Image Forming Transfer Roller Separation Mechanism for Drum Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The long-term pressure contact between the transfer roller and the photosensitive drum in image forming apparatuses can cause deformation of the transfer roller and potential damage to the photosensitive drum, leading to adverse effects such as plastic deformation of the elastic layer and chemical contamination.
Innovation Solution
A transfer separating mechanism that allows the transfer roller to be movable between a contact and separated position, utilizing a separation holding member that engages both ends of the transfer roller's bearings, and a releasing unit to switch between these positions, ensuring the transfer roller is held in the separated position during storage or transportation to prevent deformation and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transfer roller is held in contact with the photosensitive drum during storage or transportation, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the transfer roller undergoes plastic deformation and the photosensitive drum is damaged due to long-term pressure contact
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer roller is designed with movable bearings that allow it to dynamically switch between contact and separated positions. The bearing assembly includes movable support structures that enable the roller to move away from the photosensitive drum during storage while maintaining contact during operation, thus preventing deformation without requiring a completely separate storage mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
A bearing assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the transfer roller and the photosensitive drum. The bearing includes movable support structures that mediate the interaction, allowing the roller to be easily separated and held in a separated position during storage, thereby preventing direct pressure contact and deformation while maintaining operational functionality
2Reliability
If the transfer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum during storage, then deformation and damage are prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional separation and holding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly incorporates movable support structures that enable the transfer roller to dynamically change its position relative to the photosensitive drum. This dynamic capability allows the roller to be easily separated during storage and quickly returned to contact position during operation, achieving protection without requiring complex fixed separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bearing structure enables the transfer roller to self-adjust its position based on operational needs. During storage, the roller naturally moves to a separated position due to the movable bearing's capability, and during operation, it returns to contact position, reducing the need for external complex control mechanisms while still achieving the separation 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
This mechanism effectively prevents plastic deformation and damage to the transfer roller and photosensitive drum by maintaining the transfer roller in a separated position, reducing the risk of chemical contamination and ensuring accurate image formation upon activation.
Implementation Method 1
a first urging member of which one end is supported by the supporting member and the other end is connected to the first bearing and configured to urge the first bearing in a direction from the separated position toward the contact position of the transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a transfer member movably provided between a contact position and a separated position, first and second bearings, a supporting member, first and second urging members for urging the first and second bearings, respectively, and a moving member provided with first and second engaging portions engaging with the first and second bearings, respectively. At least a part of the moving member is disposed on the same side as the transfer member with respect to the supporting member in a moving direction. As viewed in a recording material conveyance direction, the moving member and the transfer member are overlapped with each other in a state in which the transfer member is positioned in the separated position.