Intermediate Transferring Device Rail Mounting for Dust Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In downsized image forming apparatuses, the timing belt's exposure to the outside can lead to contact with electrical components, causing operational failures and dust adherence, due to the lack of effective transmission mechanisms that prevent interference and ensure reliable driving force transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rail member and an intermediate transferring device with a first and second transmission mechanism, which are mounted between the frame and the rail member, allowing for secure transmission of driving force to the toner image carrier and cleaning member without exposing them to the outside, thus preventing contact with electrical components and dust adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the timing belt is disposed exposed to the outside of the frame, then the intermediate transferring belt can be driven, but the timing belt contacts electrical components causing operational failures and dust adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The timing belt is nested within the frame structure, specifically disposed between the frame and the rail member. This nesting approach allows the timing belt to maintain its driving function while being protected from contact with external electrical components, eliminating the harmful effects of dust adherence and operational failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail member acts as an intermediary structure that separates the timing belt from the electrical components. By positioning the timing belt between the frame and the rail member, the system creates a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the timing belt and electrical components, thereby improving reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the timing belt is exposed to the outside, then installation is simpler, but maintenance of the toner conveying device and transmission mechanisms becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components including the frame, rail member, timing belt, and intermediate transferring device. This segmentation allows each component to be independently accessed and maintained. The rail member serves as a structural divider that provides access pathways for maintenance while maintaining the protected positioning of the timing belt.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a rail member and an intermediate transferring device. The rail member mounted to a frame. The intermediate transferring device attachably/detachably mounted to the rail member. The intermediate transferring device includes a toner carrier, a cleaning member, a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism. The toner carrier is driven to be rotated by a driving source, and configured to carry a toner image. The cleaning member is driven to be rotated by the driving source, and configured to remove a toner which remains on the toner image carrier. The first transmission mechanism configured to transmit a driving force of the driving source to the toner image carrier. The second transmission mechanism configured to transmit the driving force of the driving source to the cleaning member. The first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism are arranged between the frame and the rail member.