Tandem Intermediate Transfer Belt Roller Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem-type color image forming apparatuses face challenges in aligning toner images during the formation of full-color images, leading to degraded image quality, and existing solutions either complicate the structure or reduce output capacity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a belt rotating around multiple rollers with primary transfer members that apply voltage to toner images on image carriers, allowing sequential transfer onto an intermediate transfer belt and subsequent transfer onto a material, with at least one roller serving as both a primary and extension roller to reduce complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple photoconductors are used in tandem-type color image forming apparatus, then output capacity per unit time is improved, but difficulty in aligning writing positions of toner images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer member as a mediator between multiple photoconductors and the final transfer material. Toner images from multiple photoconductors are first transferred onto the intermediate transfer member where alignment can be maintained, and then collectively transferred to the final transfer material. This intermediary structure resolves the alignment difficulty while preserving the high output capacity of tandem-type systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If direct transfer type is used with multiple photoconductors, then alignment of toner images is improved, but structure complexity and transfer belt length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple transfer operations into a single intermediate transfer member that receives toner images from multiple photoconductors sequentially. This consolidation reduces the number of separate transfer belts and rollers needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining alignment precision through the intermediate transfer approach.
3Manufacturing precision
If intermediate transfer type is used with multiple photoconductors, then alignment of toner images is improved, but intermediate transfer belt length and structure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate transfer member is designed to serve multiple functions: receiving toner images from multiple different photoconductors, maintaining alignment during the transfer process, and then collectively transferring the composite image to the final transfer material. This multi-functionality allows a single intermediate transfer member to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate transfer systems, reducing overall belt length and structural complexity.
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 enhances image alignment, reduces the length of the transfer belt, and decreases the number of rollers, resulting in a more compact, cost-effective apparatus capable of producing high-quality images at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
each primary transfer member applies a voltage to a corresponding one of the primary transfer positions so that toner images on each image carrier are sequentially transferred onto the belt
Implementation Method 2
a belt that rotates around a plurality of rollers
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the rollers serves as at least one of the primary transfer members
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming unit includes four photoconductors, a belt extended around a driving roller and an extension-cum-primary transfer roller. Three primary transfer rollers sandwich the belt in association with a corresponding photoconductor. The extension-cum-primary transfer roller serves both as an extension roller and a primary transfer roller.