JP4013982B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus represented by a copying machine, a printer, a multi-function machine, and the like using an intermediate transfer belt, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus in which a mechanism related to the intermediate transfer belt is improved.

  In recent years, an intermediate transfer method may be employed in a color image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic color copying machine or a color printer. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a color image forming apparatus employing this intermediate transfer system transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier 100 such as a photosensitive drum to a drum-shaped intermediate transfer member 200 (FIG. The toner image after the primary transfer to the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 300 (b in FIG. 1B) sequentially or collectively and the primary transfer to the intermediate transfer bodies 200 and 300 is secondarily transferred to the transfer material 400 such as a recording sheet. By transferring, a color image or the like is formed. In this case, an image forming apparatus of a type that sequentially forms a toner image of each color component using the single image carrier 100 and a toner image of each color component using a plurality of image carriers 100. There is an image forming apparatus of a type that is distributed and formed by each image carrier.

  However, in the color image forming apparatus using such drum-shaped or belt-shaped intermediate transfer bodies 200 and 300, the intermediate transfer body 200 is compared with an image forming apparatus of a type that does not use the intermediate transfer body. , 300, the height (dimensions) of the device is increased, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the device.

Among these, the image forming apparatus using the drum-shaped intermediate transfer body 200 is a drum in which a plurality of image carriers can be disposed, particularly in the case where the plurality of image carriers 100 are disposed around the intermediate transfer body 200. Since it is necessary to set the diameter of the drum to be large to some extent in order to secure a peripheral surface area, the height dimension H ₂₀₀ of the entire intermediate transfer drum 200 tends to increase, thereby reducing the height of the apparatus. Difficult to do.

In many image forming apparatuses using the belt-shaped intermediate transfer body 300, the intermediate transfer belt 300 is stretched around at least three rolls 310, 320, and 330 so as to correspond to, for example, each vertex of the inverted triangle. Among the three rolls arranged on the roll, the roll 330 arranged on the lower side is used as a backup roll at the time of secondary transfer and constitutes a part of the secondary transfer portion, so that it is stretched around the roll. The dimension H ₃₀₀ in the height direction of the entire intermediate transfer belt 300 in the state is increased, and it is difficult to reduce the apparatus height.

In order to prevent the slip of the intermediate transfer belt by increasing the grip force of the drive roll, the applicant of the present application first, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer periphery of the intermediate transfer belt 300 between the two rotating rolls 350 and 360 An image forming apparatus in which a driving roll 370 is disposed so as to be pressed from the surface is proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-260590, etc.). However, in this case, since it is necessary to dispose at least three rolls 350, 370, and 360 at intervals in the vertical direction, the dimension in the height direction of the entire intermediate transfer belt 300 stretched around the rolls. H ₃₀₀ must be large, and it is difficult to reduce the height of the device. Further, since the driving roll 370 contacts the outer peripheral surface that is the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 300, there is a problem that the surface of the roll is soiled with toner or the like, or the belt outer peripheral surface is damaged.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to reduce the dimension in the height direction of the entire intermediate transfer belt stretched on the roll as much as possible without impairing the original performance required for the intermediate transfer belt, Consequently, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including an intermediate transfer belt that can contribute to a reduction in the height of the entire apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object is an endless belt that conveys a toner image formed on an image carrier until the toner image is secondarily transferred to a transfer material after the toner image is primarily transferred. The intermediate transfer belt is installed so that it is stretched around at least two main rolls and rotates in a certain direction, and the longitudinal direction of the entire stretched belt is substantially horizontal in the apparatus main body. And one of the two main rolls is used as a secondary transfer backup roll, and the secondary transfer roll is placed at a position facing the backup roll so as to press the intermediate transfer belt against the secondary transfer backup roll. A secondary transfer portion provided with a transfer roll, a fixing device disposed above the secondary transfer portion, and a horizontal arrangement above the intermediate transfer belt A plurality of toner cartridges to be placed, a transfer material discharge and storage portion disposed above the plurality of toner cartridges, a transfer material storage tray disposed below the intermediate transfer belt, and the storage A transfer path of the transfer material arranged so that the transfer material sent out from the tray passes through the secondary transfer portion and is transferred to the fixing device in a state of approaching one side surface of the apparatus main body; and the intermediate The transfer belt is disposed so as to support the belt inner peripheral surface side at a position closest to the upstream side of the belt rotation direction with respect to the secondary transfer backup roll of the transfer belt so as to determine the belt entry angle to the secondary transfer portion. It is characterized by having a pre-roll. In this case, when an intermediate transfer belt is used that has a rib formed on at least one side end and rotates while the rib is regulated by the end surface of the main roll, the intermediate transfer belt on which the rib is formed is used. It is preferable to reduce the number of rolls that stretch the belt as much as possible.

  In this image forming apparatus, since the intermediate transfer belt is stretched around at least two main rolls, the entire belt is flattened, and thus the height dimension is small. Since the intermediate transfer belt having such a flat shape and a small size in the height direction is arranged in a state where the longitudinal direction thereof is almost horizontal in the apparatus main body, the height of the apparatus is increased by providing the intermediate transfer belt. Minutes are reduced as much as possible. Further, since the wrap angle of the intermediate transfer belt with the backup roll becomes large, the material to be transferred that is supplied in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt stretched around the roll during the secondary transfer is the belt. It becomes easy to peel from the outer peripheral surface.

  In addition, in this image forming apparatus, with reference to the intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer unit, a fixing device, a plurality of toner cartridges, a transfer material discharge storage unit, a transfer material storage tray, and a transfer material Are arranged in the positional relationship and state as described above, and as described above, the whole is flattened and has one end of the intermediate transfer belt having a small size in the height direction and the upper side thereof. The secondary transfer unit, fixing device, multiple toner cartridges, discharge storage unit, storage tray, and transport path are reasonably arranged for the lower part, which also suppresses the increase in device height. Be able to.

  In particular, a secondary transfer roll is arranged by placing a secondary transfer roll on one end side (the side with the secondary transfer backup roll) in the longitudinal direction of an intermediate transfer belt that is flat and has a small height dimension. Therefore, for example, an increase in the height of the apparatus can be suppressed as compared with the case where the secondary transfer unit is disposed above or below in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate transfer belt. In addition, since a plurality of cartridges are arranged in the horizontal direction above the intermediate transfer belt, for example, a part or all of the plurality of cartridges is arranged in a direction other than the horizontal direction such as the vertical direction. , Increase in device height is suppressed. Further, the transfer material is disposed so that the transfer material passes through the secondary transfer portion and is conveyed to the fixing device in a state where the transfer material is close to one side surface of the apparatus main body. Is transported in the vertical direction along one side of the main body of the device, so that it is not necessary to secure a space for transporting the transfer material horizontally in the main body of the device, and the height of the device is increased accordingly. Is suppressed. In addition, since the transport path is arranged in a state of approaching one side surface of the apparatus main body, the space along the side surface of the apparatus main body is effectively used without being wasted.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, since the pre-roll is disposed at the position as described above, the housing disposed below the intermediate transfer belt is suppressed while suppressing an increase in the height dimension of the intermediate transfer belt. The entrance angle of the intermediate transfer belt to the secondary transfer portion can be appropriately determined in accordance with the state of the transfer material that is fed from the tray and conveyed to the secondary transfer portion through the conveyance path. Even if the intermediate transfer belt fluctuates before it reaches the secondary transfer part (such as when it occurs naturally due to belt rotation or when adjusting the deflection of a nearby tension roll), Since a constant state is maintained without being affected by the fluctuation, the secondary transfer can be performed satisfactorily and stably.

  In the image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the main roll is a roll having a diameter larger than that of the other rolls. When configured in this way, since the other rolls such as the pre-roll are rolls having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the main roll, other rolls other than the main roll are arranged. It is easy to arrange the rolls so as to suppress the increase in the height of the intermediate transfer belt, and when the other rolls are pre-rolls, the entrance angle of the intermediate transfer belt to the secondary transfer portion can be adjusted. It becomes easy to do.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the other main roll, which is not the secondary transfer backup roll, is used as a drive roll for transmitting rotational power to the intermediate transfer belt, and at the same time, the entire roll is displaced to provide an intermediate transfer belt. It is good to comprise so that it may be used as a steering roll which correct | amends the driving | running | working shift | offset | difference to the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the rotation driving of the intermediate transfer belt and the correction of the running deviation in the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction are performed by only one main roll. In addition, since the wrap angle of the intermediate transfer belt with the drive roll is increased, the grip force is increased and the rotational power of the drive roll is accurately transmitted to the intermediate transfer belt. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt rotates accurately and stably. To come. Furthermore, since the wrap angle of the intermediate transfer belt with the steering roll is also increased, the intermediate transfer belt is displaced quickly with respect to the steering operation, and the correction sensitivity is improved.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, at least two belt surfaces that support the intermediate transfer belt from the inner peripheral surface side between the drive roll and the secondary transfer backup roll and that contact the image carrier are determined. It is good to comprise so that the auxiliary roll of a book may be arrange | positioned. The at least two auxiliary rolls are preferably rolls having a smaller roll diameter than the two main rolls (drive roll and secondary transfer backup roll). The auxiliary roll is preferably disposed at a position that supports an intermediate transfer belt region downstream of the drive roll in the belt rotation direction and upstream of the backup roll in the belt rotation direction.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the belt surface with which the image carrier abuts is determined between at least two auxiliary rolls. As a result, the belt surface is positioned between at least two auxiliary rolls, so that the belt surface is not displaced (varied) by the steering operation of the steering roll (drive roll). In particular, when a plurality of image carriers are provided, the contact state of each image carrier with the intermediate transfer belt is the same.

  In the image forming apparatus in which the at least two auxiliary rolls are disposed, one of the at least two auxiliary rolls disposed on both ends is applied with tension to the intermediate transfer belt. It is configured to be used as a tension roll that adjusts the deflection of the intermediate transfer belt by displacing the roll within a reference surface (surface parallel to the belt surface) having the same positional relationship as the belt surface with which the image carrier abuts. Good.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as above, the deflection of the intermediate transfer belt is adjusted by displacing the tension roll within the reference plane having the same positional relationship as the belt surface with which the image carrier abuts. At the time of this deflection adjustment, the tension roll is displaced within the reference plane, so that the belt surface with which the image carrier abuts is not displaced with the displacement of the roll (between the tension roll and another auxiliary roll). (In the state of being supported).

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus in which the at least two auxiliary rolls are arranged, three or more auxiliary rolls are arranged, and one of the auxiliary rolls arranged on both ends is given tension to the intermediate transfer belt. In addition, the roll may be used as a tension roll that adjusts the deflection of the intermediate transfer belt by displacing the roll in a direction to increase or decrease the pressing force on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt. In this case, the image carrier is not brought into contact with the belt surface between the tension roll and the auxiliary roll adjacent to the roll.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the deflection of the intermediate transfer belt is adjusted by displacing the tension roll in a direction to increase or decrease the pressing force to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt. Further, a belt surface with which the image carrier abuts between two or more auxiliary rolls other than the tension roll on one end side is determined. As a result, the belt surface is always located between at least two auxiliary rolls in which no tension roll is present, so that the tension roll contacts the image carrier as in the case of the fourth image forming apparatus. Even if it is not configured to be displaced within the reference plane having the same positional relationship as the belt surface, it is not displaced (fluctuated) by being affected by the operation during the deflection adjustment of the tension roll.

  Further, in each image forming apparatus configured to use one of the auxiliary rolls as a tension roll, the auxiliary roll disposed on the end side which is the secondary transfer backup roll side is used as the tension roll. It is good to configure.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, since the tension roll is located downstream of the belt surface serving as the primary transfer portion with which the image carrier contacts, the rotation (movement) of the belt surface serving as the primary transfer portion. The speed is not affected and fluctuated by the operation when adjusting the deflection of the tension roll, and is kept constant.

  In the image forming apparatus, the pre-roll for supporting the intermediate transfer belt from the inner peripheral surface side between the secondary transfer backup roll and the tension roll and determining the belt entry angle to the secondary transfer portion is provided. It is good to comprise so that it may arrange. The pre-roll in this case also corresponds to the pre-roll described above.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the belt entrance angle to the secondary transfer portion of the intermediate transfer belt is always kept constant due to the presence of the pre-roll, for example, even when there is an operation when adjusting the deflection of the tension roll. Therefore, the secondary transfer portion can be kept in a stable state and good secondary transfer is possible.

  The image carrier is a drum-like or belt-like photoreceptor or dielectric. Further, the number may be singular or plural, but the present invention is particularly effective in the case of plural.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the intermediate transfer belt is arranged in a substantially horizontal state in the apparatus body in a state where the intermediate transfer belt is stretched so as to be elongated and flat by a main roll or the like. As a result, the height dimension of the entire intermediate transfer belt stretched around the roll is suppressed as much as possible, and the increase in device height due to the provision of the intermediate transfer belt is minimized. can do. In addition, the secondary transfer unit, the fixing device, and the plurality of toner cartridges are arranged based on the intermediate transfer belt that is disposed in a substantially horizontal state in the apparatus main body and can minimize the increase in the apparatus height. The transfer material discharge container, the transfer material storage tray, and the transfer material conveyance path are arranged in the above-described positional relationship and state, respectively, and this also increases the height of the apparatus. It will be suppressed. As a result, although the image forming apparatus employs the intermediate transfer method, the overall height of the apparatus can be reduced. In addition, since the pre-roll is arranged with respect to the intermediate transfer belt, the conveyance path is fed out from the storage tray arranged below the intermediate transfer belt while suppressing an increase in the height dimension of the intermediate transfer belt. Thus, the approach angle of the intermediate transfer belt to the secondary transfer portion is appropriately determined according to the state of the transfer material conveyed to the secondary transfer portion. The intermediate transfer belt rotates in a flat state as described above, and an auxiliary roll and a functional roll are appropriately disposed on the belt, so that the intermediate transfer belt rotates extremely stably. A good intermediate transfer operation is performed without impairing the original performance required for the belt.

[Embodiment 1]
1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the intermediate transfer belt mechanism employ | adopted.

  The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment has four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) that are individually formed by four image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. The toner image is primarily transferred so as to be superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 of the intermediate transfer mechanism 20, and then secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the recording sheet P as a transfer material, so-called. A color image forming apparatus capable of forming a full color image. This apparatus can also form a black and white image by operating only the black image forming unit 10K among the four image forming units.

  First, each of the image forming units 10 forms the toner images of the four colors described above by an electrophotographic process, and is in a state of being horizontally spaced at a substantially central portion of the image forming apparatus main body 1. It is arranged. Each image forming unit 10 basically has a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier that is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed, and a charging roll device 12 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Then, a latent image forming apparatus 13 that forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing a light image corresponding to image information to the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 11 and development that develops the electrostatic latent image with a toner of a predetermined color. Similarly, a device 14, a transfer roll device 15 that transfers a toner image formed by development onto the intermediate transfer belt 21, and a drum cleaner 16 that cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 are provided.

  Among these, the latent image forming apparatus 13 emits laser beams LB-Y, LB-M, LB-C, and LB-K emitted from four semiconductor lasers (not shown) according to image signals separated for each color according to predetermined optical signals. After irradiating the rotary polygon mirror 17 through the system and performing deflection scanning, scanning exposure is performed obliquely from below on each of the opposing photosensitive drums 11 through a plurality of reflection mirrors (not shown). Reference numeral 18 in the drawing denotes a transparent window for transmitting and emitting each laser beam LB from the housing sealed box 13a of the latent image forming apparatus. Each of the developing devices 14 stores a plurality of toner cartridges 19Y, 19M, 19C, which accommodate corresponding toners (developers) and are arranged in the horizontal direction above the intermediate transfer belt 21. The toner is supplied from a toner supply device (not shown) from 19K. Further, a primary transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 is applied to the transfer roll device 15 from a bias power source (not shown).

  In each of the image forming units 10, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 rotating in the arrow direction A is uniformly charged by the charging roll device 12, and then the color separation is performed on the charged surface from the latent image forming device 13. The electrostatic latent image is written by scanning exposure with the laser beam LB corresponding to the image signal, and then the latent image is developed with each color toner supplied from the developing device 14 to become a toner image. Finally, the toner image is electrostatically and sequentially transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 passing between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roll device 15. Further, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after the transfer is cleaned by a blade of a drum cleaner 16 or the like.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 has an endless intermediate transfer belt 21 that is elongated into a secondary transfer backup roll 22 and a drive roll 23 as main rolls. While being stretched so as to have a flat shape, it is supported from the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 21 between the backup roll 22 and the drive roll 23 and at a position in the vicinity of each roll 22, 23. Each of the image forming units 10 is stretched around a first idler roll 24, a second idler roll 25 and a tension roll 26 as three auxiliary rolls arranged so as to determine the belt surface with which the photosensitive drum 11 abuts. Rotation travels in the direction of arrow B by the rotational power of the drive roll 23.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 includes an intermediate transfer belt 21 stretched between the rolls 22 to 26 so as to be flat as described above. 1 is arranged so that the belt surface between the first idle 24 and the second idler roll 25 can come into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 of each image forming unit 10. In addition, the transfer roll device 15 is disposed at a position on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 facing the photosensitive drum 11 so that the belt 21 is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 11. Thus, each primary transfer portion is configured. Further, a secondary transfer roll 30 that presses the intermediate transfer belt 21 against the roll 22 is disposed at a position facing the backup roll 22, and a belt 21 from a bias power source (not shown) is provided on the peripheral surface of the backup roll 22. The power supply roll 31 to which a secondary transfer bias having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the upper toner image is supplied is disposed so as to be in direct contact with each other, thereby forming a secondary transfer unit 34.

  In the intermediate transfer mechanism 20, as shown in FIG. 1 or 2, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is supported between the tension roll 26 and the backup roll 22 from the inner peripheral surface thereof, and the secondary transfer of the belt is performed. A pre-roll 27 for determining the approach angle to the section is provided. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 32 denotes a sheet conveyance guide that guides the direction in which the recording sheet P enters the secondary transfer portion 34, 35 denotes a belt cleaner (35 a is a cleaning blade) that cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21, 36. Is a roll cleaner (36a is a cleaning blade) for cleaning the surface of the secondary transfer roll 30, 37 is a belt home position detecting device for detecting a belt home mark formed on a side end of the intermediate transfer belt 21, and 38 is an intermediate. This is a belt walk detection device that detects a deviation (deviation or meandering) in a direction perpendicular to the belt rotation direction B of the belt edge (one side end) position of the transfer belt 21.

  The toner image (multiple) transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 of the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 is transferred to the secondary transfer roll 30 that faces the backup roll 22 as the belt 21 rotates. It is conveyed to the next transfer unit 34. Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is sent out from the storage tray 40 in accordance with the image formation and secondary transfer timing of the toner image, and then passes through the sheet conveyance path 44 where the roll 41, the resist roll 42, and the like are arranged. The recording sheet P having a predetermined size conveyed to the transfer unit 34 (between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the secondary transfer roll 30) is electrostatically secondary transferred. A one-dot chain line in FIG. 1 indicates a conveyance path of the recording sheet P. The storage tray 40 is installed below the intermediate transfer belt 21. Further, the sheet conveying path 44 is conveyed to the fixing device 45 described later after passing through the secondary transfer portion 34 with the recording sheet P sent out from the storage tray 40 approaching one side surface 1a of the apparatus main body 1. It is arranged so that.

  Subsequently, the recording sheet P on which the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 21 is naturally peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 portion in the secondary transfer portion, and is then placed above the secondary transfer portion 34. In the fixing device 45, the toner image is sent to pass through the nip portion between the heating roll 46 and the pressure roll 47, and the toner image is heat-fixed. 19 (Y, M, C, K) is discharged to the sheet discharge accommodating portion 1b) formed in the apparatus main body 1 above. Through the above process, a color image is formed on the recording sheet P. The fixing device 45 is arranged above the intermediate transfer belt 21 in a state of being aligned horizontally with the plurality of toner cartridges 19 (Y, M, C, K).

  In this image forming apparatus, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is mainly stretched around the backup roll 22 and the drive roll 23 and supported by the three auxiliary rolls 24 to 26 so as to slightly swell downward. However, as described above, the shape is elongated and flat, and the dimension E in the height direction is extremely small. In addition, since the intermediate transfer belt 21 stretched in such a flat shape is disposed so that the longitudinal direction thereof is substantially horizontal in the image forming apparatus main body 1, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is attached to the intermediate transfer belt 21. The increase in the height of the apparatus main body 1 due to the arrangement is extremely small. As a result, even if the image forming apparatus employs the intermediate transfer mechanism 20, the height of the apparatus can be made as low as possible.

  Further, in such an intermediate transfer belt 21, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the wrap angle β of the belt 21 with the backup roll 22 becomes large, so that the recording sheet P after the secondary transfer has its secondary transfer portion. 34 is naturally peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 21 portion 34 (the portion stretched around the backup roll 22). Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a peeling auxiliary component such as a peeling claw for assisting the separation of the recording sheet P from the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the secondary transfer portion of the intermediate transfer mechanism 20, and as a result, Therefore, it is not necessary to secure an installation space for this, and accordingly, an increase in the height dimension E of the intermediate transfer belt 21 can be suppressed. Further, the cost can be reduced by not providing the peeling auxiliary component.

  In addition, in this image forming apparatus, with reference to the intermediate transfer belt 21, the secondary transfer unit 34, the fixing device 45, the plurality of toner cartridges 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K, the sheet discharge storage unit 1b for the recording sheet P, Since the storage tray 40 for the recording sheet P and the conveyance path 44 for the recording sheet P are arranged in the above-described positional relationship and state, respectively, the entire configuration becomes flat as described above, and the height dimension E thereof. The secondary transfer unit 34, the fixing device 45, the plurality of toner cartridges 19 (Y, M, C, K), and the sheet discharge / accommodation are provided at one end portion of the intermediate transfer belt 21 with a small size and on the upper and lower portions thereof The portion 1b, the sheet storage tray 40, and the sheet conveyance path 44 are in a rationally arranged state, and this also suppresses an increase in the apparatus height. It is possible to reduce the height of the 置全 body.

  In particular, a secondary transfer portion 34 in which a secondary transfer roll 30 is disposed on one end side (the side where the backup roll 22 is present) in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 that is flat and has a small height dimension E is disposed. Therefore, for example, the height of the entire apparatus can be reduced as compared with the case where the secondary transfer portion is disposed above or below in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Further, since the plurality of cartridges 19 (Y, M, C, K) are arranged in the horizontal direction above the intermediate transfer belt 21, for example, a part or all of the plurality of cartridges is arranged in a horizontal direction such as a vertical direction. It is possible to reduce the overall height of the device as compared to the case where the devices are arranged side by side. Further, since the sheet conveying path 44 is disposed so as to pass the secondary transfer unit 34 to the fixing device 45 in a state where the recording sheet P is brought close to one side surface 1a of the apparatus main body, the recording sheet P Is conveyed in a substantially vertical direction along one side surface 1a of the apparatus main body, and it is not necessary to secure a space for conveying the recording sheet P in the horizontal direction in the apparatus main body 1. It becomes possible to reduce the height.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, the fixing device 45 is arranged above the intermediate transfer belt 21 in a state of being aligned horizontally with the plurality of toner cartridges 19 (Y, M, C, K). As described above, the fixing device 45 and the plurality of toner cartridges are disposed above the intermediate transfer belt 21 with reference to the intermediate transfer belt 21 installed so that the longitudinal direction of the entire belt is substantially horizontal in the apparatus main body 1. 19 (Y, M, C, K) are arranged in a state of being aligned in the horizontal direction, and this can also reduce the height of the entire apparatus.

  In the intermediate transfer mechanism 20, as shown in FIG. 3, the running state of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is adjusted by displacing (steering operation) one end portion of the drive roll 23 in a fixed adjustment direction J, K. A steering mechanism 50 is provided. Accordingly, the drive roll 23 is also used as a steering roll.

  That is, in the drive roll 23 that is also used as a steering roll, the roll shaft 23b that protrudes from both ends of the roll body 23a can freely rotate on the drive roll unit housing 51 with the steering mechanism 50 via the bearings 52a and 52b. It is supported by. The drive roll unit housing 51 is pivotally supported by a bracket 50a swingable on the fixed frame 1a of the apparatus body 1 at a lower position on one end side in the roll axis direction, and at a position on the other end side. It is supported by a steering mechanism 50 described later. The drive roll 23 is rotated by the rotational power of the drive motor 53 transmitted through a gear train in which the drive gear 54 attached to the output shaft of the drive motor 53 and the passive gear 55 attached to the roll shaft 23b mesh. It is like that. Further, the rotational speed of the drive roll 23 is detected by a rotational speed detection mechanism such as a rotary encoder (not shown) attached to the roll shaft 23b, and the rotational state of the drive motor 53 is feedback-controlled based on the detected information. As a result, it rotates stably at a predetermined speed.

The steering mechanism 50 includes a steering motor 56 such as a stepping motor, an eccentric cam 57 attached to an output shaft 56a of the motor 56, and a shaft from the side of the unit housing 51 so that the eccentric cam 57 comes into contact. And a cam follower 59 attached to a support shaft 58 protruding in the direction. Then, the eccentric cam 57 is rotated by the angle θ in the ± direction from the reference position X ₀ (θ = 0 °) by the driving force of the steering motor 56, whereby a constant cam displacement amount is obtained. The drive roll unit housing 51, and thus the drive roll 23, are displaced in adjustment directions J and K corresponding to the vertical direction by a distance corresponding to the amount. The steering mechanism 50 is connected to a control unit (not shown), and the home mark detection information and belt of the intermediate transfer belt 21 obtained by the belt home detection device 37 and the belt walk detection device 38 by the control unit. After the amount of walking (meandering) of the belt 21 based on the edge detection information is calculated, the amount of steering (angle ± α) of the steering mechanism 50 is obtained from the amount of walking, and the motor according to the steering angle ± α. 56 is actuated.

  By operating the steering mechanism 50 in this way, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the eccentric cam 57 attached to the motor 56 rotates by an angle ± θ corresponding to the angle ± α. The one end side of the drive roll unit housing 51, which is supported on one side, and thus the drive roll 23, is displaced in one of the adjustment directions J and K. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 21 moves along the roll axis toward the end portion where the drive roll 23 is in a relatively high state, and is thereby returned to the reference position of the intermediate transfer belt 21 to shift the belt running state. Minutes are corrected.

  In the intermediate transfer belt 21, the driving roll 23 is also used as a steering roll by the steering mechanism 50, and therefore, the height dimension E of the belt 21 is set as compared with, for example, a case where the steering mechanism is provided separately and independently. In addition to being able to keep it low, costs can also be kept down.

  Further, in the intermediate transfer belt 21, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the wrap angle γ with the drive roll (steering roll) 23 of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is increased, so that the grip force is increased and the rotational power of the drive roll 23 is increased. Is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 accurately, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 rotates accurately and stably, whereby multiple transfer is performed so that the plurality of photosensitive drums 11 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 21. The alignment of the toner image can be performed well. In addition, since the wrap angle γ is increased, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is quickly displaced with respect to the steering operation, and the correction sensitivity of the belt running deviation is improved, whereby the intermediate transfer belt 21 is rotated. Since the toner image rotates normally without being deviated in a direction perpendicular to the direction B, the alignment of the toner images to be multiplex-transferred as described above can be performed well.

  Further, in the intermediate transfer belt 21, the first idler roll 24 and the second idler roll 25 are arranged in such a manner that the belt surface 21 a of the intermediate transfer belt 21 with which the photosensitive drum 11 of each image forming unit 10 abuts is sandwiched. Thus, the belt surface 21a is determined. As a result, for example, even when one end side of the drive roll 23 is displaced in any of the adjustment directions J and K by the steering operation described above, as shown in FIG. The displacement of the transfer belt 21 (the state indicated by the dotted line) is absorbed between the backup roll 22 and the first idler roll 24. For this reason, particularly between the first idler roll 24 and the second idler roll 25. The belt surface 21a determined by the above will not be displaced. As a result, the conditions of the primary transfer portions (the contact state between the photosensitive drum 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 21 etc.) of the plurality of photosensitive drums 11 are all kept the same. Can be carried out well and stably.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5a, the tension roll 26 in the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 21 by an arrow M from the inner peripheral surface side by a tension applying mechanism 60 configured using a conventionally known spring member or the like. The supporting structure continues to apply a predetermined tension toward the direction. Moreover, the tension roll 26 adjusts the degree of deflection of the intermediate transfer belt 21, so that one end side of the roll shaft 26b to which the roll body 26a is fixed is one support of the tension applying mechanism 60, as shown in FIG. 5b. The arm 61 is supported by a spherical bearing 63 so as to be rotatable and tiltable, and the other end side of the roll shaft 26 b is rotatable by a bearing 64 with respect to the other support arm 62 of the tension applying mechanism 60 and an arrow M. , N is supported so as to be displaceable in the N direction.

The displacement mechanism of the tension roll 26 basically has substantially the same structure as the steering mechanism 50. As shown in FIG. 5b, a tension correcting motor 65 such as a stepping motor and an output shaft 65a of the motor 65 are provided. And an cam cam 67 attached to the roll shaft 26b so that the eccentric cam 66 comes into contact therewith. As in the case of the steering mechanism 50, the eccentric cam 66 rotates by an angle θ in the ± direction from the reference position X ₀ (θ = 0 °) (see FIG. 3c), thereby obtaining a constant cam displacement. As a result, the roll shaft 26b and thus the tension roll 26 are displaced in the deflection adjustment directions M and N by a distance corresponding to the cam displacement amount.

Such tension roll 26, along with the slack is turned so that a uniformly stretched without across the intermediate transfer by applying a predetermined tension to the belt 21 a belt 21 a plurality of rolls, the arrow M, By displacing in the N direction, the pressing force to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is adjusted to adjust the degree of bending of the belt. The tension roll 26 is provided with a belt end regulating mechanism 70 for suppressing the meandering travel of the intermediate transfer belt 21. The belt end restricting mechanism 70 includes a donut disk-shaped restricting plate 71 that is loosely fitted to the roll shaft 26b so that the belt end abuts and restricts the end position, and the restricting plate 71 is connected to the roll shaft 26b. In order to support it so that it can be displaced easily and elastically in the axial direction, it is constituted by a spring 72 having one end fixed to the restricting plate 71 and the other end fixed to the support arm 61. Reference numeral 73 is a stopper for stopping the restricting plate 71 at the maximum movement allowable position.

  In the intermediate transfer mechanism 20, the auxiliary roll 26 disposed on the end side near the backup roll 22 among the three auxiliary rolls 24 to 26 is configured as the tension roll as described above (FIG. 2). Even when the tension correction operation (displacement operation in the directions of arrows M and N) by the roll 26 is performed, the displacement of the intermediate transfer belt 21 accompanying the displacement of the tension roll 26 as shown in FIG. (The state indicated by the dotted line) is absorbed between the second idler roll 25 and the pre-roll 27 (or the backup roll 22 in the absence of this roll 27). The belt surface 21a with which the photosensitive drum 11 determined between the second idler rolls 25 abuts is not displaced. As a result, the conditions of the respective primary transfer portions in the plurality of photosensitive drums 11 are all kept the same, so that the primary transfer in each of the primary transfer portions is performed satisfactorily and stably.

  In the intermediate transfer mechanism 20, the pre-roll 27 is provided between the tension roll 26 and the backup roll 22 as described above, so that the secondary transfer section 34 of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is provided as shown in FIG. To the secondary transfer portion of the recording sheet P fed from the sheet storage tray 40 disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 21 is determined. As a result, for example, even when the operation of adjusting the deflection of the tension roll 26 as described above is performed, the displacement of the intermediate transfer belt 21 accompanying the displacement of the tension roll 26 (state indicated by a dotted line) as shown in FIG. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 21 that passes through the pre-roll 27 and enters the secondary transfer portion 34 is always in a constant state without being affected by the displacement of the tension roll 26. To be kept. As a result, since the situation (entrance angle δ) of the secondary transfer portion is constant, the secondary transfer described above is performed satisfactorily and stably.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the increase in the apparatus height due to the provision of the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 is extremely small, and the apparatus height can be lowered despite the use of the intermediate transfer system. Is possible. In addition, the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 corrects the running deviation of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and adjusts the degree of deflection to ensure a stable rotation without slack, and the photosensitive transfer in the intermediate transfer belt 21 by the correction operation and adjustment operation. Since the contact belt surface with the drum 11 does not fluctuate, even when a full-color image is formed, there is no image quality defect such as color misregistration or color unevenness due to the poor running state of the intermediate transfer belt 21. A quality color image is obtained.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 8 shows the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the first idler roll 24 and the tension roll 28 are provided as auxiliary rolls of the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 according to the first embodiment, and the tension roll 28 is supported between the rolls 24. The first embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that it is displaced in the directions of arrows Q and R within a reference surface S (two-dot chain line) having the same positional relationship as the belt surface (belt surface with which the photosensitive drum 11 abuts) 21a. The image forming apparatus has the same configuration.

  The displacement mechanism of the tension roll 28 in the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 can basically adopt the same structure as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 5b), and the only displacement direction is the directions of arrows Q and R. Change it. The tension roll 28 is supported by a tension applying mechanism 60 in the same manner as the tension roll 26 of the first embodiment, so that a predetermined tension is continuously applied to the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  In the intermediate transfer mechanism 20 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the deflection of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is adjusted by the tension roll 28 being displaced in the directions of arrows Q and R along the reference surface S. The At the time of this deflection adjustment, the tension roll 28 is displaced within the reference plane S. Therefore, the belt surface 21a with which the photosensitive drum 11 abuts is not displaced in the vertical direction or the like with the displacement of the roll. It is kept constant while being supported between the roll 28 and the first idler roll 24. As a result, the conditions of the respective primary transfer portions in the plurality of photosensitive drums 11 are all kept the same, so that the primary transfer in each of the primary transfer portions is performed satisfactorily and stably.

  Further, even when the tension roll 28 is displaced in the directions of the arrows Q and R during deflection adjustment, as shown in FIG. 9, the embodiment is provided between the tension roll 28 and the secondary transfer backup roll 22. If the same pre-roll 27 as in the case of No. 1 is provided, the entry angle δ of the intermediate transfer belt 21 to the secondary transfer portion 34 is kept constant, and stable secondary transfer is ensured.

[Other embodiments]
In the first and second embodiments, the case where the auxiliary roll disposed on the end side on the backup roll 22 side is used as the tension rolls 26 and 28 capable of adjusting the deflection of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is described. You may make it use the auxiliary roll (24) arrange | positioned by the edge part by the side of 22 as the tension roll. However, from the viewpoint of reliably avoiding fluctuations in the rotational speed of the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the primary transfer section by the operation at the time of adjusting the deflection of the tension roll, the end side on the backup roll 22 side as in the first and second embodiments. It is desirable that the auxiliary roll arranged in the above is used as a tension roll.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part of an intermediate transfer mechanism according to the first embodiment. (A) is a principal part side view which shows the structure of a drive roll and a steering mechanism, (b) is sectional drawing which follows the BB line of (a), (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of an eccentric cam mechanism. (A) is a perspective view of the main part showing the state of the steering operation of the drive roll, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the behavior state of the intermediate transfer belt during the steering operation. (A) is the schematic which shows the tension | tensile_strength provision mechanism of a tension roll, (b) is principal part sectional drawing which shows the displacement mechanism of a tension roll. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a behavior state of an intermediate transfer belt during a tension roll deflection adjustment operation. Explanatory drawing which shows the function of a pre-roll. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part of an intermediate transfer mechanism according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a main part explanatory view showing the function of a pre-roll in the intermediate transfer mechanism of FIG. 7. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a typical example of an image forming apparatus using a conventional intermediate transfer drum, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a typical example of an image forming apparatus using a conventional intermediate transfer belt. Schematic showing another example of an image forming apparatus using a conventional intermediate transfer belt.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Apparatus main body, 1a ... One side surface of an apparatus main body, 1b ... Sheet discharge accommodating part (discharge accommodating part), 11 ... Photosensitive drum (image carrier), 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19C ... Multiple toner cartridges, 21 ... Intermediate transfer belt, 21a ... Belt surface with which the photosensitive drum abuts, 22 ... Backup roll (main roll), 23 ... Drive roll and steering roll (main roll), 27 ... Pre-roll, 30 ... Secondary transfer roll, 34 ... secondary transfer section, 40 ... sheet storage tray (transfer material storage tray), 44 ... sheet transfer path (transfer material transfer path), P ... recording sheet (transfer material).

Claims (1)

An endless belt that transports a toner image formed on an image carrier until the toner image is secondarily transferred to a transfer material after the toner image is primarily transferred, and is stretched between at least two main rolls. An intermediate transfer belt that rotates in a certain direction and is set so that the longitudinal direction of the entire stretched belt is substantially horizontal in the apparatus body;
A plurality of image forming units disposed below the intermediate transfer belt and having an image carrier;
One of the two main rolls is used as a secondary transfer backup roll, and the secondary transfer roll is positioned opposite the backup roll so as to press the intermediate transfer belt against the secondary transfer backup roll. A secondary transfer portion comprising:
A fixing device disposed above the secondary transfer unit;
A plurality of toner cartridges installed side by side in the horizontal direction above the intermediate transfer belt;
A discharge receiving portion for a transfer material disposed above the plurality of toner cartridges;
A receiving tray for a transfer material disposed below the intermediate transfer belt;
A transfer path of a transfer material disposed so that the transfer material sent out from the storage tray passes through the secondary transfer unit and is transferred to the fixing device in a state of approaching one side surface of the apparatus main body;
The intermediate transfer belt is supported from the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt at a position closest to the upstream side in the belt rotation direction relative to the secondary transfer backup roll so as to determine the belt entry angle to the secondary transfer portion. A pre-roll,
A tension roll that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt from the inner peripheral surface side of the pre-roll at a position closest to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt ;
A belt cleaner that is disposed at a position facing the main roll other than the main roll used as the secondary transfer backup roll, and that cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt. Image forming apparatus.

Images