Transfer Unit Creep Deformation Suppression via Biasing Force Receiving Portion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic systems face challenges in suppressing creep deformation of components, particularly in long-term storage, due to the complexity and cost of mechanisms required to manage belt tension, which may not effectively prevent deformation at critical times.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a transfer unit supported by a biasing force receiving portion on the apparatus main body, allowing for stable creep deformation suppression without the need for additional mechanisms, by positioning the supporting structure to counteract deformation forces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a separation member is inserted into a bearing to release belt tension, then creep deformation is suppressed, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecreep deformation suppressionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the creep suppression function with the existing frame structure by providing a biasing force receiving portion on the frame that can support the transfer unit. This merges the creep prevention function into the existing structural component rather than adding a separate mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is given multiple functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously serves as a biasing force receiving portion that can support the transfer unit to prevent creep deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated creep prevention mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separation member is inserted into a bearing to release belt tension, then creep deformation is suppressed, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecreep deformation suppressionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the creep suppression function with the existing frame structure by providing a biasing force receiving portion on the frame that can support the transfer unit. This merges the creep prevention function into the existing structural component rather than adding a separate mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is given multiple functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously serves as a biasing force receiving portion that can support the transfer unit to prevent creep deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated creep prevention mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a tension release mechanism is provided, then creep deformation is suppressed, but the mechanism may fail to operate at the correct timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecreep deformation suppressionVSAvoidtiming accuracy of tension release

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer unit is designed to automatically rest on the biasing force receiving portion of the frame under its own weight when not in use, without requiring any active control mechanism. This self-service approach ensures the creep suppression function operates automatically at the appropriate timing based on the operational state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 stabilizes the transfer unit, preventing creep deformation efficiently and reducing the risk of ineffective tension release mechanisms, thereby enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the image forming process.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member which biases each of the plurality of transferring members toward the plurality of image bearing members via the intermediate transfer belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the tension roller is held at a position where the tension on the belt is reduced against the biasing force of a spring which imparts the tension to the belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11835890B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members, a transfer unit including an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of transferring members which sandwich the intermediate transfer belt between the plurality of image bearing members and themselves, a biasing member which biases each of the plurality of transferring members toward the plurality of image bearing members via the intermediate transfer belt, and a frame which supports the intermediate transfer belt, the plurality of transferring members, and the biasing member, and an apparatus main body which supports the plurality of image bearing members and the transfer unit. The apparatus main body includes a supporting portion which supports the transfer unit and a biasing force receiving portion of which a position is between the plurality of transferring members in a moving direction of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt and which is capable of supporting the transfer unit.