Printing Apparatus Tray Inclination Adjustment for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require a large floor area for sheet discharge and maintenance access is hindered by narrow spaces around the discharge port, limiting maintenance workability.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a changing unit that adjusts the inclination angles of the first and second trays based on the drawn-out position of the second tray, allowing for improved access and reduced floor space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the discharge port is positioned inside the apparatus to reduce floor area, then the occupied floor area is reduced, but the maintenance workability deteriorates due to narrow access space
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to dynamically change its inclination angle based on its drawn-out position. When the tray is fully drawn out, it inclines to create a larger access space for maintenance. When retracted, it maintains a compact configuration to minimize floor area occupation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between compact storage and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tray is nested within the first tray structure, allowing the trays to be compactly stored when not in use. This nesting arrangement enables the discharge port to be positioned inside the apparatus body, reducing the overall floor area occupation while still providing access functionality when trays are extended.
2Ease of repair
If the tray is drawn out to provide maintenance access, then the maintenance workability is improved, but the occupied floor area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray's inclination angle is dynamically adjusted according to its drawn-out position. When drawn out for maintenance access, the tray inclines to create sufficient working space. When retracted, it returns to a compact horizontal position, minimizing the occupied floor area. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between maintenance and storage states.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the tray horizontally to provide maintenance access (which would increase floor area), the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by inclining the tray at an angle. This dimensional transformation allows maintenance workers to access the discharge port area without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.
3Productivity
If the first tray is inclined to facilitate sheet discharge, then the sheet discharge efficiency is improved, but the access space for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first tray's inclination angle is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state. During sheet discharge operations, the tray inclines to facilitate smooth sheet flow and stacking efficiency. During maintenance operations, when the second tray is drawn out, the first tray's inclination is adjusted to create adequate access space. This dynamic angle adjustment resolves the contradiction between discharge efficiency and maintenance accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In a printing apparatus, a first tray is capable of stacking a sheet discharged from a discharge port. A second tray is accommodated in a lower side of the first tray and is capable of stacking the sheet discharged from the discharge port by being drawn out in a sheet discharging direction from the discharge port. A changing unit changes inclination angles of the first tray and the second tray with respect to the sheet discharging direction according to a drawn-out position of the second tray.