Shared Support Structure for Image Forming Apparatus Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high printing accuracy due to inaccuracies in the positional relationship between the sheet feeding unit and the image forming unit, which affects the transfer of toner images onto recording materials.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus positions and fixes both the belt unit and the sheet feeding unit on a shared positioning member, ensuring precise alignment and operation between the primary and secondary transfer portions, allowing for accurate conveyance and transfer of toner images onto the recording material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the sheet feeding unit and image forming unit are positioned independently, then the apparatus structure is more flexible, but the printing accuracy deteriorates due to inaccurate positional relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sheet feeding unit and the image forming unit onto a single common support structure. This merging of positioning functions ensures that both units share the same reference frame, eliminating relative positioning errors and achieving high printing accuracy without requiring complex independent positioning mechanisms for each unit.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate positioning members are used for belt unit and sheet feeding unit, then the positional relationship can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports both the sheet feeding unit and the image forming unit, provides a unified positioning reference for both units, and eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms. This multi-functional design achieves precise positional relationships while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus configured such that a primarily-transferred toner image is secondarily transferred onto a recording material at a secondary transfer portion formed between a transfer belt and a secondary transfer roller, includes a belt unit configured to support the transfer belt in a rotatable manner; and a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the recording material toward the secondary transfer portion. Both the belt unit and the sheet feeding unit are positioned and fixed on the same main stay, so that higher printing accuracy is achieved in consideration of a mutual positional relationship between the sheet feeding portion and the image forming portion.