Cartridge Roller Segmentation for Stable Sheet Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing photosensitive body cartridges in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face instability in sheet conveyance due to deformation of registration rollers caused by constant force pressure, leading to unstable sheet conveyance during attachment and detachment operations.
Innovation Solution
A photosensitive body cartridge design featuring a sheet conveyor roller with a larger-diameter portion for sheet conveyance and a smaller-diameter portion supported by bearing members, where the smaller-diameter portion is positioned outwardly to distribute forces and reduce deformation, ensuring stable sheet conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant force pressure is applied to bring the registration rollers into pressure contact for stable sheet conveyance, then sheet conveyance stability is improved, but the registration roller deforms causing unstable sheet conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The registration roller is segmented into two distinct portions: a larger-diameter portion for sheet conveyance and a smaller-diameter portion for bearing member support. This segmentation allows the larger-diameter portion to maintain its shape for stable sheet conveyance while the smaller-diameter portion provides structural support, resolving the contradiction between conveyance stability and roller shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the registration roller are given different diameters and functions. The larger-diameter portion is optimized for sheet conveyance contact, while the smaller-diameter portion is optimized for bearing member support. This local differentiation allows each portion to perform its function optimally without compromising the other, solving the deformation problem under constant force pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the bearing member supports the narrowed portion of the registration roller, then the registration roller can be rotatably supported, but the narrowed portion deforms under pressure causing unstable sheet conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The registration roller is divided into a smaller-diameter portion for bearing member support and a larger-diameter portion for sheet conveyance. The bearing member supports only the smaller-diameter portion through its support surface, preventing the larger-diameter portion from deforming and ensuring stable sheet conveyance while maintaining ease of rotatable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The smaller-diameter portion acts as an intermediary between the bearing member and the larger-diameter portion. It provides a dedicated support surface for the bearing member, distributing the support force and preventing direct pressure on the larger-diameter portion that would cause deformation and unstable sheet conveyance.
3Reliability
If the smaller-diameter portion is positioned outwardly to distribute forces, then deformation is reduced and sheet conveyance is stabilized, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The registration roller structure is segmented into two cylindrical portions with different diameters, where the smaller-diameter portion is positioned outwardly. This segmentation naturally distributes forces through the bearing member supporting the smaller-diameter portion, reducing deformation and stabilizing sheet conveyance while maintaining a relatively simple integrated cylindrical structure rather than adding separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge may include a conveyor roller extending along a rotational axis and a bearing member for rotatably supporting the conveyor roller. The conveyor roller may include a larger-diameter portion for conveying a sheet, and a smaller-diameter portion. The bearing member may rotatably support the smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller, and engage the housing. In one or more arrangements, the entire smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller may be located at a more outward position, relative to a midpoint of the larger-diameter portion, than a portion of the bearing member supporting the smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller.