Transfer Unit Sheet Guide Positioning for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving precise positional accuracy and stability in sheet conveying due to complex structures and potential deformation, leading to issues like paper jams and maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a support holder that moves to bring the transfer unit and sheet guide into and out of contact with the photoconductor and fixing units, utilizing biasing members and positioning parts to ensure accurate engagement and reduce the likelihood of deformation, with an engagement unit connecting the transfer unit and sheet guide to maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheet conveyance guide is attached to a movable door and positioned by engagement with the transfer-roller support member, then the sheet conveyance guide can be repositioned for maintenance and conveyance failure access, but the structure becomes large in size and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet conveyance guide is separated from the fixed housing structure and attached to the movable door assembly, allowing independent movement and positioning. This segmentation enables the guide to be repositioned for maintenance access while keeping the overall structure compact by utilizing the door's movement rather than requiring a separate complex positioning mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sheet conveyance guide is engaged with the transfer-roller support member for positioning, then positional accuracy can be achieved, but the structure becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The movable door assembly serves multiple functions: it provides access for maintenance, positions the sheet conveyance guide accurately through its closing action, and supports the transfer-roller support member. By making the door multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate large positioning structures, achieving positional accuracy without increasing overall device size.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sheet conveyance guide is provided with a positioning part for relative positioning with the fixing unit, then positional accuracy is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and prone to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The movable door acts as an intermediary between the sheet conveyance guide and the fixing unit. Instead of directly coupling the guide with the fixing unit through complex positioning parts, the door's closing action indirectly positions the guide relative to the fixing unit. This intermediary approach simplifies the structure by using the door's inherent movement to achieve positioning without requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms.
4Ease of repair
If the sheet conveyance guide is made movable for maintenance access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the gap between components changes easily causing paper jams
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet conveyance guide is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, attached to the movable door that can open for maintenance and close for operation. The door's movement dynamically adjusts the guide's position: during maintenance, the door opens to provide access; during operation, the door closes to secure the guide in a stable position with consistent gaps, preventing paper jams while maintaining ease of maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor unit that supports a photoconductor drum, a transfer roller brought into pressure contact with the photoconductor drum, a transfer unit that supports the transfer roller, a sheet guide provided between the photoconductor unit and the fixing unit, and a support holder that supports the transfer unit and the sheet guide. The support holder moves to bring the transfer unit and the sheet guide into and out of contact with the photoconductor unit and the fixing unit. The transfer unit is provided with a transfer positioning section that positions the transfer unit by coming into abutment therewith. The sheet guide is provided with a guide positioning section that positions the sheet guide by coming into abutment therewith. The transfer unit and the sheet guide are joined to each other by an engagement unit that engages the two with each other.