Patent ID: 9643403
Date: 2017-05-09
CPC Classifications: B41J,B41M

Claim:
1. A printing system comprising: a. an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a uniform-width, endless flexible belt; b. an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to an outer surface of the ITM to form ink images thereon; and c. an impression station for transfer of the ink images from the ITM onto printing substrate, wherein: (i) the ITM is guided to transport the ink images from the image forming station, (ii) the belt passes over drive and guide rollers and is guided through at least the image forming station by guide channels that receive formations provided on both lateral edges of the belt and (iii) the formations on a first edge differ from the formations on the second edge by being configured for providing the elasticity desired to maintain the belt taut when the belt is guided through their respective lateral channels, wherein longitudinally spaced formations, or a thick continuous flexible bead, are/is provided along each of the two lateral edges of the belt, the beads or formations being engaged in lateral guide channels extending at least over the run of the belt passing through the image forming station.