Suction Belt Conveyance Unit Positioning in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the increasing size and speed lead to positional deviations between the conveyance unit and the fixing unit, causing sheet conveyance failures due to the large number of components between them, which affects the accuracy and reliability of the image forming process.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where the conveyance unit and fixing unit are supported on different casings, with a suction belt conveyance unit positioned between them, and precise positioning mechanisms ensure accurate alignment, using a suction belt to convey sheets from the transfer unit to the fixing unit, thereby reducing positional tolerances and preventing conveyance failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the conveyance unit and fixing unit are supported on different casings connected together, then the apparatus size can be increased and logistics workability is improved, but the positional relationship between the conveyance unit and fixing unit deviates from the appropriate position causing conveyance failure
Solution Approach 1:
A suction belt conveyance unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the conveyance unit and the fixing unit. This intermediate conveyance mechanism compensates for positional deviations that occur when casings are connected, ensuring reliable sheet transport from the conveyance unit to the fixing unit without direct mechanical connection between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into separate casings (first casing for conveyance unit, second casing for fixing unit) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation improves logistics workability while the suction belt conveyance unit bridges the gap between segmented components to maintain operational reliability.
2Productivity
If a large number of components exist between the conveyance unit and fixing unit, then the apparatus can be scaled up in size, but tolerance related to position becomes great leading to conveyance failure
Solution Approach 1:
The suction belt conveyance unit acts as a mediator that absorbs and compensates for cumulative tolerance errors from multiple components. By providing a dedicated conveyance path with its own positioning mechanism (first and second positioning portions), it maintains precise sheet delivery to the fixing unit regardless of variations in the number or arrangement of intermediate components.
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 configuration effectively suppresses sheet conveyance failures and improves image quality by maintaining precise sheet alignment and conveyance, even in large-scale apparatuses, enhancing the workability of logistics and installation while preventing image defects like creases and corner folds.
Implementation Method 1
a suction portion configured to suck the sheet to the belt portion by sucking air
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit including a transfer nip portion, a fixing unit including a fixing nip portion, a suction belt conveyance unit arranged between the transfer unit and the fixing unit and conveying the sheet toward the fixing nip, a first casing, a second casing connected to the first casing and supporting the fixing unit, a first positioning portion, and, a second positioning portion. The first positioning portion is disposed in the first casing and performs positioning of the suction belt conveyance unit in a predetermined direction along a surface perpendicular to a width direction of the sheet. The second positioning portion is disposed in the second casing and performs positioning of the suction belt conveyance unit in the predetermined direction.