Roller Assembly Axial Thrust Suppression via Protrusion-Groove Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses experience driving noise and shaking of heating rollers due to axial thrust, leading to increased torque requirements that can deform the frame and generate frictional noise from sliding movements between the roller and bushing.
Innovation Solution
A roller assembly with a support unit comprising protrusions and grooves on the roller cover and bushing to prevent sliding and axial shaking, using an insulating plastic bushing and a ball bearing to reduce noise and axial thrust effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pressure is continuously applied to the bushing to maintain contact between the pressure roller and heating roller, then the pressure roller can maintain constant contact pressure, but the bushing may deform causing sliding and frictional noise
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is divided into multiple protrusions distributed around the axial direction, which distribute the contact pressure and prevent localized deformation of the bushing while maintaining constant contact pressure between the pressure roller and heating roller
2Speed
If the heating roller is supported by bearings to enable rotation, then the heating roller can rotate freely, but axial thrust causes shaking and increased torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit with protrusions acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the axial thrust generated during heating roller rotation, preventing shaking while allowing free rotation through the bearing support
3Productivity
If the heating roller rotates at high speed to improve productivity, then image forming efficiency increases, but axial thrust causes increased torque and frame deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit compensates for the axial thrust generated during high-speed rotation of the heating roller, reducing the torque requirement and preventing frame deformation while maintaining high productivity
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
The solution effectively suppresses frictional noise and axial shaking, maintaining the connection between the roller and bushing, thereby reducing torque requirements and preventing frame deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a bushing (130) made of an insulating plastic and assembled with an inner rim (113) of the bearing (111) to rotate with the roller (110)
Implementation Method 2
a bearing (111) to rotatably support the roller (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A roller assembly for an image forming apparatus includes a roller, a bearing for rotatably supporting the roller, a roller cover to be assembled at both ends of the roller, a bushing to be introduced between the roller and the bearing, and a support unit disposed at the roller and the bushing to suppress sliding movement between the roller and the bushing and shaking of the roller in an axial direction.