Transfer Roll Linkage Mechanism for Stable Nip Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving stable and efficient transfer of toner images from an intermediate transfer belt to a sheet, often requiring high nip loads and complex mechanisms to maintain consistent pressure contact between the secondary transfer roll and the intermediate transfer belt.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device is designed with a secondary transfer roll, a first holding member for rotational support, pressure contact members, and a spring force producing member that brings the pressure contact members into contact with the first and second holding members, allowing the first holding member to be inclined, thereby distributing pressure forces effectively and reducing the manipulation force required for lid operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct spring force application is used to bring the transfer roll into pressure contact with the transfer belt, then the structure is simple, but the achieved nip load is insufficient for stable image transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linkage mechanism that converts linear spring force into rotational motion of the transfer roll. The linkage arm connects the spring assembly to the transfer roll shaft, transforming the one-dimensional spring force into two-dimensional rotational pressure contact, thereby achieving higher nip load through mechanical advantage without simply increasing spring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage arm acts as an intermediary between the spring force producing member and the transfer roll. It transmits and amplifies the spring force, converting it into effective nip load at the contact point between the transfer roll and transfer belt, while also allowing independent optimization of each component.
2Reliability
If high nip load is applied to ensure stable pressure contact between transfer roll and transfer belt, then image transfer reliability improves, but the force required to close the lid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism that automatically adjusts the pressure contact force based on the operational state. During image transfer, the spring force is fully engaged to provide high nip load. During lid closing, the linkage mechanism allows the transfer roll to move slightly, reducing the resistance force and making lid operation easier without compromising transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the effective spring constant and leverage ratio through the linkage mechanism. When pressure contact is needed, the linkage geometry provides mechanical advantage for high nip load. When the lid is being closed, the linkage allows greater movement freedom, effectively reducing the force parameter required for operation.
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to maintain consistent pressure contact, then transfer reliability improves, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure contact mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: spring force producing member, linkage arm, and transfer roll assembly. Each segment can be independently adjusted, inspected, and replaced. The spring assembly can be pre-adjusted offline and then installed as a unit, simplifying maintenance while maintaining consistent pressure contact through modular design.
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 achieves a higher nip load than direct spring force application, ensuring stable pressure contact and reducing the force needed to close the lid, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring force producing member for producing a spring force for bringing the pressure contact member into pressure contact with the first holding member and the second holding member
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device includes: a transfer roll that transfers a toner image formed on an image holding body to a transfer subject medium; a first holding member that holds the transfer roll rotatably; a pressure contact member that brings, via the first holding member, the transfer roll into pressure contact with the image holding body; a second holding member that holds the first holding member swingably and movably; and a pressing member that produces a pressing force for bringing the pressure contact member into pressure contact with the first holding member and the second holding member in a state that the first holding member is inclined from the second holding member.