Pivotable Belt Unit Sensor Axis Redesign
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with deformation and damage of sensor units and intermediate transfer belt units due to excessive load when the intermediate transfer belt moves up and down, as the sensor unit's swing shaft is subjected to a large horizontal load.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a detection unit that pivots around a second pivot axis different from the belt unit's pivot axis, allowing it to move with the belt unit without hindering its operation, and a belt shift adjustment mechanism that adjusts the tension roller's inclination to reduce shift forces on the intermediate transfer belt, ensuring the sensor unit does not interfere with the belt's movement and reducing load on the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor unit is swingably supported by a horizontal swing shaft to detect toner patches on the intermediate transfer belt, then the detection function is achieved, but when the intermediate transfer belt unit moves up and down, a large load is applied to the swing shaft, sensor unit, and intermediate transfer belt unit causing deformation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pivot axis orientation from horizontal to vertical (perpendicular to the intermediate transfer belt). This dimensional change allows the sensor unit to pivot in a different plane that does not interfere with the vertical movement of the intermediate transfer belt unit, thereby eliminating the large lateral loads that caused deformation and damage while maintaining the detection function.
2Ease of operation
If the intermediate transfer belt unit is configured to move up and down to contact and separate from the drum, then cartridge replacement is enabled, but the movement causes large loads on the sensor unit and its support structure
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the pivot axis to vertical, the sensor unit's movement plane is changed so that it moves with the intermediate transfer belt unit during vertical displacement without creating lateral forces. This eliminates the harmful loads while preserving the ease of cartridge replacement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable support structure that allows the sensor unit to follow the vertical movement of the intermediate transfer belt unit. This intermediary mechanism enables the sensor unit to adapt to the belt's position changes without resisting them, thereby reducing loads while maintaining detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the detection unit is fixed to monitor the toner image on the belt, then detection accuracy is maintained, but it hinders the pivoting operation of the belt unit from first position to second position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detection unit movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot together with the intermediate transfer belt unit. This dynamic configuration enables the detection unit to maintain its monitoring function while accommodating the belt unit's pivoting motion between first and second positions without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support structure acts as an intermediary that couples the detection unit to the intermediate transfer belt unit's motion. This allows the detection unit to follow the belt's pivoting movement while maintaining its detection orientation, thereby resolving the conflict between detection accuracy and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body having a body frame, an image bearing member, a belt unit including a belt, and a stretching member configured to stretch the belt, the belt unit being pivotable around a first pivot axis between a first position and a second position, a transfer unit, and a detection unit movably supported by the body frame. The detection unit is configured to pivot around a second pivot axis different from the first pivot axis with respect to the body frame so as not to hinder pivoting of the belt unit in conjunction with a pivoting operation in which the belt unit pivots from the first position to the second position.