Intermediate Transfer Belt Cleaning Layout for Jam Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with electrostatic cleaning methods for intermediate transfer belts face challenges in securing jam handling space due to the increased size of cleaning devices, especially when multiple cleaning members are used, which complicates the configuration and hampers usability during jam handling.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a configuration with two fur brushes in the first cleaning unit and a third fur brush in the second cleaning unit, arranged in a way that creates vertical and conveyance direction spaces, allowing for jam handling without overlapping, thus maintaining a simple and accessible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cleaning members (fur brushes) are added to improve cleaning property, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device size increases and jam handling space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of cleaning members to a vertical arrangement. Multiple fur brushes (first, second, and third cleaning members) are stacked in the vertical direction, allowing them to clean different portions of the intermediate transfer belt simultaneously without expanding the horizontal footprint. This dimensional change enables adequate jam handling space while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning members are added to improve cleaning property, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning members (first, second, and third fur brushes) into a single integrated cleaning device. The cleaning members are arranged vertically within one cleaning device structure, merging their functions while maintaining operational independence. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fur brush in the vertical arrangement serves as a cleaning member that can independently contact and clean the intermediate transfer belt. The first cleaning member cleans the upper portion, the second cleaning member cleans the middle portion, and the third cleaning member cleans the lower portion. This multi-functional arrangement allows a single cleaning device to perform comprehensive cleaning across the entire belt width.
3Reliability
If cleaning device is enlarged to accommodate multiple cleaning members, then cleaning coverage is improved, but space above sheet conveyance path is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to arrange multiple cleaning members, allowing them to be stacked above each other rather than spread horizontally. This enables the cleaning device to achieve comprehensive cleaning coverage while minimizing the horizontal space occupied above the sheet conveyance path, thereby preserving adequate vertical clearance for sheet transport.
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
This configuration effectively secures jam handling space while preventing usability decreases, even with increased numbers of fur brushes, by optimizing the layout to maintain compactness and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first fur brush and a second fur brush configured to contact the belt and electrostatically collect a toner
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form a toner image, an intermediate transfer belt configured to transfer the transferred toner image to a recording material at a secondary transfer position, a first cleaning unit arranged downstream of the secondary transfer position and upstream of the primary transfer position in a conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer belt and configured to clean the intermediate transfer belt, a second cleaning unit arranged downstream of the secondary transfer position and upstream of the first cleaning unit in the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer belt and configured to clean the intermediate transfer belt, a conveyance unit provided opposite to the first and the second cleaning units at a position below the first and the second cleaning units and configured to convey the recording material, and a third space from which the first and the second spaces are accessible.