Hinge Cover Protecting Flexible Cable in Sheet Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image reading apparatuses, the exposed flexible cable is prone to damage due to being pinched between the opening and closing member and the main body during movement, especially when handling thick documents.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a side wall with an opening opposite the flexible cable and a cover portion on the hinge to protect the cable from being pinched, allowing the opening and closing member to pivot while preventing damage to the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is exposed to the outside in a bent state, then the opening and closing member can move between open and closed positions, but the cable may be pressed frontward by the rear wall and nipped between the opening and closing member and the main body, leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
A cable guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable and the rear wall. The cable guide includes a through-hole through which the cable passes, and its outer peripheral surface protrudes to prevent the cable from contacting the rear wall. This intermediary structure allows the opening and closing member to move freely while preventing cable damage through the protruding surface that guides and protects the cable.
2Reliability
If the cable is protected from being pinched, then cable reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide is merged with the hinge structure. The cable guide is formed as an integral part of the hinge, with the hinge body forming the cable guide's through-hole and protruding outer peripheral surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate cable protection components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining cable protection functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge allows thick documents to be placed on the document support surface, then adaptability is improved, but the cable flexibility must accommodate upward and downward movement while avoiding being pressed by the rear wall
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide acts as a mediator between the cable and the rear wall during thick document handling. When the opening and closing member moves upward to accommodate thick documents, the cable guide's protruding outer peripheral surface prevents the cable from contacting and being compressed by the rear wall, allowing full adaptability to thick document sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes: a main body accommodating a controller; an opening and closing member including an electrical part and pivotable about a pivot axis with respect to the main body between a closed position and an open position is exposed; a hinge disposed between the main body and the opening and closing member and at least partly constituting the pivot axis; and a flexible cable connecting between the electrical part and the controller. The opening and closing member includes a side wall for covering the electrical part from a hinge side of the electrical part. The side wall has an opening formed at a position opposite the flexible cable extending from the opening and closing member to the main body. The hinge includes a cover portion configured to cover a portion of the flexible cable which is exposed through the opening.