by the detection portion. When the tray is rotated to the use posture, the switching portion automatically connects the first conveying path to the third conveying path without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual path switching operations, resolving the contradiction between path versatility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection portion continuously monitors the posture of the second discharge tray and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the switching portion automatically adjusts the conveying path configuration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the system adapts to the tray's position automatically, eliminating manual intervention and simplifying user operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the second discharge tray is rotatable between use and storage postures, then space efficiency is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second discharge tray employs a simple rotational mechanism about a fixed axis to achieve position transformation. This dynamic design allows the tray to transition between use and storage postures using a single degree of freedom, minimizing mechanical complexity while maximizing space efficiency. The rotational mechanism is simpler than linear extension-retraction systems and requires fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable second discharge tray serves multiple functions: it acts as a discharge tray when in the use posture and as part of the apparatus housing when in the storage posture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall mechanism complexity while achieving compact apparatus volume.
4Ease of operation
If automatic path switching is implemented based on tray posture detection, then user intervention is eliminated, but detection and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection portion automatically detects the tray posture and triggers path switching without user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and making necessary adjustments, eliminating the need for manual path selection operations. This self-service capability simplifies user interaction while the detection and control logic remains integrated within the existing system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection portion provides real-time feedback on tray posture to the control system, which automatically adjusts the conveying path accordingly. This feedback mechanism uses simple positional detection (tray angle or position) rather than complex parameter monitoring, keeping the detection and control system relatively simple while achieving automatic path switching functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The document sheet conveying device includes a second discharge tray, and a switching portion. The second discharge tray rotates between a use posture which allows loading of a document sheet on the second discharge tray and a storage posture in which the second discharge tray serves as a part of the conveyance housing. The switching portion connects a first conveying path formed from a supply tray to a branch point inside the conveyance housing to one of a second conveying path formed from the branch point to a first discharge tray and a third conveying path formed from the branch point to the second discharge tray. The switching portion connects the first conveying path to the third conveying path when the posture of the second discharge tray has been changed to the use posture in a state where the first conveying path is connected to the second conveying path.