Open Bearing Conveyance Roller for Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require frequent replacement of the conveyance roller due to abrasion, necessitating periodic replacement of both the roller member and the bearing member, which increases maintenance costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance device with a conveyance roller that includes an open bearing allowing for removal and replacement without needing to replace the bearing member, enabling the conveyance roller to be rotated and supported by a frame with a movable open bearing that transitions between positions to facilitate easy access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a conventional bearing member is used to support the conveyance roller, then the conveyance roller can rotate and convey sheets, but the bearing member also needs to be replaced when the conveyance roller is worn, increasing maintenance complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member is divided into a fixed portion (attached to the frame) and a movable portion (that can be detached). This segmentation allows the conveyance roller to be replaced independently by removing only the movable portion of the bearing member, without needing to replace the entire bearing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing member transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic configuration where the movable portion can be shifted between a first position (supporting the conveyance roller) and a second position (allowing roller removal). This dynamic adjustment enables easy maintenance while maintaining structural support.
2Reliability
If the bearing member is made fixed and robust to support the conveyance roller reliably, then the conveyance roller is securely supported, but the entire bearing member must be replaced when the roller is worn
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bearing member into fixed and movable portions, the system maintains the reliability of the fixed portion while allowing the movable portion to be easily replaced or adjusted, reducing overall maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of replacing the entire bearing member, only the movable portion is replaced or adjusted when needed. This partial action approach maintains reliability while minimizing maintenance effort and cost.
3Ease of repair
If the conveyance roller is designed to be easily removable, then maintenance becomes simpler, but the structural integrity and support stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member is segmented into a stable fixed portion that maintains structural integrity and a removable movable portion that enables easy roller replacement. The fixed portion remains permanently attached to the frame, preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the bearing member can dynamically shift between positions to allow roller removal and reinstallation, while the fixed portion maintains constant structural support. This dynamic design enables easy maintenance without compromising stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance device includes a conveyance roller having first and second end portions in a rotation axis direction, an open bearing supporting the first end portion, a frame supporting the open bearing, and a second end support portion supporting the second end portion. The open bearing includes a roller support portion supporting the conveyance roller and an open portion allowing the conveyance roller to be removed through the open portion from the roller support portion in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis. The open bearing is movable from a first position, at which the conveyance roller is restricted from moving, to a second position at which the conveyance roller can move in the rotation axis direction. The second end portion is removable from the second end support portion by moving the conveyance roller from the second toward first end portion with the open bearing at the second position.