Document Reader Hinge Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document readers with automatic document feeders (ADFs) face challenges in accurately positioning the heavy opening/closing body relative to the platen, due to the complexity of assembling and aligning the hinge mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A positioning mechanism is introduced, comprising a hinge with a pressing member and an engaging portion, allowing precise adjustment and alignment of the cover unit relative to the document reading unit, using a pressing portion that counters the weight of the cover unit and adjusts its position in the apparatus front-rear direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the opening/closing body is equipped with a document feeding mechanism to enable automatic document feeding, then the functionality and versatility of the document reader is improved, but the weight of the opening/closing body increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism integrated into the hinge structure that balances the weight of the heavy opening/closing body. The counterweight system uses a balance shaft and spring assembly to offset gravitational force, enabling the heavy ADF-equipped cover to be easily opened and closed without requiring excessive actuation force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening/closing body is made heavier by adding a document feeding mechanism, then the document reading capability is enhanced, but the difficulty of accurately positioning and assembling the opening/closing body relative to the platen increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features directly into the hinge structure, including positioning protrusions and grooves that pre-establish accurate alignment between the opening/closing body and platen before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures precise positioning without requiring complex adjustment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary component that includes integrated positioning features. The positioning protrusions on the hinge engage with corresponding grooves on the platen, mediating the alignment between the heavy opening/closing body and the stationary platen, thereby ensuring accurate positioning despite the weight and complexity of the ADF mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is used to connect the opening/closing body to the platen, then the opening/closing body can be opened to a predetermined angle, but the complexity of the assembly and the difficulty of accurate positioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the hinge mechanism: it serves as both the rotational connection joint and the positioning system. The hinge integrates the opening angle control feature with positioning protrusions and grooves, combining what would traditionally be separate components into a single unified structure, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) rotational movement for opening/closing the cover, (2) predetermined angle limitation through mechanical stops, (3) accurate positioning through integrated protrusion-groove features, and (4) support for the heavy ADF-equipped cover. This universality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A document reader includes: a scanner unit; an ADF; a hinge that connects the scanner unit and the ADF in a way that the ADF is openable from and closable to the scanner unit by turning around a turn shaft of the hinge; and a positioning mechanism. The hinge includes a pressing member that holds the ADF open, and is arranged on a back side of the scanner unit with the turn shaft located above the pressing member. The positioning mechanism includes: a projecting portion located below the turn shaft, and formed on a surface of the hinge intersecting an axial direction of the turn shaft; a slit formed in the scanner unit, and brought into engagement with the projecting portion; and an adjusting screw that presses a lower part of the hinge from the back side of the scanner unit.