Document Feeder Roller Layout for Compact Image Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses with document transport paths that support documents in an inclined posture require increased depth dimensions due to the need for linear transport paths, leading to larger apparatus sizes.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus incorporates a document support unit positioned rearward and upward relative to the reading unit, with feeding and transport rollers arranged to minimize depth dimension, and a rotatable reading unit that switches between inclined and linear transport paths, allowing for compact design without dedicated path-switching configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a document transport path is formed to extend along a horizontal direction with a reading unit, then the reading function is achieved, but the depth dimension of the apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the reading unit in the width direction rather than extending the transport path along the depth direction. The document transport path extends in the width direction while the reading unit is arranged in the depth direction, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce the apparatus depth dimension while maintaining reading functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If a document support unit is positioned upper rearward with respect to the reading unit, then documents can be supported in an inclined posture, but the depth dimension is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The document support unit is repositioned to utilize the width direction and vertical space rather than extending along the depth direction. By arranging the support unit in the width direction with inclination, the patent achieves versatile document support while minimizing the depth dimension through three-dimensional spatial optimization
3Productivity
If feeding rollers are positioned to feed documents from the support unit, then document feeding is achieved, but the depth dimension is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding rollers are positioned such that their feeding path overlaps with or adjoins the transport path in the width direction. By merging the feeding and transport functions in the width direction rather than extending them sequentially in the depth direction, the patent achieves efficient document feeding while minimizing the apparatus depth dimension
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 reduces the depth dimension of the apparatus by positioning key components closer to the front, thereby minimizing size and cost while maintaining efficient document transport and reading capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first transport roller being a roller positioned rearward with respect to the reading unit in the apparatus depth direction and above the straight transport path, and being configured to apply a feeding force to a document fed in the feeding path and a document transported in the straight transport path
Implementation Method 2
a feeding roller being a roller positioned upward with respect to the reading unit in the apparatus depth direction, and being configured to feed out a document placed on the document support unit from the document support unit to the first transport roller
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image reading apparatus in which at least part of a feeding roller that feeds out a document placed on a document support unit to a first transport roller is present within a region of the first transport roller in an apparatus depth direction and a position at which the feeding roller and a document are brought into contact with each other is present within the region of the first transport roller in the apparatus depth direction.