Drum member and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A drum member has a substantially cylindrical drum main body having a recess along an axial direction, a sheet member wound around the drum main body, an adjustment mechanism having a moving member that holds an end portion of the sheet member in a circumferential direction and is movable in a depth direction of the recess, and a fixing member that fixes the moving member to the drum main body, the adjustment mechanism adjusting a tension of the sheet member, and a positioning member that is positioned in a manner that the moving member does not move in a circumferential direction of the drum main body when the moving member is fixed by the fixing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drum component and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Previously known were blanket stretching devices that included image transfer media rollers with two elongated blanket holders (see, for example, Patent Document 1). One blanket holder was arranged substantially parallel to the other, and at least one of the blanket holders was movable toward or away from the other.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5820077 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to stabilizing the temporary fixed position of a sheet component relative to a roller body when the sheet component is wound and fixed to the roller body, compared to a case where the temporary fixed position of the sheet component relative to the roller body is free.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a roller component comprising: a generally cylindrical roller body having an axially recessed portion; a sheet component wound around the roller body; an adjustment mechanism having a moving member and a fixing member, the moving member holding the circumferential end of the sheet component and being movable along the depth direction of the recessed portion, the fixing member fixing the moving member to the roller body, the adjustment mechanism adjusting the tension of the sheet component; and a positioning member positioned such that the moving member does not move circumferentially toward the roller body when the moving member is fixed by the fixing member.

[0010] In the roller assembly of [1], the moving part may also be fixed to the roller body by the fixing part extending along the depth direction.

[0011] In the roller component of [2], the sheet component may also be fastened to the moving component by a plurality of fastening components arranged along the axial direction, and the fixing component is disposed between the fastening components.

[0012] In the roller assembly of [3], the fastening member may also extend along the depth direction, and the fastening member may also coincide with the fixing member when viewed from the axial direction, and the fixing member and the fastening member are configured to be distinguishable.

[0013] In the roller component of [3] or [4], the positioning component may also be located on the two outer sides of the axis than the fixing component.

[0014] In any of the roller components in [1] to [5], the roller body may have a replaceable base component inside the recess, and the moving component may be fixed to the base component by the fixing component.

[0015] In the roller component of [6], the positioning component may also have: a guide pin disposed on either the moving component and the base component and extending along the depth direction; and a guide hole disposed on either the moving component and the base component for insertion of the guide pin.

[0016] In any of the roller components in [1] to [7], the sheet component may have an inner layer in contact with the roller body and an outer layer stacked on the inner layer, the inner layer may be a metal layer and the outer layer may be a non-metal layer, the metal layer may be extended circumferentially and subjected to tension.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: any one of [1] to [8] a roller component for conveying a recording medium; and an intermediate transfer device for transferring a toner image onto the recording medium conveyed by the roller component.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to [1], when the sheet component is wound and fixed to the roller body, the temporary fixed position of the sheet component relative to the roller body can be stabilized compared to the case where the temporary fixed position of the sheet component relative to the roller body is free.

[0020] According to [2], it is easier to fix the moving part to the roller body than to fix the moving part to the roller body by a fixed part that extends circumferentially along the roller body.

[0021] According to [3], compared with the case where the fixed part only fixes the end of the moving part that holds the sheet part, the moving part can be stably fixed in the axial direction of the roller body.

[0022] According to [4], when removing the fastener, it is possible to prevent the fastener from being removed incorrectly.

[0023] According to [5], compared with the case where the positioning component is only set on one side of the axis, it can improve the work efficiency when fixing the moving component with the fixed component.

[0024] According to [6], when the fixing by the fixed parts deteriorates over time, it is cheaper than replacing the roller body.

[0025] According to [7], positioning components can be constructed simply compared to positioning by means of bolts, for example.

[0026] According to [8], it can reduce the burden on the weak non-metallic layer.

[0027] According to [9], when the sheet component is wound and fixed to the roller body, the generation of image quality defects can be suppressed compared to the case where the sheet component is freely fixed in a temporary fixed position relative to the roller body. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the transfer cylinder of this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is an enlarged side view showing the state of the transfer component before it is assembled onto the transfer cylinder in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 This is an enlarged side view showing the state after the transfer component is assembled into the transfer cylinder according to this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the recessed portion of the transfer roller in this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recess of the transfer roller in this embodiment, viewed from the circumferential direction.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the structure of the recessed portion of the transfer cylinder in this embodiment, viewed radially.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recess of the transfer roller in the first modified example of this embodiment, viewed from the circumferential direction.

[0036] Figure 9 In the image, (A) is a side view showing the structure of the recess of the transfer cylinder in the second modified example of this embodiment, enlarged, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recess of the transfer cylinder in the second modified example of this embodiment from a circumferential perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following text, the upstream side of the transport direction of the recording paper P, which is an example of a recording medium, is sometimes simply referred to as the "upstream side," and the downstream side of the transport direction is sometimes simply referred to as the "downstream side." Similarly, the upstream side of the rotation direction of the transfer cylinder 50, which is an example of a cylinder component, is sometimes simply referred to as the "upstream side," and the downstream side of the rotation direction is sometimes simply referred to as the "downstream side." Additionally, the view of the transfer cylinder 50 from the axial direction is referred to as a "side view."

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 is an electrophotographic device that forms a toner image (an example of an image) on recording paper P. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12, a storage unit 14, a transport unit 16, and a fixing device 18 within its main body (not shown). Hereinafter, each part of the image forming apparatus 10 (image forming unit 12, transport unit 16, and fixing device 18) will be described.

[0039] <Image Forming Unit>

[0040] The image forming unit 12 has the function of forming a toner image on the recording paper P. Specifically, the image forming unit 12 includes a toner image forming unit 20 and an intermediate transfer device 40.

[0041] [Toner Image Forming Section]

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the toner image forming unit 20 is provided in multiple ways to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for a total of four colors are provided: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0043] Furthermore, in the following cases, when it is necessary to distinguish between the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the letters Y, M, C, and K will be marked after the reference numerals on the attached drawings of each component. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the colors, the letters Y, M, C, and K may sometimes be omitted. Additionally, the toner image forming section 20 for each color has the same structure, therefore... Figure 1 The main reference numerals are only used to label the parts of the yellow toner image forming section 20Y.

[0044] The toner image forming section 20 of each color has a direction (e.g., Figure 1 The photosensitive drum 22 rotates counterclockwise. In addition, the toner image forming section 20 of each color has, in sequence, a belt charger 24, an exposure device 26, a developing device 28, and a removal device 30, starting from the upstream side of the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 22.

[0045] In the toner image forming section 20, an electric charge 24 charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22. Then, an exposure unit 26 exposes the charged outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22, forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface. Furthermore, a developing unit 28 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 by the exposure unit 26, forming a toner image. Finally, a removal unit 30 removes the toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 after the toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 42 (described later).

[0046] [Intermediate Transfer Device]

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the intermediate transfer apparatus 40 includes a primary transfer roller 32 (an example of a primary transfer body), a transfer belt 42 (an example of an intermediate transfer body), and a transfer cylinder 50 (an example of a secondary transfer body). That is, the intermediate transfer apparatus 40 transfers the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 of each color onto the transfer belt 42 in a first overlapping manner, and then transfers the overlapping toner image onto the recording paper P in a second manner. The transfer cylinder 50 will be described in detail later.

[0048] (Primary transfer roller)

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the primary transfer roller 32 transfers the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 of each color to the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 42 at the primary transfer position T1 between the photosensitive drum 22 and the primary transfer roller 32. In this embodiment, by applying a primary transfer voltage between the primary transfer roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 22, the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 42 at the primary transfer position T1.

[0050] (Transfer belt)

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the transfer belt 42 is formed into a ring shape, as if the toner is being transferred onto the outer peripheral surface, and is wound around the drive roller 34, tension roller 36, and support roller 38 to determine its posture. The drive roller 34 is configured to be rotated by a drive unit (not shown), causing the transfer belt 42 to wrap around in the direction of arrow A at a predetermined speed.

[0052] Furthermore, the support roller 38 is positioned opposite the transfer cylinder 50 (described later) across the transfer belt 42. Moreover, the contact area between the transfer cylinder 50 and the transfer belt 42, in other words, the area where the recording paper P is clamped by the transfer cylinder 50 and the transfer belt 42, is called the clamping area Np (see reference). Figure 2 The clamping area Np becomes the secondary transfer position T2 for transferring the toner image from the transfer belt 42 to the recording paper P.

[0053] <Transportation Department>

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the transport section 16 is configured to include a first transport section 44 and a second transport section 46. The first transport section 44 is disposed upstream of the transfer cylinder 50 and transports the recording paper P delivered from the receiving section 14 to the transfer cylinder 50. The second transport section 46 is disposed downstream of the transfer cylinder 50 and transports the recording paper P, which has been secondarily transferred with toner image after passing through the clamping area Np (secondary transfer position T2), to the fixing device 18.

[0055] Furthermore, the first conveying unit 44 consists of a drive roller 44A and a driven roller 44B that are separated from each other in the conveying direction of the recording paper P, and a conveyor belt 45 wound around the drive roller 44A and the driven roller 44B. Similarly, the second conveying unit 46 consists of a drive roller 46A and a driven roller 46B that are separated from each other in the conveying direction of the recording paper P, and a conveyor belt 47 wound around the drive roller 46A and the driven roller 46B.

[0056] <Fixing Device>

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 18 has a heating roller 48 as an example of a heating component and a pressure roller 49 as an example of a pressure component. The fixing device 18 heats and presses the recording paper P by the heating roller 48 and the pressure roller 49, thereby fixing the toner image transferred onto the recording paper P by the transfer cylinder 50 onto the recording paper P.

[0058] [Intermediate Transfer Device]

[0059] (Transfer roller)

[0060] In the image forming apparatus 10 with the structure described above, the transfer cylinder 50 will be described in detail next.

[0061] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the transfer cylinder 50 includes: a transfer cylinder body 52, which is an example of a cylinder body, and a transfer member 60, which is an example of a sheet member wound around the transfer cylinder body 52. ​​The transfer cylinder body 52 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with a single recess 54, which is an example of a recess, formed along the axial direction on a portion of its outer peripheral surface. In addition, the transfer cylinder body 52 is made of metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Furthermore, the direction along the depth direction of the recess 54 will be referred to as "generally radial".

[0062] A pair of sprockets (not shown) are arranged on both axial ends of the transfer cylinder body 52. ​​The transfer cylinder 50 (transfer cylinder body 52) is configured such that the pair of sprockets are driven to rotate in one direction by a drive unit (not shown) via a drive force transmission component such as a chain. Figure 1 , Figure 2 (In the direction of arrow B shown) Rotation. Moreover, within the recess 54, a plurality of grippers (not shown) are provided axially to hold the downstream end of the recording paper P conveyed from the first conveying section 44 (outside the area where the toner image is transferred).

[0063] Therefore, while rotating the transfer cylinder 50 by holding the downstream end of the recording paper P with a clamp, it conveys the recording paper P between itself and the transfer belt 42. Moreover, the transfer cylinder 50 clamps the recording paper P on its surface (surface layer 64 described later) and the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 42, and applies a secondary transfer voltage, thereby transferring the toner image from the transfer belt 42 to the recording paper P at the secondary transfer position T2 (clamping area Np).

[0064] like Figures 2-4 As shown, a roller side block 56, serving as a base component, is provided on the circumferential side (upstream side) of the bottom wall 55 within the recess 54 of the transfer roller body 52. Figures 5-7 As shown, the roller side block 56 extends axially in the transfer roller body 52 and is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a length along the generally radial direction longer than its length along the generally circumferential direction. Moreover, at the lower ends of the two axial side walls of the roller side block 56, flange portions 57 protruding outward in the axial direction are integrally formed with a predetermined thickness.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, a through hole 57A for bolt insertion is formed in the flange portion 57, and internal threads 55A are formed at both axial ends on the circumferential side of the bottom wall 55 along a generally radial direction. Therefore, the roller side block 56 is arranged on the circumferential side of the bottom wall 55 in a continuous manner with the through hole 57A and the internal thread portion 55A. The shaft portion 82A (external thread portion) of the bolt 82 is inserted into the through hole 57A and threaded to the internal thread portion 55A, thereby being installed on the circumferential side of the bottom wall 55.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, guide pins 80 are integrally provided at both axial ends of the portion of the roller side block 56 other than the flange portion 57, protruding generally radially outward. The guide pins 80 are formed in a cylindrical shape and are configured such that at least their ends are inserted into guide holes 74 formed in the block member 72 described later with a predetermined gap (for example, a gap of about 1 mm in the radial direction of the guide pin 80).

[0067] Furthermore, one example of a positioning component consisting of a guide pin 80 and a guide hole 74 is provided. Additionally, it is preferable that a tapered surface (not shown) at a predetermined angle is formed on the periphery of the end of the guide pin 80 to facilitate insertion into the guide hole 74.

[0068] In addition, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, a stepped portion 53 is formed on the other side (downstream side) of the bottom wall 55 within the recess 54 of the transfer cylinder body 52, protruding approximately radially outward from the bottom wall 55. Furthermore, a cylinder side block 58, serving as an example of a base component, is provided on this stepped portion 53.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the roller side block 58 also extends axially in the transfer roller body 52 and is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a length along the generally radial direction longer than its length along the generally circumferential direction. Moreover, at the lower ends of the two axial side walls of the roller side block 58, flange portions 59 protruding outward in the axial direction are integrally formed with a predetermined thickness.

[0070] A through hole for bolt insertion is formed in the flange portion 59 (illustration omitted), and internal threads 53A are formed at both axial ends of the stepped portion 53 along a generally radial direction (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 4 Therefore, the roller side block 58 is provided on the stepped portion 53 in a continuous manner with a through hole and an internal thread portion 53A. The shaft portion 82A (external thread portion) of the bolt 82 is inserted into the through hole and threaded to the internal thread portion 53A, thereby being installed on the stepped portion 53.

[0071] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the transfer component 60 has: a base layer 62 as an example of an inner layer (metal layer) that is non-adhesively wound around the transfer roller body 52; and a surface layer 64 as an example of an outer layer (transfer layer) that is adhesively wound around the outer periphery of the base layer 62 (via an adhesive layer not shown).

[0072] The base layer 62 is made of metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. In this embodiment, the base layer 62 is made of stainless steel. The thickness of the base layer 62 is, for example, 0.1 mm. Furthermore, an adhesive layer (not shown) is used, for example, an acrylic conductive adhesive.

[0073] As the surface layer 64, conductive resin materials such as nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyurethane, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof are used. In this embodiment, the surface layer 64 is made of polyimide. Furthermore, the thickness of the surface layer 64 is thicker than the base layer 62, for example, by 7.0 mm.

[0074] The base layer 62 and the surface layer 64 are formed from the aforementioned materials, therefore the hardness of the base layer 62 is greater than that of the surface layer 64. The volume resistivity of the base layer 62 is less than that of the surface layer 64.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the circumferential length of the surface layer 64 is set to be approximately the same as the circumferential length of the transfer roller body 52, excluding the recess 54. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the base layer 62 is formed to be longer than the circumferential length of the surface layer 64.

[0076] Furthermore, as described above, the inner peripheral surface of the surface layer 64 is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the base layer 62 by an adhesive (adhesive layer), but the inner peripheral surface of the base layer 62 is not bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller body 52. ​​That is, the base layer 62 is configured to be detachably mounted on the transfer roller body 52.

[0077] To explain in detail, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, one end of the base layer 62 in the circumferential direction is provided as an extension 62A that extends further circumferentially than the surface layer 64. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, at the end of the extension 62A, a plurality of through holes 62C and slit portions 62D for bolt insertion are alternately formed at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) along the axial direction of the transfer cylinder body 52. ​​Alternatively, through holes may be formed instead of slit portions 62D (not shown).

[0078] Furthermore, the slit portion 62D is formed in a roughly "U" shape, with the end side of the extension portion 62A open when viewed from above, and its width is formed to be the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 62C. Moreover, the end of the extension portion 62A (the part where the through hole 62C and the slit portion 62D are formed) is held by a pair of flat plate members 66, which serve as a moving member.

[0079] like Figures 5-7As shown, each flat plate component 66 has its length along the axial direction of the transfer cylinder body 52. ​​On one flat plate component 66A, a plurality of through holes 66C and slit portions 66D for bolt insertion are alternately formed at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) along the axial direction (length direction) of the transfer cylinder body 52. ​​Alternatively, through holes (not shown) may be formed instead of slit portions 66D.

[0080] On the other flat component 66B, a plurality of bolt insertion slits 66E and through internal thread portions 66F are alternately formed at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) along the axial (length direction) direction of the transfer roller body 52. ​​Alternatively, through holes (not shown) may be formed instead of slits 66E.

[0081] Furthermore, the through hole 66C and the internal thread portion 66F are formed with the same inner diameter, and the slit portion 66D and the slit portion 66E are formed with the same width. Moreover, the width of the slit portions 66D and 66E is formed to be the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 66C.

[0082] Therefore, after the end of the extension 62A is clamped between one plate member 66A and the other plate member 66B, the shaft portion 86A (external thread portion) of a flanged bolt (hereinafter referred to as "bolt") 86, which is an example of a fastening member, is sequentially inserted into the through hole 66C of one plate member 66A and the through hole 62C of the extension 62A, and is threaded to the internal thread portion 66F of the other plate member 66B, thereby installing it on a pair of plate members 66.

[0083] Furthermore, the slit portion 62D formed at the end of the extension portion 62A corresponds to slit portions 66D, 66E, and slit portion 72A, which will be described later. Therefore, the shaft portion 84A of a flanged bolt (hereinafter simply referred to as "bolt") 84, which is an example of a fixing member described later, can be inserted into the transfer cylinder body 52 in a generally circumferential direction, and installation is easy even if the length of the shaft portion 84A is formed to be longer than the length of the shaft portion 86A of the bolt 86.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, on the roller side block 56, a plurality of non-through internal thread portions 56A are formed in the axial direction of the transfer roller body 52 at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) with the radial direction as the axial direction. Moreover, the extension portion 62A of the base layer 62 is mounted on the roller side block 56 via an adjustment mechanism 70 that can adjust its circumferential tension.

[0085] That is, the adjustment mechanism 70 has: a flat plate member 66; a plurality of (e.g., 7) bolts 84 arranged along the axial direction of the transfer cylinder body 52; and a block member 72 that sets the axial direction of the transfer cylinder body 52 in the length direction and engages with the wall surface of the other flat plate member 66B facing approximately radially inward (the opposite side of the face of the end of the clamping extension 62A).

[0086] Furthermore, the bolts 84 are arranged at equal intervals. Additionally, the block component 72 has multiple through holes 72B for inserting the end portions of the shaft portions 86A of each bolt 86, which are threaded to the internal thread portion 66F and protrude approximately radially inward. This block component 72 is also an example of a movable component that moves together with the flat plate component 66.

[0087] Furthermore, on the block component 72, a plurality of slits 72A for bolt insertion are formed at predetermined intervals (equally spaced such that they become through holes 72B) along the axial direction of the transfer roller body 52. ​​Alternatively, through holes (not shown) may be used instead of slits 72A. Moreover, guide holes 74 are formed at both axial ends of the block component 72 for inserting guide pins 80 with predetermined gaps.

[0088] Therefore, the guide pin 80 is inserted into the guide hole 74, and the shaft portion 84A of the bolt 84 is inserted from approximately circumferentially into the slit portion 66D of one flat plate member 66A, the slit portion 62D of the extension portion 62A, the slit portion 66E of the other flat plate member 66B, and the slit portion 72A of the block member 72. The shaft portion 84A (external thread portion) is threadedly fixed to the internal thread portion 56A of the roller side block 56, thereby mounting the flat plate member 66 and the block member 72 onto the roller side block 56.

[0089] Furthermore, the guide hole 74 is designed to be non-through, and its depth is set such that even if the tension of the base layer 62 is adjusted, the end of the guide pin 80 will not be touched. That is, the amount of screwing (displacement) of the shaft portion 84A of the bolt 84 toward the roller side block 56 can be adjusted within the desired range, and can be adjusted in such a way that the circumferential tension of the base layer 62 relative to the transfer roller body 52 is a predetermined value.

[0090] Alternatively, the depth of the guide hole 74 can be set to the depth at which the end of the guide pin 80 contacts when the tension of the base layer 62 is adjusted to enhance its tension. With such a structure, it is possible to suppress or prevent the tension from being unnecessarily increased when adjusting the tension of the base layer 62.

[0091] Furthermore, multiple bolts 84 are provided along the axial direction of the transfer roller body 52. ​​Therefore, the circumferential tension of the base layer 62 relative to the transfer roller body 52 can accommodate deviations in the axial outer diameter of the transfer roller body 52. ​​Additionally, bolts 84 and 86 can be distinguished by means such as applying different colors to their heads.

[0092] On the other hand, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the other end of the base layer 62 in the circumferential direction is provided as an extension 62B that extends further circumferentially than the surface layer 64. Moreover, at the end of this extension 62B, a plurality of through holes for bolt insertion are formed at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) in the axial direction of the transfer roller body 52 (not shown). In addition, the end of this extension 62B (the part where the through holes are formed) is clamped by a pair of flat plate members 68.

[0093] The length direction of each flat plate component 68 is set to the axial direction of the transfer cylinder body 52. ​​On one flat plate component 68A, a plurality of through holes for bolt insertion are formed at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) along the axial direction (length direction) of the transfer cylinder body 52 (not shown). Moreover, on another flat plate component 68B, a plurality of through holes for bolt insertion are formed at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) along the axial direction (length direction) of the transfer cylinder body 52 (not shown).

[0094] Furthermore, on the roller side block 58, a plurality of non-through internal thread portions 58A are formed in the axial direction of the transfer roller body 52 at predetermined intervals (equal intervals) with the radial direction as the axial direction (see Figure 4). Moreover, the through holes of one plate member 68A, the through holes of the other plate member 68B, the through holes of the extension 62B, and the internal thread portions 58A of the roller side block 58 all have the same inner diameter.

[0095] After the end of the extension 62B is clamped between one flat plate member 68A and the other flat plate member 68B, the shaft portion 88A (external thread portion) of the flanged bolt (hereinafter referred to as "bolt") 88 is sequentially inserted into the through hole of one flat plate member 68A, the through hole of the extension 62B, and the through hole of the other flat plate member 68B, and threadedly fixed to the internal thread portion 58A of the roller side block 58, thereby installing it on the roller side block 58.

[0096] In this way, the two ends of the base layer 62 in the circumferential direction are respectively housed in the recesses 54 of the transfer cylinder body 52, forming a structure that is installed by bolt fastening. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 70 and the like will not obstruct the feeding of the recording paper P, and the transfer component 60 can be replaced relative to the transfer cylinder body 52.

[0097] The function of the transfer cylinder 50 and the image forming apparatus 10 as described above (including the manufacturing method of the transfer cylinder 50) will be explained below.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, roller side blocks 56 and 58 are installed in the recess 54 (bottom wall 55 and step portion 53) of the transfer roller body 52 by bolts 82. Furthermore, flat plate components 66 and 68 are respectively installed at the ends of the extension portions 62A and 62B of the base layer 62 of the transfer component 60.

[0099] That is, the end of the extension 62B is clamped by the flat plate member 68, and bolts 88 are inserted into each of its through holes. The end of the extension 62A is clamped by the flat plate member 66 and held in place by bolts 86, and bolts 84 are inserted into each slit portion 66D, 66E of the flat plate member 66 and each slit portion 72A of the block member 72. In this state, the transfer member 60 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller body 52.

[0100] Specifically, the base layer 62 is arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the transfer roller body 52. ​​First, bolts 88, arranged at equal intervals, are threaded onto the internal thread portion 58A of the roller side block 58. Next, guide pins 80 are inserted into the guide holes 74 to temporarily fix the flat plate component 66 and the block component 72 to the roller side block 56. Furthermore, bolts 84, arranged at equal intervals, are threaded onto the internal thread portion 56A of the roller side block 56.

[0101] Here, for example, when tightening the bolt 84 at one axial end, the other axial end of the flat plate member 66 and the block member 72 is positioned in a manner that does not move approximately circumferentially because a guide pin 80 is inserted into the guide hole 74. Therefore, when the transfer member 60 is wound and fixed to the transfer cylinder body 52 (when the flat plate member 66 and the block member 72 are fixed to the cylinder side block 56), the temporary fixed position of the transfer member 60 (flat plate member 66 and block member 72) relative to the transfer cylinder body 52 can be stabilized compared to the case where the temporary fixed position of the transfer member 60 relative to the transfer cylinder body 52 is free.

[0102] Here, the guide pins 80 are positioned on both outer sides of the transfer cylinder body 52 in the axial direction, closer to the axial ends of the transfer cylinder body 52 than the bolts 84. That is, in both axial directions, the guide pins 80 are positioned on one side closer to the axial ends of the transfer cylinder body 52 than the bolts 84. Therefore, compared to the case where the guide pins 80 are only positioned on one side of the transfer cylinder body 52 in the axial direction, the operator does not need to press the flat plate component 66 in a manner that prevents it from moving approximately circumferentially, thereby improving the work efficiency when fixing the flat plate component 66 and the block component 72 using the bolts 84.

[0103] In this way, by tightening each bolt 84, but by adjusting the amount of screwing (displacement) of the shaft portion 84A of each bolt 84 into the internal thread portion 56A, the circumferential tension of the base layer 62 (transfer component 60) relative to the transfer roller body 52 is adjusted to a predetermined value. That is, the base layer 62 is wound around the transfer roller body 52 with a desired tension corresponding to the deviation of the outer diameter of the transfer roller body 52 in the axial direction.

[0104] In this way, tension is easily applied to the base layer 62 as it extends circumferentially, improving security and reducing the burden on the weak surface layer 64. Furthermore, if the positioning component consists of a guide pin 80 provided on the roller side block 56 and a guide hole 74 provided on the block component 72, the structure is simpler compared to the case where positioning is achieved, for example, by tightening bolts (not shown).

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the transfer component 60 can also be integrated with the flat components 66 and 68. Therefore, compared to the flat components 66 and 68 being separate from the transfer component 60, the operator can install the transfer component 60 onto the transfer roller body 52 with fewer steps.

[0106] Furthermore, the flat plate component 66 and the block component 72 are fixed to the roller side block 56 (transfer roller body 52) by bolts 84 extending in a generally radial direction (the depth direction of the recess 54). Therefore, compared to the case where the flat plate component 66 and the block component 72 are fixed to the roller side block 56 (transfer roller body 52) by bolts (not shown) extending in a generally circumferential direction along the transfer roller body 52, it is easier to fix the flat plate component 66 and the block component 72 to the roller side block 56 (transfer roller body 52).

[0107] Furthermore, the extension 62A of the base layer 62 (transfer component 60) is fastened to the flat plate component 66 by a plurality of bolts 86 arranged along the axial direction, with bolts 84, except at both ends along the axial direction, arranged between the bolts 86 (a bolt 86 is arranged between each bolt 84). Therefore, compared to the case where the bolts 84 only fix the ends of the flat plate component 66 that hold the extension 62A of the base layer 62, the flat plate component 66 and the block component 72 are stably fixed together in the axial direction of the transfer roller body 52.

[0108] Furthermore, each bolt 86 extends approximately radially (in the direction of the depth of the recess 54) and coincides with each bolt 84 when viewed axially from the transfer cylinder body 52, but bolts 84 and 86 are configured to be distinguishable by means of differentiation. Therefore, when rotating bolts 84 to remove the flat plate component 66 and block component 72 from the cylinder side block 56 for replacing the transfer component 60, it is possible to prevent the extension 62A from being removed from the flat plate component 66 by mistakenly rotating bolts 86.

[0109] Furthermore, the roller side block 56 can be replaced relative to the transfer roller body 52. ​​Therefore, even if the fixing of each bolt 84 (internal thread portion 56A) deteriorates over time, only the roller side block 56 needs to be replaced, which is cheaper than replacing the transfer roller body 52. ​​The same applies to the roller side block 58.

[0110] Furthermore, the extensions 62A and 62B of the base layer 62 extend circumferentially beyond the two ends of the surface layer 64 in such a way that a predetermined length can be accommodated within the recess 54. Therefore, compared to the case where the two ends of the base layer 62 are shorter than the two ends of the surface layer 64 in the circumferential direction, it is easier to install the transfer component 60 onto the transfer roller body 52, improving the detachability of the base layer 62 relative to the transfer roller body 52 (the ease of changing the transfer component 60).

[0111] Furthermore, the base layer 62 is wound around the transfer cylinder body 52 with the surface layer 64 bonded to it. Therefore, compared to the case where the surface layer 64 is not bonded to the base layer 62, or in other words, the surface layer 64 is wound around the base layer 62 in a non-bonded manner after the base layer 62 is wound around the transfer cylinder body 52, the ease of loading and unloading (change of transfer component 60) of the base layer 62 and the surface layer 64 relative to the transfer cylinder body 52 is improved.

[0112] The transfer cylinder 50 manufactured in this way is assembled into the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the recording paper P fed from the receiving section 14 is conveyed to the transfer cylinder 50 via the first conveying section 44. The transfer cylinder 50 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow B in the figure, holding the downstream end of the recording paper P conveyed by the first conveying section 44 with a clamp, and while rotating, it conveys the recording paper P to the secondary transfer position T2 (clamping area Np), transferring the toner image from the transfer belt 42 to the recording paper P.

[0113] That is, when transferring the toner image from the transfer belt 42 to the recording paper P, the transfer cylinder 50 uses its surface layer 64 and the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 42 to clamp the recording paper P with a predetermined pressure and pass it through the clamping area Np. Therefore, in this clamping area Np, the surface layer 64 of the transfer component 60 in the transfer cylinder 50 is held (elastically deformed) by the support roller 38 via the transfer belt 42 and rotates. Therefore, compared with the case where the temporary fixed position is unstable (free) and the transfer is performed by the transfer cylinder 50 with the transfer component 60 wound and fixed, the generation of image quality defects is suppressed.

[0114] (Modified Example)

[0115] In addition, it can also be like Figure 8As shown in the first modified example, a cylindrical guide pin 76 is provided in the block component 72, and a non-through guide hole 78 is provided in the roller side block 56 for the guide pin 76 to be inserted. Alternatively, it can be as follows: Figure 9 As shown in the second variant examples (A) and (B), the block component 72 is mounted to the roller side block 56 using only the bolts 84.

[0116] That is, slits 66D and 66E are not formed in the flat plate components 66A and 66B, respectively, while multiple through holes 72C (or slits) are formed in the block component 72 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of each bolt 86 that mounts the extension 62A of the base layer 62 to the flat plate component 66. Furthermore, bolts 84 can be inserted into each through hole 72C and threaded to the internal thread 56A of the roller side block 56.

[0117] In this situation, it is possible to avoid forming such Figure 4 The extension 62A of the base layer 62 is installed at a location that bends at a roughly right angle in the circumferential direction, as shown. Furthermore, with this structure, when adjusting the tension of the base layer 62, the approximately radially outer side of the bolt 86 is covered by the base layer 62.

[0118] Therefore, when adjusting the tension of the base layer 62, the possibility of displacement of bolt 86 due to confusion with bolt 84 is suppressed or prevented. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown in (A), the height of the roller side block 58 along the approximate radial direction can also be raised to a position that approximately reaches the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller body 52, and the installation can be performed without bending the extension 62B of the base layer 62.

[0119] The transfer roller 50 (roller component) and image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment have been described above based on the accompanying drawings. However, the transfer roller 50 (roller component) and image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment are not limited to the structures shown in the drawings, and appropriate design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the transfer roller body 52 is not limited to a generally cylindrical shape, and may also be formed into a generally cylindrical shape.

[0120] Alternatively, the substrate 62 may be provided without the surface layer 64. That is, the substrate 62 is not limited to a metal layer made of a metal material such as stainless steel, but may be a resin layer made of a conductive resin material such as solid rubber, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyurethane, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and mixtures thereof.

[0121] Furthermore, although the surface layer 64 is bonded to the base layer 62 by an adhesive (adhesive layer), the method of bonding the surface layer 64 to the base layer 62 is not limited to this. For example, it can also be bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the base layer 62 by heating and melting the inner peripheral surface of the surface layer 64 that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the base layer 62. In addition, in the transfer member 60, a structure in which a cover layer (not shown) is also provided on the outer peripheral surface of the surface layer 64 can also be adopted. Furthermore, the cover layer is not limited to a single layer, and can also be composed of multiple layers.

[0122] Furthermore, the guide pin 80 can be integrally formed on the roller side block 56 or it can be separately formed and disposed on the roller side block 56 by pressing against a hole (not shown). Additionally, at least one guide pin 76 and one guide pin 80 need to be disposed at each of the axial ends. Moreover, the guide pins 76 and 80 are not limited to being cylindrical; for example, they can be formed in a polygonal prism shape.

[0123] Alternatively, a guide pin 76 can be provided on the wall surface of the flat plate component 68B facing approximately radially inward, and a guide hole 78 can be provided on the roller side block 58 for the guide pin 76 to be inserted for positioning. Alternatively, the guide holes 74 and 78 can be through guide holes (illustration omitted). Furthermore, the means of distinguishing between bolt 84 and bolt 86 is not limited to painting their heads with different colors.

[0124] Alternatively, the roller side block 56 can be omitted, and the flat plate component 66 and the block component 72 can be directly installed on the bottom wall 55 of the transfer roller body 52. ​​Similarly, the roller side block 58 can be omitted, and the flat plate component 68 can be directly installed on the stepped portion 53 of the transfer roller body 52. ​​That is, the fixing using bolts 84 and 88 in this embodiment includes two cases: fixing to the transfer roller body 52 via the roller side blocks 56 and 58, and fixing directly to the transfer roller body 52 without the roller side blocks 56 and 58.

[0125] Additionally, the extension 62B of the base layer 62 is fixed to the transfer cylinder body 52 (cylinder side block 58), and the extension 62A is mounted to the transfer cylinder body 52 (cylinder side block 56) via the adjustment mechanism 70, but this is not a limitation. For example, the base layer 62 may also consist of both the extension 62A and the extension 62B, which are mounted to the transfer cylinder body 52 via the adjustment mechanism 70 respectively.

[0126] Furthermore, the extension 62A of the base layer 62 is held by a pair of flat plate members 66, and the extension 62B is held by a pair of flat plate members 68, but this is not a limitation. For example, the extension 62A may be installed only on the flat plate member 66B, and the extension 62B may be installed only on the flat plate member 68B.

[0127] Furthermore, the roller component is not limited to the structure applied to the transfer roller 50; for example, it can also be applied to a fixing roller for applying pressure to fix the toner, a blanket roller used in offset printing, etc. In addition, in this embodiment, the toner image is described as an example of an image, and the toner image is formed by a dry electrophotographic method, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can be a toner image formed by a wet electrophotographic method, or an image formed by an inkjet method.

[0128] Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and these modifications or alterations are also within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0129] In addition, this application is based on Japanese patent application filed on March 5, 2020 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-038158).

Claims

1. A roller component comprising: The main body of the roller is roughly cylindrical and has a recess along the axial direction; Sheet components are wound around the roller body; An adjustment mechanism comprising a movable component and a fixing bolt, the movable component holding the circumferential end of the sheet component and being movable along the depth direction of the recess, the fixing bolt fixing the movable component to the roller body, the adjustment mechanism adjusting the tension of the sheet component; and A positioning component is provided to position the movable component so that it does not move circumferentially toward the roller body when the movable component is fixed by the fixing bolts. The positioning component has a guide pin extending along the depth direction and a guide hole for inserting the guide pin.

2. The roller component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving part is fixed to the roller body by the fixing bolts extending along the depth direction.

3. The roller component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sheet component is fastened and held to the moving component by a plurality of fastening components arranged along the axial direction. The fixing bolts are disposed between the fastening components.

4. The roller component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastening component extends along the depth direction. The fastening component coincides with the fixing bolt when viewed from the axial direction. The fixing bolt and the fastening component are designed to be distinguishable.

5. The roller component according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The positioning component is located on both outer sides of the fixing bolt along the axial direction.

6. The roller component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The roller body has a replaceable base component inside the recess. The movable component is fixed to the base component by the fixing bolts.

7. The roller component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide pin is disposed on either the moving component or the base component. The guide hole is located on either the moving part or the base part.

8. The roller component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sheet component has an inner layer that contacts the roller body and an outer layer stacked on the inner layer. The inner layer is a metal layer. The outer layer is a non-metallic layer. The metal layer is subjected to tension as it extends circumferentially.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: The drum assembly for conveying the recording medium as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; and An intermediate transfer device that transfers toner images onto the recording medium fed by the roller assembly.

Images