Movable Tray for Long Sheet Handling in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require a dedicated discharge tray unit to be mounted and removed each time an image is formed on a long sheet, leading to increased time and effort, as well as the need for storage space for the removed tray.
Innovation Solution
A stacking apparatus with a movable tray that can be held in two states, allowing it to support sheets of varying lengths, and an extension tray that can be compactly stored and easily expanded to accommodate long sheets, reducing the need for frequent tray changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated discharge tray unit is mounted to the discharge opening to enable long sheet handling, then the image forming apparatus can process long sheets exceeding 600mm, but the time and effort required to mount and remove the tray increases, and storage space is consumed for the removed tray
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray unit is designed with movable and adjustable components, including a curved guide portion that can rotate and convey long sheets dynamically. The tray unit itself can be easily mounted and removed from the discharge opening, providing dynamic adaptability for long sheet processing while reducing the effort and time required for tray changes
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge tray unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a standard discharge tray for regular sheets and a long sheet receiving tray when extended. The curved guide portion can be positioned to accommodate different sheet lengths, making the single tray unit versatile for both short and long sheet handling, thereby reducing the need for multiple dedicated trays
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated discharge tray unit is mounted for long sheet processing, then long sheets can be received, but storage space must be secured for the removed tray when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The curved guide portion and extension components of the discharge tray unit can be folded or nested into a compact configuration when not in use. This nesting capability allows the tray unit to occupy minimal storage space in the storage chamber, effectively reducing the volume required for storing the removed tray while maintaining full functionality when deployed
3Volume of stationary object
If the tray placement surface is in a vertical state for storage, then storage space is optimized, but the tray must be moved to a horizontal state to support sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The tray placement surface is designed to be rotatable and movable between vertical (storage) and horizontal (operational) states. This dynamic positioning capability allows the tray to be easily deployed by simply rotating it into place, making the transition simple and quick while optimizing storage space when in vertical position
Solution Approach 2:
The curved guide portion and arc-shaped slope facilitate smooth transition of the tray between vertical and horizontal states. The curved geometry allows the tray to be easily rotated and positioned without binding or friction issues, enhancing the ease of operation during deployment while maintaining compact vertical storage
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking apparatus includes: a stacking portion on which a sheet discharged by a discharge member is to be stacked; a tray including a placement surface on which the same sheet as the sheet stacked on the stacking portion is to be placed, wherein the tray is movable with respect to the stacking portion; and a holding portion configured to hold the tray in a first state and in a second state in which the tray is able to support the sheet. The placement surface of the tray in the first state is in a state of a vertical, or in a state closer to the vertical than the placement surface of the tray in the second state.