NOISE REDUCING DEVICE FOR PHOTOSENSITIVE DRUM OF AN IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

摘要

A device and method for reducing noise and/or vibration in an image forming apparatus. In a preferred form, an insert (100) is disposed inside of a photosensitive drum (50). The insert (100) is a hollow tubular member (102) having at least one slot (104) extending through the tubular member (102), so that the tubular member (102) is resilient in a radial direction. The slot (104) can be, helical, with an outer diameter (106) (in an uncompressed state) larger than an inner diameter of the drum (50). The insert (100) is radially compressed when it is inserted into the drum (50), so that the tendency of the insert (100) to expand holds the insert (100) in place within the drum (50). The insert (100) reduces noise and vibration which can occur during operation of the drum (50), and can also provide a supportive effect for the drum (50) since the insert (100) is urged in a radially outward direction against the inner surface (56) of the drum (50).