Secondary Transfer Unit Swing Mechanism for Cover Deformation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with a secondary transfer unit mounted on an opening/closing cover, there is a challenge in maintaining compactness and preventing deformation of the cover without increasing its strength, as the transfer pressing contact load can cause bulging and require additional structural support, leading to increased cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a guide shaft and a guide member with a notch, allowing the secondary transfer unit to swing and move in a track that differs from the opening/closing cover's movement, enabling the transfer unit to bear part of the pressing force on the image forming apparatus main body, thus preventing cover deformation without strengthening the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the secondary transfer unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body side of the opening/closing cover, then the transfer pressing contact load is applied to the opening/closing cover, but this causes deformation of the opening/closing cover
Solution Approach 1:
A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the secondary transfer unit and the opening/closing cover. This support member receives the transfer pressing contact load from the secondary transfer unit and transmits it to the image forming apparatus main body, preventing the load from being applied directly to the opening/closing cover and thus preventing cover deformation.
2Strength
If the opening/closing cover is strengthened to prevent deformation, then the cover strength is improved, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of strengthening the opening/closing cover itself, a support member is introduced to bear the load. This allows the cover to maintain its original lightweight construction while still preventing deformation, as the support member absorbs the transfer pressing contact load and transfers it to the main body.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rotational fulcrum is set far from the secondary transfer unit or the rotational radius is enlarged, then contact between the rotational track and other components is avoided, but the image forming apparatus main body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary transfer unit is designed to swing relative to the opening/closing cover during opening/closing operations. This dynamic movement allows the rotational track to be positioned closer to the secondary transfer unit without causing contact with other components, as the unit moves away from potential contact zones during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple components: the opening/closing cover, the support member, and the image forming apparatus main body. This segmentation allows the secondary transfer unit to be mounted on the cover while the support member handles the load transmission, enabling compact positioning without component interference.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes an opening/closing cover that is supported so as to be capable of moving relative to an image forming apparatus main body and opens/closes an opening portion of the image forming apparatus main body; and a unit installed so as to be capable of swinging on an image forming apparatus main body side of the opening/closing cover, in which when the opening/closing cover is opened/closed, the unit moves in a track that moves around a guide shaft of the unit, and in a track that moves so as to follow opening/closing of the opening/closing cover.