Intermediate Transfer Belt Driving Device Edge Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional belt driving devices for image forming apparatuses experience increased bending and cracking of the fixing belt due to tension, leading to a reduced lifespan, especially with thinner belts.
Innovation Solution
A belt driving device with first and second elastic bodies on the side edge portions of the endless belt and rotating members with tapered sections that regulate meandering and bending, preventing excessive deformation and potential cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fixing belt is stretched over rollers with tension, then the belt can be driven effectively, but the side edge portions bend toward the inner surface reducing belt lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces block bodies as intermediary elements between the belt and rollers. These block bodies are positioned at the side edge portions of the belt and contact the tapered surfaces of the rollers, serving as mediators that regulate belt leaning without requiring excessive tension that would cause bending and cracking.
2Productivity
If thinner belts are used, then productivity is improved, but bending at side edge portions increases causing cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing block bodies specifically at the side edge portions of the belt where bending occurs. These localized reinforcements have different properties (block shape with specific dimensions) compared to the main belt body, providing additional support precisely where needed to prevent cracking in thinner belts.
3Stability of the object's composition
If block bodies are integrated with belt side edges, then leaning is regulated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the belt structure by integrating distinct block bodies at the side edge portions. This segmentation allows the main belt body to remain simple while adding functional elements only where needed, balancing manufacturing ease with positioning stability through modular addition of block components.
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
The solution effectively regulates meandering and maintains bending within a certain amount, preventing cracks and extending the lifespan of the endless belt.
Implementation Method 1
first and second tapered sections each having a tapered form with a width decreasing from inside toward outside with respect to the axial direction and coming into contact with the first and second elastic bodies provided on the endless belt, respectively, so as to regulate meandering of the endless belt
Implementation Method 2
first and second bottom receiving sections provided at respective outsides of the first and second tapered sections with respect to the axial direction and having a shape thicker than respective outer ends of the first and second tapered sections, so as to keep bending of the endless belt within a certain amount
Data Source
AI summary
In an intermediate transfer belt unit, elastic bodies are provided on respective inner circumferences of side edge portions of an intermediate transfer belt along with the circumferential direction. Rotating members are attached to respective opposite ends of a follower roller rotatably and concentrically with the follower roller, so as to face respective elastic bodies of the intermediate transfer belt. Each of the rotating members is composed of a tapered section, a bottom receiving section to keep bending of the intermediate transfer belt within a certain amount, a small diameter section forming an escape groove for receiving the elastic body of the intermediate transfer belt, and a large diameter section.