Horizontal Intermediate Transfer Belt Layout for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing the size of the main body due to the constraints imposed by the length of the intermediate transfer belt and the exposure of photosensitive drums to light during maintenance, leading to defective images and increased dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a developing unit with rotatable developing devices, a movable intermediate transfer belt supported by first and second rotation members, and a configuration that allows the intermediate transfer belt to be arranged horizontally, reducing the overall dimensions and preventing light exposure to the photosensitive drum during maintenance by positioning the waste-toner container effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the intermediate transfer belt is arranged obliquely with the photosensitive member above the center, then the apparatus can function properly, but the main body size cannot be decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the photosensitive member below the center of the intermediate transfer belt instead of above the center. This inversion allows the developing unit to be arranged above the photosensitive member, enabling a more compact main body arrangement and reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining proper functional operation
2Device complexity
If the waste-toner container is provided only at the upper portion of the primary-transfer nip portion, then the structure is simple, but light may enter and expose the photosensitive drum causing defective images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the waste-toner container at the lower portion of the primary-transfer nip portion instead of the upper portion. This inverted arrangement, combined with the photosensitive member being positioned below the center, creates a configuration where the waste-toner container effectively blocks light paths that would otherwise reach the photosensitive drum, preventing light exposure and defective images while maintaining structural simplicity
3Volume of moving object
If the intermediate transfer belt is arranged horizontally with optimized positioning, then the main body size is reduced, but the arrangement must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compact main body arrangement by inverting the photosensitive member position to below the center and arranging the intermediate transfer belt horizontally. This configuration, combined with the waste-toner container positioned at the lower portion, creates a space-efficient layout that reduces main body dimensions while the functional relationships between components provide inherent positioning stability
Solution Approach 2:
The lower portion positioning of the waste-toner container serves multiple functions: it blocks light paths to prevent photosensitive drum exposure, maintains proper belt tensioning, and enables compact main body arrangement. This multi-functional positioning reduces the need for additional precision control mechanisms
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 enables a compact design while ensuring efficient image transfer and preventing light exposure, thereby reducing the size of the main body and improving print speed and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a primary transfer member, the primary transfer member and the image bearing member being configured to form a primary transfer portion with the intermediate transfer belt being interposed therebetween; and a secondary transfer member, the secondary transfer member and the second rotation member being configured to form a secondary transfer portion with the intermediate transfer belt being interposed therebetween. A toner image which is formed on the image bearing member by the developing unit is transferred on the intermediate transfer belt at the primary transfer portion, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt is conveyed to the first rotation member and then to the secondary transfer portion, and the toner image is transferred on a recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a substantially horizontally arranged image bearing member; a developing unit, including a plurality of developing devices and supporting the developing devices rotatably relative to the image bearing member; a movable intermediate transfer belt supported by first and second rotation members and facing the developing unit; a primary transfer member forming, together with the image bearing member, a primary transfer portion located near the first rotation member in a moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt, through the intermediate transfer belt; and a secondary transfer member forming, together with the second rotation member, a secondary transfer portion through the intermediate transfer belt. A toner image formed on the image bearing member by the developing unit is transferred on the intermediate transfer belt at the primary transfer portion, and is transferred on a recording material at the secondary transfer portion.