Transfer Roller Pivoting for Variable Sheet Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a consistent and appropriate transfer nip between the secondary transfer roller and the transfer belt, especially when handling sheets of varying thickness, due to reliance on elastic members like springs for pressurization, which can be inadequate for thick or rigid sheets and require strengthening of components.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a mechanism where the secondary transfer roller moves between abutting and separate positions with respect to the transfer belt, utilizing a holding member and urging member to maintain contact and adjust the gap, independent of the elastic member's pressurization force, ensuring a stable transfer nip through mechanical guidance and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If elastic members like springs are used for pressurization between secondary transfer roller and transfer belt, then the transfer nip can be maintained for thin sheets, but the pressurization force becomes inadequate for thick or rigid sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary transfer roller is designed to pivot relative to the side cover, transitioning between a first position (for thin sheets) and a second position (for thick sheets). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different sheet thicknesses without requiring variable pressurization force, as the mechanical geometry adjusts to maintain appropriate contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the secondary transfer roller between two discrete positions. By adjusting the roller's position rather than the pressurization force magnitude, the system achieves adaptability to different sheet thicknesses while maintaining effective transfer nip through geometric adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressurization force is increased to handle thick sheets, then transfer effectiveness improves, but components require strengthening increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing pressurization force magnitude, the system dynamically repositions the secondary transfer roller to a second position that provides better mechanical leverage and contact geometry for thick sheets. This avoids the need to strengthen components while maintaining handling capability for various sheet thicknesses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary transfer roller is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the transfer nip cannot be adjusted for different sheet thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary transfer roller is made pivotable relative to the side cover, allowing it to move between two positions. This simple dynamic mechanism provides adjustability for different sheet thicknesses without complex control systems, achieving adaptability through mechanical freedom of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member automatically holds the secondary transfer roller at the appropriate position based on sheet thickness requirements. The system self-adjusts through the interaction between the urging member, holding member, and roller pivot mechanism, eliminating the need for external control systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If elastic members are used for pressurization, then the transfer nip can be maintained, but abrupt force loading occurs during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The side cover is designed to pivot in two stages: first relative to the apparatus body, then the secondary transfer roller pivots relative to the side cover. This two-stage dynamic closure sequence distributes the closing force progressively, preventing abrupt force loading while maintaining stable transfer nip through the coordinated pivoting actions.
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 solution ensures a consistent and appropriate transfer nip for sheets of different thicknesses without relying on increased pressurization force or strengthening of components, maintaining efficient image transfer and preventing abrupt force loading during closure.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member such as a spring is used for pressurization between a secondary transfer roller and a transfer belt
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a transfer unit body, a transfer counter roller, a transfer belt, a side cover, a transfer roller, a shaft end member, and a holding member. The side cover is opened and closed with respect to the apparatus body. The transfer roller is supported by the side cover, moves between an abutting position at which the transfer roller comes into contact with the transfer belt and interposes the transfer belt along with the transfer counter roller and a separate position at which the transfer roller is separated from the transfer belt. The shaft end member is provided at a shaft end of the transfer roller. The holding member is provided in the transfer unit body, holds the shaft end member at the abutting position, and opens the shaft end member at the separate position.