Secondary Transfer Roller Dual-Function Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with intermediate-transfer methods face challenges in efficiently removing residual toners from the intermediate transfer belt, leading to restricted component layouts due to the bulkiness of cleaning devices.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a secondary transfer roller that functions both as a secondary transfer member and a cleaning member, with controlled velocity differences during transfer and cleaning operations, and a detachable waste toner container for flexible component arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cleaning device is used to remove residual toners from the intermediate transfer belt, then cleaning function is provided, but the cleaning device becomes voluminous and restricts component layout flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secondary transfer member and cleaning member into a single integrated component. The secondary transfer roller serves dual functions: transferring the developer image from the intermediate transfer member to the recording medium during normal operation, and cleaning the intermediate transfer member by contacting it during cleaning operations. This eliminates the need for a separate cleaning device, reducing overall device volume and improving layout flexibility while maintaining reliable cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary transfer member is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a transfer member during image formation and as a cleaning member during cleaning operations. By making the secondary transfer member universal, the patent reduces the total number of components needed, thereby decreasing device complexity and improving layout flexibility without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a separate cleaning device is installed to remove residual toners, then cleaning capability is achieved, but space requirements increase and component positioning is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning function into the secondary transfer member, eliminating the need for a separate cleaning device. This integration significantly reduces the space required for cleaning operations, as the secondary transfer roller already occupies minimal space in the transfer path. The cleaning capability is maintained through the secondary transfer member's contact with the intermediate transfer belt during cleaning mode.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the secondary transfer member to serve both transfer and cleaning functions, the patent eliminates redundant components and reduces overall device footprint. The multi-functional design allows the same component to perform cleaning without requiring additional space, thereby reducing total space requirements while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
3Reliability
If a dedicated cleaning roller is used to clean the intermediate transfer belt, then effective cleaning is provided, but the device becomes bulkier and component arrangement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning function with the secondary transfer member, eliminating the need for a dedicated cleaning roller. This integration maintains cleaning effectiveness through direct contact between the secondary transfer roller and intermediate transfer belt, while simultaneously improving component arrangement flexibility by removing spatial constraints imposed by separate cleaning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary transfer member is designed to universally perform both image transfer and cleaning functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cleaning rollers, thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility in component arrangement. The integrated design allows flexible positioning of components without the spatial restrictions that would result from separate cleaning devices.
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 configuration allows for more flexible component layout, enhanced cleaning efficiency, and reduced space requirements within the apparatus, maintaining effective cleaning performance and reducing the need for separate cleaning rollers.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary transfer member, which is configured to have a secondary-transfer function to transfer the developer image from the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning function to remove materials adhered onto the intermediate transfer member... a controller, which is configured to control a difference between a moving velocity of the intermediate transfer member and a moving velocity of the secondary transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form a developer image in a developer agent on a photosensitive member, an intermediate transfer member arranged in a position to face the photosensitive member, a primary transfer member to transfer the developer image from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer member, a secondary transfer member to transfer the developer image from the intermediate transfer member to the recording medium, a cleaning member to remove materials adhered onto the intermediate transfer member, a container to store the materials removed from the intermediate transfer member, an attachment section, to which the container is detachably attached, and a conveyer to convey the recording medium to pass through a position between the intermediate transfer member and the cleaning member.