Image Forming Apparatus Load Reducing Mechanism for Transfer Roller Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing the force required to separate transfer rollers from an endless belt, particularly when switching operational modes or replacing belt units, due to varying pressure forces generated by spring-based systems, leading to increased torque demands and potential noise issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a load reducing mechanism using a first member, a second urging member, and a second member, where the first member is movable in a direction crossing the primary direction, and the second member is fixed to the belt frame, converting urging forces to reduce the load on the driving source, thereby smoothing the separation process across different operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an auxiliary pressure applying means is provided to reduce the load on the driving source, then the torque required to separate transfer rollers is reduced, but the auxiliary pressure applying means generates excessive pressure at the beginning of the separation process
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is designed to move between multiple positions (first, second, and third positions) rather than simply between two positions. This dynamic positioning allows the auxiliary pressure applying means to engage at the third position (intermediate stage) and disengage before the second position (final separation), creating a time-dynamic pressure application that matches the varying load requirements during the separation process
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary pressure applying means is engaged in advance at the third position (intermediate stage of separation) to provide load reduction before the final separation occurs at the second position. This preliminary engagement allows the system to prepare for and reduce the peak load that would otherwise occur during final separation
2Device complexity
If the movable member is moved from the first position to the second position directly, then the separation process is simple, but the driving source must overcome the full resiliency force of the first urging member throughout the entire movement
Solution Approach 1:
The separation movement is divided into multiple stages with distinct positions (first, second, and third positions) rather than a single continuous movement. The introduction of the third position as an intermediate stage allows the separation process to be segmented into phases where different force conditions apply, reducing the peak force requirement from the driving source
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary pressure applying means acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the driving source and the first urging member during the separation process. By introducing this intermediate force application point at the third position, the system can reduce the direct load on the driving source while still achieving the required separation function
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 torque required to drive the cam, minimizes noise, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective design by evenly distributing forces during the separation of transfer rollers from the endless belt, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
said second member is cooperative with said first member to convert an urging force of said second urging member to said first member in the second direction to a force to said movable member in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a first urging member provided between said belt frame and said transfer roller and configured to urge said transfer roller toward said image bearing member through said belt
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a slider movable from a first position to a second position against a spring force for urging a primary transfer roller to an intermediary transfer belt to space the primary transfer roller from the intermediary transfer belt. An assisting mechanism assists the movement of the slider in a first direction. The assisting mechanism includes vertical and horizontal sliders which cause to apply the urging force of a compression spring to the slider as an urging force in the first direction, from a third position which is between the first position and the second position.