Transfer Unit Guiding Portion for Cleaning Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus with an integrated transfer unit and cleaning device has limited design flexibility due to the fixed layout of the cleaning device, restricting the attaching and removing direction of the transfer unit.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a cleaning unit with a belt unit allows the cleaning unit to swing, enabling its position to change relative to the belt unit during attachment and detachment, thereby providing greater design freedom and flexibility in the attaching/removing direction of the transfer unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning device is integratedly fixed to the intermediate transfer belt in a bent state, then the cleaning function is ensured, but the attaching/removing direction is restricted and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to be movable relative to the intermediate transfer belt through a guiding portion that allows linear movement. This dynamic configuration enables the cleaning device to change its position from a bent state during integration to a movable state during operation, resolving the contradiction between ensuring cleaning function and maintaining design freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is separated from the intermediate transfer belt as an independent component that can move relative to the belt. The guiding portion creates a distinct movement path that allows the cleaning device to be positioned optimally during operation while maintaining integration during storage or transport, thus improving design freedom without compromising functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning device is positioned at a fixed location on the intermediate transfer belt, then the structure is simplified, but the attaching/removing direction is unconditionally decided and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding portion enables the cleaning device to move linearly relative to the intermediate transfer belt, transforming the fixed layout into a dynamic configuration. This allows the cleaning device to be positioned at optimal locations during different operational phases, enhancing attaching/removing flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity through the straightforward linear movement mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the intermediate transfer unit is pulled out from the cleaning device side, then the process cartridges are not interfered with, but the opening portion must be located at a specific position limiting design options
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding portion allows the cleaning device to move linearly, which enables the intermediate transfer unit to be pulled out from multiple directions including the belt side. This dynamic positioning capability frees the opening portion location from being unconditionally fixed, allowing design flexibility in determining the optimal opening position based on overall apparatus layout requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer unit has a belt unit having a belt and a cleaning unit for cleaning the belt. The belt unit and the cleaning unit are integratedly provided. The cleaning unit is movable for the belt unit. The transfer unit is detachable for an apparatus main body. A position of the cleaning unit for the belt unit before the transfer unit is attached to the apparatus main body is different from a position of the cleaning unit for the belt unit after the transfer unit is attached to the apparatus main body.