Flexible Drum Cover Tensioning for Compact Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while maintaining sufficient protection for image bearing members due to restrictions in arranging mechanisms caused by conventional drum covers, which either require extra space or compromise protection due to flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a flexible sheet material drum cover that slides along the outer surface of the photoconductive drum, using a tension applying mechanism and frame structures to maintain tension and prevent deformation, allowing for a compact design without compromising protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid drum cover is used to protect the photoconductive drum, then protection function is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sheet member as the drum cover instead of a rigid structure. This flexible cover can be easily bent and positioned to protect the photoconductive drum while allowing compact arrangement of mechanisms. The flexibility enables the cover to conform to the drum shape and provide adequate protection without requiring complex rigid support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum cover is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned dynamically based on operational needs. The cover can be moved to protect the drum during normal operation and repositioned when maintenance is required, providing adaptive protection without permanent structural complexity.
2Device complexity
If a flexible drum cover is used to simplify arrangement, then device complexity is reduced, but protection function deteriorates due to ease of deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet member is pre-formed into a specific shape and configuration before being positioned on the photoconductive drum. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the cover is installed, it immediately provides adequate protection without requiring complex support structures, balancing flexibility with protective function.
3Reliability
If extra space is provided for drum cover movement, then protection function is improved, but image forming apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum cover is designed to nest closely against the photoconductive drum when in the protected position, minimizing the space required. The flexible sheet member can be folded or folded-back when not in use, allowing the cover to occupy minimal space within the apparatus housing, thus preventing apparatus size increase while maintaining protection function.
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 the drum cover to be slidably arranged in small clearances, reducing mechanical restrictions and allowing for a more compact apparatus while maintaining effective protection of the image bearing member.
Implementation Method 1
a tension applying mechanism for applying a tension acting in the sliding direction to the image bearing member cover via the front and rear frames during a sliding movement of the image bearing member cover
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member and a main body with an internal conveyance path for conveying a transfer material. An opening/closing member is attached to the main body and is displaceable between a closed position and an opened position where the conveyance path is exposed. A cover is set to cover a part of the image bearing member facing the conveyance path when the opening/closing member is open and is retracted from the conveyance path when the opening/closing member is closed. A moving mechanism slides the cover. Front and rear frames are held movably by the moving mechanism and are attached respectively to front and rear edges of the cover in a sliding direction. A tension applying mechanism acts on the frames to apply tension to the cover in the sliding direction during a sliding movement of the cover.