Pinch Roller Shaft Contact Surface for Thick Sheet Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveying apparatuses in image forming devices face challenges in effectively conveying thick sheets due to insufficient conveying force, which can lead to inadequate performance in handling thicker media.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pinch roller with a roller shaft and a holding member that allows for sufficient pressing against a conveying roller, utilizing a unique groove and contact surface configuration to enable effective contact and conveyance, even with a relatively small outside diameter roller body, thereby enhancing the conveying force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the outside diameter of the pinch roller is increased to provide sufficient conveying force, then the conveying force is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized high-pressure zone at the contact point between the pinch roller and conveying roller. The pressing device applies force specifically at the roller shaft location, concentrating the pressing action where it is most needed for sheet conveyance, rather than requiring the entire roller to be larger.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the pressing force adjustable through the pressing device. The pressing force can be dynamically modified to adapt to different sheet thicknesses and conveying requirements, allowing sufficient conveying force to be achieved without permanently increasing roller size.
2Productivity
If the pressing force is increased to handle thicker sheets, then the conveying performance is improved, but the wear on the rollers and potential misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pinch roller and conveying roller. It provides controlled pressing force through a mechanical linkage system that distributes the load and maintains proper alignment, preventing direct excessive force application that would cause wear and misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing device incorporates cushioning elements that absorb and distribute pressing forces before they reach the roller contact point. This prevents shock loads and excessive localized pressure that would lead to roller wear and misalignment, while still providing sufficient conveying force for thick sheets.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for improved sheet conveying performance by ensuring a strong and uniform pressing force, effectively handling thicker sheets and reducing the risk of misalignment or uneven wear on the rollers.
Implementation Method 1
The pinch roller is pressed against the conveying roller by a pressing device. When a sheet enters between the conveying roller and the pinch roller, the conveying roller applies a conveying force to the sheet, and the sheet is conveyed by the conveying force.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a conveying roller, a pinch roller, a holding member, and a pressing device. The pinch roller includes a roller shaft and a roller body rotatable relative to the roller shaft. The roller shaft includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The holding member holds the roller shaft movably in a first direction. The pressing device presses the roller shaft in a pressing direction such that the roller body is pressed against a peripheral surface of the conveying roller. The first end portion of the roller shaft has a first contact surface being a planar surface. The second end portion of the roller shaft has a second contact surface being a planar surface. The roller shaft is disposed such that the first contact surface and the second contact surface are oriented in the pressing direction.