Transfer Device Segmented Assemblies for Compact Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices with integrally supported transfer rollers and cleaning blades are bulky due to the need for large support members, which increases the device size and complicates the movement of the cleaning blade, making it difficult to effectively clean the endless belt without increasing the overall device size.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device design featuring a first assembly with a rotatable transfer roller and a second assembly with a cleaning blade, where a spring biases the cleaning blade to rotate and press against the endless belt, allowing the transfer roller to move independently and maintain contact pressure adjustments, thereby downsizing the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transfer roller and cleaning blade are integrally supported by a large support member, then the cleaning blade can be moved together with the transfer roller, but the device size increases and the structure becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two separate assemblies: a first assembly supporting the transfer roller and a second assembly supporting the cleaning blade. Each assembly can move independently, eliminating the need for a large integral support member while ensuring both components follow the transfer roller's movement trajectory through separate but coordinated motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning blade assembly is positioned at a different spatial location relative to the transfer roller assembly, allowing independent movement along the same operational trajectory. This spatial separation enables downsizing the support structure while maintaining functional coordination through the spring mechanism that ensures the cleaning blade follows the transfer roller's motion.
2Manufacturing precision
If the transfer roller moves to adjust contact pressure with the intermediate transfer belt, then transfer quality is improved, but the cleaning blade must also move accordingly, requiring a large integral support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into separate assemblies for the transfer roller and cleaning blade. The first assembly handles transfer roller movement for contact pressure adjustment, while the second assembly independently manages cleaning blade positioning. This segmentation simplifies each individual support structure while maintaining coordinated operation through the spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning blade assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic adaptation, allowing the cleaning blade to automatically follow the transfer roller's movement trajectory without requiring rigid integral connection. This dynamic setup enables contact pressure adjustment while keeping the support structure compact and simple.
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 design allows for effective cleaning of the endless belt while reducing the overall size of the transfer device, ensuring efficient toner image transfer and maintaining image quality by using a foam roller and rubber belt, preventing image quality deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to bias the second assembly to rotate around the second rotation shaft so as to press the leading end edge of the cleaning blade against the endless belt
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device includes first and second assemblies, a spring, and a moving mechanism. The first assembly is rotatable around a first rotation shaft. The first assembly includes an endless belt, and a transfer roller that presses a sheet against an image transport belt to transfer a toner image onto the sheet. The second assembly is rotatable around a second rotation shaft. The second assembly includes a cleaning blade that abuts a leading end edge thereof against a portion of the endless belt. The spring biases the second assembly to rotate around the second rotation shaft. The moving mechanism moves the transfer roller to be in contact with and separated from the image transport belt. The first assembly rotates around the first rotation shaft as the transfer roller moves. The second assembly follows the rotation of the first assembly to rotate around the second rotation shaft.