Transfer Roller Assembly for Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in minimizing assembly deviations and easily removing jammed paper, particularly due to complex transfer roller configurations that complicate access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus features a second transfer roller assembly with a rotatable roller frame, a second transfer roller separation member, a pressure member, a coupler, and a link member, allowing the transfer roller to be easily positioned relative to the intermediate transfer belt and paper, enabling simplified access and reduced assembly deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transfer roller is installed to selectively come into close contact with the belt drive roller, then the transfer performance is improved, but the assembly deviation increases and access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer roller assembly is divided into separable components including the transfer roller, roller frame, and support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, reducing cumulative assembly deviations while maintaining reliable transfer performance when components are properly assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer roller is designed to be extractable from the apparatus through the rear cover opening. This extraction capability allows for easy removal and replacement of the transfer roller without disassembling the entire apparatus, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while preserving transfer performance through standardized reinstallation procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the rear cover is opened to remove jammed printing medium, then the ease of operation is improved, but the assembly deviation increases due to repeated opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer roller is pre-positioned with adjustment mechanisms that allow for quick realignment after the rear cover is opened. This preliminary preparation of adjustment features enables rapid restoration of proper positioning, minimizing the cumulative effect of repeated opening and closing operations on assembly deviation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller frame includes self-aligning features and positioning mechanisms that automatically guide the transfer roller back to its correct position after maintenance access. This self-service capability reduces the skill level required for maintenance and minimizes positioning errors that would otherwise accumulate from repeated access operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a body frame, a support roller placed at one side of a movement path of a printing medium, a transfer roller assembly placed at the other side of the movement path of the printing medium at a position adjacent to the support roller, and a door to open or close the body frame so as to expose the movement path of the printing medium. The transfer roller assembly has a rotating axis kept at a fixed position of the body frame, and is moved away from the support roller in linkage with an opening operation of the door.