Inclinable Steering Roller Belt Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Belt deviation in image forming apparatuses using electrophotography or electrostatic printing, where the belt is deviated due to outer diameter precision and alignment issues of suspending rollers, leading to positional misalignment and inaccurate steering control.
Innovation Solution
A belt conveyance device with an inclinable steering roller supported by a second frame with a pivotable end and a linking portion, allowing precise control of the steering roller's inclination path and center of inclination, reducing positional deviation and improving belt alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the frame supporting the steering roller is raised/lowered along the edge of the other frame, then the steering roller can be inclined to correct belt deviation, but the steering roller readily exhibits positional deviation in a direction orthogonal to the steering direction due to looseness and wear at the guide portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide portion with a guide face as an intermediary element between the first frame and second frame. The guide face of the first frame guides the movement of the second frame, constraining it to move precisely along the intended path. This intermediary guide structure prevents unwanted positional deviation of the steering roller in the direction orthogonal to the steering direction, while still allowing the necessary raising/lowering motion for inclination control.
2Ease of operation
If the distance from the center of rotation of the steering roller to the slide face between the frames is increased, then the frame can be more easily inclined, but the steering roller is prone to sagging greatly due to increased moment arm from belt tension and roller weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism as a counterweight system to compensate for the sagging tendency of the steering roller. The spring applies an upward force to counterbalance the downward force caused by the roller's weight and belt tension, preventing excessive sagging while still allowing the frame to be inclined when needed. This enables the system to maintain the steering roller closer to its intended position despite the increased moment arm.
3Measurement precision
If the steering roller is inclined to correct belt deviation, then belt position control is improved, but the position of the edge portion of the belt is perceived to move without moving over the steering roller, increasing positional deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this perception issue by carefully designing the geometry and positioning of the guide face and frame structure. By controlling the spatial relationship between the guide face, frame, and steering roller, the system ensures that when the steering roller inclines to correct belt deviation, the belt edge position movement is minimized and accurately reflects the actual physical movement rather than apparent movement. This dimensional control prevents false positional readings.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt conveyance device has a configuration where one end of a rotation shaft of an inclinable steering roller that can move an endless belt in the width direction is supported by a first support member that is pivotable on a first pivot axis extending in a first axial line direction intersecting the rotation axis of the steering roller, and the other end of the rotation shaft of the steering roller is supported by a second support member that is pivotable on a second pivot axis that is generally parallel with the rotation axis of another suspending roller and also extends in a direction generally orthogonal to the first axial line.