Transfer Roller Flange Blocks Liquid Developer Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using liquid developers face issues with leakage along the shaft portion of rotatable members when the transfer unit is inclined during maintenance, leading to potential leakage into unintended areas and instability in electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a transfer roller with a shaft portion having a smaller diameter than the roller portion, supported by a bearing and flange, and an electrical contact portion to prevent liquid developer leakage by using a flange to block the flow along the shaft and ensure proper electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transfer unit is inclined during maintenance, then the transfer unit can be easily accessed and maintained, but the liquid developer flows along the shaft portion and leaks to unintended portions
Solution Approach 1:
A flange portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the roller portion and bearing portion. This flange acts as a barrier that intercepts and redirects the liquid developer flow, preventing it from reaching unintended areas while maintaining the inclined maintenance configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a radial dimension element (flange portion extending in radial direction) to the axial structure. This creates a three-dimensional barrier that blocks the liquid developer path without interfering with the inclined maintenance operation in the axial direction.
2Ease of operation
If the transfer unit is inclined during maintenance, then the transfer unit can be easily accessed and maintained, but electrical connection becomes unstable due to liquid developer entering contact portions
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portion serves as a protective intermediary that blocks liquid developer from reaching the electrical contact portion. By positioning the flange between the roller and contact area, it creates a physical barrier that maintains electrical connection reliability during inclined maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the roller portion for image transfer, the flange portion for protection and flow control, and the bearing/electrical contact portion for support and electrical connection. This segmentation isolates the electrical components from liquid developer exposure.
3Device complexity
If the shaft portion has the same diameter as the roller portion, then the structure is simpler, but liquid developer flows along the shaft and enters the bearing portion increasing driving torque
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft portion has a different diameter (smaller) than the roller portion, creating a localized structural variation. This local quality change at the shaft region prevents liquid developer accumulation and flow into the bearing, reducing the energy increase from increased driving torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduced shaft diameter, which initially might seem to increase structural complexity, actually converts the potential harm of liquid developer entry into a benefit by creating a flow barrier. The smaller shaft diameter prevents liquid accumulation that would otherwise increase bearing friction and driving torque requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit for which, when inclined, leakage of a liquid developer can be suppressed. The transfer unit includes an intermediary transfer belt onto which the liquid developer is transferred and which rotates. A supporting unit is capable of holding the transfer unit at a first position. A rotation holding portion is capable of holding the transfer unit at a second position inclined from the first position relative to the supporting unit. A cleaning roller is capable of removing the liquid developer on the intermediary transfer belt. A cleaning container is supported by the supporting unit irrespective of rotation of the transfer unit and is capable of collecting the liquid developer removed by the cleaning roller.