Compact Printing Apparatus With Retractable Document Reading Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-format printing apparatuses with integrated document reading capabilities face challenges in size optimization, as the reading apparatus often protrudes significantly to accommodate large-format documents, leading to a bulky design.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus design where the document reading apparatus is positioned higher than the printing unit and includes a cover member that supports and guides documents, allowing the reading apparatus to move between a reading position and a retracted position, thereby reducing overall size and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the document setting unit extensively protrudes forward from the insertion slot to support and guide large-format documents, then the favorability in setting and supporting documents is improved, but the reading apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the document reading apparatus from a horizontal extension to a vertical arrangement above the printing unit. This dimensional change allows the document setting unit to be compact in the horizontal direction while maintaining document support capability through the vertically arranged cover member that provides guiding surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member serves multiple functions: it guides documents through its outer surface, supports the document reading apparatus structure, and provides part of the document support function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for a separately extensive document setting unit, thereby compacting the overall apparatus size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the document reading apparatus is positioned to extensively protrude for large-format document support, then document handling capability is improved, but the overall apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the document reading apparatus to a vertical position above the printing unit rather than extending it horizontally, the patent maintains the ability to handle large-format documents while significantly reducing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus. The vertical arrangement allows documents to be conveyed and read without requiring extensive horizontal protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The document reading apparatus is configured to move between a reading position and a retracted position. This dynamic capability allows the apparatus to extend only when needed for reading operations and retract otherwise, reducing the effective footprint and improving space utilization while maintaining full document handling capability when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A document reading apparatus of a printing apparatus includes a document setting unit and a reading unit, the document reading apparatus being provided at a higher position compared to a printing unit. The document setting unit includes a supporting surface configured to support a document, and the reading unit is configured to read the document conveyed from the document setting unit. The document reading apparatus moves to a reading position and to a retracted position at which the document reading apparatus is retracted from the reading position. Furthermore, the printing apparatus includes a cover member configured to cover the printing unit. The cover member includes an outer surface configured to support and guide the document together with the supporting surface in a case where the document reading apparatus is at the reading position.