Variable transfer assist blade force

摘要

An apparatus for mechanically assisting the transfer of an image from an image bearing member onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a transfer assist blade that forces a substrate toward an image bearing member, a motor, a mechanical assembly for coupling the motor to the transfer assist blade such that motor operation changes the transfer assist blade force, and a controller that controls the motor operation. The controller might receive inputs from a substrate sensor, an operator control panel, and/or a service adjustment. The controller might use those inputs to control the motor operation, and thus the transfer force. Alternatively, the controller might control the transfer force as a result of the operation of the overall machine, such as by changing the transfer force during duplex printing or during the transfer of various color images.