Movable Drawer Belt Alignment for Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses with photoconductive drums can experience frame distortion when placed at an angle, leading to an oblique belt position and premature deterioration due to friction with other components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a movable drawer supporting photoconductive drums with parallel rotation axes, paired frames with movable supporting parts, and a belt unit with contacting parts to maintain proper alignment and reduce oblique belt movement, thereby minimizing friction and distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the photoconductive unit is positioned with respect to the frames using conventional pressing force, then the belt unit is urged to be located in place, but the frames may be distorted when the apparatus is placed at a slanted place
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to self-adjust and absorb dimensional changes in the frames caused by slanted placement. The movable drawer maintains reliable belt positioning without transmitting frame distortion to the belt unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into separate functional components: the drawer that holds the photoconductive drums and the belt unit that transfers images. This segmentation allows the drawer to independently adjust to frame distortion while maintaining proper belt alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frames are distorted due to slanted placement, then the belt may proceed obliquely, but this causes end portions of the endless belt to frictionally contact other members and deteriorate early
Solution Approach 1:
The movable drawer adapts to frame distortion by shifting position, which in turn adjusts the belt unit's position to maintain proper belt alignment. This dynamic adjustment prevents oblique belt movement and eliminates frictional contact with other members, preserving belt durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable drawer acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the harmful effects of frame distortion before they can affect the belt. By allowing the drawer to move, the system preemptively compensates for potential misalignment caused by slanted placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the belt proceeds obliquely due to frame distortion, then the apparatus can be placed at various angles, but the endless belt deteriorates relatively early due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The movable drawer enables the apparatus to be placed at various angles while maintaining proper belt alignment through automatic adjustment. As the frames distort due to slanted placement, the drawer shifts position to compensate, preventing oblique belt movement and extending belt lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer serves as an intermediary between the frames and the belt unit. It absorbs the dimensional changes from frame distortion and translates them into positional adjustments that maintain proper belt alignment, thereby protecting the belt from premature deterioration.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus has a plurality of photoconductive drums, a drawer configured to be movable with holding the plurality of photoconductive drums, a pair of frames arranged on both sides of the photoconductive drums. The frames have first supporting parts configured to movably support the drawer, a belt unit having an endless belt and a plurality of transfer members, first contacting parts respectively provided to the pair of frames, the first contacting parts contacting contacted parts provided to the drawer to position the drawer with respect to the pair of frames, and second contacting parts provided to the drawer, the second contacting part contacting second contacted parts provided to the belt unit to position the belt unit with respect to the drawer.