Image Forming Apparatus Compact Design via Movable Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing, particularly in the up-down direction, due to the spatial constraints imposed by the arrangement of the sheet discharge unit and the image reading unit.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with an image reading unit and a sheet discharge unit that include movable components. The image reading unit has an opening/closing member that moves from a closed position to an open position, and the sheet discharge unit's discharge tray is positioned above the opening/closing member, moving from a first position to a second position when the opening/closing member opens, allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the sheet discharge unit and image reading unit are disposed above the apparatus body with the discharge tray above the opening/closing member, then the apparatus can be downsized in the up-down direction, but the spatial arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is made movable relative to the opening/closing member, allowing it to move between a first position (when opening/closing member is closed) and a second position (when opening/closing member is open). This dynamic arrangement enables the tray to be positioned above the closed opening/closing member for compactness, while moving away when open to avoid interference, thus achieving downsizing without permanent spatial complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge tray is nested above the opening/closing member in the closed state, utilizing the vertical space efficiently. When the opening/closing member opens, the tray moves to a different position, effectively nesting the components in a compact configuration during non-use states while maintaining functionality during use.
2Length of stationary object
If the discharge tray is positioned above the opening/closing member, then the apparatus height is reduced, but the opening/closing member and discharge tray may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is configured to move relative to the opening/closing member based on its state. When the opening/closing member is in the closed position, the tray is at the first position above it. When the opening/closing member opens to the open position, the tray automatically moves to the second position, preventing interference between the two components while maintaining the compact height arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body accommodating an image forming unit, an image reading unit disposed above the apparatus body and including an opening/closing member, and a sheet discharge unit disposed above the apparatus body and including a discharge tray configured to support a discharged sheet. The discharge tray is disposed above the opening/closing member, movable to a first position and to a second position above the first position, and configured to move from the first position to the second position when the opening/closing member is moved from the closed position to the open position.