Transfer Belt Vibration Control via Upstream Support Roller

Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses, vibration of the transfer belt due to rotation can cause discharge defects between the transfer belt and the rotating body, leading to image defects when the transfer belt is not in contact with the rotating body on the upstream side of the opposing position.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus is designed with a support roller that forms a contact region between the transfer belt and the rotating body on the upstream side, preventing vibration and maintaining contact to prevent discharge defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the transfer belt is not in contact with the rotating body on the upstream side of the opposing position, then the device complexity is reduced, but vibration causes discharge defects in the image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support roller is positioned to contact the transfer belt on the upstream side of the opposing position, creating a contact region before the transfer occurs. This preliminary contact prevents vibration and discharge defects before they can affect image quality, resolving the contradiction by adding a preventive measure rather than reacting to problems after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A support roller is introduced as an intermediary component between the transfer belt and the rotating body. This support roller provides the necessary contact and stabilization without directly interfering with the transfer process, thereby preventing discharge defects while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the transfer belt is not in contact with the rotating body on the upstream side of the opposing position, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but vibration generates discharge defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact precisionVSAvoiddischarge defect

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support roller is positioned to contact the transfer belt on the upstream side of the opposing position, creating a contact region before the transfer occurs. This preliminary contact prevents vibration and discharge defects before they can affect image quality, resolving the contradiction by adding a preventive measure rather than reacting to problems after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A support roller is introduced as an intermediary component between the transfer belt and the rotating body. This support roller provides the necessary contact and stabilization without directly interfering with the transfer process, thereby preventing discharge defects while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively prevents discharge defects and image scattering by ensuring continuous contact between the transfer belt and the rotating body, enhancing image quality and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an image on an outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt is transferred to the recording medium in response to a transfer bias being applied between the rotating body and the opposing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The chain rotates to transport the recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

if the transfer belt is not in contact with the rotating body on an upstream side of the opposing position, when vibration generated by the rotation of the chain is transmitted to the transfer belt via the sprocket and the rotating body, the transfer belt is likely to vibrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11287764B1Image forming apparatus capable of preventing a discharge defect in an image

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a rotating body; a sprocket provided coaxially with the rotating body, the sprocket being configured to rotate integrally with the rotating body; a chain including a holder configured to hold a leading end portion of a recording medium, the chain being wound on the sprocket, the chain being configured to rotate so as to transport the recording medium; an annular shaped transfer belt supported by an opposing member opposing the rotating body at an opposing position, the transfer belt being configured to sandwich the recording medium transported by the chain between the transfer belt and the rotating body at the opposing position, in which an image on an outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt is transferred to the recording medium in response to a transfer bias being applied between the rotating body and the opposing member; and a forming member that supports the transfer belt on an upstream side of the opposing position in a transport direction, the forming member being configured to form a contact region in which the transfer belt is brought into contact with the rotating body on the upstream side of the opposing position in the transport direction.