Image-Forming Transfer Unit Mass Distribution for Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibration generated in the circulating member and rotating member of an image forming apparatus propagates to the transfer unit, causing vibration of the transfer unit and resulting in image defects such as banding on the recording medium.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of the image forming apparatus is designed with the center of mass of the transfer unit located on the transfer position side relative to the geometric center, and the cleaning part and solid support roller positioned accordingly to minimize vibration propagation and reduce image defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the circulating member and rotating member are used to transport the recording medium, then the recording medium can be transported efficiently, but vibration is generated and propagates to the transfer unit causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the center of mass of the transfer unit asymmetrically relative to the transfer position. Specifically, the center of mass is located closer to the transfer position than the geometric center, creating an asymmetric mass distribution that reduces vibration propagation. This asymmetric positioning allows the transfer unit to act as a vibration isolator, protecting the transfer belt from vibrations generated by the circulating member and rotating member while maintaining efficient recording medium transport.
2Manufacturing precision
If the transfer unit is positioned to optimize image quality, then image defects are reduced, but vibration propagation from the circulating member affects the transfer belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the anti-weight principle by strategically positioning the center of mass of the transfer unit to counterbalance vibration effects. The center of mass is placed at a specific location that creates a counteracting effect against vibrations from the circulating member and rotating member. This counterweight positioning stabilizes the transfer belt during operation, reducing vibration-induced image defects while maintaining optimal transfer conditions for high-quality image formation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the center of mass is positioned on the transfer position side, then vibration propagation is minimized, but the geometric center and center of mass are separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific portions of the transfer unit have different mass characteristics. The center of mass is deliberately positioned at a specific location within the transfer unit structure, creating a localized mass concentration that optimizes vibration reduction. This local mass adjustment allows the transfer unit to maintain overall structural integrity while achieving the desired center of mass position for minimizing vibration propagation to the transfer belt.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer cylinder that rotates; a rotating member that is coaxial with the transfer cylinder and rotates integrally with the transfer cylinder; a circulating member that is provided with a holding part that holds a front end portion of a recording medium, is suspended around the rotating member, and transports the recording medium by circulating as the rotating member rotates; and a transfer unit that has a transfer belt that sandwiches the recording medium transported by the circulating member at a nip position together with the transfer cylinder so that an image is transferred onto the recording medium. The nip position is located on one side relative to a center of the transfer unit in a horizontal direction when viewed from an axial direction of the rotating member, and a center of mass of the transfer unit is located on a nip position side relative to the center in the horizontal direction.