Intermediate Transfer Belt Tensioning for Shock Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using an intermediate transfer belt, shocks from high-rigidity recording materials can cause transfer failures and image distortion due to contact with the intermediate transfer belt, which existing shock-absorbing configurations may not adequately address, especially when the belt vibrates during rotation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a sheet member between the guide surface and the intermediate transfer belt to increase tension and stabilize the belt surface, combined with specific guide configurations to direct the recording material into areas of high tension, reducing shock propagation and image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shock absorbing plate is positioned close to the transfer nip portion to prevent recording material contact with the intermediate transfer belt, then transfer failures are reduced, but the shock absorbing plate and intermediate transfer belt are likely to come into contact due to belt vibrations causing image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
A tensioning member is introduced as an intermediary element between the shock absorbing plate and the intermediate transfer belt. This tensioning member applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt in the contact area, preventing excessive belt vibration and contact with the shock absorbing plate, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventing transfer failures and avoiding image distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The tension of the intermediate transfer belt is changed in the specific area where it contacts the shock absorbing plate. By applying localized tension through the tensioning member, the belt's physical state is modified to reduce vibrations and prevent harmful contact, thus maintaining both transfer reliability and image quality
2Ease of operation
If the leading end of the recording material is allowed to contact the intermediate transfer belt, then guidance is improved, but impact is propagated to the transfer nip portion causing defective images
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning member acts as a mediator that allows the recording material to contact the intermediate transfer belt for proper guidance while simultaneously preventing the propagation of impact to the transfer nip portion by maintaining belt tension and stability in the contact area
3Manufacturing precision
If the intermediate transfer belt is tensioned to reduce vibrations and prevent contact with the shock absorbing plate, then image distortion is reduced, but the ability to absorb shock from recording material contact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Tension is applied locally to the intermediate transfer belt only in the area where it contacts the shock absorbing plate, rather than tensioning the entire belt. This localized tensioning maintains image quality by reducing vibrations in the critical contact area while preserving the belt's overall ability to absorb shock from recording material contact
Data Source
AI summary
An area in which a sheet member and an intermediate transfer belt are in contact with each other is provided between an intersection between a guide surface of the second guide portion configured to guide a recording material toward the intermediate transfer belt and the intermediate transfer belt and a nip portion.