Separation Cam Mechanism for Transfer Belt Creep Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic processes face issues with plastic deformation of transfer belts due to creep, leading to contact defects between the transfer belt and image bearing members, which increases the load on separation units and affects the separation operation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a separation unit with a rotating member that rotates about the opposing member's axis, moving the secondary transfer member in the opposite direction of the urging force to separate it from the transfer belt, thereby reducing the load on the separation unit and improving durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressing force of the secondary transfer member is set high to improve contact state between transfer belt and transfer medium, then the contact quality is improved, but the load on the separation unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pressing force of the secondary transfer member variable rather than constant. The pressing force is dynamically adjusted based on operational conditions - maintained high during active printing to ensure good contact quality, and reduced or eliminated during standby periods to minimize load on the separation unit. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high contact quality and reducing separation unit load.
2Reliability
If pressure contact members are pressed on the transfer belt for a long period, then the contact state is maintained, but plastic deformation occurs due to creep phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately applying and releasing the pressing force on the transfer belt. During active printing operations, the pressure contact members are pressed on the transfer belt to maintain good contact state. During standby periods or after a certain duration, the pressing force is released to allow the transfer belt to recover from creep deformation. This periodic application and release of force prevents cumulative plastic deformation while maintaining contact quality when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the secondary transfer member is separated from the transfer belt during standby, then creep deformation is prevented, but the separation unit is subjected to large load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pressing force parameter of the secondary transfer member rather than completely separating it during standby. The pressing force is reduced to a low level or set to zero during standby periods, which is sufficient to prevent creep deformation of the transfer belt. This parameter adjustment achieves the separation effect needed to prevent deformation while avoiding the large loads that would be imposed on the separation unit by complete mechanical separation 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 configuration effectively reduces the load on the separation unit, enhances the durability of the separation mechanism, and prevents deformation, ensuring reliable separation of transfer members even with high pressing forces, thus maintaining contact quality and preventing transfer defects.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the secondary transfer member toward the opposing member
Implementation Method 2
a separation unit configured to separate the transfer belt from the image bearing member by switching a pressing state of the first contact member. In the image forming apparatus, the separation unit includes a rotating member that rotates about a rotation axis of the opposing member and thereby moves the secondary transfer member in a direction opposite to an urging direction of the urging member
Implementation Method 3
If such pressure contact members are pressed on the transfer belt and left as they are for a long period of time, the transfer belt is subjected to plastic deformation similar to curling-habit formation due to a creep phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
A separation cam is disposed on a shaft of an opposing roller. The separation cam rotates about the shaft in response to a separation unit separating an intermediate transfer belt from a photosensitive drum, and the separation cam thereby separates a secondary transfer roller from the intermediate transfer belt.