Transfer Roller Link Mechanism for Fast Printing Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in quickly switching between full-color and monochrome printing modes, leading to increased power consumption, noise, and wear due to excessive driving force required for rapid roller position changes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a transfer unit that includes a first photoconductive member for monochrome printing and multiple second photoconductive members for full-color printing, using a transfer belt and link members to shift transfer rollers between press-contact and separated positions efficiently, minimizing impact and noise during mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If driving force is increased to shift transfer rollers quickly between positions, then switching speed between printing modes is improved, but power consumption increases and impact noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer rollers are designed with movable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment between press-contact and separated positions. The system transitions from static fixed positions to dynamically adjustable positions, enabling quick mode switching without requiring excessive driving force. The movable support structure allows rollers to be repositioned along the transfer belt path, achieving fast switching while controlling power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable support structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the transfer rollers and the drive system. This intermediary allows the rollers to be shifted to different positions (press-contact or separated) without directly applying large forces to the rollers themselves. The support structure mediates the transition, reducing impact and power requirements during mode switching.
2Loss of time
If driving force is increased to shift transfer rollers quickly between positions, then switching speed between printing modes is improved, but impact and noise during switching increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning of transfer rollers through movable support structures, allowing gradual and controlled transitions between positions. This dynamic approach replaces abrupt, high-impact movements with smoother, controlled motion, reducing noise and mechanical stress during mode switching while maintaining fast switching speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support structure is designed to cushion the transition of transfer rollers between positions. By providing a controlled movement path and support during position changes, the system beforehand cushions the potential impact that would occur during rapid switching, thereby reducing noise and mechanical shock.
3Productivity
If transfer rollers are kept in press-contact position frequently, then printing performance is maintained, but component wear increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of transfer rollers based on the printing mode. During monochrome printing, rollers are moved to separated positions to reduce wear. During full-color printing, rollers are positioned for optimal press-contact performance. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity when needed while extending component life during lower-demand operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state and position parameters of transfer rollers are changed according to operating conditions. By altering the position parameter (press-contact vs. separated) based on printing mode requirements, the system optimizes both performance and durability. This parameter adjustment allows frequent mode switching without compromising either productivity or reliability.
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
Enables rapid switching between printing modes with reduced power consumption and noise, extending the life of components by optimizing the movement and positioning of transfer rollers.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer of the images from the respective photoconductive drums onto the intermediate transfer belt is performed by using four transfer rollers
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a first photoconductive member used during monochrome printing; a plurality of second photoconductive members used together with the first photoconductive member during full-color printing and arranged in parallel to the first photoconductive member; a transfer belt that forms a loop-like moving path; a first transfer roller and a plurality of second transfer rollers provided on an inner peripheral side of the transfer belt; and a link member that shifts, during the full-color printing, the second transfer rollers to positions where the second transfer rollers are brought into press contact with the respective second photoconductive members via the transfer belt and shifts, during the monochrome printing, the second transfer rollers to positions where respective separations between an inner peripheral surface of the transfer belt and the respective second transfer rollers are substantially identical.