CARRIAGE SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS

Support structure is disclosed for an image processing apparatus having a carriage that is scanned in order to read or print a document. Support brackets for attaching tension members, such as wire ropes, to each side of the carriage are formed by bending a flat plate to create an attachment plate portion of a bracket that is mounted on the carriage, a vibration absorbing arm, and a clamping extension. A wire rope is clamped to each clamping extension so that the carriage may be moved by the wire ropes. The width, length and thickness of the support brackets are selected to reduce vibrations, according to the speed and characteristics of the carriage, and at least the length dimension of the bracket may be readily adjusted. Also, vibration dampers may be used between the attachment plate portion of the bracket and the carriage.