Sheet Feeding Roller Cleaning via Speed-Synchronized Brush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding apparatuses in image forming devices face challenges in maintaining stable long-term removal of paper dust and ink residue from rollers, leading to unstable sheet conveyance and frequent cleaning or replacement needs, with issues related to durability, speed differences, and material selection affecting cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a first and second sheet feeding member, where a rotatably supported cleaning brush contacts the circumference surfaces of both members to remove foreign objects, and additional cleaning members ensure continuous cleaning, maintaining a stable friction coefficient and preventing foreign object entry into the transfer area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed type cleaning member or cleaning roller is used to remove foreign objects from the sheet feeding roller, then the cleaning function is provided, but the cleaning effect cannot be sustained for long periods and foreign objects eventually enter the transferring area
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning roller is configured to rotate in the same direction as the sheet feeding roller at substantially the same speed, allowing the cleaning brush to continuously scrape foreign objects from the roller surface without relative speed difference that would cause instability or reduced cleaning effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism transitions from a fixed cleaning member to a dynamically rotating cleaning roller that adapts its rotation speed to match the sheet feeding roller, enabling sustained cleaning performance through dynamic speed synchronization
2Reliability
If a cleaning roller with speed difference relative to the transfer material is used to remove foreign objects, then cleaning function is provided, but conveyance of the transfer material becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation speed of the cleaning roller is controlled to be substantially equal to the rotation speed of the sheet feeding roller, eliminating speed difference and thereby maintaining stable sheet conveyance while still providing effective cleaning through the rotating brush contact
3Reliability
If foreign objects accumulate on the surface of the cleaning roller, then cleaning becomes ineffective, but frequent cleaning or replacement of the cleaning member is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning roller rotates continuously in the same direction as the sheet feeding roller, maintaining constant cleaning action without interruption or accumulation of foreign objects on the cleaning surface, thereby sustaining cleaning effectiveness over extended operational periods without requiring frequent maintenance
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 enables long-term effective removal of paper dust and ink residue, improving sheet conveyance performance, durability, and reducing foreign object entry into the transfer area, while allowing for a compact and efficient cleaning mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning member in contact with a circumference surface of the first feeding member and a circumference surface of the second feeding member to clean the circumference surface of the first feeding member and the circumference surface of the second feeding member by rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus, having: a first sheet feeding member to press a top surface of a sheet for sending out a sheet stored in a sheet storing section; a second sheet feeding member arranged on a downstream side of the first sheet feeding member with respect to a sheet feeding direction to further convey the sheet from the first sheet feeding member downstream; and a first cleaning member rotatably supported in contact with a circumference surface of the first feeding member and a circumference surface of the second feeding member to cleaning a circumference surface of the first feeding member and a circumference surface of the second feeding member by rotation.