U.S. patent application number 13/255809 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-12 for paper sheet separation/conveyance roller.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYNZTEC CO., LTD. Invention is credited to Takahiro Kiriyama, Masayuki Nishimura, Yoshiaki Nojima.
Application Number | 20120007305 13/255809 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42728376 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120007305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kiriyama; Takahiro ; et
al. |
January 12, 2012 |
PAPER SHEET SEPARATION/CONVEYANCE ROLLER
Abstract
A paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10 includes a rubber
member (conveying member 11A or 11B) having a specific diameter and
a through-hole at the center thereof; a core (protrusion 12b or
12c) inserted in the through-hole; and supports which have a
diameter greater than that of the core and smaller than that of the
rubber member and which sandwich the rubber member from both sides,
wherein a member (fixing member 12) having the support which is in
close contact with one side surface of the rubber member and a
member (holding member 13) having the support which is in close
contact with the other side surface of the rubber member are
aligned and fixed in an axial direction.
Inventors: |
Kiriyama; Takahiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Nishimura; Masayuki; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Nojima; Yoshiaki; (Tokyo, JP) |
Assignee: |
SYNZTEC CO., LTD
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
42728376 |
Appl. No.: |
13/255809 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
March 9, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/053923 |
371 Date: |
September 9, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2401/111 20130101;
B65H 2701/1936 20130101; B65H 2404/1321 20130101; B65H 27/00
20130101; B65H 2701/1912 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/109 |
International
Class: |
B65H 3/06 20060101
B65H003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 9, 2009 |
JP |
2009-055730 |
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller characterized by
comprising: a rubber member having a specific diameter and a
through-hole at the center thereof; a core provided in the
through-hole; and supports which have a diameter greater than that
of the core and smaller than that of the rubber member and which
sandwich the rubber member from both sides, wherein a member having
the support which is in close contact with one side surface of the
rubber member and a member having the support which is in close
contact with the other side surface of the rubber member are
aligned and fixed in an axial direction.
8. A paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to claim 7,
wherein the area of a portion of each side surface of the rubber
member, the portion being covered with the corresponding support,
is 27% or more of the entire area of the side surface.
9. A paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to claim 7,
wherein the supports and the core are formed of a metal or a
resin.
10. A paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to claim 7,
wherein, in the rubber member, the ratio of thickness T.sub.1 as
measured in a radial direction to width W.sub.1 as measured in an
axial direction, represented by T.sub.1/W.sub.1, is 0.5 to 2.3.
11. A paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to claim 7,
wherein the rubber member exhibits a percent expansion of 0 to
7%.
12. A paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to claim 7,
wherein the rubber member exhibits a percent compression of 0 to
13%.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a rubber roller for
separating or conveying paper sheets employed in, for example, an
automatic ticket gate, a cash depositing/dispensing machine, or a
bill changer (hereinafter the roller may be referred to as a
"paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller"). As used herein, the
term "paper sheet" encompasses a variety of paper sheets, PPC
sheets, a variety of films, magnetic cards, tickets, banknotes, and
similar products.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In an automatic ticket gate, a cash depositing/dispensing
machine, a bill changer, an automatic ticketing machine, etc., a
paper sheet (e.g., a banknote, a magnetic card, or a ticket) is
sandwiched between rollers provided so as to face each other, and
is then conveyed by means of sandwiching force between the rollers.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the case of a machine for
conveying a magnetic card 20 having a printed surface, a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 1 having a groove and a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 2 having a projection
corresponding to the groove are positioned so as to face each other
and to provide therebetween a specific gap g which is slightly
smaller than the thickness of the magnetic card 20.
[0003] When a paper sheet is sandwiched between the aforementioned
facing paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers which have one
roller having a projection on the surface thereof and the other
having a groove corresponding to the projection, the tip ends of
the projections come into contact with the paper sheet at an
appropriate pressure (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and
2).
[0004] The roller shown in FIG. 9 or 10 of Patent Document 1 has a
structure including disks formed of polyurethane sponge or
fluorine-containing resin and having a relatively small width, and
spacers having a relatively large width, wherein the disks and the
spacers are alternately provided. A
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller having such a structure
poses a problem in that the disks are likely to deflect in an axial
direction.
[0005] A feed roller 4 shown in Patent Document 2 has a groove 4b
around its entire circumference, and friction members 4c formed of,
for example, rubber and having a specific length are attached to
large-diameter portions provided on both sides of the groove 4b. A
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller having such a structure
poses a problem in that high cost is required for forming a
groove.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
(kokai) No. S57-131651 [0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. S58-11443
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0008] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention
is to provide a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller which is
produced at low cost and exhibits excellent conveying
performance.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0009] In a first mode of the present invention for solving the
aforementioned problems, there is provided a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller characterized by comprising
a rubber member having a specific diameter and a through-hole at
the center thereof; a core provided in the through-hole; and
supports which have a diameter greater than that of the core and
smaller than that of the rubber member and which sandwich the
rubber member from both sides, wherein a member having the support
which is in close contact with one side surface of the rubber
member and a member having the support which is in close contact
with the other side surface of the rubber member are aligned and
fixed in an axial direction.
[0010] A second mode of the present invention is drawn to the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of the first mode, wherein
the area of a portion of each side surface of the rubber member,
the portion being covered with the corresponding support, is 27% or
more of the entire area of the side surface.
[0011] A third mode of the present invention is drawn to the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of the first or second
mode, wherein the supports and the core are formed of a metal or a
resin.
[0012] A fourth mode of the present invention is drawn to the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of any of the first to
third modes, wherein, in the rubber member, the ratio of thickness
T.sub.1 as measured in a radial direction to width W.sub.1 as
measured in an axial direction (i.e., T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 0.5 to
2.3.
[0013] A fifth mode of the present invention is drawn to the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of any of the first to
fourth modes, wherein the rubber member exhibits a percent
expansion of 0 to 7%.
[0014] A sixth mode of the present invention is drawn to the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of any of the first to
fifth modes, wherein the rubber member exhibits a percent
compression of 0 to 13%.
Effects of the Invention
[0015] The paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of the present
invention has a structure in which a member having the support
which is in close contact with one side surface of the rubber
member and a member having the support which is in close contact
with the other side surface of the rubber member are aligned and
fixed in an axial direction. Therefore, the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller exhibits excellent
conveying performance, since the rubber member is sandwiched
between the supports at a specific pressure applied to the side
surfaces, whereby elastic deflection of the rubber member in a
horizontal direction (i.e., lateral deflection of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying surface of the rubber member) is
reduced. In addition, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller
(i.e., the rubber member) can be produced at low cost and can
readily achieve a specific dimensional accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] [FIG. 1]
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment
1.
[0018] [FIG. 2]
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view and an exploded
cross-sectional view of the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller
according to Embodiment 1.
[0020] [FIG. 3]
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment
1.
[0022] [FIG. 4]
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a process for producing the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment
1.
[0024] [FIG. 5]
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a process for producing the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment
1.
[0026] [FIG. 6]
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a process for producing the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment
1.
[0028] [FIG. 7]
[0029] FIG. 7 is cross-sectional views of
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers according to other
embodiments.
[0030] [FIG. 8]
[0031] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional views of
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers according to other
embodiments.
[0032] [FIG. 9]
[0033] FIG. 9 shows an example of a conventional
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0034] Next will be described best modes for carrying out the
invention with reference to the drawings. However, the
below-described embodiments are for illustrative purpose only, and
the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.
Embodiment 1
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment 1
of the present invention.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a conveying member
11A, a conveying member 11B, a fixing member 12, a holding member
13A, and a holding member 13B. The roller 10 has, at the center
thereof, a shaft 14 inserted therein. As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft
14 is provided with one paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10.
However, no particular limitation is imposed on the number of
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers 10 provided on the shaft
14, and the number may be two or more.
[0037] The respective members of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment 1
will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2(a) is
an exploded perspective view of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment 1
of the present invention; FIG. 2(b) is an exploded cross-sectional
view of the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to
Embodiment 1; and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment
1.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the conveying members 11A and
11B is formed of a rubber elastic member having a through-hole at
the center thereof (i.e., a ring-shaped member). The conveying
members 11A and 11B have the same shape (hereinafter the members
may be collectively referred to as the "conveying member(s) 11").
In the present embodiment, the conveying members 11 correspond to
the "rubber member."
[0039] The conveying members 11 have a diameter greater than that
of the fixing member 12 or the holding members 13. That is, the
conveying members 11 project in a radial direction so that they can
separate or convey paper sheets.
[0040] The fixing member 12 includes a disk-shaped main body 12a
having a diameter smaller than that of the conveying members 11,
and protrusions 12b and 12c which are provided on both side
surfaces of the main body and are fitted into the through-holes of
the conveying members 11. The protrusions 12b and 12c correspond to
the "core," and the main body 12a serves as one of the support
members.
[0041] The end surfaces of each protrusion of the fixing member 12
have a circular shape, and the protrusion has a diameter almost
equal to that of the through-hole of the corresponding conveying
member 11 (preferably, a diameter slightly greater than that of the
through-hole of the conveying member 11 into which the protrusion
is not fitted).
[0042] A through-hole is provided at the center of the fixing
member 12 so that the shaft 14 can be inserted therein.
[0043] Each of the holding members 13A and 13B is formed of a
disk-shaped member having a diameter equal to that of the main body
12a of the fixing member 12. The holding members 13A and 13B have
the same shape (hereinafter the members may be collectively
referred to as the "holding member(s) 13"). In the present
embodiment, the holding members 13 correspond to the other support
member.
[0044] Specifically, the fixing member 12 of the roller according
to the present embodiment corresponds to the "member having the
support which is in close contact with one side surface of the
rubber member," and each of the holding members 13 corresponds to
the "member having the support which is in close contact with the
other side surface of the rubber member." The fixing member 12 and
the holding members 13 are aligned by abutting the end surface of
each of the protrusions 12b and 12c to the side surface of the
corresponding holding member 13, and the member 12 and the members
13 are fastened and fixed together by means of a non-illustrated
bolt.
[0045] The holding members 13A and 13B sandwich the conveying
members 11A and 11B via the fixing member 12. A through-hole is
provided at the center of each holding member 13 so that the shaft
14 can be inserted therein.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, in the paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller 10 according to Embodiment 1, the protrusions 12b and 12c of
the fixing member 12 are inserted into the through-holes of the
conveying members 11A and 11B, respectively, and the holding
members 13A and 13B are fixed onto the end surfaces of the
conveying members 11A and 11B, respectively.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, in the paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller 10 according to Embodiment 1, one side surface of the
conveying member 11A is in close contact with the fixing member 12,
and the other side surface of the conveying member 11A is in close
contact with the holding member 13A. Similarly, one side surface of
the conveying member 11B is in close contact with the fixing member
12, and the other side surface of the conveying member 11B is in
close contact with the holding member 13B. In the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10, the end surfaces of the
protrusions 12b and 12c of the fixing member 12 are in close
contact with the end surfaces of the holding members 13A and 13B,
respectively, such that the fixing member 12 and the holding
members 13A and 13B are aligned and fixed in an axial direction.
The fixing member 12 and the holding members 13 are aligned and
fixed in an axial direction via the conveying members 11, and the
width of the core (i.e., the protrusion 12b or 12c in the present
embodiment) in an axial direction corresponds to the distance
between the facing end surfaces of the fixing member 12 and the
holding member 13A or 13B. The distance between the facing end
surfaces of the fixing member 12 and the holding member 13A or 13B
is adjusted to be equal to or slightly smaller than the width of
the conveying member 11A or 11B in an axial direction, such that
the conveying member 11A or 11B is sandwiched and fixed between the
fixing member 12 and the holding member 13A or 13B at a specific
pressure in an axial direction. Thus, surface deflection of the
conveying members 11 can be reduced. Even when the conveying
members have a relatively small width in an axial direction and a
large thickness in a radial direction, surface deflection of the
conveying members can be effectively reduced. As used herein, the
term "surface deflection" refers to elastic deflection of the
conveying members in a horizontal direction; i.e., lateral
deflection of the paper-sheet-separating/conveying surfaces of the
conveying members.
[0048] In the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10, the
rubber member (i.e., the conveying member 11) preferably exhibits a
percent compression of 0 to 13%, particularly preferably 2 to 13%.
When the percent compression falls within the above range, surface
deflection can be reduced. As used herein, "percent compression" is
obtained by use of the following formula:
Percent compression(%)=(the width of a conveying member-the
distance between facing end surfaces of a fixing member and a
holding member)/(the width of the conveying member).times.100.
[F1]
[0049] The area of a portion of each side surface of the conveying
member 11A, the portion being covered with the fixing member 12 or
the holding member 13A, is preferably 27% or more of the entire
area of the side surface. When, in the conveying member 11A, the
ratio of thickness T.sub.1 as measured in a radial direction to
width W.sub.1 as measured in an axial direction (i.e.,
T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 1.6 or more, more preferably, the area of a
portion of each side surface of the conveying member 11A, the
portion being covered with the fixing member 12 or the holding
member 13A, is 45% or more of the entire area of the side surface.
The area of a portion of the side surface of the conveying member
11A covered with the fixing member 12 is not necessarily equal to,
but is preferably equal to the area of a portion of the side
surface of the conveying member 11A covered with the holding member
13A. Similarly, the area of a portion of each side surface of the
conveying member 11B, the portion being covered with the fixing
member 12 or the holding member 13A, is preferably 27% or more of
the entire area of the side surface. When, in the conveying member
11B, the ratio (T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 1.6 or more, more preferably,
the area of a portion of each side surface of the conveying member
11B, the portion being covered with the fixing member 12 or the
holding member 13A, is 45% or more of the entire area of the side
surface. In other words, the area of a portion of each side surface
of the conveying member 11 (rubber member), the portion being
covered with the corresponding support, is preferably 27% or more
of the entire area of the side surface, and when the ratio
(T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 1.6 or more, the area of the portion covered
with the support is preferably 45% or more of the entire area of
the side surface. This is because, when these conditions are
satisfied, the resultant paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller
exhibits reduced surface deflection and excellent conveying
performance.
[0050] The conveying member 11 is formed of a rubber elastic
member, and the rubber elastic member is preferably formed of a
rubber base which can impart good conveying performance to the
conveying member. No particular limitation is imposed on the rubber
base, so long as it has been conventionally used for producing
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers. Examples of the rubber
base include EPDM, nitrile rubber, and polyurethane. Of these,
polyurethane is preferred, and caprolactone-based millable
polyurethane is particularly preferred. This is because, when such
a rubber base is employed for producing a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller, wear of the roller
surface, or adhesion due to the surface wear can be reduced to a
minimum possible extent, and thus the roller can be reliably
employed for conveying paper sheets over a long period of time. The
rubber elastic member is formed by curing a rubber composition
containing a rubber base and optionally a conductivity-imparting
material. The composition for forming the rubber elastic member may
optionally contain, for example, a foaming agent, a foaming aid, a
vulcanizing agent, a vulcanization accelerator, or a filler.
[0051] Each of the fixing member 12 and the holding member 13 is
formed of a resin or a metal. Examples of the resin include ABS
resin, POM resin, nylon resin, urethane resin, and epoxy resin.
From the viewpoint of strength, urethane resin is preferably
employed. Examples of the metal include stainless steel, aluminum,
brass, and copper. Since each of the fixing member 12 and the
holding member 13 is formed of a resin or a metal, when the
conveying member 11 is rotated in actual use, surface deflection of
the conveying member 11 can be reduced. This is because, the
conveying member 11 can be effectively fixed by means of such a
resin or metal, which undergoes little change in dimension with
temperature. The fixing member 12 and the holding member 13 may be
formed of the same material or different materials. However,
preferably, these members are formed of the same material, from the
viewpoint of cost.
[0052] In the rubber member (the conveying member 11), the ratio of
thickness T.sub.1 as measured in a radial direction to width
W.sub.1 as measured in an axial direction (i.e., T.sub.1/W.sub.1)
is preferably 0.5 to 2.3, more preferably 1.0 to 2.0. When the
ratio T.sub.1/W.sub.1 is 2.3 or less, the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller is less likely to deflect
in a radial direction, and exhibits excellent conveying
performance. When the ratio T.sub.1/W.sub.1 is less than 0.5, the
rubber member may undulate during conveyance of paper sheets,
resulting in formation of irregularities in a radial direction.
[0053] Preferably, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10
is produced by moving the holding members 13 and the conveying
members 11 in an axial direction so that the protrusions of the
fixing member 12 are press-fitted into the through-holes of the
conveying members 11. Specifically, preferably, the holding members
13 and the conveying members 11 are slid in an axial direction by,
for example, abutting the holding members 13 to plate-like members
and applying a specific pressure to the members 13, to thereby fit
the protrusions of the fixing member 12 into the through-holes of
the conveying members 11. Thus, the fixing member 12, the holding
member 13A, and the holding member 13B are aligned and fixed in an
axial direction with high accuracy. Thus, the conveying members 11
of the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10 exhibit uniform
percent expansion in a circumferential direction. In actual use of
the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller, the conveying members
exhibit reduced elastic deflection both in radial and horizontal
directions.
[0054] In the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10, the
rubber member (the conveying member 11) preferably exhibits a
percent expansion of 0 to 7%, particularly preferably 1 to 6%. When
the percent expansion exceeds 7%, strain may occur in the rubber
member, resulting in an increase in radial deflection or surface
deflection. As used herein, "percent expansion" is obtained by use
of the following formula:
Percent expansion(%)=(the diameter of a core-the inner diameter of
a conveying member into which the core is not inserted)/(the inner
diameter of the conveying member into which the core is not
inserted).times.100. [F2]
[0055] For example, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10
preferably exhibits a surface deflection of 0.11 mm or less, more
preferably 0.10 mm or less, which may vary with the diameter of the
roller.
[0056] Next will be described a method for producing the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment 1.
FIGS. 4 to 6 are perspective views of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller according to Embodiment
1.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 4(a), a cylindrical rubber elastic member
having a through-hole at the center thereof is formed, and then the
cylindrical member is cut into ring-shaped members having a
specific width (i.e., conveying members 11A and 11B). No particular
limitation is imposed on the method for producing such a
cylindrical rubber elastic member, and the member is readily formed
through, for example, injection molding or extrusion molding.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 4(b), there is formed, from a resin or a
metal, a fixing member 12 including a disk-shaped main body 12a
having, on both side surfaces thereof, protrusions 12b and 12c
which are fitted into the through-holes of the conveying members
11. No particular limitation is imposed on the method for producing
the fixing member 12, and the member 12 is formed through, for
example, injection molding.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4(b), there are formed, from a resin or a
metal, disk-shaped holding members 13A and 13B having a diameter
equal to that of the main body 12a of the fixing member 12. No
particular limitation is imposed on the method for producing the
holding members 13, and the members 13 are formed through, for
example, injection molding. From the viewpoint of cost, the holding
members 13 are preferably formed from the same material as the
fixing member 12.
[0060] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, the holding members 13A
and 13B and the conveying members 11A and 11B are moved in an axial
direction, so that the protrusion 12b of the fixing member 12 is
press-fitted into the conveying member 11A, and the protrusion 12c
of the fixing member 12 is press-fitted into the conveying member
11B. Thus, the conveying members 11A and 11B fitted with the fixing
member 12 exhibit uniform percent expansion in a circumferential
direction. In actual use of the resultant
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller, the conveying members
exhibit elastic deflection neither in a radial direction nor in a
horizontal direction (i.e., no surface deflection).
[0061] Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding members 13A and 13B
are fastened and fixed to the protrusions 12b and 12c of the fixing
member 12, respectively, by means of non-illustrated bolts. Thus,
the holding member 13A, the fixing member 12, and the holding
member 13B are aligned and fixed in an axial direction.
[0062] Thereafter, although not illustrated, a shaft is inserted
into the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10 at the center
thereof.
[0063] Finally, if necessary, the conveying members 11A and 11B are
polished while being rotated about the shaft, so that the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10 has specific
dimensions.
[0064] As described above, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes the rubber members
(the conveying members 11A and 11B) each having a specific diameter
and a through-hole at the center thereof; the cores (the
protrusions 12b and 12c) inserted in the through-holes; and the
supports which have a diameter greater than that of the cores and
smaller than that of the rubber members and which sandwich the
rubber members from both sides, wherein the member (the fixing
member 12) having the support which is in close contact with one
side surface of each rubber member and the member (the holding
member 13) having the support which is in close contact with the
other side surface of the rubber member are aligned and fixed in an
axial direction. Therefore, the rubber members exhibit reduced
elastic deflection in a horizontal direction (surface deflection)
and excellent conveying performance.
[0065] Since the rubber members (the conveying members 11A and 11B)
are moved in an axial direction so that the cores (the protrusions
12b and 12c) are press-fitted into the through-holes of the rubber
members, the rubber members exhibit reduced elastic deflection both
in horizontal and radial directions. Therefore, the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller exhibits excellent
conveying performance.
[0066] In the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller, the rubber
members can be readily formed with a specific dimensional accuracy.
That is, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller can be readily
produced without use of a special grinding wheel for processing;
i.e., the roller can be produced at low cost.
Other Embodiments
[0067] Other embodiments will next be briefly described. Components
corresponding to those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by common
reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted.
[0068] In Embodiment 1, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller
10 includes the fixing member 12 having the disk-shaped main body
12a and the protrusions 12b and 12c which are provided on both side
surfaces of the main body 12a and are fitted into the through-holes
of the conveying members 11; and the disk-shaped holding members 13
having a diameter equal to that of the main body 12a of the fixing
member 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this
roller.
[0069] For example, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of
the present invention may be configured as shown in FIG. 7(a).
Specifically, the width of protrusions of a fixing member 22 is
adjusted to be smaller than that of the conveying members 11 in an
axial direction; holding members 23 (23A and 23B) are also provided
with protrusions which are fitted into the through-holes of the
conveying members 11; and the end surface of the protrusion 22b of
the fixing member 22 is abutted to the protrusion of the holding
member 23A and the end surface of the protrusion 22c of the fixing
member 22 is abutted to the protrusion of the holding member 23B,
whereby the fixing member 22 and the holding members 23 are aligned
and fixed. In this case, when the holding members 23 and the
conveying members 11 are moved in an axial direction so that the
core is press-fitted into the through-holes of the conveying
members 11, the end surface of the protrusion 22b of the fixing
member 22 is abutted to the protrusion of the holding member 23A,
and the end surface of the protrusion 22c of the fixing member 22
is abutted to the protrusion of the holding member 23B, whereby the
fixing member 22 and the holding members 23A and 23B are aligned in
an axial direction. The fixing member 22 and the holding members
23A and 23B are fastened and fixed by means of a non-illustrated
bolt. In this case, the protrusions 22b of the fixing member 22 and
the protrusion of the holding member 23B together serve as the
"core."
[0070] Alternatively, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller
of the present invention may be configured as shown in FIG. 7(b).
Specifically, the width of protrusions of a fixing member 32 is
adjusted to be greater than that of the conveying members 11 in an
axial direction so that the protrusions project from the outer
surfaces of the conveying members 11; holding members 33 (33A and
33B) are provided with dents into which the protrusions of the
fixing member 32 are fitted; and the end surface of the protrusion
32b of the fixing member 32 is abutted to the holding member 33A
and the end surface of the protrusion 32c of the fixing member 32
is abutted to the holding member 33B, whereby the fixing member 32
and the holding members 33 are aligned and fixed. In this case, the
fastening bolt employed in Embodiment 1 may be omitted. In this
case, when the holding members 33 and the conveying members 11 are
moved in an axial direction so that the core is press-fitted into
the through-holes of the conveying members 11, the end surface of
the protrusion 32b of the fixing member 32 is abutted to the
holding member 33A, and the end surface of the protrusion 32c of
the fixing member 32 is abutted to the holding member 33B, whereby
the fixing member 32 and the holding members 33A and 33B are
aligned and fixed in an axial direction. In this case, a portion of
the protrusions 32b and 32c of the fixing member 32 corresponds to
the "core"; the main body 32a of the fixing member 32 serves as one
of the supports; and the protrusions of the holding members 33
serve as the other support.
[0071] Alternatively, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller
of the present invention may be configured as shown in FIG. 7(c).
Specifically, each of holding members 43 (43A and 43B) is formed of
a disk-shaped main body provided, on one surface thereof, with a
protrusion which is fitted into the through-hole of the
corresponding conveying member 11; a fixing member 42 is formed of
a disk-shaped member having a diameter equal to that of the main
bodies of the holding members 43; and the end surfaces of the
fixing member 42 are respectively abutted to the end surfaces of
the protrusions of the holding members 43A and 43B, whereby the
fixing member 42 and the holding members 43 are aligned and fixed.
In this case, when the holding members 43 and the conveying members
11 are moved in an axial direction so that the core is press-fitted
into the through-holes of the conveying members 11, the end
surfaces of the fixing member 42 are respectively abutted to the
end surfaces of the protrusions of the holding members 43A and 43B,
whereby the fixing member 42 and the holding members 43A and 43B
are aligned in an axial direction, and these members are fastened
and fixed by means of a non-illustrated bolt. In this case, the
protrusions of the holding members 43 correspond to the "core."
[0072] In Embodiment 1, the conveying members 11A and 11B have the
same shape. However, the conveying members 11A and 11B may have
different widths, so long as they have the same diameter.
[0073] In Embodiment 1, the conveying surface of the conveying
member 11 is flat (i.e., the conveying member 11 has uniform
diameter in a thickness direction). However, the conveying surface
of the conveying member 11 may be convex (i.e., a portion of the
conveying member 11 has a larger diameter at the center in a
thickness direction).
[0074] In Embodiment 1, the conveying members 13A and 13B have the
same shape. However, the members 13A and 13B do not necessarily
have the same shape. For example, the conveying members 13A and 13B
may have different diameters, although it is preferred that they
have the same diameter. The conveying members 13A and 13B may have
different widths or different shapes.
[0075] For example, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of
the present invention may be configured as shown in FIG. 8(a).
Specifically, a fixing member 52 is formed so as to have, on one
side thereof, a protrusion which has a width almost equal to that
of the conveying member 11A and is fitted into the through-hole of
the conveying member 11A, and to have, on the other side, a
protrusion having a width greater than that of the conveying member
11B in an axial direction; a holding member 53A is formed of a
disk-shaped member having a diameter equal to that of the main body
of the fixing member 52, and a holding member 53B is provided with
a dent into which the protrusion of the fixing member 52 is fitted;
and the protrusion 52b of the fixing member 52 is abutted to the
end surface of the holding member 53A and the protrusion 52c is
abutted to the dent of the holding member 53B, whereby the fixing
member 52 and the holding members 53 are aligned and fixed. In this
case, a portion of the protrusions 52b and 52c of the fixing member
52 corresponds to the "core"; the main body of the fixing member 32
serves as one of the supports; and the side surface of the holding
member 53A or the protrusion of the holding member 53B serves as
the other support.
[0076] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of the present invention
may be configured to include a disk-shaped holding member 63A
having a diameter equal to that of the main body of the fixing
member 12; and a holding member 63B which has, on the side in
contact with the conveying member 11B, a circular shape having a
diameter equal to that of the main body of the fixing member 12 and
which tapers toward the side opposite the side in contact with the
member 11B.
[0077] The fixing member 12 and the holding member 13 may have
different outer diameters, although it is preferred that they have
the same outer diameter.
[0078] As exemplified in Embodiment 1, the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller 10 includes two conveying
members 11. However, three or more conveying members 11 may be
provided. Although not illustrated, when three or more conveying
members 11 are provided, additional fixing members are provided,
and at least one of the fixing members is provided with a core
which is fitted into the through-hole of a conveying member 11. One
end surface of the fixing member is abutted to one end surface of
another fixing member, and the other end surface of each fixing
member is abutted to the corresponding holding member, whereby
these members are aligned and fixed in an axial direction.
[0079] In Embodiment 1, fastening (fixation) is carried out by
means of a bolt. However, fixation is not necessarily performed by
this means, and may be performed by means of, for example, an
adhesive.
[0080] The present invention will next be described by way of
examples, which should not be construed as limiting the invention
thereto.
Example 1
[0081] A rubber elastic member was formed from ethylene propylene
rubber (EPDM), and then cut into conveying members (40 mm in outer
diameter.times.28 mm in inner diameter.times.3.4 mm in width).
[0082] A fixing member having a main body (.PHI.35 mm.times.2.95 mm
in width) and protrusions (.PHI.30 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) was
formed from ABS resin.
[0083] Holding members (.PHI.35 mm.times.4.0 mm in thickness) were
formed from ABS resin.
[0084] The holding members and the conveying members 11 were moved
in an axial direction; the protrusions of the fixing member were
press-fitted into the through-holes of the conveying members; and
each of the holding members was provided on the end surface of the
corresponding conveying member, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 1.
Example 2
[0085] The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that
conveying members (40 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 2.
Example 3
[0086] The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that
conveying members (40 mm in outer diameter.times.30 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.0 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 3.
Example 4
[0087] The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that
conveying members (44 mm in outer diameter.times.28 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.4 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 4.
Example 5
[0088] The procedure of Example 2 was repeated, except that
conveying members (44 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 5.
Example 6
[0089] The procedure of Example 3 was repeated, except that
conveying members (44 mm in outer diameter.times.30 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.0 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 6.
Example 7
[0090] The procedure of Example 2 was repeated, except that a
fixing member having a main body (.PHI.33 mm.times.2.95 mm in
width) and protrusions (.PHI.30 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) was
employed, and holding members (.PHI.33 mm.times.4.0 mm in
thickness) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 7.
Example 8
[0091] The procedure of Example 7 was repeated, except that a
fixing member having a main body (.PHI.32 mm.times.2.95 mm in
width) and protrusions (.PHI.30 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) was
employed, and holding members (.PHI.32 mm.times.4.0 mm in
thickness) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 8.
Example 9
[0092] The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that
conveying members (32 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, a fixing member
having a main body (.PHI.30.6 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) and
protrusions (.PHI.30 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) was employed, and
holding members (.PHI.30.6 mm.times.4.0 mm in thickness) were
employed, to thereby produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller of Example 9.
Example 10
[0093] The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that
conveying members (33 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, a fixing member
having a main body (.PHI.30.9 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) and
protrusions (.PHI.30 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) was employed, and
holding members (.PHI.30.9 mm.times.4.0 mm in thickness) were
employed, to thereby produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller of Example 10.
Example 11
[0094] The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that
conveying members (44.4 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, a fixing member
having a main body (.PHI.34.4 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) and
protrusions (.PHI.30 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) was employed, and
holding members (.PHI.34.4 mm.times.4.0 mm in thickness) were
employed, to thereby produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller of Example 11.
Example 12
[0095] The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that
conveying members (46 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, a fixing member
having a main body (.PHI.35 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) and
protrusions (.PHI.30 mm.times.2.95 mm in width) was employed, and
holding members (.PHI.35 mm.times.4.0 mm in thickness) were
employed, to thereby produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying
roller of Example 12.
Example 13
[0096] The procedure of Example 7 was repeated, except that
conveying members (40 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.5 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 13.
Example 14
[0097] The procedure of Example 7 was repeated, except that
conveying members (40 mm in outer diameter.times.29 mm in inner
diameter.times.2.95 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce
a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 14.
Example 15
[0098] The procedure of Example 7 was repeated, except that
conveying members (40 mm in outer diameter.times.27.2 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 15.
Example 16
[0099] The procedure of Example 7 was repeated, except that
conveying members (40 mm in outer diameter.times.28 mm in inner
diameter.times.3.2 mm in width) were employed, to thereby produce a
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 16.
Comparative Example 1
[0100] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 1 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 1.
Comparative Example 2
[0101] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 2 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 2.
Comparative Example 3
[0102] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 3 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 3.
Comparative Example 4
[0103] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 4 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 4.
Comparative Example 5
[0104] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 5 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 5.
Comparative Example 6
[0105] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 6 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 6.
Comparative Example 7
[0106] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 7 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 7.
Comparative Example 8
[0107] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 8 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 8.
Comparative Example 9
[0108] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 9 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 9.
Comparative Example 10
[0109] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 10 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 10.
Comparative Example 11
[0110] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 11 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 11.
Comparative Example 12
[0111] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 12 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 12.
Comparative Example 13
[0112] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 13 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 13.
Comparative Example 14
[0113] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 14 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 14.
Comparative Example 15
[0114] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 15 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 15.
Comparative Example 16
[0115] The conveying members, fixing member, and holding members of
Example 16 were employed. The fixing member and the holding members
were fixed, and then the conveying members were manually inserted
between the fixing member and the holding members, to thereby
produce a paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Comparative
Example 16.
(Test Example 1): Evaluation of Surface Deflection
[0116] There was measured, by means of a pick gauge, the elastic
deflection (in a horizontal direction) of side surfaces of the
conveying members 11 of each of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers of the Examples and the
Comparative Examples. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
[0117] Tables 1 to 4 show data regarding each of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers of the Examples and the
Comparative Examples: the ratio (%) of the area of a portion of
each side surface of the conveying members, the portion being
covered with the corresponding support (i.e., the fixing member or
the holding member), to the entire area of the side surface
(hereinafter the ratio will be referred to as the "percent support
of each side surface of the conveying members"); the ratio of
thickness T.sub.1 of each conveying member as measured in a radial
direction to width W.sub.1 thereof as measured in an axial
direction (i.e., T.sub.1/W.sub.1); the percent compression (%) of
each conveying member; and the percent expansion (%) of each
conveying member.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7
Ex. 8 Thickness of conveying 5 5 5 7 7 7 5 5 member in radial
direction (T.sub.1) Width of conveying 3.4 3.2 3 3.4 3.2 3 3.2 3.2
member in axial direction (W.sub.1) Percent support of each 46 46
46 31 31 31 27 18 side surface of conveying member (%)
(T.sub.1/W.sub.1) 1.5 1.6 1.7 2.1 2.2 2.3 1.6 1.6 Percent
compression (%) 13 8 2 13 8 2 8 8 Percent expansion (%) 7 3 0 7 3 0
3 3 Surface deflection (mm) 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.09 0.11 0.10
0.17
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex.
15 Ex. 16 Thickness of conveying 1 1.5 7.1 8 5 5 5 5 member in
radial direction (T.sub.1) Width of conveying 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.5
2.95 3.2 3.2 member in axial direction (W.sub.1) Percent support of
each 29 29 27 27 27 27 27 27 side surface of conveying member (%)
(T.sub.1/W.sub.1) 0.3 0.5 2.2 2.5 1.4 1.7 1.6 1.6 Percent
compression (%) 8 8 8 8 16 0 8 8 Percent expansion (%) 3 3 3 3 3 3
10 7 Surface deflection (mm) 0.14 0.10 0.09 0.19 0.17 0.08 0.16
0.10
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp.
Comp. Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Thickness of
conveying 5 5 5 7 7 7 5 5 member in radial direction (T.sub.1)
Width of conveying 3.4 3.2 3 3.4 3.2 3 3.2 3.2 member in axial
direction (W.sub.1) Percent support of each 46 46 46 31 31 31 27 18
side surface of conveying member (%) (T.sub.1/W.sub.1) 1.5 1.6 1.7
2.1 2.2 2.3 1.6 1.6 Percent compression (%) 13 8 2 13 8 2 8 8
Percent expansion (%) 7 3 0 7 3 0 3 3 Surface deflection (mm) 0.15
0.14 0.14 0.23 0.16 0.15 0.16 0.25
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp.
Comp. Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16
Thickness of conveying 1 1.5 7.2 8 5 5 5 5 member in radial
direction (T.sub.1) Width of conveying 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.5 2.95 3.2
3.2 member in axial direction (W.sub.1) Percent support of each 29
29 26 27 27 27 27 27 side surface of conveying member (%)
(T.sub.1/W.sub.1) 0.3 0.5 2.3 2.5 1.4 1.7 1.6 1.6 Percent
compression (%) 8 8 8 8 16 0 8 8 Percent expansion (%) 3 3 3 3 3 3
10 7 Surface deflection (mm) 0.33 0.21 0.24 0.33 0.28 0.23 0.26
0.19
(Summary of Results)
[0118] As is clear from Tables 1 to 4, the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers of Examples 1 to 16 tend
to exhibit reduced surface deflection, as compared with the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers of Comparative Examples 1
to 16, in which the conveying members are inserted after fixation
of the fixing member and the holding members. Conceivably, the
reason for this is attributed to the fact that a variation in
horizontal width occurs in the conveying members by manually
inserting the conveying members between the fixing member and the
holding members. These data indicate that when the fixing member
which is in close contact with one side surface of the conveying
member and the holding member which is in close contact with the
other side surface of the conveying member are aligned and fixed in
an axial direction, the resultant roller exhibits reduced surface
deflection. Thus, the paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers of
Examples 1 to 16 exhibit reduced surface deflection and excellent
conveying performance.
[0119] The paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 2 or
7, in which the percent support of each side surface of the
conveying members is 27% or more, exhibits a surface deflection of
0.08 mm or 0.10 mm, respectively; i.e., the surface deflection is
considerably reduced as compared with the case of Example 8 in
which the percent support is 18%. These data indicate that when the
percent support of each side surface of the conveying members is
27% or more, surface deflection is further reduced.
[0120] The paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 10 in
which (T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 0.5 or the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 11 in which
(T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 2.2 exhibits a surface deflection of 0.10 mm
or 0.09 mm, respectively; i.e., the surface deflection is lower
than that of the paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example
9 in which (T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 0.3 or the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 12 in which
(T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 2.5. The paper-sheet-separating/conveying
rollers of Examples 4 to 6 in which (T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 2.1 to 2.3
exhibit a surface deflection of 0.11 mm or less. These data
indicate that when (T.sub.1/W.sub.1) is 0.5 to 2.3, surface
deflection is further reduced.
[0121] The paper-sheet-separating/conveying rollers of Examples 4
to 6 and 14 in which percent compression is 0 to 13% exhibit a
surface deflection lower than that of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 13 in which
percent compression is 16%. These data indicate that when percent
compression is 0 to 13%, surface deflection is further reduced.
[0122] The paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 7 in
which percent expansion is 3% or the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 16 in which
percent expansion is 7% exhibits a surface deflection of 0.10 mm;
i.e., the surface deflection is lower than that of the
paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller of Example 15 in which
percent expansion is 10%. These data indicate that when percent
expansion is 7% or less, surface deflection is further reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0123] 10: Paper-sheet-separating/conveying roller [0124] 11:
Conveying member [0125] 12, 22, 32, 42, 52: Fixing member [0126]
13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63A, 63B: Holding member [0127] 14: Shaft
* * * * *