| abstract |
The small clearance retention apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotating member, a recording or otherwise cooperating member disposed in close proximity with the cylindrical rotating member so as to maintain a small clearance, in the direction parallel to a generating line of the cylindrical rotating member, between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical rotating member and the recording member, and a spacer for maintaining the small clearance constant. The spacer is formed by rollers supported rotatably by a support member other than the cylindrical rotating member and the recording member and the peripheral surface of the rollers are in pressure contact with the peripheral surface at an end portion of the cylindrical rotating member, while the recording member is in pressure contact with support structure of the rollers. |