Belt Unit Guide Path for Detachable Bearing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for replacing belts in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are complex and can cause damage to the belts due to the intricate configuration and operation required for attaching and detaching.
Innovation Solution
A belt unit with a support unit that includes a tension roller, a bearing with a guide path for easy attachment and detachment, and an urging member to apply tension to the belt, allowing for simple and secure replacement without the need for screwing or folding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional support units with screws or folding mechanisms are used, then the belt can be replaced, but the replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is divided into a frame and multiple detachable bearing members. Each bearing member can be independently removed from the frame, allowing the belt to be accessed and replaced without disassembling the entire support unit. This segmentation simplifies the replacement operation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing members are extracted as separate detachable components from the frame structure. By removing only the necessary bearing members rather than disassembling the entire support unit, the belt replacement process becomes simpler and faster, directly addressing the ease of operation requirement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional detachable bearing members without guide paths are used, then the bearing can be removed, but misalignment and damage occur during reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
A guide path is introduced as an intermediary feature between the bearing member and the frame. This guide path ensures proper alignment during the attachment process, preventing misalignment and potential damage. The guide path acts as a mediator that guides the bearing member into the correct position on the rotation shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide path is designed to预先 guide the bearing member into the correct alignment position before final attachment. This preliminary alignment action prevents misalignment issues that would occur during subsequent operation, ensuring reliability from the start.
3Ease of operation
If the support unit structure is simplified for easy belt replacement, then replacement becomes easier, but the structural integrity and tension maintenance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is segmented into a sturdy frame and detachable bearing members. This segmentation allows the main frame structure to maintain its structural integrity and tensioning function, while only the necessary bearing members are removed for belt replacement. The frame's strength is preserved while enabling easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging member (spring) automatically maintains belt tension when bearing members are reattached. The spring self-adjusts to apply the necessary tension force, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and ensuring structural integrity is maintained without complicating the replacement process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the belt replacement process, reduces the risk of damage to the belt, and maintains the structural integrity of the support unit, enhancing maintainability and preventing misalignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member that is disposed between the support part and the bearing and that applies tension to the belt by applying force in the direction intersecting with the rotation shaft to the tension roller via the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A belt unit includes an endless belt; multiple rollers including a tension roller that applies tension to the belt; a frame to which the multiple rollers are attached; bearing members which are movably attached to the frame and at least one of which is detachable from the frame; and urging units that urge the bearing members from the inner-peripheral-surface side to the outer-peripheral-surface side of the belt. The detachable bearing member includes a hole part that receives a rotation shaft of the tension roller and that rotatably supports the rotation shaft; and a guide surface that guides the shaft to an opening of the hole part while the bearing member is moving toward the frame against the urging force of the urging unit to be attached to the frame.