Belt Unit Axial Positioning for Image Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with belt units often fail to correctly position the endless belt relative to the image forming unit, leading to incorrect image formation on sheets.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a belt unit with a frame positioning member, a first roller positioning member, and an engageable member arranged on the same axial-end side, which define and maintain the correct axial position of the rollers and belt, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing belt movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the endless belt is not positioned correctly relative to the image forming unit, then the image forming process is simple, but the image position accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing positioning members that pre-establish the correct relative position between the endless belt and image forming unit before the imaging process begins. The positioning member on the belt unit and the corresponding positioning member on the image forming unit work together to define and maintain the correct spatial relationship, ensuring image accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a positioning member as a mediator element between the belt unit and the image forming unit. This positioning member acts as a reference feature that translates the positional requirements into a mechanical constraint, allowing the endless belt to be correctly positioned relative to the image forming unit through a simple engagement mechanism rather than complex control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning members are arranged on the same axial-end side, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning function into separate, modular components: a positioning member integrated into the belt unit structure and a corresponding positioning member on the image forming unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly, as the positioning members can be manufactured and assembled as discrete elements rather than requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit; a belt unit with a first roller, a second roller, an endless belt, and a frame; a frame positioning member arranged in the belt unit to define a position of the frame in the axial direction with respect to a body; a first roller positioning member arranged in the belt unit to define a position of the first roller in the axial direction with respect to the frame; a guiding member arranged in a position corresponding to one of axial-end sides of the first roller along the axial direction in the endless belt; and an engageable member arranged on the one of axial-end sides of the first roller in the belt unit, is provided. The frame positioning member, the first roller positioning member, and the engageable member are arranged on the same axial-end side along the axial direction.