Opening Mechanism for Transfer Unit Interference in Image Formers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently detaching and reattaching transfer units, leading to potential interference and operational complexities due to the design of opening and closing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a top covering and bottom tray with a movement mechanism that allows the transfer unit to be detached by rotating the top covering and moving the bottom tray away from the intermediate transfer belt, preventing interference and facilitating easy attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the second opening and closing member is fixed to rotate together with the first opening and closing member, then the opening and closing operation is simple, but the second opening and closing member interferes with the transfer body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening and closing operationVSAvoidinterference with transfer body

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second opening and closing member is made movable relative to the first opening and closing member through a movement mechanism. When the first opening and closing member rotates to open, the movement mechanism causes the second opening and closing member to move in a direction away from the transfer body, preventing interference while maintaining the simplicity of the opening and closing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the second opening and closing member is made movable to avoid interference, then interference with transfer body is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference with transfer bodyVSAvoidmovement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement mechanism is integrated into the connection between the first and second opening and closing members. The second opening and closing member is movably connected to the first opening and closing member such that the movement function is combined with the opening and closing structure, reducing additional complexity while still preventing interference with the transfer body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8989626B2Image forming apparatus having a movement mechanism for reducing interference of an opening and closing member with a transfer body

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus having an apparatus body includes an image carrying body carrying an image, a transfer body which is provided in the apparatus body and to which the image is transferred, a first opening and closing member, a second opening and closing member, and a movement mechanism. The first opening and closing member is rotatable so as to open and close an opening of the apparatus body. The transfer body is detachable from the apparatus body through the opening. The second opening and closing member, which is displaceable relative to the first opening and closing member, together with the first opening and closing member opens and closes the opening in conjunction with opening and closing operations of the first opening and closing member. The movement mechanism causes the second opening and closing member to move in a direction away from the transfer body.