JP4870273B2 - Endless belt film thickness measuring method and film thickness measuring apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention measures the film thickness at measurement points set along the belt width direction and the belt circumferential direction of an endless belt used for an intermediate transfer member in an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multi-function machine thereof. The present invention relates to an endless belt thickness measuring method and an endless belt thickness measuring apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an endless belt made of a thin film used for an intermediate transfer member in an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multi-function machine thereof, etc., as shown in FIG. 9, the endless belt EV extends along the belt width direction WD and the belt circumferential direction RD. It is necessary to measure the film thickness at the measurement point MP set by checking the film thickness over the entire belt. In this case, the instrument used for measuring the film thickness is a contact type such as a micrometer, dial gauge, linear gauge, ultrasonic film thickness measuring instrument, eddy current film thickness measuring instrument, or laser displacement type film thickness measuring instrument. It is conceivable to use a non-contact type device such as a measuring instrument.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when using a conventional instrument for measuring film thickness, it is very difficult to continuously and quickly measure the film thickness of the endless belt EV over the entire belt.
[0004]
In the case of the endless belt EV, both the width and the circumference are long and there are several measurement points. Therefore, the measurement points of the thin-film endless belt EV that are difficult to handle and easily break with the above-described instrument for measuring the film thickness. It is impossible to measure quickly one by one, and it takes a long time.
[0005]
In addition, in the case of a film thickness measuring instrument that makes non-mechanical contact with the endless belt EV such as an ultrasonic film thickness measuring instrument or an eddy current film thickness measuring instrument, the film thickness may be measured depending on the material of the belt. In the case of a non-contact type film thickness measuring device, the film thickness cannot be accurately measured due to the assembly accuracy or blur of the endless belt EV at the time of measurement (measurement accuracy is low).
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an endless belt thickness measurement method capable of continuously and rapidly measuring the exact film thickness of an endless belt without being limited by the material of the belt, and Another object is to provide an endless belt thickness measuring apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object can be achieved by the invention described in the claims.
That is, the characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring method of the endless belt according to the first aspect of the present invention that achieves the object of the present invention (hereinafter abbreviated as “film thickness measuring method” as appropriate) includes the belt width direction of the endless belt and the belt A method for measuring a film thickness at a measurement point set along a circumferential direction, for hanging a belt supported with its longitudinal direction oriented horizontally. As the shaft, a hollow shaft having a gas passage cavity that continues along the longitudinal direction of the shaft and has a vent hole in the endless belt contact surface on the surface of the shaft is used. A single-sided mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means for measuring the film thickness at the measurement point set along the belt width direction is placed at a position facing the shaft while hanging the endless belt to be measured on the shaft. After measuring the film thickness by mechanical contact from the belt surface side by pressing the endless belt against the shaft surface with the film thickness measuring means, leave the endless belt suspended. While supplying gas from the vent Another object is to move another measurement point to a measurement position by moving the endless belt in the belt circumferential direction so as to slide the surface of the shaft.
[0008]
In the film thickness measuring method according to claim 1 configured as described above, the single-side mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means for measuring the film thickness at the measurement point set along the belt width direction is for belt suspension. The endless belt hung on the shaft is pressed against the surface of the shaft and mechanically contacts from the belt surface side to measure the film thickness. This is repeated each time another measurement point is moved to the measurement position by moving the endless belt in the belt circumferential direction while maintaining the state.
[0009]
Thus, in the case of the film thickness measuring method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the measurement point is quickly set along the belt width direction in the film thickness measuring means, and the endless belt is smoothly transferred in the belt circumferential direction. Because the measurement points are set quickly along the belt circumferential direction, the film thickness can be measured continuously and quickly over the entire belt, and the endless belt is shafted by the single-side mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means. The film thickness is measured by mechanical contact from the belt surface side so that it is pressed against the surface of the belt, and in addition to being able to measure without being restricted by the belt material, it depends on the assembly accuracy and blur of the endless belt. Therefore, the film thickness can be accurately measured.
[0010]
The characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring method of the present invention according to claim 2 is such that when measuring the film thickness by the film thickness measuring means, the surface of the shaft is used as a zero film thickness point (zero film thickness). There is.
[0011]
In the film thickness measuring method according to claim 2, configured as described above, since the film thickness measuring means sets the surface of the shaft to the zero point of the film thickness when measuring the film thickness, the measurement result of the film thickness measuring means is the film thickness. One-to-one.
[0012]
The characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring method according to the third aspect of the present invention is that the shaft has a gas passage cavity that continues along the longitudinal direction of the shaft and has a vent hole in an endless belt contact surface on the shaft surface. When the endless belt is transported in the circumferential direction of the belt, gas is supplied from the air hole of the gas passage cavity between the inner surface of the belt and the surface of the shaft, and the film thickness is measured. The gas supply from the pores is stopped.
[0013]
In the film thickness measuring method according to claim 3, configured as described above, when the endless belt is transported in the belt circumferential direction, gas is supplied from the air hole of the gas passage cavity between the inner surface of the endless belt and the shaft surface. Therefore, the frictional resistance between the inner surface of the endless belt and the shaft surface is reduced, the endless belt is transported more smoothly, and the gas supply from the vent hole is stopped when measuring the film thickness. Gas supply from does not interfere with film thickness measurement.
[0014]
Further, the characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring device for an endless belt according to the present invention (hereinafter, abbreviated as “film thickness measuring device” as appropriate) according to claim 4 for achieving the object of the present invention is the belt width direction of the endless belt and the belt. It is a device that measures the film thickness at the measurement point set along the circumferential direction, and is supported with its longitudinal direction oriented horizontally so that it can be hung on an endless belt to be measured. And a hollow passage having a gas passage cavity having a vent hole in the contact surface of the endless belt on the surface of the shaft continuing along the longitudinal direction. The shaft for belt suspension and the film thickness at the measurement point set along the belt width direction can be measured by mechanical contact from the belt surface side by pressing the endless belt against the surface of the shaft. The single-sided mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means arranged at the position facing the shaft and the belt in contact with the endless belt surface are moved to keep the endless belt suspended. While supplying gas from the vent Belt transport means for moving another measurement point to a measurement position by transporting the endless belt in the belt circumferential direction so as to slide the surface of the shaft is provided.
[0015]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 4, configured as described above, the single-side mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means for measuring the film thickness at the measurement point set along the belt width direction is for belt suspension. The endless belt is suspended by the belt transfer means by measuring the film thickness by mechanically contacting the endless belt suspended on the shaft against the surface of the shaft and mechanically contacting the surface of the belt. This is repeated each time the next measurement point is moved to the measurement position along the belt circumferential direction by moving the endless belt in the circumferential direction of the belt while sliding the surface of the shaft while maintaining the state. That is, the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the fourth aspect measures the film thickness of the endless belt by carrying out the method of the first aspect of the invention.
[0016]
Thus, in the case of the film thickness measuring apparatus of the invention of claim 4, by carrying out the film thickness measuring method of the invention of claim 1, the film thickness can be continuously and rapidly measured over the entire belt. At the same time, the film thickness can be measured without being restricted by the belt material, and the film thickness can be accurately measured without being influenced by the assembly accuracy or blur of the endless belt.
[0017]
The characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring device according to the present invention according to claim 5 is that the film thickness is measured with the surface of the shaft as the zero film thickness point (the zero film thickness point).
[0018]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 5 configured as described above, since the film thickness measuring means sets the surface of the shaft to the zero point of the film thickness when measuring the film thickness, the measurement result of the film thickness measuring means is the film. The thickness corresponds to 1: 1. That is, the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 5 measures the film thickness by carrying out the method of the invention according to claim 2.
[0019]
Further, the characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is that the shaft for hanging the belt continues along the longitudinal direction of the shaft and has a vent hole at the endless belt contact surface on the shaft surface. A hollow shaft having a gas passage cavity is provided, and when the endless belt is transported in the belt circumferential direction, a gas is supplied between the inner surface of the belt and the shaft surface from the vent hole of the gas passage cavity to form a membrane. When measuring the thickness, there is an air supply means for stopping the gas supply from the vent hole of the gas passage cavity.
[0020]
According to the film thickness measuring apparatus of the sixth aspect configured as described above, when the endless belt is transported in the belt circumferential direction, gas is supplied from the air hole of the gas passage cavity between the inner surface of the endless belt and the shaft surface. Therefore, the frictional resistance between the inner surface of the endless belt and the shaft surface is reduced, the endless belt is transported more smoothly, and the gas supply from the vent hole is stopped when measuring the film thickness. Gas supply from the pores does not interfere with film thickness measurement. That is, the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 6 measures the film thickness by carrying out the method of the invention according to claim 3.
[0021]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring device according to the present invention, wherein the endless belt contact surface of the belt suspension shaft has a plurality of gas passage cavity vent holes along the belt circumferential direction. It is in opening.
[0022]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 7 configured as described above, gas is supplied from the air holes that are opened at a plurality of locations along the belt circumferential direction, so that the gap between the inner surface of the endless belt and the shaft surface is The frictional resistance is further reduced and the endless belt is transferred very smoothly.
[0023]
The characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention according to claim 8 is that the surface of the shaft for hanging the belt has a surface roughness of Ra 25 μm or less.
[0024]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 8 configured as described above, the surface roughness of the surface of the shaft with which the inner surface of the endless belt transported in the belt circumferential direction comes into contact is very smooth with Ra of 25 μm or less. The friction resistance between the inner surface of the shaft and the surface of the shaft is low, and the endless belt is transported more smoothly.
[0025]
Further, the characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is that the film thickness measuring means is installed so as to be movable along the belt width direction.
[0026]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 9, configured as described above, the position of the measurement point changes as the film thickness measuring means moves along the belt width direction. A plurality of measurement points can be set along the circumferential direction.
[0027]
The characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring apparatus of the present invention according to claim 10 is that the film thickness measuring means is a linear gauge that detects the film thickness based on the advancement amount of the spindle that is advanced and retracted by the lifter.
[0028]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 10 configured as described above, if the endless belt is advanced by pressing against the surface of the shaft by the lifter, a film thickness detection signal corresponding to the spindle advancement amount is generated from the linear gauge. Since it is output immediately, the film thickness can be measured more quickly.
[0029]
The characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is that the lifter is an air lifter.
[0030]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the eleventh aspect configured as described above, since the lifter is an air lifter, the spindle of the linear gauge can be advanced and retracted using gas.
[0031]
A characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is that the linear gauge spindle tip is disposed so as not to hit the vent hole of the belt suspension shaft.
[0032]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus of the twelfth aspect configured as described above, since the tip end of the spindle of the linear gauge does not hit the vent hole of the shaft for hanging the belt at the time of measuring the film thickness, the vent hole of the shaft has the film thickness. Does not interfere with measurement.
[0033]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film thickness measuring apparatus including a caterpillar belt that moves while being in contact with the surface of the endless belt, and the endless belt is moved by the movement of the caterpillar belt. The present invention resides in a caterpillar belt type belt transfer means that is transferred in the circumferential direction.
[0034]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 13, configured as described above, the endless belt is drawn in the belt circumferential direction and quickly transferred as the caterpillar belt moves in contact with the surface of the endless belt. Therefore, the endless belt can be easily transferred in the belt circumferential direction.
[0035]
Further, the characteristic configuration of the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is that the position at which the belt transfer means arbitrarily sets the endless belt in the belt circumferential direction is the measurement start position (first measurement in the belt circumferential direction The point is that the endless belt is arranged to pitch-feed in the belt circumferential direction at intervals corresponding to a predetermined circumferential length dimension or a predetermined belt outer diameter angle.
[0036]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 14, configured as described above, the endless belt is set to a predetermined circumferential length or a predetermined outer belt length with a position arbitrarily set in the belt circumferential direction of the endless belt as a measurement start position. Since a new measurement point is set along the belt circumferential direction every time the belt is fed at a radial angle in the circumferential direction of the belt, a predetermined circumferential length defined by the belt transfer means is set for the belt circumferential direction of the endless belt. The film thickness can be measured in terms of dimensions or predetermined belt outer diameter angle increments.
[0037]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the film thickness measuring device according to the present invention, wherein the film thickness measuring means is arranged so that the film thickness measuring operation of the endless belt can be performed when the driving of the belt transferring means is stopped. There is to be.
[0038]
In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 15 configured as described above, even when the belt transfer unit is out of order, the film thickness measuring unit can be manually operated and operated to measure the film thickness of the endless belt. .
[0039]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an endless belt thickness measuring apparatus according to an embodiment. The film thickness measuring apparatus of the example measures the film thickness by carrying out an example of the film thickness measuring method of the present invention.
[0040]
The film thickness measuring apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 is supported with its longitudinal direction oriented horizontally so that it can be hung by hanging a thin film endless belt (hereinafter abbreviated as “belt” as appropriate) EV as shown in FIG. The belt suspension shaft 2 is mechanically contacted from the belt surface side with the belt EV pressed against the surface of the shaft 2 with the film thickness at the measurement point MP set along the belt width direction WD. The surface of the shaft 2 is slid with the five linear gauges (one-side mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means) 3 disposed at positions facing the shaft 2 and the belt EV suspended. Thus, a caterpillar belt type belt transfer mechanism 4 that moves another measurement point MP to a measurement position by transferring the belt EV in the belt circumferential direction RD is provided.
[0041]
The film thickness measuring device 1 includes a metal outer frame 5 in which a vertical frame 5A, a top frame (top plate) 5B, and a bottom frame 5C are assembled in an inverted U shape. It is fixed to the vertical frame 5A on the base end side of the shaft 2 while being supported in a straight and horizontal state, and is configured to be hung in a suspended state by hanging the belt EV to be measured on the shaft 2. .
[0042]
The five linear gauges 3 are fixed with bolts or the like at positions facing the shaft 2 in the top frame 5B directly above the shaft 2 so as to be arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 2. The five linear gauges 3 are arranged so as to be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 2, and when the belt EV is hung on the shaft 2 for hanging the belt, the five linear gauges 3 are attached to the belt EV. Thus, in the belt EV of the embodiment, five measurement points are set along the belt width direction WD with the arrangement of the five linear gauges 3.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the belt transfer mechanism 4 includes a caterpillar belt 4A that moves while being in contact with the surface of the belt EV, and a micro motor 4B that rotates the caterpillar belt 4A. The belt EV is transported in the belt circumferential direction RD with the movement of the caterpillar belt 4 </ b> A that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 4 </ b> B, and every time the position to be measured comes directly under the linear gauge 3. The transfer is stopped and the film thickness is measured by the five linear gauges 3. As shown in FIG. 2B, the caterpillar belt 4A is also configured to be lifted upward to release the contact state with the belt EV.
[0044]
Therefore, in the case of the embodiment, as the belt EV is transferred in the belt circumferential direction RD by the caterpillar belt 4A, measurement points are successively set in the belt EV along the belt circumferential direction RD. The material of the caterpillar belt 4A is not particularly limited, but a rubber-based one is preferable.
[0045]
Hereinafter, the structure of the film thickness measuring apparatus of an Example is demonstrated more concretely.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the belt suspension shaft 2 continues in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and a gas passage cavity 2A in which a vent hole 2B is opened at an endless belt contact surface on the surface of the shaft 2. A hollow shaft having the following is used.
The air hole 2B of the gas passage cavity 2A is not only opened along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 2, but as shown in FIG. 3B, the air hole 2B has a belt circumferential direction RD (width of the shaft 2). Open in two places along (direction). Such a shaft 2 can be easily formed, for example, by closing the tip of a pipe made of metal or the like with a mekura process and drilling the vent hole 2B at a predetermined position. The size of the vent 2B is about 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably about 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Further, the number of the air holes 2B is usually 3 to 10, preferably 4 to 8, with respect to the entire width of the belt EV.
[0047]
When a pressurized air pipe 6 provided with a compressor 7 (as an air supply means) is connected to the gas passage cavity 2A and the belt EV is transferred in the circumferential direction RD, the gas passage cavity The compressed air is supplied between the inner surface of the belt EV and the surface of the shaft 2 from the vent hole 2B via the air vent 2A to slightly lift the inner surface of the belt EV from the surface of the shaft 2 and make the inner surface of the belt EV and the shaft 2 Reduce frictional resistance between surfaces. In the case of the shaft 2, the surface roughness of the surface of the shaft 2 (except for the vent 2B) is Ra 25 μm or less (preferably Ra 10 μm or less), the surface is smoothed, the inner surface of the belt EV and the surface of the shaft 2 The friction resistance is also reduced. When the frictional resistance between the inner surface of the belt EV and the surface of the shaft 2 is reduced, the belt EV can be transported more smoothly.
[0048]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, each linear gauge 3 is a digital linear gauge that detects the film thickness based on the advancement amount of the spindle 3A that is advanced and retracted by the lifter 3a. In the case of the linear gauge 3, if the belt EV is advanced by pressing against the surface of the shaft 2 by the lifter 3a, a digital film thickness detection signal (electricity) corresponding to the spindle advancement amount (change amount) from the linear gauge 3 is obtained. Signal) is output immediately, so that the film thickness can be measured quickly.
[0049]
Further, the lifter 3a is an air lifter that uses gas, and the lifter 3a is connected to the pressurized air pipe 6, and the spindle 3A advances with the introduction of the pressurized air to stop the introduction of the pressurized air. Accordingly, the spindle 3A is configured to move backward. The pressurized air pipe 6 is provided with parts (not shown) necessary for air supply such as a filter, a pressure reducer, a solenoid valve, and a speed controller.
[0050]
Furthermore, the linear gauge 3 is configured to measure the film thickness using the surface of the shaft 2 as the zero point of the film thickness. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the belt EV is not hung on the shaft 2, and the caterpillar belt 4A and the spindle 3A of the linear gauge 3 are not in contact with the shaft 2. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the belt EV is not hung on the shaft 2, but the caterpillar belt 4A and the spindle 3A of the linear gauge 3 are in contact with the shaft 2. In this state, the film thickness zero point is set so that the film thickness detection signal output from the linear gauge 3 is 0 μm. When the surface of the shaft 2 is set as the zero point of the film thickness, the film thickness detection signal corresponds to the film thickness on a one-to-one basis.
[0051]
In the case of the embodiment, a film thickness indicator 3B for inputting a film thickness detection signal from each linear gauge 3 is installed on the top frame 5B, and the film thickness of the belt EV measured by each linear gauge 3 is measured. However, it is comprised so that it can read directly with the film thickness indicator 3B. The film thickness indicator 3B may be either a digital display type or an analog display type, but the digital display type is preferable in terms of easy connection to a recording medium.
[0052]
On the other hand, the belt transfer mechanism 4 has a predetermined circumferential length or a predetermined belt outer diameter angle with a position arbitrarily set with respect to the belt circumferential direction RD of the belt EV as a measurement start position (first measurement point in the belt circumferential direction). Are arranged so as to pitch-feed the belt EV in the belt circumferential direction RD at an interval corresponding to the belt circumferential direction RD, and the belt is set to a predetermined circumferential length dimension (measurement start position). For example, every time the pitch is fed in the belt circumferential direction RD at a predetermined belt outer diameter angle (for example, 30 °), the next measurement point is set along the belt circumferential direction RD. Therefore, with respect to the belt circumferential direction RD, the film thickness can be measured with a predetermined circumferential length defined by the belt transfer mechanism 4 or with a predetermined belt outer diameter angle increment.
[0053]
In the case of the embodiment apparatus, the pitch feed of the circumferential dimension and the pitch feed of the belt outer diameter angle can be selected. However, the belt transfer mechanism 4 has the pitch feed of the circumferential dimension and the belt outer diameter angle. The configuration may be such that only one of the pitch feeds can be performed.
[0054]
Further, in the case of the embodiment, the linear gauge 3 is provided so that the belt film thickness measurement operation can be performed when the belt transport mechanism 4 is stopped. The belt transport mechanism 4 fails to transport the belt EV. Even in such a case, it is possible to measure the film thickness of the belt EV by operating the linear gauge 3 manually.
[0055]
Subsequently, a process for measuring the film thickness of the belt EV by the film thickness measuring apparatus 1 of the embodiment will be described.
[0056]
In the following, the linear gauge 3 is a linear gauge model number GS-1613 manufactured by Ono Sokki Co., Ltd., the lifter 3a is an air lifter model number AA-6100 manufactured by Ono Sokki Co., Ltd., and the thickness indicator 3B is an ono sensor. A digital gauge counter DG-4120 manufactured by Kogyo Co., Ltd. was used. Further, the shaft 2 has 10 mm of 0.5 mm vent holes 2B uniformly opened in a SUS pipe adjusted to an outer diameter of 30 mm, an inner diameter of 20 mm, and a surface roughness of 6.3 μm, and the tip of the pipe is formed with a screw screw. After the closed and air leak-proof one was fixed to the vertical frame 5A, the pressurized air pipe 6 was connected.
[0057]
The pressure of the lifter 3a when the air was pressurized was 0.3 Mpa, the belt rotation speed was 100 mm / min, and the pitch feed interval in the belt circumferential direction RD of the belt EV was 30 ° belt outer diameter angle. Further, all the five linear gauges 3 were operated when measuring the film thickness. Accordingly, in the belt EV, a total of 60 measurement points MP are set at five locations along the belt width direction WD and at 12 locations along the belt circumferential direction RD. A belt having a film thickness of 100 μm, a width of 350 mm, and a circumferential length of about 1130 mm was used as the endless belt EV to be measured for film thickness.
[0058]
[First measurement example]
(Measurement Step S1) As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the belt EV is not hung on the shaft 2, and the caterpillar belt 4A of the belt transfer mechanism 4 and the spindle 3A of the linear gauge 3 are both shafts. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the belt EV is not hung on the shaft 2, but the caterpillar belt 4A and the spindle 3A of the linear gauge 3 are connected to the shaft. In the state where it is in contact with 2, the zero point of the film thickness is set so that the film thickness detection signal output from the linear gauge 3 is 0 μm.
[0059]
(Measurement Step S2) After returning to the standby state shown in FIG. 6 (a), as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the shaft 2 is hung with the belt EV and then suspended. As shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), when the caterpillar belt 4A and the spindle 3A are lowered to shift to a measurement state in which they are in direct contact with the surface of the belt EV, the measurement start position in the belt circumferential direction RD is reached. Film thickness detection signals at five measurement points MP in the belt width direction WD are output from each linear gauge 3 to the film thickness display 3B, and the value of the measured film thickness is displayed on the film thickness display 3B.
[0060]
(Measurement step S3) The belt EV is pitch-fed in the belt circumferential direction RD by an interval of a belt outer diameter angle of 30 °, and the spindle 3A is lowered until it comes into direct contact with the surface of the belt EV as in the case of the measurement step S2. The operation of measuring the thickness was repeated 11 times, and the film thickness at all 60 measurement points was measured.
[0061]
The measurement result of the first measurement example was a measurement time of 33 seconds and a film thickness variation of ± 1 μm.
[0062]
[Second measurement example]
The film thickness of the belt EV was measured in the same manner as in the first measurement example, except that the pitch feeding interval in the belt circumferential direction RD of the belt EV was set to 94 mm.
[0063]
The measurement result of the second measurement example was the same as the case of the first measurement example with a measurement time of 33 seconds and a variation in film thickness of ± 1 μm.
[0064]
[Comparative measurement example]
The film thickness was measured in the same manner as in the first measurement example, except that the film thickness was manually measured using a micrometer.
[0065]
The measurement result of the comparative measurement example was a measurement time of 38 minutes and a film thickness variation of ± 3.
[0066]
Comparing the measurement results of the first and second measurement examples and the comparative measurement example, in the present invention, the measurement point MP is quickly set along the belt width direction WD by the arrangement of the five linear gauges 3, By smoothly transferring the belt EV in the belt circumferential direction RD so that the surface of the shaft 2 is slid, the measurement point MP is quickly set along the belt circumferential direction RD. The film thickness can be measured quickly, and the belt EV is pressed against the surface of the shaft 2 by the linear gauge 3, and the film thickness is measured by mechanical contact from the belt surface side. In addition to being able to measure without being restricted, it is possible to accurately measure the film thickness without being influenced by the assembly accuracy or blur of the belt EV.
[0067]
[Another embodiment]
(1) In the embodiment, the digital linear gauge is used as the single-side mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means, but an analog linear gauge or a single-side mechanical contact type film thickness measuring device other than the linear gauge may be used.
[0068]
(2) The endless belt whose film thickness is to be measured may be a belt other than the intermediate transfer member in an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, a composite machine thereof, or the like.
[0069]
(3) In the case of the embodiment, the digital linear gauge is fixed, but the digital linear gauge may be installed so as to be movable along the belt width direction WD. In the case of the apparatus configured as described above, the position of the measurement point changes as the linear gauge moves along the belt width direction WD, and therefore, a plurality of measurement points along the belt circumferential direction RD with one linear gauge. Can be set. In particular, if the linear gauge can be continuously moved, the measurement point can be set at an arbitrary position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an endless belt thickness measuring apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a belt transfer mechanism.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic structure of a horizontal section and a transverse section of a shaft for hanging a belt.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration around a linear gauge.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a standby state of a linear gauge and a belt transfer mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the situation when the zero point of the linear gauge is set.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a situation when an endless belt is hung on a shaft.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the situation when measuring the film thickness of an endless belt with a linear gauge.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an endless belt whose thickness is to be measured.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Endless belt film thickness measuring device
2 Shaft for hanging the belt
2A Gas passage cavity
2B Vent
3 Linear gauge
3A spindle
3a lifter
4 Caterpillar belt transfer mechanism
4A Caterpillar belt
6 Pressurized air piping
7 Compressor
EV Endless Belt
WD Belt width direction
RD Belt circumferential direction
MP measurement point

Claims (15)

A method of measuring a film thickness at measurement points set along the belt width direction and the belt circumferential direction of an endless belt, wherein the shaft is used as a belt suspension shaft supported with its longitudinal direction oriented in the horizontal direction. A hollow shaft having a gas passage cavity with a vent hole on the endless belt contact surface on the surface of the shaft is suspended along the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and the endless belt to be measured for film thickness is hung on the shaft. At the same time, a single-side mechanical contact type film thickness measuring means for measuring the film thickness at the measurement point set along the belt width direction is arranged at a position facing the shaft, and the endless belt is attached by the film thickness measuring means. After measuring the film thickness by mechanical contact from the belt surface side while pressing against the surface of the shaft, the endless belt is suspended. Endless belt, characterized in that to move the measurement position another measurement point by transferring endless belt so as to slide the surface of the shaft while supplying gas from the vent hole in the belt circumferential direction in Film thickness measurement method.   2. The method of measuring a film thickness of an endless belt according to claim 1, wherein when measuring the film thickness by the film thickness measuring means, the surface of the shaft is used as a point where the film thickness is zero.   As the shaft, a hollow shaft having a gas passage cavity having a vent hole in the endless belt contact surface on the surface of the shaft is used, and the endless belt is transported in the belt circumferential direction. The gas is supplied from the air hole of the gas passage cavity between the inner surface of the belt and the surface of the shaft, and the gas supply from the air hole is stopped when measuring the film thickness. The method for measuring a film thickness of an endless belt according to claim 2. This is a device that measures the film thickness at the measurement points set along the belt width direction and belt circumferential direction of the endless belt, and the longitudinal direction is horizontal so that it can be hung by the endless belt to be measured. A hollow belt suspension shaft having a gas passage cavity having a vent hole in the endless belt contact surface on the shaft surface, which is supported along the longitudinal direction, along the belt width direction. Single-sided machine arranged at a position facing the shaft so that the film thickness at the set measurement point can be measured by mechanical contact from the belt surface side with the endless belt pressed against the surface of the shaft The endless belt is suspended by moving the contact-type film thickness measuring means and the belt in contact with the surface of the endless belt. Characterized in that it comprises a belt transport means for moving the different measurement points in the measurement position by transferring endless belt so as to slide the surface of the shaft while supplying gas from the vent hole in the belt circumferential direction An endless belt thickness measuring device.   5. A film thickness measuring apparatus for an endless belt according to claim 4, wherein the film thickness measuring means measures the film thickness with the surface of the shaft as the point where the film thickness is zero.   As a shaft for suspending the belt, a hollow shaft having a gas passage cavity having a vent hole opened on the endless belt contact surface on the shaft surface continues along the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and an endless belt is provided. When transporting in the belt circumferential direction, gas is supplied from the vent hole of the gas passage cavity between the inner surface of the belt and the shaft surface, and gas supply from the vent hole of the gas passage cavity is stopped when measuring the film thickness. 6. The film thickness measuring device for an endless belt according to claim 4, further comprising an air supply means for performing the operation.   7. The film thickness of the endless belt according to claim 6, wherein the endless belt contact surface of the shaft for suspending the belt has a plurality of air holes in the gas passage cavity along the circumferential direction of the belt. measuring device.   The apparatus for measuring a film thickness of an endless belt according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the surface of the shaft for hanging the belt has a surface roughness of Ra 25 µm or less.   9. The film thickness measuring device for an endless belt according to claim 4, wherein the film thickness measuring means is installed so as to be movable along the belt width direction.   10. The film thickness measuring device for an endless belt according to claim 4, wherein the film thickness measuring means is a linear gauge that detects the film thickness based on an advance amount of a spindle that is advanced and retracted by a lifter.   The apparatus for measuring a film thickness of an endless belt according to claim 10, wherein the lifter is an air lifter.   12. The film thickness measuring apparatus for an endless belt according to claim 10, wherein the spindle of the linear gauge is disposed so that a tip thereof does not hit a vent hole of a shaft for hanging the belt.   The belt transfer means is a caterpillar belt type belt transfer means comprising a caterpillar belt that moves while being in contact with the surface of the endless belt, and the endless belt is transferred in the circumferential direction of the belt as the caterpillar belt moves. The apparatus for measuring a film thickness of an endless belt according to any one of claims 4 to 12.   An interval corresponding to a predetermined circumferential length dimension or a predetermined belt outer diameter angle with a position where the belt transfer means is arbitrarily set in the belt circumferential direction of the endless belt as a measurement start position (first measurement point in the belt circumferential direction) The endless belt film thickness measuring device according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the endless belt is arranged to pitch-feed the belt in the belt circumferential direction.   The endless belt according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the film thickness measuring means is arranged so that the film thickness measuring operation of the endless belt can be performed in a state where the driving of the belt transferring means is stopped. Film thickness measuring device.

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