Belt Deviation Control via Roller Inclination in Image Transfer Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transfer units in image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliably controlling belt deviation while preventing changes in transfer nip width, which can lead to image defects due to the tilting of belt-suspending-tensioning components.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a movable endless belt and a deviation control mechanism that adjusts the movement of the belt by inclining the first stretching roller relative to the second stretching roller, using a contacting member that contacts the inner surface of the belt at a specific tangent point to maintain consistent nip width and control belt deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the belt-suspending-tensioning component is tilted to control belt deviation, then the belt deviation control is improved, but the transfer nip width changes causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The belt suspension system is divided into multiple independent suspension components (first and second suspension components) that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows one component to be tilted for belt deviation control while the other remains fixed to maintain transfer nip width consistency, resolving the contradiction between belt deviation control and transfer precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functional properties are assigned to different parts of the suspension system. The first suspension component is designed to be tiltable for active belt deviation control, while the second suspension component is designed to remain fixed to maintain stable transfer nip width. This local differentiation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Manufacturing precision
If the amount of tilting of the belt-suspending-tensioning component is reduced to prevent transfer nip width change, then the transfer precision is improved, but the belt deviation control effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into multiple components with differentiated functions. The first suspension component handles belt deviation control through tilting, while the second suspension component maintains transfer nip stability. This segmentation eliminates the need to compromise either function, as each component is optimized for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-component system where tilting affects both deviation control and nip width, to a multi-component system where the first component operates in the tilting dimension for deviation control, while the second component operates in the positional dimension to maintain constant transfer nip width.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a toner image carrying drum; and an image transfer unit including an endless belt, first and second belt stretching rollers, and an adjusting unit for adjusting belt movement in a widthwise direction by inclining the first roller relative to the second roller. The adjusting unit includes a contacting member provided between the first roller and the drum and contacting with an inner surface of the belt. The contacting member contacts the inner surface of the belt at a position in a drum side across a common internal tangent between the drum and such a portion of a surface of the first roller as is moved closest to the drum by the adjusting unit, the common internal tangent being the one contacting a portion of the drum adjacent to a drum-belt contact position and contacting a portion of the first roller adjacent to a first-roller-belt contact position.