Reading Unit Locking Mechanism for Image Scanner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading and recording apparatuses face issues where the reading unit is inadvertently opened due to the interlocking motion caused by the opening force of the pressure plate portion, leading to unexpected movement of the carriage with the recording head and ink tanks to an exchange position.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a restricting unit, such as a lever system, that locks the reading unit in a closed state when the pressure plate portion is opened, preventing unintended opening and ensuring the carriage remains in place during maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a damper unit is added to reduce the opening/closing force of the reading unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reading unit may be inadvertently opened due to interlocking motion from the pressure plate portion
Solution Approach 1:
A restricting unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the pressure plate portion and the reading unit. This restricting unit includes a restricting lever that can switch between a restricting position (preventing reading unit opening) and a non-restricting position (allowing reading unit opening). The restricting unit mediates the interlocking motion from the pressure plate portion, allowing it to operate the damper unit while preventing unintended reading unit opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting unit is designed to dynamically change its state based on operational needs. The restricting lever can rotate between a restricting position (where it restricts reading unit opening) and a non-restricting position (where it allows reading unit opening). This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt between preventing unintended opening and allowing intentional opening.
2Ease of repair
If the reading unit is openably and closably attached to allow access for maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the carriage may be unexpectedly moved to exchange position
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting unit acts as an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between the pressure plate portion operation and the reading unit opening. By controlling when the reading unit can open, it prevents unintended carriage movement to the exchange position while still allowing intentional opening for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting unit applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the reading unit from opening when the pressure plate portion is operated. The restricting lever is positioned to block the reading unit opening motion before it can occur, countering the interlocking motion that would otherwise cause unintended opening and carriage movement.
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
Prevents the reading unit from being carelessly opened, maintaining the carriage in a stable position for ink tank exchange and maintenance, even when the damper unit reduces the opening/closing force, thereby enhancing operational safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring 10071 is attached between two members which can slide in the axial direction. The damper unit 1007 is compressed in the state where the reading unit is closed as illustrated in FIG. 15. The damper unit 1007 is stretched in the state where the reading unit is opened as illustrated in FIG. 16.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading and recording apparatus which can prevent a reading unit from unexpectedly being opened even when an operation of a reducing unit such as a damper for reducing an opening/closing force of the reading unit is added to an interlocking motion caused by a force adapted to open a pressure plate portion is provided. The apparatus has: a recording unit which records images onto a recording medium; and a reading unit which is openably and closably arranged for the recording unit and has an original plate on which an original document is put and a pressure plate portion which presses the original onto the original plate. A restricting unit which can restrict the reading unit to the closed state is provided. In the closed state of the pressure plate portion, the restricting unit is made inoperative. In the open state of the pressure plate portion, the restricting unit is made operative.