Hinge Position Adjustment Mechanism for Document Conveying Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices face challenges in easily adjusting and precisely fixing the tilt of document conveying devices, often requiring tools and increasing parts count and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device with a contact glass, a document conveying device that can be opened and closed, and a pair of hinge portions with a position adjustment mechanism including a lever, gear mechanism, and handle to facilitate easy tilt adjustment and secure fixing without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the document conveying device is connected to be displaceable at the first attachment portion and rotatable at the second attachment portion, then the tilt adjustment range is improved, but the adjustment operation becomes complex and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge portion is divided into multiple components: hinge base, first hinge member, second hinge member, and positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of tilt angle through the positioning mechanism while maintaining the rotational function through the hinge members, thereby achieving versatile tilt adjustment without complex operations
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism includes a cam structure that automatically locks and positions the second hinge member at desired tilt angles without requiring external tools. The cam profile is designed to provide self-centering and self-locking functions, enabling users to adjust the tilt simply by rotating the adjustment bolt while the mechanism handles the positioning and locking automatically
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment bolt with knurling operation head is provided, then the manual operation is improved, but the position fixing becomes difficult without loose preventing nut
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism merges the adjustment function and positioning function into a single integrated mechanism. The cam structure combines the locking action with the positioning action, eliminating the need for separate loose preventing nuts. When the adjustment bolt is rotated, the cam profile simultaneously locks the second hinge member at the desired position and maintains it there
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based positioning mechanism provides self-locking functionality where the cam profile automatically maintains the positioned state without requiring additional fastening components. The geometry of the cam ensures that the second hinge member remains fixed at the adjusted position without needing external locking measures
3Ease of operation
If the stay with freely opened/closed structure is provided, then the accessibility is improved, but the parts count and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge base and first hinge member serve multiple functions: they provide the rotational connection between the document conveying device and the image reading portion, support the positioning mechanism, and enable the tilt adjustment functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the overall parts count compared to having separate components for each function
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 and precise adjustment of the document conveying device's tilt without the need for tools, enhancing maintenance operability and reducing parts count and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a gear mechanism that allows the second hinge member to slide with respect to the first hinge member in a state in which the pressure on the second hinge member is released through the lever
Implementation Method 2
a lever that applies a pressure on the second hinge member so as to press the second hinge member against the first hinge member or releases the pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A position adjustment mechanism (90) includes a rack (91) fixed onto an upper surface of a second hinge member (87), a worm gear 93 that meshes with the rack (91), a handle (95) that rotates the worm gear (93), and a lever (97) that presses the second hinge member (87) against the first hinge member (85) to fix the second hinge member (87) to the first hinge member (85). The lever (97) is operated to release the pressure on the second hinge member (87) so that the handle (95) is operated, to thereby adjust a tilt of the document conveying device (27) with respect to the image reading portion (6) without using a tool and the like. After the adjustment, the lever (97) is operated to press the second hinge member (87), to thereby position the document conveying device (27) precisely at a position after the adjustment.