Rotating Cam Mechanism for Shock Jitter Prevention in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with 'shock jitter' and transfer failures when thick sheets are used, leading to increased burden on the image carrier and reduced transfer pressure, and the rotating cams wear out quickly due to frequent use.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a rotating cam system with convex and small-diameter parts that alternately rotate to adjust the inter-shaft distance between the transfer roller and the image carrier, allowing for controlled nip pressure adjustments and extended cam life by dispersing wear across different regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the transfer roller is separated from the photoreceptor by driving the rotating cam to increase inter-shaft distance, then shock jitter is reduced, but transfer pressure becomes insufficient causing transfer failure
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cam is driven in advance before thick sheet entry to separate the transfer roller from the photoreceptor, preventing shock jitter. The cam is then stopped at a position where the convex part no longer acts on the transfer roller, allowing the spring to restore normal transfer pressure after the thick sheet has entered the nip.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the inter-shaft distance by driving the rotating cam to a specific position, allowing the transfer roller to move between separated and contact states. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to thick sheet entry while maintaining normal transfer operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rotating cam is frequently driven to adjust inter-shaft distance, then shock jitter is prevented, but the convex parts of the rotating cam wear out quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cam is driven in advance before thick sheet entry to separate the transfer roller, preventing shock jitter. The cam is then stopped at a position where the convex part no longer acts on the transfer roller, reducing frequent operation and extending cam life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rotating cam with a convex part that can be easily replaced. When wear occurs, the cam can be quickly replaced with a new one, ensuring continuous operation without requiring complex repair mechanisms.
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 effectively prevents shock jitter and transfer failures by maintaining adequate transfer pressure and extending the life of the rotating cams through controlled wear distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating cam that is disposed so as to be able to rotate both normally and inversely and has a convex part provided at a circumferential edge of the rotating cam and a small-diameter part that rotates on an orbit
Implementation Method 2
the abutting body being capable of abutting the image carrier by means of a biasing force of a biasing part
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an image forming apparatus capable of increasing the life of a rotating cam while preventing the occurrence of a shock jitter and transfer failure. The image forming apparatus is configured to execute a forced movement process for rotating the rotating cam to forcibly move a secondary transfer roller against a biasing force of a bias coil spring at a pre-entry timing prior to the entry of the front edge of a recording sheet into a secondary transfer position, and a pressure intensifying process for rotating the rotating cam to increase transfer pressure at a timing immediately after the entry of the front edge of the recording sheet into the secondary transfer position. As the forced movement process, the image forming apparatus executes, alternately, a first forced movement process for normally driving and rotating the rotating cam, and a second forced movement process for inversely driving and rotating the rotating cam, at a predetermined timing.