Intermediate Transfer Belt Meandering Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately correcting meandering of the intermediate transfer belt during non-image forming periods due to static friction and delayed movement of the deviation transfer member, which affects the precision of meandering correction.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a meandering correction mechanism that includes a tension roller with movable end portions and a deviation transfer member, where a controller executes a belt displacement process during non-image forming periods to change the tensile force of the intermediate transfer belt, ensuring precise adjustment of the biasing force applied to the tension roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deviation transfer member relies only on small deviation force during non-image forming period, then the meandering correction mechanism remains simple without sensors, but the deviation transfer member may not move or movement is delayed due to static friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by executing a belt displacement process at predetermined intervals during the non-image forming period. The controller displaces the intermediate transfer belt from the reference position to a displaced position and then returns it, creating periodic motion that generates dynamic forces to overcome static friction and ensure timely movement of the deviation transfer member for accurate meandering correction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the intermediate transfer belt is not displaced during non-image forming period, then energy consumption is reduced, but static friction prevents the deviation transfer member from moving timely
Solution Approach 1:
The system consumes energy periodically rather than continuously by executing belt displacement only at predetermined intervals during non-image forming. This periodic action generates the necessary dynamic forces to overcome static friction and ensure timely deviation transfer member movement, while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tension roller is biased to increase tensile force of the intermediate transfer belt, then meandering is suppressed, but the deviation transfer member may not move when deviation force is small
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic belt displacement process creates dynamic conditions that generate sufficient force to overcome static friction between the deviation transfer member and shaft member. This periodic action ensures reliable movement of the deviation transfer member even when the biasing force creates high tensile force in the intermediate transfer belt for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static state where the intermediate transfer belt remains at the reference position to a dynamic state through periodic displacement. This dynamic approach allows the deviation transfer member to move reliably by generating dynamic forces that overcome static friction, while maintaining belt stability through controlled tensile force adjustments.
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 improves the precision of meandering correction of the intermediate transfer belt during non-image forming periods by facilitating movement of the deviation transfer member and maintaining optimal tensile force, even with small deviation forces, thus stabilizing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The meandering correction mechanism includes a biasing member that applies elastic force to the shaft member so as to bias the tension roller in a direction in which the tensile force of the intermediate transfer belt is increased
Implementation Method 2
when the deviation force is small, there is a risk that the deviation transfer member may not move in the axial direction, or a risk that a moving start timing may be delayed. The reason is that, in conventional image forming apparatuses, the intermediate transfer belt is not displaced from the reference position for a longer time during a non-image forming period as compared to during an image forming period, so that neither the intermediate transfer belt nor the tension roller vibrates and a static friction force may be applied to between the deviation transfer member and a shaft member and the like
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) is equipped with a plurality of photoreceptor drums (31A to 31D), an intermediate transfer belt (41), a separating and contacting mechanisms (20), a tension roller (44), a meandering correction mechanism, and a controller. The separating and contacting mechanism (20) displaces the intermediate transfer belt (41). The meandering correction mechanism increases and decreases a biasing force applied to each of the opposite end portions of the tension roller (44) according to the amount of movement of the intermediate transfer belt (41) in the axial direction (94) of the tension roller (44). The controller, during a non-image forming period, at a predetermined timing during rotation of the intermediate transfer belt (41), executes a belt displacement process in which the intermediate transfer belt (41) is displaced from a predetermined reference position and then returned to the reference position.