ADF Reading Unit Rotation for Easy Glass Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses with a reading unit inside an automatic document feeder (ADF) face difficulties in cleaning the glass surface due to the need to access it from below, which can damage the precise components and disrupt the optical path.
Innovation Solution
The reading unit is designed to be rotatable about a third axis independently of the conveying guide, allowing the glass surface to be exposed externally for cleaning while minimizing impact on the unit and reducing stress on electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reading unit is provided inside the ADF with the glass surface facing downward, then the ADF can be compact and functional, but the glass surface becomes difficult to access for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The reading unit is made rotatable about a third rotational axis, transforming from a static to a dynamic configuration. This allows the glass surface to be rotated from a downward-facing position inside the ADF to an upward-facing exposed position for easy cleaning, while still maintaining the compact internal structure during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a rotational dimension (third rotational axis) to the reading unit, allowing it to move between two operational states: horizontal position for reading and vertical position for cleaning. This dimensional change enables access to the glass surface without requiring complete disassembly or complex mechanical structures
2Ease of operation
If the conveying guide is rotated to expose the glass surface, then cleaning access is improved, but mechanical stress on electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent rotational components: the conveying guide that rotates about a second axis and the reading unit that rotates about a third axis. This segmentation allows the reading unit to be exposed for cleaning while the conveying guide remains in its operational position, minimizing mechanical stress on electrical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The reading unit is designed with independent rotational capability about a third axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position for cleaning without requiring the conveying guide to rotate. This dynamic independence reduces the mechanical stress on electrical connections by eliminating the need to rotate heavy conveying components
3Ease of operation
If the reading unit is made rotatable about a third axis independently, then cleaning is facilitated and stress on connections is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reading unit is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the operational reading component during copying and the accessible cleaning target during maintenance. The same component structure performs both functions by rotating to different positions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An image reading apparatus for reading image information from a sheet includes a cover unit, a sheet feeding member, a conveying guide, and a reading unit including a transparent member and a reading portion. The cover unit is rotatable between a closed position where the cover unit forms a sheet conveying passage in cooperation with the conveying guide and an open position where the sheet conveying passage is open. In a state in which the cover unit is positioned in the closed position, the transparent member is exposed to an outside of the image reading apparatus by rotation of the conveying guide and the reading unit.