Rotating Scanner Body for Discharging Rigid Documents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feed-type scanners face challenges in efficiently discharging originals with high rigidity and large size, particularly when using a straight transportation path that is significantly inclined relative to the horizontal plane.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus includes a body supporting portion and an apparatus body that can turn to switch between a first posture and a second posture, allowing the transportation path to be switched between a reverse transportation path and a non-reverse transportation path. This configuration enables the apparatus to discharge originals with high rigidity and large size by adjusting the discharge direction along the mounting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the straight transportation path is used to discharge originals, then the discharge direction is improved for certain originals, but the rigidity of dischargeable sheets becomes higher making it unsuitable for originals with high rigidity and large size
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus body is designed to be rotatable between a first posture and a second posture, dynamically changing the discharge direction. In the first posture, the discharge direction is oblique upward; in the second posture, the discharge direction becomes substantially horizontal. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different original types, discharging flexible originals upward and rigid/large originals horizontally to avoid damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus body is turned to switch between postures, then the adaptability to different original types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation path switching unit is integrated into the apparatus body structure, combining the path switching function with the posture switching mechanism. The flap member that switches between reverse and non-reverse transportation paths is positioned within the apparatus body and automatically aligns with different paths based on the apparatus body's posture, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the U-turn transportation path is used, then the footprint is reduced, but the space on the lower side of the U-shaped transportation path becomes small limiting discharge capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between U-turn path and straight path based on original type. For flexible originals, the U-turn path is used to minimize footprint. For rigid or large originals, the apparatus body rotates to the second posture and the straight path is used, providing adequate discharge space. This dynamic path selection resolves the contradiction between compact footprint and sufficient discharge space.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus body of an image reading apparatus is turnably provided to a body supporting portion. The apparatus body is turned so as to be switchable between a first posture and a second posture that forms an angle between a reading transportation path and a mounting surface being smaller than the corresponding angle formed in the first posture. A transportation path switching unit couples the reading transportation path to a reverse transportation path when the apparatus body takes the first posture, and couples the reading transportation path to a non-reverse transportation path when the apparatus body takes the second posture.