Detachable Device for Image Forming Apparatus Press-Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently maintaining and releasing press-contact between rotating members, such as the straightening belt and straightening roll, which affects the curl removal and attachment processes.
Innovation Solution
A detachable device with a moving member that holds the detachable cover in place to maintain press-contact between the straightening belt and straightening roll, and a release mechanism that allows the cover to be easily detached by moving the moving member, releasing the press-contact when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detachable cover is used to maintain press-contact between rotating members, then the press-contact load is maintained during operation, but the device becomes complex and difficult to detach when maintenance is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The moving member is designed to be movable between a holding position (where it maintains press-contact load on the detachable member) and a release position (where it allows detachment). This dynamic positioning enables the system to switch between maintaining reliable press-contact and allowing easy detachment, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving member acts as an intermediary between the detachable member and the apparatus main body. It transfers and controls the press-contact load while enabling detachment through its movement, thus maintaining reliability during operation while simplifying the detachment process when needed.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to maintain press-contact, then the press-contact load is stable, but the locking force required becomes large making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The moving member transitions between holding and release positions, dynamically adjusting the press-contact load. During normal operation, it maintains stable press-contact; during detachment, it moves to release position to reduce the holding force, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Before detachment occurs, the moving member is moved to the release position in advance, preliminarily reducing the press-contact load. This preliminary action makes the subsequent detachment operation easier while ensuring stable press-contact during normal operation.
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
Enables efficient maintenance of press-contact during attachment and easy release during detachment, improving the operational efficiency and reducing the locking force required, thus enhancing the overall performance of the curl removing device.
Implementation Method 1
a moving member that is provided in the apparatus main body, that holds the detachable member at an attachment position to the apparatus main body so as to maintain a press-contact load between the first rotating member and the second rotating member
Implementation Method 2
a release member that is provided in the detachable member, and that causes the moving member to move to the position at which the detachable member is not held by the moving member
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable device includes: a detachable member that is provided to be attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body in which a first rotating member is provided and that includes a second rotating member which is brought into press-contact with the first rotating member; a moving member that is provided in the apparatus main body, that holds the detachable member at an attachment position to the apparatus main body so as to maintain a press-contact load between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and that is movable to a position at which the detachable member is not held by the moving member; and a release member as defined herein.