Belt Tension Control for High-Precision Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in detecting the surface state of a belt with high precision while minimizing the load applied to the belt, which can cause elongation or reformation due to constant tension in specific areas.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit, an annular belt, a detection unit for surface state detection, and a tension increase unit, where the tension of the belt is increased only at the detection position during the detection process using a motor and cleaning roller, allowing for precise detection without constant load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rear face contact member is provided near the reading area to stabilize the belt planarly, then the surface state of the belt can be detected at high precision, but a greater load is applied on the belt causing elongation or reformation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning roller is rotated in the normal direction only when pattern image reading is performed, creating a periodic action that temporarily increases belt tension during detection. This resolves the contradiction by applying the stabilizing load only when needed for measurement precision, rather than continuously, thereby preventing belt elongation while maintaining detection accuracy during the reading operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the rotational direction of the cleaning roller based on operational requirements. During pattern image reading, the cleaning roller rotates in the normal direction to increase belt tension and stabilize the belt surface for accurate detection. At other times, it rotates in the reverse direction or remains stationary, reducing the load on the belt. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining detection precision and preventing belt damage
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tension of the belt is always strengthened in a predetermined area, then the belt surface can be stabilized for detection, but the belt may be elongated or reformed due to constant load
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning roller operates in periodic cycles, rotating in the normal direction to increase belt tension only during pattern image reading operations. During other periods, it rotates in the reverse direction or remains stationary, allowing the belt to relax. This periodic application of tension stabilizes the belt surface when needed for detection while preventing cumulative deformation that would result from constant tension
Solution Approach 2:
The system increases belt tension through the cleaning roller's normal rotation only when pattern image reading is about to occur or is occurring. This preliminary and timely application of tension stabilizes the belt surface in advance of and during the detection process, ensuring measurement accuracy without subjecting the belt to unnecessary prolonged tension that would cause deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes; an image forming unit; an annular belt that moves circularly; a detection unit that detects a state of a surface of the belt; and a tension increase unit that increases a tension of the belt, at a detection position by the detection unit, when detection is performed by the detection unit, as compared with the tension of the belt before detection at the detection position is performed by the detection unit.