Bidirectional Coupling for Toner Supply in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses cannot supply toner to the developing chamber of a developing cartridge solely through the operation of the coupling, leading to inefficiencies in toner distribution.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a coupling mechanism that allows for the rotation of the coupling in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, utilizing a moving gear system and clutch mechanism to ensure efficient toner supply from the toner accommodation chamber to the developing chamber, eliminating the need for additional components like levers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lever mechanism is used to supply toner, then toner can be supplied from the toner cartridge, but additional components are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the lever mechanism from the system. The coupling member directly transmits rotational force from the driving force transmitting member to the toner supply member, removing the intermediate lever component while maintaining the toner supply function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational force to supply toner and simultaneously serves as part of the driving force transmission mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lever components.
2Productivity
If the coupling rotates in both directions, then toner supply timing is improved, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the coupling member dynamically rotatable in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions based on operational needs. The coupling member can rotate in the first direction to supply toner and in the second direction for other operations, providing dynamic adaptability without complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the developing roller rotates in both directions, then developing performance is maintained, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The developing roller is designed to rotate in both directions (first and second directions) depending on the rotation direction of the coupling member. This dynamic bidirectional rotation maintains reliable developing performance while utilizing the existing coupling mechanism without adding complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include a developing device including a developing roller and a coupling rotatable both in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a coupler engageable with the coupling, a motor configured to drive the coupler, the motor configured to cause the coupler to be a first state in which the coupling rotates in the second direction and a second state in which the coupling rotates in the first direction, and a controller configured to transfer, to the motor, an instruction for changing the coupler to the second state, in a case where the controller judges that the remaining toner amount in a developing chamber of the developing device is smaller than or equal to the first predetermined value.