Roller Vibration Reduction via Segmented Bearing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses, such as copiers and printers, face issues with roller vibration leading to image failures like streaks due to inadequate vibration absorption in lubricant supply devices.
Innovation Solution
The lubricant supply device incorporates a rolling bearing with an outer ring, inner ring, and rolling elements, supported by a bearing support that biases the bearing to absorb vibrations, preventing transmission to the photoconductor drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rolling bearing is used to support the roller, then roller vibration is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support structure is divided into a frame portion and a bearing support portion that can be detachably coupled. This segmentation allows the rolling bearing to be easily installed and removed for maintenance, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining vibration reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support portion acts as an intermediary component between the frame and the rolling bearing. It provides a standardized interface for mounting the bearing, simplifying the overall structure while enabling effective vibration isolation through the rolling bearing.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rolling bearing is fitted around the shaft, then image quality improves by reducing cyclic streaks, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into detachable parts (frame portion and bearing support portion), allowing the rolling bearing to be pre-assembled with one part and then easily coupled to the other. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the precision needed for high-quality image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling bearing is pre-installed on the shaft or bearing support portion before final assembly. This preliminary action simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing the bearing to be positioned and secured in optimal alignment, ensuring high manufacturing precision for the roller support.
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 effectively reduces roller vibration, enhancing image quality by minimizing cyclic streaks and improving the reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling bearing fitted around a shaft located at an end of the roller in an axial direction of the roller
Implementation Method 2
the roller is held via a rolling bearing (e.g., a ball bearing) to alleviate vibration of the roller
Data Source
AI summary
A device disposed opposing an image bearer includes a roller to rotate while contacting a surface of the image bearer, a rolling bearing fitted around a shaft located at an end of the roller in an axial direction of the roller, a frame to house the roller, and a bearing support removably attached to the frame. The rolling bearing includes an outer ring, an inner ring, and a rolling element disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring. The bearing support holds, from an outer-ring side, the rolling bearing interposed between the bearing support and the frame. The bearing support includes a receiving portion to contact the outer ring of the rolling bearing and bias the rolling bearing toward the frame in a direction in which the rolling bearing is interposed between the bearing support and the frame.