Movable Discharge Sensor Layout for Easier Tray Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge devices require detachment of a detection member from the apparatus body when attaching or detaching a discharge tray or transport member, complicating the process and increasing operational effort.
Innovation Solution
A discharge device with a detection member that can move between a protruding and storage position, allowing attachment of a post-processing device or transport member without detaching the detection member from the apparatus body, using a support member and movement mechanism to facilitate this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection member protrudes from the body cover to detect the recording medium on the discharge tray, then the detection functionality is ensured, but the attachment/detachment of post-processing device or transport member requires detaching the detection member, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detection member is designed to be movable between a protruding position (when discharge tray is attached) and a retracted position (when post-processing device or transport member is attached). The support member enables this dynamic repositioning, allowing the detection member to adapt its location based on the attached component, thus maintaining detection functionality while facilitating easy attachment and detachment of different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection member is moved along the depth direction of the apparatus body rather than being permanently fixed in one location. By transitioning between protruding and retracted positions along this dimension, the detection member can accommodate different attachment configurations without requiring physical detachment, resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection capability and enabling easy device replacement.
2Reliability
If the detection member is fixed to protrude from the body cover, then continuous detection capability is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to the need for detachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed detection member requiring complex detachment mechanisms, the invention employs a movable detection member supported by a support member. This dynamic configuration allows the detection member to automatically reposition between protruding and retracted states based on whether the discharge tray or other devices are attached, eliminating the need for permanent detachment mechanisms while maintaining continuous detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the detection member protrudes from the body cover, then accurate detection of recording medium is achieved, but the operational time increases due to required detachment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The movable detection member can quickly transition between protruding and retracted positions without requiring full detachment, significantly reducing operational time. The support member facilitates this rapid repositioning, allowing users to simply attach or detach components while the detection member automatically adjusts its position, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing time loss during device changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge device includes a body cover to which a discharge tray onto which a recording medium is discharged from an apparatus body, a post-processing device that post-processes the recording medium discharged from the apparatus body, or a transport member that transports the recording medium to the post-processing device is detachably attached, a detection member that detects the recording medium discharged onto the discharge tray at a protruding position where at least a part of the detection member protrudes from the body cover, and a support member that supports the detection member such that the detection member moves between the protruding position and a storage position where the detection member is stored inside the apparatus body.