Sheet Feeding Unit Vibration Damping in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses generate abnormal sounds due to vibration transmission from the sheet feeding unit, which is not adequately restrained by traditional weight members, leading to increased costs from higher rigidity and weight requirements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a weight member above the feed roller in the sheet feeding unit, combined with a feed frame and side plates configuration that includes a gap and loose fitting positioning pins, to dampen vibrations and prevent sound generation without increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a weight member is mounted to the sheet feeding cassette to prevent vibration, then the vibration of the sheet feeding cassette is restrained, but the vibration is still transmitted to the feed member and other components, and the cost increases due to increased weight and number of weight members
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration damping member is introduced as an intermediary element between the feed roller and the feed frame. This damping member absorbs and dissipates vibration energy, preventing it from being transmitted to the feed frame and subsequently to the holder and side plates. The damping member acts as a mediator that blocks the vibration transmission path without requiring additional weight members on the sheet feeding cassette.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful vibration is extracted and isolated from the main system by placing the vibration damping member specifically at the feed roller position. This localized extraction of vibration energy prevents it from propagating through the feed frame and holder to the side plates, where it would generate abnormal sounds.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the holder, feed frame and side plate are formed with high rigidity to prevent vibration transmission, then the abnormal sound is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the rigidity of the holder, feed frame, and side plates, a vibration damping member is introduced as a cost-effective intermediary solution. This damping member is placed at the vibration source (feed roller) to absorb vibrations before they can propagate to the rigid structures, thereby preventing abnormal sound generation without requiring expensive high-rigidity components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration damping member is a relatively simple and inexpensive component compared to manufacturing high-rigidity holder, feed frame, and side plate structures. By using this affordable damping element, the patent achieves vibration control and abnormal sound reduction at a lower manufacturing cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple weight members are added to restrain vibration of large size members, then the vibration is better restrained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and addresses the vibration problem at its source (the feed roller) rather than attempting to control vibrations of entire large components like the sheet feeding cassette. By placing the damping member locally at the feed roller, vibration is restrained effectively without requiring multiple weight members distributed across large components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly increasing the weight or adding multiple weight members across large components, the patent applies vibration damping locally at the specific location where vibrations are generated (the feed roller). This localized approach effectively restrains vibration while minimizing the number of components and overall device complexity.
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 abnormal sound by damping the vertical vibration component and shifting the resonance frequency, allowing for efficient noise reduction without the need for increased rigidity or weight, thus providing a cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
The weight member is disposed above the feed roller in the feed frame and configured to damp vibration of the feed frame
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first side plate, a second side plate and a sheet feeding unit. The first and second side plates are opposite to each other. The sheet feeding unit is attached between the first and second side plates. The sheet feeding unit has a feed frame, a pickup roller, a feed roller, a separation member and a weight member. The feed frame has a first side wall supported by the first side plate in a facing manner and a second side wall supported by the second side plate in a facing manner. The pickup roller and the feed roller are supported in the feed frame. The separation member forms a nip and separates the sheet at the nip. The weight member is disposed above the feed roller in the feed frame and configured to damp vibration of the feed frame.