Roller Device Flange Axial Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing axial position shifts of flanges due to thermal expansion coefficient differences, leading to assembly difficulties and meandering issues with transfer belts.
Innovation Solution
A roller device configuration featuring a shaft member, flanges, a position restricting member, a plate-shaped member, a biasing member, and a securing member, where the biasing member biases the flange toward the center, and the securing member engages the position restricting member to prevent axial shifts, facilitating assembly and maintaining flange position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to bias the flange toward the center, then the flange position stability is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to the need to secure the spring with a snap ring under reactive force
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: the biasing member (spring) is separated from the securing mechanism (snap ring), and the flange positioning function is separated from the spring mounting function. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled independently, reducing the complexity of securing the spring under reactive force.
Solution Approach 2:
A plate-shaped member is introduced as an intermediary component between the spring and the snap ring. The snap ring secures the plate-shaped member to the shaft, and the plate-shaped member in turn biases the flange. This intermediary simplifies the securing process by providing a stable mounting surface for the spring.
2Reliability
If the flange is biased toward the center by a spring, then axial position shift is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional securing components
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring serves multiple functions: it secures the plate-shaped member to the shaft, prevents axial displacement of the spring, and provides a simple retaining mechanism without requiring additional fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap ring utilizes the elastic deformation of itself to create the securing force. When installed, the snap ring expands or contracts to engage with the shaft and plate-shaped member, securing the assembly without requiring external fastening operations or additional components.
3Manufacturing precision
If a position restricting member is used to restrict axial position of the flange, then positioning precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The position restricting member is designed to be dynamically adjustable during assembly. The plate-shaped member can move axially relative to the shaft, allowing the flange to be positioned and secured in the correct axial location. The snap ring provides the restricting force while allowing controlled movement during the assembly process.
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 prevents axial position shifts of the flange, simplifies the assembly process, and ensures stable operation of the transfer belt in image forming apparatuses by using a biasing member to center the flange and a securing mechanism to maintain its position.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is disposed at the flange side of the plate-shaped member. The biasing member biases the flange toward a center side in the axial direction.
Implementation Method 2
a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between members constituting the transfer roller may cause a shift of an axial position of a flange
Data Source
AI summary
A roller device includes a roller main body, a shaft member, flanges, a position restricting member, a plate-shaped member, a biasing member, and a securing member. The shaft member is inserted into the roller main body and the flanges in contact with both ends of the roller main body. The position restricting member is secured to the shaft member at an end portion side of the shaft member with respect to the flange. The position restricting member restricts an axial position of the flange. Movement of the plate-shaped member toward the end portion side in an axial direction is restricted by the position restricting member. The biasing member biases the flange toward a center side in the axial direction. The securing member is disposed at the end portion side of the shaft member with respect to the plate-shaped member. The securing member engages the position restricting member.