Nested Recess Sheet Handle for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in compact design due to the requirement of space for a sheet handle at the front of the discharge tray, making it difficult to shorten the length in the sheet discharge direction.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a top cover with a first and second cover, where the sheet handle is extended from the first cover to the second cover, incorporating a first and second recess to support the sheet, allowing for a shorter length in the sheet discharge direction, thus enhancing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sheet handle portion is provided at the front of the discharge tray, then sheet removal is facilitated, but the length of the top cover in the sheet discharge direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet handle portion is extended from the first cover to the second cover in the sheet discharge direction, utilizing the vertical stacking dimension of the covers to create the handle space. This allows the handle to be formed without increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of sheet removal and compact top cover length.
2Length of stationary object
If the top cover length in the sheet discharge direction is shortened, then the image forming apparatus becomes compact, but space for the sheet handle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet handle portion is formed by nesting the recesses of the first and second covers together in the sheet discharge direction. The first recess and second recess are positioned such that they combine to form the complete handle space, allowing compact top cover length while providing sufficient space for sheet handling through the nested arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A first cover includes a first discharge tray portion and a first recess. The first discharge tray portion supports a discharged sheet. The first recess is formed at the first discharge tray portion. The first recess extends along a sheet discharge direction to a downstream end of the first discharge tray portion in the sheet discharge direction. The second cover surrounds the first cover. A second cover includes a second discharge tray portion and a second recess. The second discharge tray portion is arranged downstream of the first discharge tray portion in the sheet discharge direction. The second discharge tray portion supports the discharged sheet in cooperation with the first discharge tray portion. The second recess is arranged downstream of the first recess in the discharge direction. The second recess is formed continuously from the first recess, and serves as a sheet handle portion in cooperation with the first recess.