Turnable Transfer Unit Lever Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transfer units in image forming apparatuses require high operational forces for positioning and maintaining transfer rollers, leading to decreased operability and potential deformation of soft material rollers, resulting in defective transfers and increased risk of jamming.
Innovation Solution
A turnable transfer unit with a lever mechanism that includes an engaging part and a contact part, where the lever turns in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the image forming apparatus to position the transfer unit, reducing the required force through the principle of leverage and utilizing an elastic member to assist in turning the lever, thereby reducing the operational force needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protrusion method is used to position the transfer unit, then the transfer unit can be positioned in the image forming apparatus, but a large force is required to close the both side unit, resulting in deterioration of operability
Solution Approach 1:
A lever member is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the both side unit and the transfer unit. The lever member includes a contact part that contacts the both side unit and an engaging part that engages with a positioning part of the image forming apparatus. This intermediary lever amplifies the closing force through mechanical advantage, enabling easy operation while maintaining reliable positioning of the transfer unit.
2Reliability
If the transfer roller is pressed to the image bearer with high pressure, then the transfer unit can be positioned reliably, but the transfer roller deforms when formed with soft material such as sponge rubber and foamed urethane, resulting in defective transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force on the transfer roller is made dynamic rather than static. The lever mechanism provides pressing force only when needed for positioning, and the transfer roller can be forcibly separated when a toner image is not transferred or a paper jam occurs. This dynamic approach maintains positioning stability while preventing deformation and transfer defects.
3Reliability
If the transfer roller is forcibly separated from the image bearer when not transferring, then transfer defects are prevented, but a force larger than the closing force is required to open and close the both side unit
Solution Approach 1:
The lever member is designed to automatically separate the transfer roller from the image bearer through its turning motion before the both side unit is fully opened. This preliminary separation action prevents transfer defects while the lever's mechanical advantage keeps the required opening force within acceptable limits, maintaining both reliability and operability.
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 significantly reduces the operational force required for positioning the transfer unit, enhancing usability and preventing deformation of the transfer roller, thus improving the transfer process and reducing the risk of jamming and defective transfers.
Implementation Method 1
the lever turns in conjunction with a closing operation of the opening and closing body to position the transfer unit in the image forming apparatus
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an elastic member to assist in turning the lever, thereby reducing the operational force needed
Data Source
AI summary
A turnable transfer unit, including a transfer member forming a transfer nip while contacting an image bearer installed in an image forming apparatus; and a pressurizer pressurizing the transfer member to the image bearer, wherein the turnable transfer unit further includes a turnable lever member, including an engaging part engaging with a positioning part of the image forming apparatus; and a contact part contacting an opening and closing body openable and closable in the image forming apparatus, wherein the lever member turns in conjunction with a closing operation of the opening and closing body to position the transfer unit in the image forming apparatus.