Damper Member for Transfer Roller Collision Sound Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem-type image forming apparatuses experience increased collision sound during contact/separation operations of transfer members, leading to potential damage and wear, which existing mechanisms have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a damper member with first and second flexible portions that elastically deform to reduce collision sound, this member rotates in tandem with the rotation shaft and contacts an opposing member to brake the rotation, thereby reducing the impact during contact and separation operations of the contact member with the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used to energize the transfer roller in the contact/separation mechanism, then the transfer roller can be reliably pressed against the intermediate transfer belt for image transfer, but collision sound increases during contact and separation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damper member with first and second flexible portions that are elastically deformable by contacting with the opposing member. This damper member absorbs impact energy before it can generate collision sound, effectively cushioning the contact and separation operations of the transfer roller with the intermediate transfer belt.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper member acts as an intermediary between the transfer roller and the intermediate transfer belt. It mediates the contact and separation operations by providing elastic deformation, thereby reducing the direct impact and associated collision sound while maintaining the necessary transfer pressure for reliable image transfer.
2Productivity
If the transfer roller is continuously pressed against the intermediate transfer belt, then image transfer is maintained, but permanent deformation of the belt and wear of photosensitive drums occur
Solution Approach 1:
The contact/separation mechanism dynamically adjusts the contact state between the transfer roller and the intermediate transfer belt based on operational needs. During image formation, the roller contacts the belt for transfer; during non-image formation, the roller separates from the belt to prevent permanent deformation and wear, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Productivity
If the moving speed of slide members is high during contact/separation operation, then operational efficiency is improved, but collision sound and impact damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damper member with elastically deformable flexible portions is positioned to contact the opposing member during the contact and separation operations. This cushioning mechanism is activated in advance of the main impact, reducing the moving speed of slide members during critical phases and thereby decreasing collision sound and impact damage while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 effectively reduces collision sound and prevents excessive wear and deformation by controlling the moving speed of the slide members, ensuring a quieter and more durable operation of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a damper member that includes a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion that are elastically deformable by contacting with the opposing member
Implementation Method 2
The damper member rotates in tandem with rotation of the rotation shaft member so that both the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion contact with the opposing member and are elastically deformed
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a belt, a contact member, a rotation shaft member, a cam, an opposing member, and a damper. The belt receives a toner image from the image bearing member. The cam rotates in tandem with the rotation shaft member and contacts or separates the contact member and the belt. The opposing member is disposed to face the rotation shaft member in a direction intersecting with a rotation shaft member shaft direction. The damper member has a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion that are elastically deformable by contacting with the opposing member. In either contact operation or separation operation of the contact member to/from the belt, the damper member rotates in tandem with rotation of the rotation shaft member so that both the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion contact with the opposing member and are elastically deformed.