Shared Support Member Biasing for Roller Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the use of multiple biasing units for rotating parts leads to increased component count and noise generation, as well as rapid wear due to direct contact with biasing units like wire springs.
Innovation Solution
A shared support member is used to bias the rotating parts toward the driving member, reducing the number of components and minimizing direct contact with biasing units, thereby reducing noise and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple biasing units are provided for each rotating part, then the rotating parts can be reliably biased against the driving member, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple biasing functions are merged into a single biasing unit. The one-piece support member integrates the functions of multiple separate biasing units, providing biasing force to multiple rotating parts simultaneously while reducing the total number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single biasing unit is designed to perform multiple functions - it biases multiple different rotating parts (idling roller, separation roller, ejection roller) against the driving member, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized biasing units.
2Reliability
If a biasing unit such as a wire spring is directly pressed against the rotating parts, then the rotating parts can be biased effectively, but noise is likely to be generated and the rotating parts are likely to wear rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the biasing unit and the rotating parts. Instead of the wire spring directly contacting the rotating parts, it contacts the support member which then transmits the biasing force to the rotating parts, reducing noise and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is made of resin material, which provides flexibility and cushioning. This flexible material absorbs impact and reduces the harsh contact between the metal biasing unit and the rotating parts, thereby reducing noise and wear.
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 reduces the number of components and noise generation, while minimizing wear on rotating parts by using a shared support member to bias the rotating parts toward the driving member, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing unit that biases the support member toward the driving member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, a transport unit that transports the recording material, using a driving member which rotates and plural rotating parts which are aligned in an axial direction of the driving member and are disposed in contact with the driving member so as to rotate by receiving a driving force from the driving member, a support member that is shared by the plural rotating parts and supports the plural rotating parts from a side opposite to a side where the driving member is disposed, and a biasing unit that biases the support member toward the driving member.