Swing Member Regulating Portion for Sheet Count Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face complexity and size issues due to the need for interlocking mechanisms between the claw member and movable tray, leading to increased paper feed load and precision problems when regulating the number of sheets, especially when the number of sheets is high.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a swing member that supports the feed roller and includes a regulating portion capable of two states: one where it is separated from the support unit and another where it closely approaches to regulate the number of sheets, positioned further upstream on the transport path, allowing for simple configuration and size reduction without edge guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If edge guides are provided on both side portions of the mounting surface to regulate the number of recording media, then the number of sheets can be regulated, but the recording apparatus increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the edge guide component entirely and replaces it with a regulating portion integrated into the swing member. This extraction of the separate edge guide function eliminates the need for additional structural elements on the mounting surface, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining sheet number regulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sheet number regulation function with the existing swing member structure by providing a regulating portion on the swing member. This integration combines multiple functions (feed roller support, sheet regulation, and medium transport) into a single component system, eliminating the need for separate edge guides and reducing apparatus size
2Quantity of substance
If an upper limit regulating member is provided at the edge guide to regulate the number of set recording media, then the number of sheets can be regulated, but the paper feed load increases and paper feed precision worsens due to contact between sheet surface and regulating member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roller as an intermediary element between the sheet and the regulating portion. The roller contacts the sheet surface and transfers the regulating action, preventing direct contact between the sheet and the regulating member. This intermediary mechanism reduces friction and load on the sheet while maintaining precise sheet number control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact system (edge guide regulating member contacting sheet edges) with a roller-based system. The roller substitutes for the edge guide's direct mechanical interaction with the sheet, reducing frictional losses and improving paper feed precision while maintaining regulation functionality
3Ease of operation
If a claw member and movable tray interlocking mechanism is provided to control feed roller operation, then the feed roller can be controlled to contact and separate from recording medium, but the feeding mechanism becomes complicated and apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feed roller support function and sheet regulation function into a single swing member structure. The swing member simultaneously provides support for the feed roller and incorporates the regulating portion, eliminating the need for separate interlocking mechanisms between claw members and movable trays. This integration simplifies the overall feeding mechanism while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The swing member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: supporting the feed roller, regulating sheet number, and enabling controlled contact/separation from the recording medium. This universal component replaces multiple separate mechanisms (claw member, movable tray, interlocking mechanisms), thereby reducing device complexity and apparatus size
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 enables easy recognition of the correct sheet count, prevents damage, and reduces paper jams by allowing the user to visually confirm the sheet number and preventing excessive sheet insertion, while maintaining the feed roller's functionality without increasing the apparatus's size.
Implementation Method 1
a swing member that displaces the feed roller in a direction in which the feed roller comes in contact with and separates from the recording medium by swinging, and is provided to support the feed roller and be able to swing with a swing shaft as a center
Implementation Method 2
a feed roller that feeds the medium along a transport path by rotating in contact with the recording medium supported on the support unit
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a support unit that supports a recording medium; a feed roller that feeds the medium by rotating in contact with the recording medium supported on the support unit; and a swing member that displaces the feed roller comes in contact with and separates from the recording medium, and is provided to support the feed roller and be able to swing with a swing shaft, in which the swing member includes a regulating portion that is able to attain a first state separated from the support unit in a state in which the feed roller is in contact with the recording medium, and a second state that regulates a number of recording media set on the support unit by relatively approaching the support unit more closely than in the first state in a state in which the feed roller is separated from the recording medium.