Belt Unit Positioning via Pressing Hook Inclined Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing image forming apparatuses, the belt unit is not accurately positioned relative to the main body due to play between the positioning protrusion and hole, leading to potential misalignment and insecure attachment.
Innovation Solution
The belt unit is secured using a combination of positioning protrusions and a pressing hook with inclined surfaces, which apply forces in multiple directions to ensure precise alignment and secure attachment by eliminating play in multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the diameter of the positioning hole is made greater than that of the positioning protrusion to facilitate attachment operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to play occurring between the positioning hole and positioning protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension positioning approach (cylindrical protrusion in elongated hole) to a multi-dimensional constraint system by adding a pressing hook that applies force in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, thereby eliminating play in multiple dimensions simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical positioning protrusion is inserted into an elongated positioning hole with spring urging, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the belt unit may be secured without accurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing hook is designed with an inclined surface that is asymmetric in shape, allowing it to convert single-direction pressing force into multi-directional positioning forces that eliminate play between the positioning protrusion and positioning hole
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 ensures accurate positioning and secure attachment of the belt unit to the main body, minimizing misalignment and ensuring reliable operation of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing hook 27 having an inclined surface 24A, which is inclined relative to the belt extending direction D2 and the axial direction D3
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording sheet is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, a belt unit, and a pressing member configured to press the belt unit in a pressing direction crossing both a belt extending direction and an axial direction of a belt roller. A first positioning portion is disposed in the main body and a second positioning portion is disposed in the belt unit. A second positioning portion is disposed in the belt unit and configured to contact the first positioning portion to allow the belt unit to be positioned in the main body, and the pressing member is configured to press the belt unit such that the second positioning portion maintains contact with the first positioning portion.