Sheet Conveying Roller Holder for Double-Sided Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently conveying sheets for double-sided printing due to the need for separate holding members for discharge and reversing rollers, leading to increased component count and size, and potential deformation under nipping pressure.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a holder that simultaneously supports one roller from each of the discharge and reversing pairs, using elastic members to distribute nip pressure and prevent deformation, thereby reducing the size and maintaining conveying force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate holding members are used for discharge rollers and reversing rollers, then each roller pair can be independently supported, but the number of components increases and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding functions for discharge rollers and reversing rollers into a single integrated holding member. This holding member simultaneously supports one roller from the discharge pair and one roller from the reversing pair, reducing the total number of holding members while maintaining independent support for each roller pair through distinct support regions within the unified structure.
2Device complexity
If a single holding member supports both discharge and reversing rollers, then the number of components is reduced, but the holding member deforms under nipping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed with segmented or divided support regions that independently support the discharge roller and reversing roller. This segmentation allows each region to locally bear the nipping pressure applied to its respective roller, preventing stress concentration and deformation across the entire holding member while maintaining structural integrity.
3Force
If holding member is subjected to nipping pressure from one direction, then roller nipping force is transmitted, but the holding member deforms in longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member incorporates locally reinforced regions or optimized material distribution at the points where nipping pressure is applied to each roller. This local quality enhancement provides targeted strength where forces are concentrated, allowing the holding member to transmit roller nipping forces effectively without undergoing longitudinal deformation in other regions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet includes an image forming unit, a first pair of rollers, a second pair of rollers, and a holder. The image forming unit is configured to form an image on a sheet. The first pair of rollers is configured to discharge the sheet out of the apparatus, the image having been formed on a first surface of the sheet by the image forming unit. The second pair of rollers is configured to convey the sheet again to the image forming unit to form an image on a second surface of the sheet opposite to the first surface. The holder is configured to hold one of the first pair of rollers and one of the second pair of rollers.