Belt Device Axial Alignment Correction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic processes face challenges in maintaining the alignment and stability of secondary transfer belts, leading to belt deviation and image defects due to dimensional tolerances and variations in roller alignment, which affect the quality and reliability of printed images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shaft inclining device that adjusts the rotary shaft of the separation roller to correct belt deviation by inclining it in the axial direction, combined with a regulating member to manage the movement of the support shaft and lubricant application brush, ensuring proper belt alignment and lubrication without the need for additional drive sources or complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dimensional tolerances and variations in roller alignment are present, then manufacturing is easier and device complexity is reduced, but belt alignment stability deteriorates leading to belt deviation and image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The support shaft is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to automatically adjust its position in the axial direction. This dynamic capability enables the belt alignment to self-correct based on actual belt position, transforming a static structure into an adaptive system that maintains precision without complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant applicator serves dual functions: it applies lubricant to the belt while simultaneously acting as the movable support shaft that corrects belt alignment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate alignment correction mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Reliability
If a movable support shaft with regulating member is used to correct belt deviation, then belt alignment stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant applicator and support shaft functions are merged into a single integrated component. The lubricant applicator is mounted on the movable support shaft, combining the lubrication function with the alignment correction function, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support shaft serves multiple purposes: it supports the lubricant applicator, enables axial movement for belt alignment correction, and acts as a regulating member through its interaction with the lubricant applicator. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while improving belt alignment stability
3Manufacturing precision
If the contact member is allowed to move in the axial direction for alignment correction, then belt deviation is corrected, but the contact member stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member (lubricant applicator) is designed with controlled mobility rather than being completely fixed or completely free. It can move in the axial direction for alignment correction but is constrained by the regulating member to maintain stability during operation, achieving a dynamic balance between mobility and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating member acts as an intermediary between the movable support shaft and the fixed housing. It controls and mediates the movement of the support shaft, allowing necessary movement for alignment while preventing excessive movement that would compromise stability
Data Source
AI summary
A belt device includes an endless belt, a support shaft, a contact member, and a regulating member. The support shaft supports the contact member. The contact member rotates together with the support shaft and contacts the belt. The regulating member moves between a regulating position to regulate movement of the support shaft and a releasing position to allow movement of the support shaft, thereby regulating movement of the contact member in an axial direction of the support shaft.