Document Conveyance Cover Force-Balance for Hands-Free Jam Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional document conveyance apparatuses require users to hold an opening-and-closing cover with one hand while removing a jammed document, complicating the jam processing operation and increasing the number of components and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A document conveyance apparatus with an opening-and-closing cover that is held open by a biasing force, using a balance of forces between contact portions and a biasing member, allowing the cover to be maintained in an open position without additional structures like springs or arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a complicated structure using a spring, an arm, or the like is employed to hold the opening-and-closing cover, then the opening-and-closing cover can be held in an opened state, but the number of components increases and space for arranging components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover holding function with the existing biasing member (spring) that applies pressure between the driving roller and driven roller. The biasing member is integrated to serve dual purposes: maintaining roller pressure contact and holding the cover in the opened state through its biasing force, thereby eliminating the need for separate holding mechanisms like springs or arms
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it applies pressure between the rollers for document conveyance and also provides the holding force to maintain the cover in the opened position. This multi-functional design reduces component count while achieving both roller pressure maintenance and cover holding stability
2Ease of operation
If the opening-and-closing cover is opened to perform jam processing, then the jammed document can be removed, but the user must hold the cover with one hand while removing the document with the other hand
Solution Approach 1:
The opening-and-closing cover is designed to be self-holding in the opened state through the biasing force of the integrated biasing member. When the user opens the cover for jam removal, the biasing member automatically maintains the cover in the opened position without requiring the user to manually support it, making the system self-servicing during the jam processing operation
3Device complexity
If a simple configuration is used to hold the opening-and-closing cover, then the number of components is reduced, but the ability to hold the cover in an opened state without user support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover holding function with the existing biasing member structure. The biasing member, which already exists to apply pressure between rollers, is configured to also provide the holding force for the cover. This integration maintains holding stability without adding separate components, achieving simplicity while preserving functional stability
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
Enables easy jam processing by maintaining the opening-and-closing cover in an open position using a simple configuration, reducing the need for complex components and space.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that applies, to the driven roller holding member, a biasing force in a direction of bringing the driven roller into pressure contact with the driving roller
Implementation Method 2
the first surface biases, by the biasing force of the biasing member, the first contact portion in a direction in which the opening-and-closing cover closes, and the second surface biases, by the biasing force of the biasing member, the second contact portion in a direction in which the opening-and-closing cover opens
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a document conveyance apparatus includes: an opening-and-closing cover; a driving roller and a driven roller; a driven roller holding member which rotatably holds the driven roller, and causes the driven roller to contact or be separated from the driving roller in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening-and-closing cover; and a pressure-contact spring which applies, to the driven roller holding member, a biasing force in a direction of pressing the driven roller against the driving roller. The opening-and-closing cover is provided with a side wall and a holding rib, and the driven roller holding member is provided with a first surface and a second surface. When the opening-and-closing cover is opened, the side wall contacts the first surface to bias the opening-and-closing cover in a closing direction, and the holding rib contacts the second surface to bias the same in an opening direction.