Intermediate Transfer Belt Stacking for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently forming multicolor images using intermediate transfer belts, as they often require complex configurations and struggle with maintaining image transfer quality and reducing dead spaces between transfer belts.
Innovation Solution
The proposed image forming apparatus employs a configuration with a transport belt and two intermediate transfer belts that sandwich the recording medium at different transfer positions, reducing the distance between them to enhance image transfer efficiency and reduce dead spaces, allowing for improved multicolor image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple intermediate transfer belts are used for multicolor image formation, then image quality and color variety are improved, but device complexity and dead spaces between belts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple intermediate transfer belts (first, second, and third intermediate transfer belts) into a single integrated system that shares common structural support and operates in coordination. The belts are arranged to form overlapping sandwich regions with the transport belt, merging their functions into a unified multicolor image formation system rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the intermediate transfer belts in the vertical direction (up-down direction) rather than horizontally, creating a stacked configuration where the first, second, and third intermediate transfer belts are positioned at different vertical levels. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal footprint and minimizes dead spaces between belts while maintaining all necessary transfer functions.
2Productivity
If intermediate transfer belts are positioned closer together to reduce dead spaces, then transfer efficiency is improved, but image separation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image transfer process into distinct segmented regions: a first sandwich region where the first intermediate transfer belt transfers image to the transport belt, a second sandwich region where the second intermediate transfer belt transfers additional image, and a third sandwich region where the third intermediate transfer belt completes the transfer. Each region is spatially separated and functionally independent, allowing close positioning without causing image separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport belt serves as an intermediary carrier that receives toner images from the first intermediate transfer belt and subsequently accepts additional toner images from the second and third intermediate transfer belts. This intermediary role of the transport belt isolates the image transfer processes, preventing direct interference between multiple intermediate transfer belts while maintaining high transfer efficiency through close positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a transport belt, a first intermediate transfer belt, and a second intermediate transfer belt. The transport belt is disposed along a transport path extending in a vertical direction. The transport belt is configured to transport a recording medium while coming into contact with one surface of the recording medium. The first intermediate transfer belt is configured to sandwich the recording medium together with the transport belt. An image is transferred from the first intermediate transfer belt to the recording medium. The second intermediate transfer belt is disposed above the first intermediate transfer belt. The second intermediate transfer belt is configured to sandwich, together with the transport belt, the recording medium which is in a state where the recording medium is sandwiched between the first intermediate transfer belt and the transport belt. An image being transferred from the second intermediate transfer belt to the recording medium.