Axial Coupling Mechanism for Printer Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tandem type color laser printers have complex gear trains for switching between monochromatic and color printing modes, leading to mechanical complexity and a lack of compactness.
Innovation Solution
A compact image forming apparatus with a connecting mechanism that allows the first and second couplings to be connected or disconnected from their respective driving-force inputting sections, enabling mode switching between monochromatic and color printing modes by moving the couplings along the axial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate gear trains are provided for transmitting driving force to color developing units and black developing unit, then the driving force transmission can be achieved, but the mechanical structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate gear trains for color and black developing units into a single integrated gear train. The driving force from one motor is transmitted through a common gear mechanism that can selectively engage with either the color developing units or the black developing unit, eliminating the need for duplicate gear trains and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable driving force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal driving mechanism where a single gear train serves multiple functions by selectively transmitting driving force to different developing units. The gear train is designed with engagement mechanisms that allow it to function as the drive system for both color and black developing units, making the gear train multi-functional and reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pivot gear mechanism is used for mode switching, then the operation mode can be switched between monochromatic and color printing, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where the gear train can selectively engage or disengage with different developing units based on the desired operation mode. Instead of using a complex pivot gear system, the design allows the gear train to dynamically connect to either the color or black developing units through simplified engagement structures, achieving mode switching with reduced mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple separate drive systems are provided for color and black developing units, then each unit can be independently driven, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive systems into a single motor-driven gear train that can selectively power different developing units. This merging approach maintains the capability to independently drive color or black developing units while significantly reducing the overall device volume by eliminating redundant motors and separate drive mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: first and second photosensitive drums; first and second developing rollers each defining an axis in an axial direction; first and second driving-force inputting sections; first and second couplings; and a connecting mechanism. A driving force inputted to each coupling is transmitted to each developing roller via each driving-force inputting section when each coupling is connected to the corresponding driving-force inputting section. The connecting mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position to cause the first and second couplings to move in the axial direction such that the first and second couplings are connected or disconnected relative to the first and second driving-force inputting sections.