Drive mechanism for an intermediate transfer member module of an electrophotographic imaging device

摘要

An intermediate transfer member (ITM) module including a frame; a backup roll and a drive roll rotatably disposed along a first end portion of the frame. A tension roll is rotatably disposed along a second end portion of the frame. An ITM belt forms as an endless loop around the backup roll, the drive roll and the tension roll such that rotation of the drive roll causes the ITM belt to translate and the tension roll and the backup roll to rotate. The drive roll and the backup roll form a transfer nip with a transfer roll. A drive mechanism is coupled between the drive roll and the backup roll and includes a plurality of gears. The drive mechanism overdrives the backup roll relative to the drive roll while limiting an amount of tension of the ITM belt in the second transfer nip.

主权项

1. An intermediate transfer member (ITM) module for an electrophotographic imaging device, comprising:
a frame; a backup roll disposed along a first end portion of the frame, the backup roll being rotatable within the frame; a drive roll disposed along the first end portion of the frame; a tension roll disposed along a second end portion of the frame, the tension roll being rotatable within the frame; an ITM belt coupled to the backup roll, the drive roll and the tension roll, the ITM belt formed as an endless loop around the backup roll, the drive roll and the tension roll such that rotation of the drive roll causes the ITM belt to translate and the tension roll and the backup roll to rotate, the drive roll and the backup roll serving to form a transfer nip with a transfer roll of the electrophotographic imaging device when the ITM module is operably disposed therein; and a drive mechanism coupled between the drive roll and the backup roll and comprising a plurality of gears, the drive mechanism overdriving the backup roll relative to the drive roll while limiting an amount of tension of the ITM belt in the transfer nip.