Hinge mechanism, image reading device, and image forming apparatus

JP2024008607A5Active Publication Date: 2025-07-10CANON KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022110606
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-07-08
Publication Date
2025-07-10
Estimated Expiration
2042-07-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The reduction in rigidity of ADF frames due to the use of resin or thin metal parts leads to sagging and imbalance in the ADF, compromising the hinge mechanism's compactness and operational balance, especially when torque-applying springs are used to counteract the weight of the ADF.

Method used

A hinge mechanism design that includes a first biasing section with a spring to facilitate easy opening and closing of the ADF, and a second biasing section with a spring to maintain balance by pressing the ADF against the image reading unit, while keeping the mechanism compact in the vertical direction by positioning the second spring outside the side plates.

Benefits of technology

The design maintains balance and compactness of the hinge mechanism, ensuring precise document conveyance paths and reducing the risk of sagging, even with reduced ADF rigidity, by effectively managing the torque and balance adjustments.

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Abstract

To make a hinge mechanism compact in the vertical direction.SOLUTION: A hinge mechanism (3) has: a first member (31) that is fixed to an image reading unit; a first shaft (35); a second member (32) that rotates with respect to the first member; a second shaft (36); a third member (33) that rotates with respect to the second member; a third shaft (38); a fourth member (34) that rotates with respect to the third member so that a document conveying unit is fixed and a first contact part and a second contact part are in contact with a light transmissive member; a first urging part that has a first spring providing torque in a direction to open the document conveying unit; and a second urging part (F2) that has a second spring (39) providing torque to the fourth member so that the second contact part is in contact with the light transmissive member. The second spring (39) is arranged outside a first side plate (34d) of the fourth member (34) in an axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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