Sorting Device Nested in Image Forming Discharge Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require significant installation space when a sheet post-processing device is attached to their side surfaces, leading to inefficient use of space, as conventional solutions involve attaching such devices to the side surfaces of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device is designed to be mounted in the sheet discharge space of the image forming apparatus, featuring a base portion, tray portion, and flexible member, allowing for insertion and extraction, which reduces the need for additional installation space and minimizes noise and foreign matter entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sheet post-processing device is attached to the side surface of the image forming apparatus, then the sorting function can be added, but the installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting device is nested within the sheet discharge space that is already formed inside the image forming apparatus by the document reading portion, printing portion, and sheet feeding portion. The base portion is inserted into this existing space from the downstream side, allowing the sorting function to be added without requiring additional external installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the sorting device to the side surface (horizontal dimension), the device is positioned within the internal discharge space and accessed from the downstream side (depth dimension). The tray portion moves in the sheet width direction, utilizing the internal three-dimensional space efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If the base portion is mounted integrally with the tray portion for easy insertion and extraction, then the ease of operation improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting device is divided into two main segments: the base portion that is inserted into the image forming apparatus, and the tray portion that is supported on the base portion. This segmentation allows the base portion to be mounted integrally with the tray portion for easy insertion and extraction as a unit, while the internal structure remains modular with the tray portion supported on rollers or slides.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flexible member fills the gap between the base inclined portion and bottom inclined surface, then foreign matter entry is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible member, which is a thin film-like component, is attached to the base inclined portion to fill the gap between the base inclined portion and the bottom inclined surface. This flexible member effectively prevents foreign matter from entering the gap while maintaining a simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member acts as an intermediary element that fills the gap between the movable base inclined portion and the fixed bottom inclined surface. This intermediary component prevents foreign matter entry without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or tight tolerances.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient use of space within the image forming apparatus, facilitates easy mounting and removal of the sorting device, and reduces abrasive noise, while preventing foreign matter from entering the gap between the device and the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member is attached to the base inclined portion, and fills the gap between the base inclined portion and the bottom inclined surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting device is mounted, in an image forming apparatus, in a sheet discharge space open at its front and sheet-discharge-direction downstream side, insertably or extractably at the downstream side. The sorting device includes a base portion, a tray portion, and a flexible member. The base portion is mounted, with the tray portion, in the base portion. The base portion has, in its upstream part in sheet discharge direction, a base inclined portion inclined upward downstream. With the base portion mounted in the bottom portion, the base inclined portion faces, across a predetermined gap, a bottom inclined surface inclined upward downstream in discharge direction. The tray portion is supported on the base portion to be reciprocatable in sheet width direction orthogonal to discharge direction. The flexible member is fitted to the base inclined portion and fills the gap between the base inclined portion and the bottom inclined surface.