Image Forming Device Roller Retraction Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices face operability issues when releasing the pressing force between rollers during the opening and closing of the conveying unit, due to a large angle between the pressing force and the orbital direction, which increases the force required for operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a roller retraction mechanism involving a cover member, a conveying unit, a first rotor, a second rotor, a bearing unit, a biasing member, and a link member, where the link member is used to swing the bearing unit away from the second rotor, reducing the force needed to release the pressing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conveying roller or transfer roller is pressed against the opposing roller with relatively great pressing force to maintain sufficient nip width, then the paper conveying ability is improved, but the force required to release pressing force during opening/closing operation increases, lowering operability
Solution Approach 1:
The roller support unit is designed to automatically perform the action of releasing pressing force when the conveying unit is opened. The large-angle pressing mechanism ensures that when the conveying unit rotates from closed to open position, the roller support unit automatically reduces the pressing force between rollers, preparing the system for easy opening without requiring excessive manual force.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing force between rollers is made dynamic rather than static. The roller support unit allows the pressing force to vary automatically based on the opening/closing position of the conveying unit. When opened, the pressing force is reduced; when closed, the pressing force is maintained at high levels for proper paper conveying, enabling both reliable operation and ease of opening.
2Reliability
If the angle between the pressing force direction and the orbital direction of opening/closing is large, then the nip width is maintained, but the load on opening/closing operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller support unit is configured to automatically reduce pressing force when the conveying unit is opened, performing the force-release action in advance before the user completes the opening motion. This preliminary force reduction minimizes the peak force required during the opening operation while maintaining high pressing force during closed operation for proper nip width.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing force parameter is changed dynamically based on the conveying unit's position. The roller support unit mechanisms (such as springs, gravity, or mechanical linkages) automatically adjust the pressing force magnitude - maintaining high force when closed for adequate nip width, and reducing force when opened to minimize operational load.
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
This mechanism allows for easier release of the pressing force, improving the operability of the conveying unit by reducing the force required for opening and closing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the bearing unit so as to press the first rotor towards the axial core of the second rotor
Implementation Method 2
by operating the opening/closing lever in a state where the conveying unit is in a closed position, the link member is pressed by the hook to swing so that the first rotor of the bearing unit should move away from the second rotor against biasing force from the biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes a cover member, a conveying unit, a first rotor, a second rotor, a bearing unit, a biasing member, and a link member. The cover member includes a hook, and an opening/closing lever that moves the hook. The conveying unit is disposed on the inner side of the cover member, and is rotatably supported between an opened position and a closed position to the main body of the image forming device. The link member is swingably supported on the conveying unit, and is configured to engage with the bearing unit. By operating the opening/closing lever in a state where the conveying unit is in a closed position, the link member is pressed against the hook to swing so that the first rotor of the bearing unit should move in a direction away from the second rotor against biasing force from the biasing member.