Belt clutch apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
AssigneeSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
InventorYoung-Wok Seo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A belt clutch apparatus for an image forming apparatus is is provided and includes a belt that rotates in contact with at least one unit, at least one movable roller for supporting the rotation of the belt, and a variable unit for changing position of the movable roller in order for the belt to have a first running path in contact with the unit and a second running path separated from the unit. Moreover, the belt can be selectively positioned in contact with a predetermined unit or separated therefrom while maintaining belt tension. Therefore, it becomes possible to protect the belt from unnecessary abrasion.
Claims19
A belt clutch apparatus, comprising:
- a belt for rotating in contact with at least one unit;
- at least one movable roller for supporting the rotation of the belt;
- and
- a variable unit for changing positions of the movable roller in order for the belt to have a first running path in contact with the at least one unit and a second running path separated from the at least one unit,
- wherein the variable unit comprises:
- a swing plate for supporting the rotation of the movable roller;
- and
- a pivot for rotating the swing plate;
- and
- two movable rollers are arranged on the swing plate.
An intermediate transfer belt clutch apparatus, comprising:
- an intermediate transfer belt for rotating in contact with a photosensitive medium and a transfer backup roller;
- at least one movable roller for supporting the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt;
- and
- a variable unit for changing positions of the movable roller in order for the intermediate transfer belt to have a first running path in contact with the transfer backup roller and a second running path separated from the transfer backup roller.
An image forming apparatus, comprising:
- an intermediate transfer belt for rotating in contact with a photosensitive medium and a transfer backup roller, the intermediate transfer belt being configured to transfer an image onto printing paper;
- at least one movable roller for supporting the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt;
- and
- a variable unit for changing positions of the movable roller in order for the intermediate transfer belt to have a first running path in contact with the transfer backup roller and a second running path separated from the transfer backup roller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.