Orthogonal Detachment Path for Belt Device Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt devices in image forming apparatuses require complex and labor-intensive processes for attaching and detaching support rotators, particularly due to the need to pull out support rotators in axial directions, which complicates maintenance and replacement operations.
Innovation Solution
A belt device with an attaching and detaching path that allows shaft portions of support rotators to be removed orthogonally, enabling simultaneous detachment of the endless belt and support rotators, simplifying operations by allowing one operation to remove multiple components through a single path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If support rotators are detached by pulling out in axial direction, then the support rotators can be removed from the support, but the process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detachment direction from axial (parallel to shaft) to radial (orthogonal to shaft) by providing a through-hole in the support structure. This dimensional change allows the shaft portion to be inserted and removed perpendicular to its axial direction, significantly simplifying the detachment operation while reducing process complexity
2Productivity
If support rotators are detached by pulling out in axial direction, then the support rotators can be removed, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a through-hole in the support that allows radial insertion and removal of shaft portions, the patent enables quick detachment operations. This eliminates the time-consuming axial pulling process and allows maintenance personnel to rapidly remove and replace support rotators, thereby reducing maintenance time and improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A belt device includes an endless belt, a plurality of support rotators configured to support the endless belt, and a support configured to support shaft portions of the plurality of support rotators. The support has an attaching and detaching path through which the shaft portions of the plurality of support rotators pass in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of at least one of the plurality of support rotators when the shaft portions of the plurality of support rotators are detached from the support.