Movable Reading Unit for Image Scanner Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatuses face challenges with dust adherence on the glass due to limited opening angles and narrower distances between the reading and backing units, which complicates cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a support portion for the sheet, a reading unit positioned opposite to the support, and a movable unit that allows the reading unit to move between facing and non-facing positions, enabling easier access and cleaning by rotating and sliding mechanisms, including a lifting/lowering unit, drawer unit, and rotatable unit, to facilitate cleaning of the transmission glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the reading unit and backing unit are positioned close together with a limited opening angle, then the apparatus achieves a compact structure, but dust adheres to the glass and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reading unit is designed to be movable relative to the backing unit, transitioning between a closed position for compact storage and an open position for cleaning access. This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to switch between space-saving mode and maintenance mode, resolving the contradiction between compactness and cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading unit is moved along the width direction (second direction) rather than only along the conveyance direction (first direction). This dimensional change creates sufficient workspace and visibility for cleaning the transmission glass while maintaining a compact overall structure when in the closed position.
2Ease of manufacture
If the reading unit is made stationary to simplify the structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the reading unit cannot be moved to facilitate cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
A movable unit is introduced to enable the reading unit to move between a first position (facing the support portion) and a second position (not facing the support portion). This controlled movement capability provides cleaning facilitation while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through guide rails and positioning mechanisms.
3Length of stationary object
If the opening angle between reading unit and backing unit is limited, then the apparatus maintains a narrow profile, but dust from ink and toner adheres to the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The reading unit is extracted from the fixed structure and made movable, allowing it to be separated from the backing unit during cleaning operations. This extraction enables the removal of dust and debris from the transmission glass by moving the reading unit to a position where cleaning can be effectively performed, while maintaining a narrow profile when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a support portion, a reading unit, and a first movable unit. The first movable unit moves the reading unit in a second direction, where a conveyance direction in which a sheet is conveyed in a conveyance path is defined as a first direction, a width direction of a first surface of the sheet orthogonal to the first direction is defined as the second direction, and a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction. The first movable unit moves the reading unit between a first position and a second position. The first position is a position where a reading surface of the reading unit and the support portion face each other, and the second position is a position where the reading surface of the reading unit and the support portion do not face each other.