Image-Forming Transfer Roller Mechanism for Cover-Closure Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses with openable covers and displaceable transfer members, interference between components during cover closure can lead to failures and positional displacement due to contact between the transfer member and other apparatus parts.

Innovation Solution

A transferer design with a rotatable and displaceable transfer roller, a biasing member to maintain contact with the image bearer, and a pressure receiver to absorb the pressurizing force, allowing the transfer roller to move without interference during cover opening and closing, thus preventing component contact and ensuring smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transfer member is provided displaceably with respect to the image bearer to ensure appropriate contact position and pressure, then the image quality and transfer reliability are improved, but the risk of interference with other components during cover opening and closing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the transfer member and the image bearer. This buffer member absorbs excess pressurizing force and prevents direct contact between the transfer member and other components during cover closure, thereby eliminating component interference while maintaining reliable image transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member is positioned in advance between the transfer member and image bearer to cushion and absorb pressurizing force before it can cause harmful interference. This preemptive cushioning prevents the transfer member from contacting other components during the cover closing operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is made openable to allow sheet conveyance path access for jam clearance, then the ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but the risk of transfer member interference with apparatus members during cover closure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidcomponent operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member serves as a mediator that allows the cover to be openable for maintenance access while preventing harmful interactions between the transfer member and apparatus members during cover closure. The buffer absorbs forces that would otherwise cause component interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the transfer member is disposed inclined at a predetermined angle to improve sheet separability, then the sheet conveyance reliability is improved, but the complexity of the transferer structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet separabilityVSAvoidtransferer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer member is designed with dynamic displacement capability along the sheet conveyance direction, allowing it to be disposed at an inclined angle for improved sheet separability while maintaining the ability to adjust its position. This dynamic configuration reduces structural complexity compared to fixed inclined arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables interference-free operation of the cover and transfer member, facilitating space-saving and cost-effective installation in small image forming apparatuses without damaging components.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member to bias the transfer roller toward the image bearer to the contact position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pressure receiver to receive the holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure reception: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12455531B2Image forming apparatus including a transferer that reduces variations in transfer pressure between a transfer roller and image bearer during opening and closing of a cover of the image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a body; a cover openably attached to the body; an image bearer; a transferer attachable to the cover, the transferer including: a transfer roller facing the image bearer and displaceable between: a contact position at which the transfer roller comes into contact with the image bearer; or a separated position at which the transfer roller is separated from the image bearer; and a holder rotatably holding the transfer roller; and a biasing member to bias the transfer roller toward the image bearer to the contact position, a support shaft swingably supporting the holder; and a pressure receiver to receive the holder.