Conveyance Roll Alignment for Multi-Transfer Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, there is a risk that recording media conveyed between secondary transfer units may separate from the conveyance path, leading to misalignment of toner images during the secondary transfer process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium in contact with one surface, with intermediate and secondary transfer units arranged in the conveyance direction, and rotating bodies with peripheral surfaces that contact the recording medium between secondary transfer units to maintain alignment and prevent separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recording medium is conveyed between secondary transfer units without contact members, then the conveyance path is simple, but the recording medium may separate from the conveyance path causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyance roll is introduced as an intermediary contact member between secondary transfer units to maintain reliable contact with the recording medium. This mediator prevents separation and misalignment without requiring complex structural modifications to the overall conveyance system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the entire conveyance path structure, the solution applies a localized contact member (conveyance roll) only at the specific location between secondary transfer units where separation occurs. This maintains simplicity while improving reliability at the critical point.
2Reliability
If multiple rotating bodies contact the recording medium surface, then separation is prevented, but toner may adhere to the conveyance rolls
Solution Approach 1:
The surface properties of the conveyance roll are modified by applying a release agent or using a specific material with low friction coefficients. This parameter change reduces toner adhesion while maintaining the mechanical function of preventing recording medium separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple contact members that all interact with toner, the solution uses a single conveyance roll that primarily contacts the recording medium back surface. This eliminates unnecessary toner interaction while maintaining conveyance stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in contact with one surface of the recording medium along a conveyance path; a plural intermediate transfer bodies that are arranged in a conveyance direction on the other surface side of the recording medium of the conveyance path and to which toner images formed by a plural image forming sections are primarily transferred; a plural secondary transfer units that are arranged in a conveyance direction and secondarily transfers the toner images of the plural intermediate transfer bodies to the other surface of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit; and one or more rotating bodies of which peripheral surfaces are in contact with the other surface of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit between one secondary transfer unit and another secondary transfer unit, among the secondary transfer units arranged in the conveyance direction.