Rotatable Sheet Support Unit for Compact Image Recording Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses with manual feed trays face challenges in maintaining a compact size due to the need to avoid collisions with rotating casings and manuscript covers, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sheet transport apparatus with a movable second casing and a rotatable sheet support unit that changes states to accommodate the movement of the casing, allowing the support unit to follow the casing's position changes and maintain a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual feed tray is arranged to avoid the rotation ranges of the casing and manuscript cover, then collision is avoided, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet support unit is designed to be rotatable and changeable between multiple states, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This enables the support unit to follow the movement of the second casing during opening/closing operations, avoiding collision while maintaining a compact apparatus size when the casing is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet support unit is nested within the first casing and can be rotated to different states. In the first state, it is positioned to follow the second casing's movement range, effectively nesting the support function within the available space without increasing the overall apparatus volume.
2Reliability
If the sheet support unit is fixed to avoid collision with moving parts, then collision is prevented, but the apparatus becomes large-sized
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet support unit transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, rotatable structure that can change between at least three states. This allows the support unit to adapt its position based on the second casing's movement, preventing collision while maintaining compact dimensions through intelligent spatial utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet support unit is divided into multiple configurable states (first state, second state, third state), allowing it to segment its functional positions. This segmentation enables the support unit to occupy different spatial configurations, preventing collision with moving parts while maintaining overall apparatus compactness.
3Volume of moving object
If the sheet support unit follows the second casing movement, then compact design is achieved, but the support unit must be rotatable between multiple states
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet support unit incorporates a rotatable mechanism that enables it to transition between multiple states, allowing it to follow the second casing's movement. This dynamic capability reduces the apparatus size by utilizing the movement range of the second casing, while the rotation mechanism itself remains relatively simple through the use of an urging unit and abutment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet support unit automatically follows the second casing's movement through the urging unit that urges it toward the first state. This self-adjusting mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems, achieving compact design with minimal additional complexity.
4Ease of operation
If an urging unit is added to control the sheet support unit's states, then state control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The urging unit automatically urges the sheet support unit toward the first state within the range from the first state to the second state, and toward the third state within the range from the second state to the third state. This self-regulating mechanism simplifies state control without requiring complex external actuation systems, as the urging unit passively maintains the support unit in appropriate states based on its position.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging unit acts as an intermediary element between the sheet support unit and the second casing's movement. It mediates the interaction by providing urging force to maintain the support unit in appropriate states, simplifying the control mechanism while improving ease of operation through automatic state management.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet transport apparatus includes a first casing in which a transport path is formed; a transport unit which transports a sheet along the transport path; a second casing which is provided to be movable with respect to the first casing; a sheet support unit which is rotatably provided in the first casing at a position on a side to which the second casing is moved, the sheet support unit being changeable between a first state, a second state, and a third state and supporting the sheet at least in the third state; and an urging unit which urges the sheet support unit toward the first state within a range from the first state to the second state and which urges the sheet support unit toward the third state within a range from the second state to the third state.