JP2001322747A - Device and method for manufacturing flexible belt - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manufacture a flexible belt to improve manufacturing efficiency by automating a manufacturing process for a flexible belt and be excellent in size precision by preventing the occurrence of a peripheral length difference between the two end parts of the flexible belt. SOLUTION: A device for manufacturing a flexible belt comprises a pair of grasping members 3A and 3B disposed in parallel to each other and linearly grasping the vicinity of two end parts 1A and 1B of the flexible belt 1 placed on a sheet placing table 2; a support table 4 to place in an overlapping state the two end parts of the flexible sheet 1 when the flexible sheet 1 is brought into a loop-form state; a joining machine 5 to join together an overlapped part 1C of the flexible sheet 1 placed on the support table 4; and a controller 20 to move a pair of the grasping members 3A and 3B in a direction, in which the members approach each other, with the flexible sheet 1 grasped by a pair of the grasping members 3A and 3B to bring the flexible sheet 1 into a loop state and overlap the two end parts 1A and 1B with each other and control such that a pair of the grasping members 3A and 3B are separated away from the sheet placing table 2 as the grasping members are respectively rotated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an endless belt (endless) flexible belt by looping a flexible sheet and joining both ends thereof. And a manufacturing method of a flexible belt suitable for manufacturing an endless belt [eg, a photosensitive belt (belt-shaped photosensitive body), a transfer belt, a transport belt, etc.] used in an electrophotographic apparatus. And a manufacturing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a photoreceptor is advantageous because it has a greater degree of freedom in arrangement within the apparatus and a wider photosensitive area. As the photoconductor belt, a flexible belt (for example, an OPC photoconductor belt) is used.

In general, a photoreceptor is formed by laminating a photoreceptor layer comprising a conductive layer, a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer, and the like on a synthetic resin sheet (for example, PET or the like), and a belt-like photoreceptor ( The photoconductor sheet is formed by cutting the photoconductor web) into predetermined dimensions. Then, the photosensitive member sheet is formed into a loop shape, and both ends thereof are joined by using an ultrasonic welding machine (ultrasonic welding machine; for example, an ultrasonic welder, an ultrasonic horn, etc.), thereby forming an endless belt-like photosensitive member. A belt is manufactured.

When the photoreceptor belt is manufactured in this manner, first, the photoreceptor sheet is formed into a loop shape while one end of the photoreceptor sheet is positioned and held, and the other end is positioned at one of the positioned ends. Are overlapped, and the overlapped portion (overlapping portion) is joined by an ultrasonic welding machine.
However, when manufacturing the photoreceptor belt in this way,
It is difficult to accurately overlap and join both end portions of the photoreceptor sheet so as not to be displaced. For this reason, it is very difficult to prevent a difference in circumferential length between both end portions of the manufactured photoreceptor belt. Have difficulty. In particular, it is difficult to overlap and join the photosensitive member sheets by hand so that the both end portions do not shift, and a circumferential difference is generated at both end portions of the manufactured photosensitive belt. On the other hand, it is not preferable to carefully overlap and join both end portions of the manufactured photoreceptor belt so as to prevent a difference in circumferential length from occurring, because the manufacturing efficiency is reduced.

[0005] If there is a circumferential difference between both ends of the photoreceptor belt manufactured as described above, the photoreceptor belt will meander when mounted on an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, and the printed image will be displaced or distorted. And so on. For this reason, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-106756 discloses that a photosensitive sheet is wound around a pair of rollers supported in parallel, fixed with a clamp, and then one of the rollers is moved in parallel. A technology is disclosed in which both ends of the photoreceptor belt are joined to prevent a difference in circumferential length from occurring at both ends of the manufactured photoreceptor belt. In other words, in this technique, one of the pair of rollers supported in parallel is moved in parallel, and the photosensitive sheet is brought into close contact with the pair of rollers with high accuracy. It can be manufactured.

[0006]

However, in this technique, one of the rollers is moved in parallel and the photosensitive sheet is pulled by the pair of rollers, so that the photosensitive sheet is brought into close contact with the pair of rollers. Depending on the magnitude of the tensile force acting on the photoreceptor sheet, the photoreceptor sheet may be stretched, and when the photoreceptor sheet is stretched in this way, it is difficult to manufacture a highly accurate photoreceptor belt with no difference in circumference Become. Also, it is necessary to keep the photosensitive member sheet in close contact with the pair of rollers while preventing the excessive tensile force from acting on the photosensitive member sheet. It is not easy and requires skill. Furthermore, even with this technology,
Since the photoreceptor belt is manufactured manually, it is difficult to improve the manufacturing efficiency.

Incidentally, in order to improve the production efficiency of a flexible belt, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-188289 discloses a technique for automating the steps from the step of cutting the web to the step of welding. In this technique, a belt loop forming station for forming a belt loop by looping a web segment (photoreceptor sheet) and a belt welding station for welding an overlapped portion of the belt loop are provided separately and independently. The belt loop formed at the belt loop forming station is placed on the anvil and transferred to the belt welding station.

In the belt loop forming station, the tip of the web sucked by the vacuum shoe 82 of the reciprocating web pickup assembly 58 and introduced from the side is bent over the vacuum shoe 190 so that the web is bent between the vacuum shoes 182 and 190. After being transported to the web segment, the web segments are looped by rotating the vacuum shoes 182, 190 while adsorbing the surfaces near the both ends of the web segment (the surface on which the photosensitive organic layer is formed) by the vacuum shoes 182, 190. I have to. Thus, the vacuum shoes 182, 1
By rotating 90, the vacuum shoes 182, 190 are brought to a position above the anvil, and both ends of the web segment are clamped between the vacuum shoes 182, 190 and the anvil. Then, both ends of the web segment sucked by the belt are sucked by the anvil, and the belt loop is moved from the vacuum shoes 182, 190 to the anvil. Here, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, reference numerals used in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-188289 are given.

In this technique, however, the web segment is formed into a loop shape, and the web segment (the belt loop after the loop shape is formed) is repeatedly adsorbed by a plurality of vacuum shoes until the overlapping portion is welded. Since the transfer is repeated, the suction position may be shifted during repeated transfer, and it is difficult to manufacture a flexible belt having good dimensional accuracy.

[0010] In the belt welding station, the overlapped portion of the web segment is joined on an anvil having a groove connected to a vacuum source while holding both ends of the web segment on the anvil by suctioning the web segment with an anvil. It is also difficult to accurately weld the overlapping portion of the segments. In particular, when the photoreceptor belt is used as a photoreceptor for forming a color image, it is necessary to superimpose a plurality of colors with high accuracy, so that the photoreceptor belt needs to have better dimensional accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and improves the manufacturing efficiency by automating the manufacturing process of a flexible belt (for example, an endless belt for an electrophotographic apparatus). It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible belt manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method capable of manufacturing a flexible belt having good dimensional accuracy without causing a difference in circumferential length between both ends of the flexible belt.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a flexible belt according to the present invention, wherein a flexible sheet cut to a predetermined size is placed on a sheet table and parallel to each other. A pair of gripping members for linearly gripping the vicinity of both ends of the flexible sheet placed on the sheet table along the both edges, and disposed between the pair of gripping members along the gripping members. When the flexible sheet is formed into a loop, both ends of the flexible sheet are placed on top of each other, and the flexible sheet is disposed so as to face the receiving table and is placed on the receiving table. A joining machine that joins the overlapping portions of the flexible sheets, and in a state where the vicinity of both ends of the flexible sheet is gripped by a pair of gripping members in order to loop the flexible sheet and overlap both ends thereof. When the pair of gripping members are moved in a direction to approach each other, Moni, while rotating each pair of gripping members, is characterized by comprising a controller for controlling so as to separate the pair of gripping members and the sheet table.

Preferably, the controller is configured to perform control for raising and lowering the sheet table so as to separate the pair of gripping members from the sheet table (claim 2). In addition, it is preferable that a sheet holding member for holding both ends of the flexible sheet supported on the receiving stand is provided (claim 3). Furthermore, it is preferable to provide at least two positioning members on the sheet table along a direction orthogonal to the pair of gripping members (claim 4).

It is also preferable that the controller is configured to perform control for changing the gripping position of the flexible sheet by the pair of gripping members in accordance with the size of the flexible sheet. In particular, the flexible sheet is a photoreceptor sheet, and the holding member has an opening connected to a vacuum device, and the vacuum device suctions air through the opening to suck and hold the photoreceptor sheet. Configured to
Further, the joining machine is constituted by an ultrasonic welding machine that joins the superposed portion of the photosensitive sheet by ultrasonic welding, and the controller operates a vacuum device to loop the photosensitive sheet into a loop and overlap both ends thereof. The pair of gripping members are moved in a direction in which the pair of gripping members are brought closer to each other while the vicinity of both ends of the photoreceptor sheet is attracted and gripped by the pair of gripping members. It is preferable that the member and the sheet table are controlled so as to be separated from each other (claim 6).

Preferably, the opening is a linear groove, a rectangular groove or a plurality of holes. further,
It is preferable that the flexible belt is an endless belt for an electrophotographic apparatus. In particular, the endless belt is preferably a photoreceptor belt, a transfer belt, or a transport belt.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible belt manufacturing method according to the present invention, wherein both ends of a flexible sheet placed on a sheet table by a pair of gripping members arranged in parallel with each other. While holding the flexible sheet linearly along the edges and linearly gripping the vicinity of both ends of the flexible sheet with the pair of gripping members, the pair of gripping members are moved toward each other, and the pair of gripping members are moved. While rotating each, by separating the pair of gripping members and the sheet mounting table, the flexible sheet is formed into a loop shape, and both ends thereof are overlapped on a receiving table disposed between the pair of gripping members. Put on,
In a state in which the vicinity of both ends of the flexible sheet is held by a pair of holding members, the overlapping portion of the flexible sheet placed on the receiving table is joined to manufacture a flexible belt. I have.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a flexible belt according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The apparatus for manufacturing a flexible belt according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a photosensitive belt (an endless belt for an electrophotographic apparatus, an endless belt-shaped electronic apparatus) for manufacturing a photosensitive belt provided in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer. (Photosensitive material).

In this photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus, the photoreceptor sheet (flexible belt) is formed into a loop shape, and both ends thereof are joined to form an endless belt shape. Is to be manufactured. Here, a photoconductor (for example, an OPC photoconductor) includes a conductive layer and a charge generation layer on a synthetic resin film (for example, a PET sheet).
A photoreceptor sheet is formed by laminating photoreceptor layers such as a charge transport layer, and cutting a belt-shaped photoreceptor (web) into predetermined dimensions.

For this reason, the photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus includes:
As shown in FIG. 1, a sheet table 2 on which a photoreceptor sheet 1 cut to a predetermined size is mounted, and the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the flexible sheet 1 mounted on the sheet table 2 are gripped. And a pair of gripping members 3A, 3B
3B, a receiving table 4 is provided between the receiving table 4 and a joining machine 5 for joining the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the receiving table 4.

Here, the sheet table 2 is configured so that a plurality of types of photoreceptor sheets 1 cut to a predetermined size can be mounted thereon. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seat table 2 is provided with a sheet table elevating device 6 including a ball screw 6A and a motor 6B. That is, the seat table 2 is connected to the motor 6B via the ball screw 6A. As shown by arrows in FIGS. 3 and 4,
By moving the sheet table 2 up and down, the sheet table 2 can be separated from and brought into contact with a pair of gripping members 3A and 3B arranged to face the sheet table 2.

When the sheet table 2 is raised from the movement start position Ps to the movement end position Pe by the sheet table elevating device 6 configured as described above, the pair of gripping members 3A,
3B, the sheet table 2 is moved to a position where it can grip the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2.
Will rise. A positioning member 7 is provided on the sheet table 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so that the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2 can be accurately positioned. Has become.

As shown in FIG. 2, the positioning member 7 includes a horizontal positioning member 7A for positioning the sheet table 2 in the horizontal direction (longitudinal direction, width direction).
There is provided a vertical positioning member 7B for positioning the sheet table 2 in the vertical direction (transverse direction, depth direction). Among them, the horizontal positioning member 7A is for positioning the photosensitive sheet 1 in the moving direction (horizontal moving direction) in which the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B reciprocate, and is positioned by the horizontal positioning member 7. With reference to the position of the photoconductor sheet 1 as a reference, the gripping positions near the both ends 1A and 1B of the photoconductor sheet 1 by the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B are set according to the dimensions of the photoconductor sheet 1. I have.

The two vertical positioning members 7B are provided at predetermined intervals along a direction perpendicular to the pair of gripping members 3A, 3B (the width direction of the sheet table 2).
In addition, if it is sufficient that at least a photoconductor belt having no difference in circumference can be manufactured, a pair of gripping members 3A and 3B are arranged in parallel with each other, as described later.
Since the photosensitive member sheet 1 may be configured to be sucked and held by the pair of holding members 3A and 3B, from this point, these positioning members 7A and 7B are used.
It is not essential to provide B.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a pair of gripping members 3A and 3B.
As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet placing table 2 is configured as a linear rod-shaped member extending along the depth direction (vertical direction).
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B are disposed so as to be parallel to each other. That is, in FIG. 1, the state after the movement and rotation of the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B (that is, the state where the photosensitive sheet 1 is formed into a loop shape and both ends 1A and 1B are placed on the receiving table 4 and held).
FIG. 2 shows a state before the movement and rotation of the pair of gripping members 3a and 3B (that is, a state where the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2 is sucked and gripped). However, in any state, they are arranged so as to be parallel to each other. In addition, in order to move the pair of grip members 3a and 3B and maintain the parallel state after rotation, the pair of grip members 3A and 3B are moved in parallel, and the pair of grip members 3A and 3B are parallel to the axis of the pair of grip members 3A and 3B. It is necessary to rotate each of the gripping members 3A and 3B around a proper axis as a rotation axis.

Prior to the movement of the pair of gripping members 3a and 3B, as shown in FIG. 2, the origin positions of the pair of gripping members 3a and 3B preset in accordance with the dimensions of the photosensitive sheet 1 (movement start At a position Ps) and a pair of gripping members 3A, 3
After the movement of B, as shown in FIG.
A, 3B is at the movement end position Pe. Then, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 5, both ends 1A of the photosensitive sheet 1 positioned by the positioning members 7A and 7B and placed on the sheet table 2 by the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B. , 1B are gripped linearly along both end edges 1a, 1b. That is, the photosensitive member sheet 1 is as shown in FIG.
As shown by a chain line, a pair of gripping members 3A, 3B
2 perpendicular to a line connecting the two lateral positioning members 7B, 7B (that is, one side of the photosensitive sheet 1).
It is gripped along two straight lines. In this case, since the linear gripping portions of the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B are parallel (that is, the lengths of the two sides 1C and 1D of the photosensitive sheet 1 forming both ends of the photosensitive belt to be manufactured are Therefore, a photoreceptor belt having no difference in circumference can be manufactured.

As shown by a broken line in FIG. 5, even if the shape of the photosensitive sheet 1 is a parallelogram (that is, the sides of the photosensitive sheet 1 are not orthogonal). ), The photosensitive member sheet 1 includes a pair of holding members 3A, 3A.
Since B is held in parallel and linearly by B, it is possible to manufacture a photosensitive belt having no difference in circumference. In other words, even if the photoconductor sheet 1 is not cut to an exact size, if the photoconductor sheet 1 is within a certain error range, the photoconductor sheet 1 is gripped in parallel and linearly by the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B. , In the form of a loop, both ends 1A, 1B
By bonding, the photoreceptor belt having at least no difference in circumference can be manufactured.

As shown in FIG. 6 (A), for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (A), the side surfaces of these gripping members 3A, 3B are linearly formed as openings 3a so as to extend along the length direction of the gripping members 3A, 3B. (Linear groove) 3aa is formed, and this linear groove 3aa is connected to a vacuum device (vacuum source; for example, a rotary pump or the like) 8 through a passage 3b.
Then, by operating the vacuum device 8 to suck the air in the linear groove 3aa through the passage 3b to make a vacuum state, the photosensitive sheet 1 can be adsorbed on the surfaces of the pair of rod-shaped members 3A and 3B. It has become.

In this case, the opening 3a is formed with the linear groove 3
Although it is configured as aa, the shape of the groove is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, a groove (rectangular groove) 3ab is formed in a rectangular shape along its edge. May be. By forming the rectangular grooves 3ab in this manner, the area (adsorption area) of the portion for adsorbing the photosensitive member sheet 1 can be increased, and thereby the photosensitive member sheet 1 can be further placed on the surfaces of the gripping members 3A and 3B. It is possible to reliably suck and hold. The shape of the groove is not limited to these, and a groove having another shape may be formed.

The opening 3a is not necessarily formed as a groove, but may be formed as a plurality of holes 3ac, for example, as shown in FIG. For example, by arranging the plurality of holes 3ac linearly along the length direction of the gripping members 3A and 3B, the opening 3a can be configured by the plurality of holes 3ac. Further, a pair of gripping members 3A, 3
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B are attached to B, respectively, and the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 is sucked and gripped.
The sheet table 2 can be moved in the width direction.

Here, the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B are
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an air cylinder 9a, a rail 9b laid on the upper side of the sheet table 2 along the width direction of the sheet table 2, and a gripping member 3 on the rail 9b.
A, 3B.
That is, the gripping members 3A and 3B have one end side supported on the rail 9b via the support 9c, and the support 9c supporting the gripping members 3A and 3B is driven by the air cylinder 9a. The pair of gripping members 3A and 3B reciprocate in a direction (horizontal direction) in which they are separated from each other. The configuration of the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B is not limited to this.

Actually, when the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2 is to be sucked and held, as shown in FIG. 2, a pair of holding members 3A and 3B FIG. 1 shows a state in which the photosensitive sheet 1 is sucked and gripped so that the photosensitive sheet 1 is formed into a loop shape in a position facing the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B (movement start position, origin position). As shown in (2), it is moved to a position close to the cradle 4 (movement end position). Further, the photosensitive member belt is manufactured by joining both end portions 1A and 1B of the photosensitive member sheet 1 and, after being extracted, is returned to an original position (origin position) as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B have gripping member rotating devices 10 respectively.
A and 10B are attached, and each of the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B can be rotated while the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive member sheet 1 is sucked and gripped. Here, the gripping member rotating device 10
A and 10B are each provided with a rotary actuator 10a as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, and both end portions 1A and 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 are held by gripping members 3A and 3B.
In a state where the vicinity is suctioned and gripped, the gripping members 3A and 3B are rotated (about 180 degrees in this case) from the rotation start position (origin position) Ps to the rotation end position Pe by the rotary actuator 10a.

Here, the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10A
B is the gripping members 3A, 3
B is rotated. Thereby, both end portions 1A, 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 are held by the grip members 3A, 3B.
Both ends 1A and 1B of the photoreceptor sheet 1 are superimposed on the cradle 4 in a state where the vicinity is sucked and gripped.

In practice, as shown in FIG. 1, the gripping members 3A, 3B are held by the gripper reciprocating devices 9A, 9B in a state in which the photosensitive members 1 are sucked and gripped, and are positioned close to the receiving table 4. (Movement end position), and one gripping member 3A is rotated by the gripping member rotating device 10A.
After placing one end 1A of the photoconductor sheet 1 on the cradle 4, one gripping member 3 is moved by the gripping member rotating device 10B.
By rotating B, the other end 1B is superimposed on one end 1A of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the receiving table 4. Further, both end portions 1A of the photosensitive member sheet 1,
After the photoreceptor belt is manufactured by joining the photoreceptor belts 1B and the photoreceptor belt is extracted, the photoreceptor belt is returned to an original position (origin position) as shown in FIG.

It is sufficient that the photosensitive sheet 1 is formed in a loop shape and both ends 1A and 1B can be overlapped on the receiving table 4, and the gripper reciprocating devices 9A and 9B and the gripper rotating devices 10A and 10B are operated. The order in which they are performed is not limited to this. For example, gripper reciprocating devices 9A, 9B
Thus, in a state where the photosensitive sheet 1 is sucked and gripped,
The gripping members 3A, 3B are rotated by the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10B while moving the gripping members 3A, 3B to a position close to the receiving table 4, and the end portions 1A, 1B may be superimposed.

After the other gripping member 3B is rotated by the gripping member rotating device 10B and the other end 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 is placed on the receiving table 4, one gripping member is rotated by the gripping member rotating device 10A. By rotating the member 3A, one end 1A may be superimposed on the other end 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 supported on the receiving table 4. The cradle 4 is, as shown in FIGS.
A and 3B are disposed along a pair of gripping members 3A and 3B, and when the photoreceptor sheet 1 is formed in a loop shape, both ends 1A and 1B are superposed and placed.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving table 4 is configured as a linear rod-like member extending along the depth direction (vertical direction) of the sheet table 2. The upper surface of the receiving table 4 is formed in a flat or curved shape. Here, on the cradle 4, both end portions 1A, 1 of the photosensitive sheet 1 are provided.
B is overlapped to form an overlapped portion 1C, and the width of the overlapped portion 1C (that is, the width at which both end portions are overlapped) is preferably about 0.2 mm to about 3.0 mm. That is, the width of the overlapped portion 1C of the photoconductor sheet 1 is about 0.5 mm.
The pair of gripping members 3 are set to be 2 mm to about 3.0 mm.
The position at which the photosensitive sheet 1 is gripped may be set by A and 3B. In the present embodiment, a controller 20 described later is used.
However, control is performed to change the gripping position of the photoconductor sheet 1 by the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B in accordance with the dimensions of the photoconductor sheet 1.

The pair of gripping members 3A, 3B are moved by the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A, 9B, and the pair of gripping members 3A, 3B are moved by the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10B.
A and 3B are respectively rotated, so that the photosensitive sheet 1
To form a loop, these pair of gripping members 3A,
3B, the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B and the gripping member rotating devices 10A and 10B are also referred to as a loop forming mechanism.

Further, in this embodiment, since the cut sides (here, both ends 1A and 1B) of the photoreceptor sheet 1 coated with a photosensitive layer or the like are apt to warp, FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of sheet pressing plates (sheet pressing members) that press each of both ends 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B of the flexible sheet 1 supported on the receiving table 4.
11A and 11B are provided.

These sheet pressing plates 11A, 11B
As shown in FIG. 2, each is configured as a linear rod-shaped member extending in the depth direction (longitudinal direction) of the sheet placing table 2 and arranged in parallel with each other. Further, these sheet pressing plates 11A and 11B are all disposed so as to face the surface of the receiving table 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, sheet holding plate lifting devices (sheet holding member lifting devices) 12A and 12B are attached to one end of the sheet holding plates 11A and 11B, respectively. The holding plates 11A and 11B can be moved up and down.

Here, the sheet holding plate elevating device 12A,
12B includes a ball screw 12a and a motor 12b, as shown in FIG. That is, the sheet holding plate 11
A and 11B are connected to a motor 12b via a ball screw 12a.
It is connected to. Then, the sheet holding plate elevating devices 12A and 12B configured as described above allow
As shown by the arrows, by raising and lowering the sheet holding plates 11A and 11B, both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive body sheet 1 supported on the receiving table 4 arranged to face the sheet holding plates 11A and 11B. 1B.

The sheet holding plate elevating devices 12A and 12B configured as described above allow the sheet holding plate 11A,
By lowering 11B from the movement start position (origin position) Ps to the movement end position Pe, the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the photoreceptor sheet 1 is pressed onto the receiving table 4 with an appropriate pressing force. . Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent the warp from being generated in the vicinity of both end portions of the photosensitive member sheet 1 to be joined, and it is possible to more reliably join the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive member sheet 1.

Further, both end portions 1A, 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1
Is completed, as shown in FIG. 3, it is raised to the original position (origin position, movement start position Ps). As described above, when the bonding by the fusion of the overlapping portion 1C of the photoconductor sheet 1 is not performed (that is, when the fusion machine 5 is not operated), the sheet pressing plate elevating devices 12A, 12
A predetermined working space is secured when the photosensitive sheet 1 is formed into a loop shape by retracting B, or when a photosensitive belt is formed after joining of the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1 is completed. I can do it.

In this case, the sheet holding member 11
A and 11B press both end portions 1A and 1B of the photoconductor sheet 1 over substantially the entire length thereof as shown in FIG. 7, but for example, as shown in FIG. The overlapping portion 1C of the sheet 1 may be configured to be pressed by a predetermined area, and the sheet pressing member 11C may be run ahead of the joining machine 5 in front of the joining machine 5. The sheet pressing plates 11A, 11B, and 11C need not be provided as long as the photosensitive sheet 1 does not warp.

As shown in FIG. 1, the welding machine 5 comprises, for example, an ultrasonic welding machine (ultrasonic welder, ultrasonic welding machine, ultrasonic horn), and is controlled by a welding machine controller 13. Has become. This ultrasonic welding machine 5
As shown in FIG. 1, it is disposed so as to face the cradle 4 and travels between the sheet pressing plates 11A and 11B, and the sheet holding plates 11A and 11B end the ends 1A and 1B.
B contacts both ends 1A and 1B of the photoreceptor sheet 1 by ultrasonic welding while abutting against the overlapping portion 1C of the photoreceptor sheet 1 pressed against the receiving table 4.

In this case, the joining machine 5 is configured as an ultrasonic welding machine for joining both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 by ultrasonic welding, but the both ends 1A of the photosensitive sheet 1 are used. , 1B as long as they can be joined together, for example, by heat fusion. As shown in FIG. 1, a fuser pressurizing device 14 including a spring or the like is attached to the fuser 5, and the fuser 5 is brought into contact with the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1. The pressing force (pressing force) at the tip of No. 5 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fusing device 5 is also provided with a fusing device elevating device 15 for moving the fusing device 5 and the fusing device pressing device 14 up and down. It can be made to be. Here, the fusing machine elevating device 15
Is, for example, as shown in FIGS.
a, and a fuser support 15b that supports the fuser 5. That is, the welding machine 5 is connected to the welding machine pressing device 14.
Is supported by the air cylinder 1
Driven by 5a, the fusing machine 5 can move up and down in a direction in which the fuser 5 is separated from and brought into contact with the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1 supported on the receiving table 4. Note that the configuration of the fusing machine elevating device 15 is not limited to this.

In actuality, when the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2 is joined by the fusing machine 5, as shown in FIG. Moves the fuser support 15b supporting the fuser 5 so that the sheet passes through the space between the pair of sheet pressing plates 11A and 11B and descends to a position where it comes into contact with the upper surface of the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1. The movement is lowered from the start position (origin position) Ps to the movement end position Pe.

Further, both end portions 1A, 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1
After completion of the joining, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the position is raised to the original position (origin position, movement start position Ps). Thus, the overlapping portion 1C of the photoreceptor sheet 1
When the fusion bonding is not performed (that is, when the fusion machine 5 is not operated), the fusion machine 5 and the like are retracted so that the photosensitive sheet 1 is formed into a loop shape or the photosensitive sheet 1 A predetermined working space can be ensured when the photoreceptor belt is formed after the joining of the overlapping portion 1C is completed.

The fusing machine 5, the fusing machine pressurizing device 14 and the fusing machine elevating / lowering device 15 are assembled into a fusing machine unit 18. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the fusion machine unit 18 is provided with a fusion machine unit reciprocating device 16, and the fusion machine unit 18 is moved along the depth direction of the sheet table 2. It can be reciprocated.

Here, the fusion machine unit reciprocating device 16 comprises:
For example, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
A motor 16B, a rail 16C laid along the depth direction of the sheet table 2 on a side wall 17 erected on the upper side of the sheet table 2, and a fusion supporting the fusion machine unit 18 on the rail 16C. Machine unit support 16D.

That is, the fuser unit 18 is supported on the rail 16C via the fuser unit support 16D, and the fuser unit support 16D supporting the fuser unit 18 is connected to the ball screw 16A. Via motor 16B
It is connected to. The fusing unit 18 is driven by a motor 16B via a ball screw 16A, and can reciprocate along the depth direction of the sheet table 2. The configuration of the fusion machine unit reciprocating device 16 is not limited to this.

In actuality, when the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2 by the fusing machine 5 is joined, as shown in FIG. 1
A movement start position Ps (position shown in FIG. 1) between the pair of sheet holding plates 11A and 11B along the depth direction of the sheet placing table 2 in a state where the tip end of the welding machine 5 is in contact with the upper surface of C. From the movement end position (origin position) Pe (the position shown in FIG. 3).

Here, when the joining by fusion of the overlapped portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1 is not performed (that is, when the fusion machine 5 is not operated), the fusion machine 5 is moved to the origin position (movement end position Pe). ), When the bonding is performed by fusing the overlapping portion 1C of the photoconductor sheet 1 (that is, when the fusing machine 5 is operated), first, the fusing machine 5 is moved to the movement start position Ps, The fusing machine 5 is moved from the movement start position Ps to the movement end position Pe to join the overlapping portion 1C of the photoconductor sheet 1 by fusion.

By the way, a controller (sequencer) 20 is provided in the photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus thus configured.
Is provided, and the sequential control is performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, detection signals from a start switch 21 and various detection switches (limiter switches) 22 to 27 are input to the controller 20. That is, the controller 20 includes a sheet placement table position detection switch 2 for detecting the position (upper limit position, movement end position Pe) of the sheet placement table 2.
2. The movement position of the gripping members 3A, 3B (the movement end position P
e), a gripping member movement position detection switch 23 for detecting the rotation position (rotation end position Pe) of the gripping members 3A and 3B, a gripping member rotation position detection switch 24 for detecting the rotation position of the gripping members 3A and 3B, and a position (lower limit position, movement end) of the welding machine 5. A position detecting switch 25 for detecting the position Pe) of the fusion machine, a switch 26 for detecting the movement start position Ps of the fusion unit 18, and a movement end position Pe for the fusion unit 18. The detection signal from the fusion end position detection switch 27 is inputted. Note that the gripping member movement position detection switch 23 may be provided for each of the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B, or may be provided for either one of them. Similarly, the grip member rotation position detection switch 24 may be provided for each of the pair of grip members 3A and 3B,
You may provide in either one.

Then, based on the detection signals from these detection switches (limit switches) 22 to 27, the sheet table elevating device 6, the holding member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B, the holding member rotating devices 10A and 10B, the fusing machine Lifting device 15,
Fusing machine unit reciprocating device 16, vacuum device 8, sheet holding plate elevating devices 12A and 12B, fusing machine controller 13
To output a control signal to perform sequential control.

Particularly, in this embodiment, the controller 20
Is to make the photoreceptor sheet 1 into a loop shape and to form both ends 1A,
1B, a pair of gripping members 3A, 3B
The pair of gripping members 3A and 3B are moved in a direction in which the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B are brought closer to each other while the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive member sheet 1 is gripped.
While rotating A and 3B respectively, a pair of gripping members 3
Control is performed to separate A and 3B from the sheet table 2.

Further, the controller 20 performs control to raise and lower the sheet table 2 so as to separate the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B from the sheet table 2.
Further, the controller 20 includes a pair of gripping members 3A, 3A.
Control for changing the gripping position of the photoconductor sheet 1 by B according to the dimensions of the photoconductor sheet 1 is also performed.

The apparatus for manufacturing a photoreceptor belt according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and a photoreceptor belt is manufactured as follows. That is, first, the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2 is straightened along the both ends 1a and 1b by a pair of gripping members 3A and 3B arranged in parallel with each other. It is gripped in a shape. With the vicinity of both ends 1A, 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 being gripped in this way, the pair of gripping members 3A, 3B are moved in a direction to approach each other, and the pair of gripping members 3
While rotating A and 3B respectively, a pair of gripping members 3
A, 3B and the sheet table 2 are separated from each other to form the photoreceptor sheet 1 in a loop shape, and both ends 1A, 1B thereof are superimposed to form a receiving table 4 disposed between a pair of gripping members 3A, 3B. Put on top. And a pair of gripping members 3
A photoreceptor belt is manufactured by joining the overlapped portion 1C of the photoreceptor sheet 1 placed on the receiving table 4 while holding the vicinity of both ends 1A and 1B of the photoreceptor sheet 1 by A and 3B. You.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing such a photoreceptor belt (including sequential control) will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition,
Reference is made to FIG. 11 as appropriate. First, in step S10, the photoconductor sheet 1 is placed on the sheet table 2 while being positioned by the positioning members 7A and 7B on the sheet table 2 as shown in FIG. 11A (positioning step). .

As described above, the positioning is accurately performed by the positioning members 7A and 7B. However, the photosensitive sheet 1 has various sizes, and the positions of the reciprocating device, the rotating device, and the elevating device described above are different. If the (start position, end position) is not set accurately, it is not possible to manufacture a photosensitive belt having no difference in circumference, and thus the dimensions of the photosensitive sheet 1 before starting the manufacture of the photosensitive belt. The sheet table elevating device 6 and the gripping member reciprocating device 9
A, 9B, the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10B, the fusing machine elevating device 15, the fusing unit reciprocating device 16, and the sheet holding plate elevating devices 12A, 12B are set in advance with their respective positions (start position, end position). (Initial setting process).

Next, in step S20, when the start switch 21 is turned on, a control start signal is input to the controller 20, and the sequential control for manufacturing the photosensitive belt by turning the photosensitive sheet 1 into a belt shape is started. (Automatic control process). First, in step S30, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the sheet stage elevating device 6, whereby the sheet stage elevating device 6 is operated.
1 (B), as indicated by the middle arrow, the sheet table 2 is raised (sheet table raising step). Then, when the sheet table 2 rises to a predetermined position (upper limit position, movement end position Pe),
The seat table position detection switch 22 is turned on, and a detection signal (switch-on signal) from the sheet table position detection switch 22 is input to the controller 20. As described above, when the detection signal from the sheet table position detection switch 22 is input to the controller 20, the controller 20 stops outputting the control signal to the sheet table elevating device 6, and the sheet table 2 stops at the predetermined upper limit position. I do.

Next, at step S40, the controller 2
From 0, a control signal is output to the vacuum device 8, and the vacuum device 8 is activated (vacuum device ON). As a result, the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the sheet table 2 is
As shown in FIG. 3C, at a predetermined position near the both ends 1A and 1B (a position corresponding to the size of the photoconductor sheet), it is suctioned by the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B (photoconductor sheet suction step).

When the photosensitive sheet 1 is sucked by the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B in this manner, step S is performed.
At 50, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the sheet platform elevating device 6, whereby the sheet platform elevating device 6
Operates to lower the sheet table 2. In this case, the sheet table 2 stops when it descends to a predetermined position (lower limit position, movement start position Ps, origin position).

Next, in step S60, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B, whereby the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B operate, and are indicated by arrows in FIG. 11C. As described above, the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B both move (translate in parallel) toward the cradle 4 from the movement start position Ps so as to approach each other (gripping member moving step). As a result, FIG. As shown in (1), the photoconductor sheet 1 bends.

When the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B move to the movement end position Pe, the gripping member movement position detection switch 23 is turned on, and the detection signal (switch-on signal) from the gripping member movement position detection switch 23 is turned on. Is input to the controller 20. As described above, the detection signal from the gripping member movement position detection switch 23 is
When input to 0, the controller 20 stops outputting the control signal to the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B, and the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A and 9B stop at the movement end position Pe.

Further, in step S70, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10B, whereby the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10B are output.
B operates and rotates sequentially to the receiving table 4 side. Here, as shown by an arrow in FIG.
By rotating the gripping member 3A by 0A and then rotating the gripping member 3B by the gripping member rotating device 10B (grip-member rotating step), as shown in FIG. 1B are superimposed. The order in which the grip members 3A and 3B are rotated is not limited to this, and the grip member 3B may be rotated first by the grip member rotating device 10B.

Then, the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10B
Is rotated to a predetermined rotation position (rotation end position Pe, a position rotated by about 180 degrees with respect to the rotation start position), the gripping member rotation position detection switch 24 is turned on, and the detection from the gripping member rotation position detection switch 24 is performed. A signal (switch-on signal) is input to the controller 20. When the detection signal from the gripping member rotation position detection switch 24 is input to the controller 20 in this manner, the controller 20 stops outputting the control signal to the gripping member rotation positions 10A and 10B, and the gripping member rotation positions 10A and 10B. Stops at the rotation end position Pe.

In this manner, the pair of gripping members 3A, 3
When both B move in the width direction of the sheet table 2 and rotate, the pair of gripping members 3A and 3B come to positions adjacent to the table 4 with the table 4 interposed therebetween. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11E, the photosensitive sheet 1 sucked and held by the pair of holding members 3A and 3B is formed into a loop shape, and both end portions 1A and 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 are received. The overlapping portion 1C is formed by being placed on the table 4 and superimposed thereon (photosensitive sheet both ends overlapping process).

Next, at step S80, the controller 2
0, a control signal is output to the sheet holding plate lifting / lowering devices 12A and 12B.
2A and 12B operate, and as shown in FIG.
The pair of sheet holding plates 11A and 11B are at the movement start position P
s to the movement end position Pe (a sheet holding plate lowering step). In this case, a pair of sheet holding plates 11A,
11B is lowered to a predetermined position (movement end position Pe) so that both ends 1A and 1B of the photosensitive sheet 1 superimposed on the receiving table 4 can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force.

Next, in step S 90, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the fusing unit reciprocating device 16, whereby the fusing unit reciprocating device 16 is operated and the fusing unit 18 is moved to the position of the sheet table 2. It moves from the origin position to the movement start position Ps along the depth direction. Then, the fusion machine unit reciprocating device 16 is moved to the movement start position Ps.
When the fuser unit moves, the switch 26 for detecting the movement start position of the fusion unit is turned on, and the detection signal (switch-on signal) from the switch 26 for detecting the movement start position of the fusion unit is input to the controller 20. When the detection signal from the fusion unit unit movement start position detection switch 26 is input to the controller 20 in this manner, the controller 2
0 stops the output of the control signal to the fusing unit reciprocating unit 16 and the reciprocating unit 16 moves to the movement start position P.
Stop at s. As a result, the fusing machine 5 is positioned at a position facing one end of the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the receiving table 4.

Then, in step S100, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the fusing machine elevating device 15,
As a result, the fusing machine elevating device 15 operates, and FIG.
As shown in (G), when the fusion splicer support 15b that supports the fusion splicer 5 moves down from the movement start position Ps to the movement end position (origin position) Pe, the tip of the fusion splicer 5 becomes a pair. Of the photoreceptor sheet 1 to a position where it comes into contact with the overlapped portion 1C of the photoreceptor sheet 1 and presses the overlapped portion 1C of the photoreceptor sheet 1 with an appropriate pressing force. In this case, the pressing force is set by the fusing device pressing device 1.
4 also adjusts.

In this state, in step S110, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the fusion machine controller 13, whereby the fusion machine 5 is turned on (fusion machine ON). A control signal is output from 20 to the fusing unit reciprocating device 16, whereby the fusing unit reciprocating device 16 is operated and the fusing unit 18 is moved from the movement start position Ps along the depth direction of the sheet table 2. Moving. When the fusion unit reciprocating device 16 moves to the movement end position Pe, the fusion unit movement end position detection switch 27 is turned on, and the fusion unit movement end position detection switch 27 is turned on.
Detection signal (switch-on signal) from the controller 2
Input to 0. As described above, the detection signal from the fusion end unit movement end position detection switch 27 is
Then, the controller 20 stops outputting the control signal to the fusion unit reciprocating device 16, and the fusion unit reciprocating device 16 stops at the movement end position (origin position) Pe.

By moving the fuser unit 18 from the movement start position Ps to the movement end position Pe in this way, the overlapping portion 1 of the photosensitive sheet 1 placed on the receiving table 4
C is ultrasonically welded and joined by the fusing machine 5, and a photoreceptor belt is manufactured (joining step). After the joining of the overlapping portion 1C of the photosensitive member sheet 1 is completed in this way (that is,
After the fusing unit reciprocating device 16 is stopped), in step S130, the output of the control signal from the controller 20 to the fusing machine controller 13 is stopped, whereby the fusing machine 5 is deactivated (fusing). OFF), Step A1
At 40, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the fusing machine elevating device 15, whereby the fusing machine elevating device 15 is operated, and the fusing machine support 15b supporting the fusing machine 5 is moved to the end position. It returns from Pe to the movement start position (origin position) Ps. In this case, the fusion splicer support 15b stops when it rises to the movement start position (origin position) Ps.

Then, in step S150, a control signal is output from the controller 20 to the vacuum device 8, and the vacuum device 8 is deactivated (vacuum device OFF). As a result, the holding of the photosensitive sheet 1 by the holding members 3A and 3B due to the suction is released. Next, in step S160,
From the controller 20, the sheet holding plate elevating device 12A,
A control signal is output to 12B, whereby the sheet holding plate elevating devices 12A, 12B operate to move the sheet holding plates 11A, 11B from the movement end position Pe to the movement start position (origin position) Ps. In this case, the sheet holding plates 11A and 11B stop when they move up to the movement start position (origin position) Ps.

Thereafter, the photoreceptor belt is removed from the cradle 4. When the photoreceptor belt is removed, this is detected by a sensor, and the gripper rotating devices 10A, 10B and the gripper reciprocating devices 9A, 9A,
A control signal is output to 9B, whereby the gripping member rotating devices 10A, 10B and the gripping member reciprocating devices 9A, 9B operate to move the gripping members 3A, 3B to the origin positions (rotation start position Ps, movement start position Ps). Then, the production of the photoreceptor belt ends.

Therefore, according to the apparatus and method for manufacturing a flexible belt according to this embodiment, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved by automating the manufacturing process of the photosensitive belt, and both ends of the photosensitive belt can be improved. There is an advantage that a photoreceptor belt having good dimensional accuracy can be manufactured by preventing a circumferential length difference from occurring in the portion. In the manufacturing process (see FIG. 10) in the above embodiment, in order to simplify the control, the grip members 3A and 3B are moved in the horizontal direction in step S60, and then the grip members 3A and 3B are moved in step S70. Although the rotation is performed, the present invention is not limited to this. The photoconductor sheet 1 may be formed in a loop shape so that tension does not act on the photoconductor sheet 1.
B may be rotated while moving in the horizontal direction.

In the above-described embodiment, in order to simplify the control, the photosensitive sheet 1 is held by the gripping members 3A and 3B.
Although the sheet table 2 is raised to suck the sheet, the present invention is not limited to this, and the photosensitive members 1 may be sucked by lowering the gripping members 3A and 3B. In this case, when the photosensitive member sheet 1 is formed into a loop shape, the grip members 3A and 3B may be raised, moved in the horizontal direction, and rotated simultaneously.

In the above-described embodiment, the photosensitive belt for an electrophotographic apparatus (for example, a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, etc.) has been described as a flexible belt. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The flexible belt includes, for example, an endless belt for another electrophotographic apparatus, that is, a transfer belt (for example, an endless intermediate transfer belt or the like) for an electrophotographic apparatus, a transport belt for an electrophotographic apparatus, and the like. The present invention can be applied to a case where the endless belt is a flexible belt. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a flexible sheet (for example, an insulating sheet such as a film) is formed into a loop to form a flexible belt.

In the above embodiment, various position detection switches are provided, and the sequential control is performed based on signals from these position detection switches. However, based on the signals detected by the position detection switches, It is not always necessary to confirm whether each device has moved to the set movement amount. For example, the movement amount of each device may be set in advance, and a control signal to each device may be continuously output from the controller at predetermined time intervals, for example. In this case, a positioning member such as an abutment member may be provided to perform positioning of each device.

[0081]

According to the apparatus and method for manufacturing a flexible belt according to the present invention, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved by automating the manufacturing process of the flexible belt. In addition, there is an advantage that a flexible belt having good dimensional accuracy can be manufactured by preventing a circumferential length difference from occurring at both ends of the flexible belt.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an overall configuration of a photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing a photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a holding position by a holding member in the photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a groove or a hole as an opening formed in a gripping member in the photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
(B) shows a rectangular groove, and (C) shows a hole.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram illustrating a sheet pressing plate in the photoconductor belt manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a modified example of a sheet pressing plate in the photoconductor belt manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram for explaining control in a photoreceptor belt manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing process in the photoconductor belt manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the photoconductor belt manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 11A is a positioning step, FIG. (D) is a gripping member moving step to a gripping member rotating step, (E) is a gripping member rotating step (photosensitive sheet both ends overlapping step),
(F) is a figure which shows a sheet press board lowering process, (G) is a figure which shows a joining process, respectively.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 photoconductor sheet (flexible sheet, endless belt) 2 sheet placing table 3A, 3B gripping member (adsorbing member) 3a opening 3aa linear groove 3ab rectangular groove 3ac hole 4 receiving table 5 fusing machine (joining machine) 6 Sheet table elevating device 7, 7A, 7B Positioning member 8 Vacuum device 9A, 9B Gripping member reciprocating device 10A, 10B Gripping member rotating device 11A, 11B Sheet pressing plate (sheet pressing member) 12A, 12B Sheet pressing plate elevating device (sheet pressing) 13 Fusing machine controller 15 Fusing machine elevating device 16 Fusing machine unit reciprocating device 18 Fusing machine unit 20 Controller 21 Start switch 22 Sheet placement position detection switch 23 Grip member movement position detection switch 24 Grip member rotation position Detector switch 25 Fusion switch elevating position detection switch 26 Fusion Unit movement starting position detecting switch 27 fuser unit movement end position detecting switch

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G03G 15/16 G03G 15/16 21/00 350 21/00 350 F term (reference) 2H032 BA09 BA18 BA23 2H035 CA01 CZ00 2H068 AA55 EA04 3F064 AA03 BB03 BB18 BB21

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A flexible belt manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a flexible belt by joining both ends of a flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet cut to a predetermined size is placed. A table, a pair of gripping members disposed in parallel with each other, and linearly gripping the vicinity of both ends of the flexible sheet placed on the sheet table along the both end edges; A pedestal arranged between the gripping members along the gripping member, and when the flexible sheet is formed into a loop, both ends of the flexible sheet are superimposed and placed; And a joining machine that joins the overlapped portions of the flexible sheets placed on the cradle, and the flexible sheet is looped to overlap both ends thereof. Both ends of the flexible sheet by a pair of gripping members While holding the side, the pair of gripping members are moved in a direction to approach each other, and while rotating the pair of gripping members, control is performed to separate the pair of gripping members from the sheet table. A controller that performs
Manufacturing equipment for flexible belts. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller performs control to raise and lower said sheet table so as to separate said pair of gripping members from said sheet table.
An apparatus for manufacturing the flexible belt according to the above. 3. The flexible belt manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet pressing member that presses both ends of the flexible sheet supported on the receiving table. 4. The flexible belt manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least two positioning members are provided on the sheet table along a direction orthogonal to the pair of gripping members. . 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller performs control for changing a gripping position of the flexible sheet by the pair of gripping members according to a size of the flexible sheet. Manufacturing equipment for flexible belts. 6. The flexible sheet is a photoreceptor sheet, the gripping member has an opening connected to a vacuum device,
The vacuum device is configured to suck and hold the photoconductor sheet by sucking air through the opening, and the joining machine joins the overlapped portion of the photoconductor sheet by ultrasonic welding. The controller is configured to operate the vacuum device so that the photosensitive member sheet is looped and the both end portions thereof are overlapped with each other so that the vicinity of both end portions of the photosensitive member sheet is operated by the pair of gripping members. In a state in which the pair of gripping members are moved closer to each other while being suctioned and gripped, and while rotating the pair of gripping members, the pair of gripping members and the sheet table are separated from each other. The apparatus for manufacturing a flexible belt according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is controlled. 7. The flexible belt manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the opening is a linear groove, a rectangular groove, or a plurality of holes. 8. The flexible belt manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible belt is an endless belt for an electrophotographic apparatus. 9. The flexible belt manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the endless belt is a photoreceptor belt, a transfer belt or a transport belt. 10. A flexible sheet placed on a sheet table by a pair of gripping members disposed in parallel with each other, the vicinity of both ends of the flexible sheet is linearly gripped along the both edges, and While the vicinity of both ends of the flexible sheet is linearly grasped by the grasping members, the pair of grasping members are moved in a direction to approach each other, and the pair of grasping members are rotated while rotating the pair of grasping members. By separating the member and the sheet mounting table, the flexible sheet is formed into a loop shape, and both ends thereof are overlapped and placed on a receiving table provided between the pair of gripping members, and the pair of gripping The flexible belt is manufactured by joining the overlapping portions of the flexible sheet placed on the cradle while holding the both ends of the flexible sheet near the ends by the member. Do Method of manufacturing a Shiwasei belt.