Image forming apparatus

The image forming apparatus uses dual tension rollers to manage tension fluctuations in the endless belt, preventing image distortion by combining a biasing mechanism with a moving mechanism for enhanced tension adjustment.

JP7700582B2Active Publication Date: 2025-07-01FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021137633
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-08-25
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Estimated Expiration
2041-08-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Image distortion occurs in image forming apparatuses due to changes in the tension of an endless belt caused by profile changes or disturbances from contact with members like transfer rollers.

Method used

An image forming apparatus with two tension rollers, a first tension roller applying constant tension via a biasing mechanism and a second tension roller with a moving mechanism that adjusts the belt perimeter, allowing for a larger adjustment range and suppressing tension changes.

Benefits of technology

Suppresses image distortion by effectively managing tension fluctuations in the endless belt, reducing the risk of curling and maintaining stable image transfer.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To reduce disturbance of an image caused by a change in tension of an endless belt compared with a case in which only one tension roller adjusts a peripheral length of the belt and applies tension to the belt.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes: an annular endless belt; a drive roller that has the endless belt wound thereon to move the belt; a first tension roller that has the endless belt moved by the drive roller wound thereon; an urging mechanism including an elastic member that is connected with the first tension roller and applies tension to the endless belt through the first tension roller; a second tension roller that has the endless belt moved by the drive roller wound thereon at a position different from the first tension roller; and a moving mechanism that is connected with the second tension roller and moves the second tension roller in a direction to approach the endless belt and a direction to separate from the endless belt, wherein a range of adjustment of a peripheral length of the endless belt performed by the moving mechanism is larger than the range of adjustment of the peripheral length of the endless belt performed by the urging mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Image forming apparatus

    JP2009139473A

  • Image forming apparatus

    JP2011028059A

  • Image forming device and image forming method

    JP2012133189A

  • Belt device and image forming apparatus

    JP2016153847A