Single Motor Automatic Document Feeder Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic document feeders require multiple driving sources to lift and lower the pickup device, increasing complexity and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A single driving source, utilizing a pickup motor that rotates in both directions to drive the pickup roller and lifting device, with a cam and one-way clutch gears to efficiently move the pickup device between standby and pickup positions, simplifying the driving structure and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple driving sources are used to lift and lower the pickup device, then the lifting operation can be performed reliably, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting function and document pickup function into a single integrated driving mechanism. The pickup device includes a supporting member that can rotate about a rotating shaft, with the pickup roller mounted on it. A single driving source rotates the supporting member to simultaneously achieve both lifting (when rotated in one direction) and document pickup (when rotated in the other direction), eliminating the need for separate driving sources for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member serves multiple functions: it supports the pickup roller, acts as a lifting mechanism when rotated, and enables document pickup through the pickup roller. This multi-functional design allows one component to perform what previously required multiple separate components and driving sources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
2Productivity
If multiple driving sources are used to drive the pickup device, then the document pickup operation can be performed efficiently, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lifting drive and pickup drive into a single driving source that rotates the supporting member in different directions. This integration reduces the number of motors, control systems, and mechanical transmission components needed, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the efficiency of document pickup operations through the unified driving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single driving source is designed to perform dual functions: lifting the pickup device by rotating the supporting member in one direction, and driving the pickup roller in the opposite direction to pick up documents. This universal driving mechanism eliminates the need for separate motors and control systems, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving operational efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a single driving source is used to drive both the pickup roller and lifting device, then the driving structure is simplified, but the control of pickup position becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed to rotate dynamically about the rotating shaft, allowing the pickup device to transition between lifted and non-lifted positions based on the rotation direction. This dynamic configuration enables the single driving source to control pickup position effectively by simply changing rotation direction, making position control as easy as controlling motor rotation direction rather than requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving source operates in periodic cycles: rotating in one direction to lift the pickup device, then rotating in the opposite direction to lower it and drive the pickup roller for document pickup. This periodic bidirectional rotation simplifies position control by using time-based sequencing of rotation directions rather than complex spatial control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the number of driving sources, lowers manufacturing costs, and simplifies the driving structure while maintaining efficient document pickup and feeding operations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to elastically bias the pickup device in a direction of moving the pickup device towards the pickup position
Implementation Method 2
a cam to drive the lifting lever by being rotated by the pickup motor
Implementation Method 3
a first one-way clutch gear to selectively transmit power from the pickup motor to the lifting device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an automatic document feeder capable of moving a pickup device between a standby position and a pickup position and carrying out a document pickup operation by using a single driving source, an image reading device having the same and an image forming apparatus having the same. The automatic document feeder includes a pickup device, a lifting device and a pickup driving device. The pickup device includes a pickup roller to pick up a document sheet. The lifting device moves the pickup device between a standby position and a pickup position. The pickup driving device includes a pickup motor to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The pickup motor drives the pickup roller by rotating in the first direction, and drives the lifting device by rotating in the second direction.