Transfer-fixing unit and image forming apparatus for enhanced image quality
US7643767B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/1695
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A transfer unit for use in an image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt, and a counter member. The transfer belt, having a given circumferential length, receives an un-fixed image, formed of an image developer, from an image carrier at a first nip, which is defined between the transfer belt and the image carrier. The counter member faces the transfer belt to form a second nip with the transfer belt. The un-fixed image is transferred from the transfer belt to a recording medium passing through the second nip. A slack portion is generated in the transfer belt, when a front edge of the recording medium passes through the second nip. The slack portion of the transfer belt being generated in a first portion of the transfer belt returning from the second nip to the first nip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.