ADF Roller Separation Mechanism for Cover Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices with auto document feeders (ADFs) face the risk of roller damage when the ADF cover is moved between open and closed positions, as the pinch roller may collide with the transport roller during this process.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device incorporates a holder member that separates the driven rollers from the driving rollers when the cover is opened, preventing collision and allowing for smooth release of the nipping mechanism, and allows the holder member to pivot and move linearly, enhancing operability and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ADF cover is moved between open and closed positions, then the transport path can be opened for maintenance or paper jam, but the pinch roller may collide with the transport roller and damage the transport roller
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit is divided into a first unit (driving roller) and a second unit (driven roller), which are separable components. When the cover is opened, the second unit can be detached or moved away from the first unit, preventing collision between rollers while maintaining the ability to transport medium during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration allows the second unit to be movable or detachable relative to the first unit. During normal operation, the units are positioned to enable medium transport; when the cover is opened for maintenance, the second unit can be dynamically repositioned or removed to prevent damage to the driving roller.
2Productivity
If the driven roller is provided on the cover, then the transport function is maintained during cover movement, but the risk of collision and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driven roller (second unit) is extracted from the cover structure and provided as a separate, movable component. This allows the driven roller to be removed or repositioned when the cover is opened, eliminating the collision risk while maintaining the transport function when the cover is closed and the units are properly positioned.
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 configuration ensures safe and efficient operation by preventing roller damage during cover movement, improving jam removal efficiency and reducing the risk of mechanical failure, while also optimizing space usage and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a driven roller that nips the medium between the driving roller and the driven roller
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes: a first reading unit that is provided at an intermediate position of a transport path and that reads an image of a document transported on the transport path; and a transport unit that is disposed on the transport path further upstream than the first reading unit and that transports the document to the first reading unit. The transport unit includes a third driving roller and third driven rollers that hold the document between the third driving roller and the third driven rollers. The third driving roller is provided on a frame main body, and the third driven rollers are provided on a holder member. When a cover is displaced from a closed position to an open position, the holder member is moved so as to separate the third driven rollers from the third driving roller.