Swinging Transfer Units for Belt Replacement in Tandem Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tandem image forming apparatuses, the transfer belt device with rollers that raise and lower for different image forming modes complicates the replacement of the transfer belt, making it difficult to adopt configurations that simplify the swapping process, such as swinging transfer units, due to the integrated roller mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A transfer belt device with a first and second transfer unit linked by a rotating shaft, allowing the units to swing, which includes a monochrome image transfer roller and color image transfer rollers that can be raised and lowered independently, using a driving mechanism to facilitate easy belt replacement by loosening the tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transfer rollers are integrated into a single transfer unit with raise and lower mechanism, then image forming mode switching is enabled, but transfer belt replacement becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit is divided into a first transfer unit and a second transfer unit that can be independently swung. The first transfer unit includes a monochrome image transfer roller, while the second transfer unit includes color image transfer rollers. This segmentation allows the units to be independently positioned and facilitates easier transfer belt replacement by allowing the units to be swung out of the way.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer units are designed with a swinging mechanism that allows them to dynamically change position between a working position (where they contact the transfer belt for image forming) and a replacement position (where they are swung away to allow belt access). This dynamic positioning enables both mode switching functionality and simplified belt replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transfer rollers are used for different image forming modes, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transfer rollers (monochrome and color) are merged into a single integrated transfer unit structure that includes a common swing mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to switch between different image forming modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer unit is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform both monochrome and color image transfer operations. By making the transfer unit universal and capable of handling different image forming modes, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If transfer units are made stationary for stability, then transfer accuracy is maintained, but belt replacement workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer units are designed with a swinging mechanism that allows them to dynamically change position between a working position (where they contact the transfer belt for accurate image transfer) and a replacement position (where they are swung away to allow belt access). This dynamic positioning enables both mode switching functionality and simplified belt replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A first transfer unit having a monochrome image frame in which a monochrome image primary transfer roller is supported, and a second transfer unit having a color image frame in which a plurality of color image primary transfer rollers are supported, are linked such that they can swing at a rotating shaft of a first rotating cam and a second rotating cam.