JP4482208B2 - Endless belt and endless belt drive - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endless belt suitable for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile, and a driving device thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using the driving device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an endless belt having a structure in which seams cut in an oblique direction of a reinforcing tape that reinforces an edge of the endless belt is overlapped is known (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-51307). By adopting such a structure, the occurrence of cracks and the like at the seam is prevented, and the durability of the endless belt is improved.
An end roller is provided near the both ends of the roller through an elastic member so as to be movable within a predetermined range in the axial direction, and the end is attached to a rib provided on an edge of an endless belt wound around the roller. An endless belt driving device is generally used in which the end surfaces of the partial rollers are brought into contact with each other to apply a compressive force in the width direction to the endless belt to prevent meandering and to prevent generation of cracks.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the above-mentioned endless belt disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-51307, the seam of the reinforcing tape is overlapped, and the thickness of the overlapped part and the other part is different. Cracks sometimes occurred in the vicinity of the lower end or the upper end. The occurrence of cracks occurs when the thickness of the reinforcing tape is increased in order to strengthen the reinforcement, when the endless belt is made of a material having a very low strength, or the rotating body around which the endless belt is wound is reinforced. When a step corresponding to the thickness of the tape cannot be provided (for example, when the outside of the endless belt is wound around a photosensitive drum having a flat peripheral surface), there is a problem that it is particularly remarkable.
Further, in the case of the endless belt driving device described above, the end roller is provided near the both ends of the roller via an elastic member so as to be movable within a predetermined range in the axial direction. There is a problem when it becomes very complex.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made with the object of eliminating such conventional problems, and is intended to provide an endless belt capable of suppressing the occurrence of cracks and an endless belt driving device having a simple structure. Is.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the first inventionThe outer surface isAn endless belt that is driven to rotate while being pressed against the peripheral surface of the rotating body, and an endless belt body and the belt bodyPeripheral surfaceBoth ends of the edge peripheral surface are affixed without overlapping each other, and both end surfaces are inclined at least partially in the width direction with respect to the circumferential direction of the belt body, and both ends of the reinforcing tape extend over the both ends. A seam reinforcing film affixed on the part, the seam reinforcing film being narrower than the width of the reinforcing tape and affixed to the outer side surface of the edge of the reinforcing tape.
[0006]
  In additiontwoThe inventionfirstIn addition to the configuration of the invention, the gap between the both end portions is 10 mm or less.
[0007]
  In additionthreeThe inventionfirstIn addition to the configuration of the invention, the gap between the both end portions is 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less.
[0009]
  In additionFourThe invention is first tothreeIn addition to any one of the configurations of the invention, the configuration has a meandering-restricting rubber affixed along the outer edge of the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing tape affixed to the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt.
[0010]
  In additionFiveThe invention is configured to have a driving roller around which the endless belt is wound.
[0011]
  In additionSixInventionFiveIn addition to the structure of the invention, the drive roller has a meandering rubber that is attached along the outer edge of the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing tape attached to the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt. It has the structure which has the step part to guide from.
[0012]
  In additionSevenInventionFiveOr secondSixThe configuration of the present invention and the image forming means for forming an image using an endless belt are used.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 show a full-color printer P to which an endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and the endless belt 1 is used as an intermediate transfer belt. In addition, the full-color printer P includes a photosensitive drum 11, an exposure device 12, developing devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K, a paper feed cassette 14, a manual paper feed portion 15, and a paper discharge portion 16.
The photosensitive drum 11 is charged by a charger 21, and is first exposed to a yellow light image by laser light from an exposure device 12, for example, a laser optical system. This exposure corresponds to yellow on the photosensitive drum 11. An electrostatic latent image is formed.
[0014]
The developing devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are disposed in a rotatable developing rack 22, and are respectively yellow toner (Y), magenta toner (M), cyan toner (C), and black toner (K). One by one. First, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the photosensitive drum 11 by the developing device 13Y.
The endless belt 1 functioning as an intermediate transfer belt is wound around a driving roller 23, a tension roller 24, a cleaner facing roller 25, a winding roller 26, and a primary transfer electrode roller 27 to which a voltage is applied, and the winding roller 26 and the primary transfer. The electrode roller 27 is pressed against the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The shaft of the tension roller 24 is always subjected to the action of an adjustable force for applying tension to the endless belt 1 by means not shown, and the cleaner facing roller 25 is a cleaner 28 that removes residual toner on the endless belt 1. Are arranged opposite to each other. An endless belt driving device 2A including a driving roller 23, a tension roller 24, a cleaner facing roller 25, a winding roller 26, and a primary transfer electrode roller 27 is formed. Further, the endless belt 1 rotates around the peripheral surface in a state of being pressed against the peripheral surface at the position of the photosensitive drum 11, whereby the visible image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is the endless belt 1. Transcribed above.
[0015]
The rotation position of the endless belt 1 is detected by a sensor 29 provided in the vicinity thereof, and thereafter, in the same manner as described above, the respective colors of magenta, cyan, and black on the photosensitive drum 11 are detected at a fixed position of the endless belt 1. Images are transferred sequentially.
The transfer paper is accommodated in the paper feed cassette 14, and from here or from the manual paper feed section 15, the transfer paper is passed through a pair of timing rollers 31 so that the endless belt 1 is pressed against the driving roller 23. It is guided to the secondary transfer roller 32 disposed so as to face the drive roller 23. A voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 32, and the color image on the endless belt 1 is transferred onto the transfer paper. Thereafter, the transfer paper is naturally separated from the endless belt 1, neutralized by the static elimination needle 33, passed through the conveyance unit 34, heated and fixed by the fixing unit 35, passed through the paper discharge roller 36, and then discharged to the paper discharge unit 16. Sent out.
[0016]
Further, the endless belt 1 functioning as an intermediate transfer belt will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The endless belt 1 includes an endless belt main body 100, reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 that are attached to both edges of the outer peripheral surface of the belt main body 100 without overlapping each other, and each of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102. The seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 pasted so as to bridge the seam, the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 pasted on both edges of the inner peripheral surface of the belt main body 100 without overlapping each other, and the reinforcing tape 111, 112 and meandering restricting rubbers 113, 114 affixed to the outer edges of the inner peripheral surfaces. Further, the endless belt 1 used as an intermediate transfer belt is provided with a through hole 121 for detecting a belt rotation position that penetrates at least the belt main body 100. The transfer described above to the fixed position of the endless belt 1 is performed by detecting the through hole 121 by the sensor 29 described above.
[0017]
The belt body 100 is preferably formed of an organic polymer material such as polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyimide polymer, ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE). The belt main body 100 may be formed by processing a sheet-like material.
The reinforcing tapes 101, 102, 111, and 112 are preferably formed of a relatively high strength material among organic polymer materials such as polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, and polyimide polymer.
The seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 are also preferably formed of a relatively high strength material among organic polymer materials such as polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, and polyimide polymer, and are further excellent in stretchability. Is desirable.
The meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 are preferably formed of a material having excellent wear resistance, such as silicon rubber, polyurethane rubber, NBR rubber or the like.
[0018]
Next, the structure of each part of the endless belt 1 and a part engaged with the endless belt 1 will be described.
3 to 5 show an engaging portion between the endless belt 1 and the driving roller 23, and the driving roller 23 is provided rotatably with respect to the rotation driving unit 131 and the rotation driving unit 131 that drive the endless belt 1. The restriction ring 132 is formed. A stepped portion 133 into which the meandering restricting rubber 113 enters is formed at the corner of the restricting ring 132, and the end surface 113 a inside the meandering restricting rubber 113 and the end surface 132 a of the stepped portion 133 are opposed to each other. Movement toward the regulating ring 132 is regulated. The same applies to the meandering restriction rubber 114, and the movement of the meandering restriction rubber 113 in the direction opposite to the above movement is restricted to prevent meandering of the endless belt 1.
[0019]
In FIG. 3, the end surface 113a and the end surface 132a are parallel to each other, whereas in FIG. 4, the end portion 132a is inclined about 5 to 20 degrees so as to be away from the end surface 113a. In FIG. 5, the end surface 113a is inclined so as to approach the end surface 132a outward. Regarding the meandering regulation of the endless belt 1, the case where the end face 113a or 132a is inclined as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is more effective than the structure shown in FIG. 113 becomes difficult to ride on the regulation ring 132, deformation of the belt main body 100 is suppressed, and generation of cracks is prevented. The same applies to the meandering restriction rubber 114.
[0020]
6 and 7 show details of the through hole 121 for detecting the belt circumferential position. In the example shown here, the through hole 121 penetrates only the belt main body 100, and the reinforcing tapes 101 and 111 correspond to the signal of the sensor 29. It consists of a member with permeability.
As shown in the figure, the through-hole 121 has a straight part 121a perpendicular to the traveling direction of the endless belt 1 indicated by an arrow, straight parts 121b and 121c parallel to the traveling direction, a curved part 121d and a straight line facing the straight part 121a. It consists of curved portions 121e and 121f between the portion 121a and the straight portions 121b and 121c. The radius of the curved portions 121d, 121e, and 121f is 1 mm or more, preferably 2 mm or more. When the radius is 1 mm or less, stress concentration occurs in the portion, and cracks are easily generated therefrom. 6 and 7, the through hole 121 penetrates only the belt main body 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and includes that the through hole 121 penetrates from the reinforcing tape 101 to the reinforcing tape 111. Of course.
[0021]
The reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 and the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 8, the end surfaces of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are inclined with respect to the traveling direction of the endless belt 1 indicated by arrows, and the ends do not overlap each other. The gap between both end faces of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 is 10 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less. The same applies to the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112. When the gap is 0 mm or less, when the end of the endless belt 1 to which the reinforcing tape 101 and 102 or 111 and 112 is applied is concave, the concave reinforcing tape 101 and 102 or 111 and The end faces of 112 abut against each other, and a force to stretch the endless belt 1 locally acts on the endless belt 1, so that cracks are likely to occur.
[0022]
When the gap is provided, there is almost no problem. However, when the gap is too small, when the endless belt 1 is handled in a state other than the wound state, the end faces may abut against each other if it is bent too much. In order to avoid this, the gap is preferably 2 mm or more. On the other hand, if the gap is 10 mm or more, the portion without the reinforcing tape 101 and 102 or 111 and 112 becomes too large, the effect of reinforcing the belt edge becomes weak, and a crack is generated near the gap. It becomes easy. For this reason, it is desirable that the gap be 6 mm or less, and if the end portion is closer, the desired edge reinforcing effect is achieved.
[0023]
For example, when the reinforcing tape 101 is viewed, both end surfaces are inclined with respect to the belt traveling direction indicated by an arrow (solid line) in FIG.₁Is the position x of the tip of the right end face₂It is located on the right side. When a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction and crossing the endless belt 1 is considered, the portion of the reinforcing tape 101 that crosses the plane is always present without interruption. On the other hand, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8, when the right end face of the reinforcing tape 101 is too far from the left end face, the position x of the tip end portion of the right end face is set._ThreeIs position x₁When the plane is considered to be located on the right side, the portion of the reinforcing tape 101 that crosses the plane may be interrupted. That is, the reinforcing tape 101 is interrupted at the gap portion between the both end faces.
Thus, the edge reinforcement effect of the endless belt 1 is improved by preventing the reinforcing tape 101 from being interrupted. On the contrary, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8, when the gap between the both end faces is large and the reinforcing tape 101 may be interrupted, the edge reinforcing effect is extremely reduced. Cracks are likely to occur. The same can be said for the reinforcing tape 102.
[0024]
Further, seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 having a smaller width than the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are affixed to prevent the end portions of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 from being peeled off from the belt main body 100. . When the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are convex with respect to the belt main body 100, there is no problem when the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 are applied over the entire width of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 with respect to peeling of the end portions. However, when the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 are applied only to a part of the entire width of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102, the outer edges of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are aligned with each other as shown in FIG. It is preferable to apply the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104. Further, by applying the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 to a part of the entire width of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102, the burden on the endless belt 1 is reduced and the occurrence of cracks is suppressed.
[0025]
The endless belt 1 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed against the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and circulates. However, the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 11 generally has no step and is flat in the axial direction. The endless belt 1 has a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 9, and when it is pressed against the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11, it deforms at the portions of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 and the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 as shown in FIG. To do. In this case, both ends of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are not overlapped, and the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 are also attached only to a part of the full width. Therefore, the belt main body 100, the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102, and the seam reinforcing Each of the films 103 and 104 is easily deformed by a small step due to the thickness of the tape or film, and cracks are hardly generated.
[0026]
The seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 basically prevent peeling of both ends of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102, and even if a step corresponding to the thickness of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 is formed on the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104. In this part, belt deformation corresponding to the thickness of the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 always occurs, and cracks are likely to occur. Therefore, it is advantageous for preventing cracks that the total thickness of the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 including at least the adhesive layer is smaller than the total thickness of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102.
FIGS. 11 to 13 show an endless belt 10A having a conventional structure corresponding to FIGS. 8 to 10 for comparison, and the parts in FIGS. 11 to 13 corresponding to the parts shown in FIGS. For the sake of convenience, the same numbers are assigned, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.
[0027]
In this case, both end portions of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are attached to the belt main body 100 so as to overlap each other, and the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 are attached to the entire width of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102. As shown in FIG. 12, one end portion of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 is deformed due to the level difference of the other end portion, and as shown in FIG. Deformation due to the difference in level corresponding to the total thickness of the thickness and the thickness of one of the joint reinforcement films 103 and 104 occurs, and cracks are likely to occur.
[0028]
FIG. 14 shows other reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 in the endless belt 1 according to the present invention, and the end surfaces of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are partially inclined with respect to the belt traveling direction indicated by the arrows, and the sharpness of the end surfaces is shown. As a result, peeling of the end portions of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 is further suppressed. As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14, it is not preferable that the right end portions of the reinforcing and reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are separated from the left end portion as described above with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 shows other seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 in the endless belt 1 according to the present invention. The width of the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 is larger than the width of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102.
In this case, the thickness of the inner side away from the edges of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 increases, and the amount of deformation of the belt increases correspondingly, and cracks are likely to occur. It is not a problem if it has sufficient strength. Further, the widths of the seam reinforcing films 103 and 104 are increased, which is effective in preventing the end portions of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 from peeling off.
[0029]
The end portions of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 described above were each formed linearly, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 are, for example, as shown in FIG. You may form the edge part of this in an arch shape. Thus, in the belt traveling direction indicated by the arrow, the sharp portion of the end portion is eliminated, and a gentle convex shape is formed, which is more effective in preventing the end portion from peeling off.
[0030]
Next, the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 and the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 17, the end portions of the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 and the meandering restricting rubbers 113 and 114 are formed to be inclined with respect to the belt traveling direction indicated by the arrows, and the end portions overlap each other. Absent. Moreover, in order to eliminate the interruption of the meandering regulation of the endless belt 1, it is preferable to reduce the gap between the end portions. Further, it is preferable that the positions of these end portions are different from the positions of the end portions of the reinforcing tapes 101 and 102 described above.
[0031]
FIG. 18 shows an endless belt 10B having a conventional structure corresponding to FIG. 17 for comparison. Parts in FIG. 18 corresponding to the parts shown in FIG. .
In this case, the respective end portions of the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 and the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 are formed perpendicular to the belt traveling direction indicated by the arrows. For this reason, the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 and the like are completely interrupted, and cracks are easily generated at the interrupted portions, and meandering regulation is also interrupted.
[0032]
FIG. 19 shows other reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 of the endless belt 1 according to the present invention, meandering regulating rubbers 113 and 114, and the end surfaces of the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 are partially shown with respect to the belt traveling direction indicated by the arrows. It is formed in a shape that is inclined to ease the sharpness of the end face. Further, by eliminating this sharpness, the end portions of the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 are formed perpendicular to the belt traveling direction.
And by making it such a shape, generation | occurrence | production of a crack is further suppressed. Further, it becomes possible to reduce the gap between the end portions of the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114, and increase the sticking area of the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 to which a strong force acts, particularly the sticking area at the end portions. It is possible to enhance the prevention of peeling from the end.
[0033]
FIG. 20 shows still another reinforcing tape 111 and 112 and meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114. The ends of the reinforcing tapes 111 and 112 are formed to be inclined with respect to the belt traveling direction, and the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 are formed. Is formed perpendicular to the belt traveling direction.
In this case, the gap between the end portions of the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 is increased, the meandering restriction may be interrupted, and vibration may occur due to the end of the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 riding on the restriction ring 132. Edge prevention is enhanced.
[0034]
FIG. 21 shows still another reinforcing tape 111 and 112 and meandering restricting rubbers 113 and 114, and each end of reinforcing tape 111 and 112 and each end of meandering restricting rubber 113 and 114 are provided at different positions. Yes.
In this case, the attaching operation of the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 can be performed only after the reinforcement tapes 111 and 112 are attached, but the gap between the end portions of the meandering restriction rubbers 113 and 114 can be reduced.
[0035]
FIG. 22 shows another endless belt driving device 2B to which the aforementioned endless belt 1 for intermediate transfer is applied.
As described above, the endless belt 1 is wound around the driving roller 23, the tension roller 24, the cleaner facing roller 25, the winding roller 26, and the primary transfer electrode roller 27. A cleaner 28 is provided to face the cleaner facing roller 25, and a cover 141 is provided outside the endless belt 1.
One end of a torsion coil spring 143 whose coil center portion is rotatably held by the fixed pin 142 is engaged with the shaft of the tension roller 24, and the other end portion of the torsion coil spring 143 has a plurality of positions. It is locked in one of the tension adjustment holes 144 drilled in. Then, by appropriately selecting one of the tension adjusting holes 144 to which the other end is locked, the tension roller 24 applies an appropriate tension to the endless belt 1 by the action of the torsion coil spring 143. ing. In other words, the strength of the tension is adjusted by changing the tension adjusting hole 144 in which the other end is locked.
[0036]
FIG. 23 shows another tension applying means 150 that applies a force to the shaft of the tension roller 24 that applies tension to the endless belt 1.
The tension applying means 150 includes a spring 152 that holds a bearing 151 that supports the shaft. The spring 152 is accommodated in a casing 153 that is fixed at a fixed position. A screw hole is drilled through the bottom of the casing 153, and a screw 154 for pushing up the end of the spring 152 is screwed into the screw hole. And the magnitude | size of the said tension by the spring 152 can be adjusted now by changing the protrusion amount of the screw 154 from this screw hole.
[0037]
By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, the above-described through hole 121 for detecting the belt rotation position is formed at one edge of the endless belt 1, and the strength of the endless belt 1 at this portion is weakened, and from the vicinity thereof. Cracks are likely to occur. In general, an endless belt is influenced by the component accuracy of each of the devices in which the endless belt is wound, and tends to shift to one side. For this reason, when the meandering regulating force acts strongly on the edge of the endless belt which is displaced, and the through hole 121 is provided on this side, cracks are very likely to occur in this portion. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the tension adjusting hole 144 described above, the balance of the left and right tensions acting on the endless belt is maintained, and the meandering regulating force biased toward the through hole 121 is prevented from acting. Can be suppressed, and the belt life can be extended.
[0038]
In addition, when it is possible to predict when the crack will occur, the left and right tensions are changed in advance, and a larger meandering control force acts on the opposite side compared to the side where the crack is approaching. Alternatively, a tension adjustment mechanism that automatically performs this may be provided.
Although the above-described embodiment has been described as applied to a full-color printer, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to all image forming apparatuses including copiers, facsimiles, and the like. It does not matter which method is employed, such as a method, an electrostatic recording method, or a direct recording method.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
  As is clear from the above description, according to the first invention,The outer surface isAn endless belt that is driven to rotate while being pressed against the peripheral surface of the rotating body, and an endless belt body and the belt bodyPeripheral surfaceBoth ends are affixed to the edge peripheral surface without overlapping each other, and both end surfaces are formed from a reinforcing tape inclined at least partially in the width direction with respect to the circumferential direction of the belt body.
  For this reason, there is no step in the reinforcing tape, and there is no portion where the thickness is doubled as in the case of overlapping, and the amount of deformation generated in the belt main body by the reinforcing tape can be reduced. Since the reinforcing tape is formed in the width direction, it is easy to eliminate the break when the reinforcing tape is viewed in the width direction. As a result, the occurrence of cracks can be suppressed, and the effect of maintaining good edge protection of the belt body can be obtained.
[0040]
  Also,in frontA seam reinforcing film pasted on both ends is provided over both ends.
  For this reason,in frontThe end portion of the reinforcing tape can be reinforced with a seam reinforcing film, and peeling at the end portion of the reinforcing tape can be prevented, so that the edge protection of the belt body can be further maintained for a longer time.
Further, the seam reinforcing film is affixed to the outer side surface of the edge of the reinforcing tape.
For this reason, there exists an effect that peeling of the edge part of a reinforcement tape is attained.
[0041]
  In additiontwoAccording to the invention, the gap between the both end portions is 10 mm or less.
  For this reason, in addition to the effect by 1st invention, there exists an effect that the said interruption is not produced and the reinforcement with respect to the said belt main body can be strengthened further.
[0042]
  In additionthreeAccording to the invention, the gap between the both end portions is 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less.
  For this reasonOne shotThe light effect can be further ensured, the end faces of the reinforcing tape can be prevented from colliding with each other, and cracks can be further prevented without applying excessive tension to the belt body. There is an effect.
[0044]
  In additionFourAccording to the invention, the configuration includes the meandering restriction rubber stuck along the outer edge of the inner circumferential surface of the reinforcing tape stuck to the inner circumferential surface of the endless belt.
  For this reason, in addition to the effects of the respective inventions, the meandering of the belt body is restricted, the deformation of the belt body is suppressed, and the occurrence of cracks can be further prevented.
[0045]
  In additionFiveAccording to the invention, the endless belt driving device includes a driving roller around which the endless belt is wound.
  As described above, the use of the endless belt in which cracks are unlikely to occur and the edge of the belt main body is well protected is advantageous in that the labor of maintenance can be reduced.
[0046]
  In additionSixAccording to the invention, the drive roller guides the meandering regulation rubber affixed along the outer edge of the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing tape affixed to the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt from the inner side surface side thereof. It has a configuration having a stepped portion.
  Therefore, with a simple configuration,FiveThere exists an effect that the effect by invention can be heightened further.
[0047]
  In additionSevenAccording to the invention,FiveOr secondSixThe present invention is composed of an image forming means for forming an image using an endless belt.
  For this reason, there is an effect that a good image can be formed using the endless belt driving device having a simple configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a full-color printer to which an endless belt and an endless belt driving device according to the present invention are applied.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endless belt in the apparatus shown in FIG.
3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a drive unit of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another drive unit of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another drive unit of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2;
6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a through hole for detecting the rotation position of the endless belt shown in FIG.
7 is a plan view of a portion shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a partial plan view showing a reinforcing tape and a seam reinforcing film of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2;
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a partial plan view showing a conventional endless belt reinforcing tape and a seam reinforcing film.
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG.
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.
14 is a partial plan view showing another reinforcing tape and a seam reinforcing film of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2; FIG.
15 is a partial plan view showing still another reinforcing tape and a seam reinforcing film of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
16 is a partial plan view showing an end portion of still another reinforcing tape of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2; FIG.
17 is a partial plan view showing a reinforcing tape and a meandering restriction rubber of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 18 is a partial plan view showing a conventional endless belt reinforcing tape and meandering regulating rubber.
FIG. 19 is a partial plan view showing another reinforcing tape and meandering restriction rubber of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2;
20 is a partial plan view showing still another reinforcing tape and meandering restriction rubber of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 21 is a partial plan view showing still another reinforcing tape and meandering restriction rubber of the endless belt shown in FIG. 2;
22 is a diagram showing another endless belt driving device to which the endless belt shown in FIG. 2 is applied. FIG.
23 is a cross-sectional view showing another holding portion of the tension roller in the endless belt driving device shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Endless belt
100 Belt body
101,102 Reinforcement tape
103,104 Seam reinforcement film
111,112 Reinforcement tape
113,114 Meandering restriction rubber

Claims (7)

An endless belt that is rotationally driven in a state where the outer peripheral surface is pressed against the peripheral surface of the rotating body,
An endless belt body,
Reinforcing tape that is pasted to the edge peripheral surface of the outer peripheral surface of this belt main body without overlapping both ends, and whose both end surfaces are at least partially inclined in the width direction with respect to the circumferential direction of the belt main body,
A seam reinforcing film affixed on both ends of the reinforcing tape across the both ends;
The endless belt, wherein the seam reinforcing film has a width narrower than that of the reinforcing tape and is adhered to the outer side surface of the edge of the reinforcing tape.   The endless belt according to claim 1, wherein a gap between the both end portions is 10 mm or less.   The endless belt according to claim 1, wherein a gap between the both end portions is 2 mm or more and 6 mm or less.   It has a meandering control rubber stuck along the outer edge part of the internal peripheral surface of the said reinforcement tape affixed on the internal peripheral surface of the said endless belt, It is any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endless belt.   An endless belt drive device comprising a drive roller around which the endless belt according to claim 1 is wound.   The drive roller has a step portion for guiding the meandering restriction rubber affixed along the outer edge portion of the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing tape affixed to the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt from the inner side surface side thereof. The endless belt driving device according to claim 5.   7. An image forming apparatus comprising: the endless belt driving device according to claim 5; and an image forming unit that forms an image using the endless belt.

Images