Primary Transfer Roller Layout for Compact Image Forming Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses increase in size and manufacturing cost due to the separation of primary transfer rollers from photoconductors in monochrome mode, necessitating additional holding members and mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a configuration where primary transfer rollers are positioned using holding members that rotate and are pressed against an intermediate transferor frame, minimizing size and cost by integrating the backup roller with the primary transfer rollers, and utilizing a belt skew correction mechanism to enhance durability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holding members are disposed for each primary transfer roller and backup roller to enable separation in monochrome mode, then image quality is maintained, but the distance between rollers increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backup roller with the intermediate transferor frame, making it an integrated structure rather than a separate component. This merging eliminates the need for separate holding members for the backup roller, reduces the overall distance between primary transfer rollers, and decreases apparatus size while maintaining the functionality needed for image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate transferor frame serves multiple functions: it supports the intermediate transfer belt, provides the backup roller surface, and acts as the structural framework for mounting primary transfer rollers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing apparatus complexity and size
2Reliability
If holding members are disposed for each primary transfer roller and backup roller to enable separation in monochrome mode, then image quality is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the backup roller into the intermediate transferor frame structure, the patent reduces the number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces component count, and lowers manufacturing cost while preserving the image quality benefits of roller separation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If primary transfer rollers are separated from photoconductors in monochrome mode, then photoconductor life is extended, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where primary transfer rollers can be positioned close to photoconductors during color operation and separated during monochrome operation. The holding members enable this dynamic adjustment, allowing the system to adapt its structure based on operational mode, thus extending photoconductor life when needed without permanently increasing apparatus size
Solution Approach 2:
The backup roller is merged with the intermediate transferor frame, creating a compact integrated structure that allows primary transfer rollers to be positioned close to photoconductors when required, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while still enabling separation for photoconductor protection
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearers, a plurality of frame members, a plurality of contact members, an intermediate transferor, a plurality of primary transfer members, a plurality of holding members, an intermediate transferor frame, a plurality of pressure members, and a plurality of pressing members. The plurality of holding members hold the plurality of primary transfer members. The intermediate transferor frame holds the intermediate transferor and the plurality of holding members. The plurality of pressure members press the plurality of holding members. The plurality of pressing members press the plurality of image bearers. The plurality of image bearers is positioned with the plurality of frame members pressed toward the intermediate transferor frame by the plurality of pressing members. The plurality of primary transfer members are positioned with the plurality of holding members contacted against the intermediate transferor frame by the plurality of pressure members.