Image Forming Device Roller Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with the relative position of inner and outer rollers during actuation, leading to increased load and deterioration of components, and reduced productivity due to the need for adjusting the position of the transfer nip based on varying recording materials, especially when switching between different types of paper.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a changing mechanism for the inner roller's position and a contact and separation mechanism for the outer roller, controlled by a controller to adjust the transfer nip position before starting image formation, allowing for optimal positioning without the rollers being pressed against each other, thus reducing friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the transfer nip is adjusted by moving the inner roller or outer roller while they are pressed against each other, then the transfer nip position can be changed to adapt to different recording materials, but the load on the motor increases and the rollers deteriorate faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by separating the position adjustment operation from the transfer operation in time. The inner roller position is adjusted before the outer roller contacts the intermediary transfer belt, so that the rollers are not pressed against each other during positioning. This preliminary positioning action eliminates friction and wear during adjustment, while still achieving adaptability to different recording materials through the changing mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the inner roller and outer roller are kept pressed against each other for continuous operation, then the transfer nip position remains stable, but the friction and wear between rollers increase leading to faster deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by making the outer roller contact the intermediary transfer belt only during the actual transfer operation, not continuously. The contact and separation mechanism controls the outer roller to be pressed against the belt periodically during transfer operations, while being separated during positioning and non-operational periods. This periodic contact maintains transfer nip stability when needed while dramatically reducing cumulative friction and wear on the rollers.
3Reliability
If the outer roller is separated from the intermediary transfer belt during position adjustment, then the load on the motor is reduced and roller wear is minimized, but the transfer operation cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing the inner roller position adjustment before the outer roller contacts the intermediary transfer belt. The controller receives a start instruction, adjusts the inner roller position to the appropriate transfer nip position for the recording material, and only then brings the outer roller into contact with the belt. This sequence ensures that position adjustment occurs under no-load conditions (improving reliability), while the transfer operation capability is fully preserved when the outer roller is engaged.
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 solution reduces the load on the motor and minimizes abrasion and deterioration of the rollers, enabling a state of optimal relative positioning between the rollers during operation, improving productivity and extending the lifespan of components.
Implementation Method 1
a toner image formed on the photosensitive member or the like in an image forming portion is primary-transferred onto the intermediary transfer belt in a primary transfer portion
Implementation Method 2
a secondary transfer voltage of a polarity opposite to a charge polarity of toner is applied to the outer roller, so that the toner image on the intermediary transfer belt is secondary-transferred onto the recording material in the secondary transfer nip
Data Source
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AI summary
In an image forming apparatus 100, in a case that a relative position between an inner roller 32 and an outer member 41 with respect to a circumferential direction of the inner roller 32 is changed in a period from a state in which the outer member 41 is separated from a belt 31 until first transfer in a job for forming and outputting an image on a recording material S is started when the job is executed, said controller 150 controls a position changing mechanism 1 and a contact and separation mechanism 2 so that a contact operation for bringing the outer member 41 into contact with the belt 31 after changing the relative position.