Image Scanner Cover Mechanism for Pressing Member Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image reading apparatus suffers from image quality deterioration due to the pressing member being creased, wrinkled, or curled when the sheet holder is moved away from the ADF reading platen, leading to reduced contact with the platen.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a cover that moves between two positions, with the second unit's movement limited by the first unit when closed, preventing the cover from overlapping the pressing member, thus avoiding deformation of the pressing member during sheet holder operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the sheet holder is moved away from the ADF reading platen for maintenance operations, then the sheet holder can be removed or serviced, but the pressing member becomes bent or creased which deteriorates image reading quality
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is divided into a fixed portion attached to the second unit and a movable portion that can be detached. This segmentation allows the movable portion to be removed independently during maintenance, preventing deformation of the fixed portion while enabling easy access for servicing the sheet holder and ADF reading platen.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the pressing member is extracted as a separate component that can be detached from the fixed portion. This extraction allows the movable portion to be removed during maintenance operations, preventing it from deforming the fixed portion while enabling access to the ADF reading platen and sheet holder for servicing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet holder is pivotally moved with respect to the second unit, then the sheet holder can be repositioned for maintenance, but the pressing member is bent downward which reduces contact with the platen
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is segmented into fixed and movable portions, where the movable portion can be detached to allow free pivotal movement of the sheet holder without exerting bending forces on the fixed portion, thereby maintaining consistent contact between the fixed pressing member and the platen.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the pressing member is extracted and can be removed, allowing the sheet holder to pivot freely for maintenance operations without causing the pressing member to bend downward, thus preserving reliable contact between the pressing member and the platen.
3Ease of operation
If the pressing member is repeatedly bent during sheet holder operations, then the sheet holder can be removed and mounted, but the pressing member develops curls or wrinkles that lower image reading quality
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is segmented into fixed and movable portions that can be detached from each other. This segmentation eliminates repeated bending of the pressing member during sheet holder installation and removal operations, as the movable portion can be simply detached and reattached without causing curls or wrinkles, thereby maintaining surface flatness and image reading quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the pressing member is extracted as a separable component, allowing the sheet holder to be removed and mounted without repeatedly bending the pressing member. This prevents the development of curls or wrinkles, maintaining the pressing member's surface flatness and ensuring consistent image reading quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes: a first unit including a supporter and a first image reader; and a second unit. The second unit includes: a pressing member that presses a reading object onto the supporter; a contact member that contacts a conveyed sheet; a sheet holder opposed to the contact member; a second image reader disposed on an opposite side of the contact member from the sheet holder; and a cover spaced apart from the contact member at a second position. When the second unit is located at the closed position, movement of the cover to the second position is limited by the first unit, and the cover is located at a position opposed to the first unit and different from a position of the pressing member. When the second unit is located at an open position, the limitation of the movement is canceled.