Cartridge Coupling Structure for Stable Photosensitive Drum Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent torque requirements for detachable cartridges, affecting the stability and efficiency of photosensitive drum rotation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a cartridge structure with a coupling mechanism that includes a movable member and engaging portions to manage driving and braking forces, allowing for adjustable torque application to the photosensitive drum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling mechanism with movable member and engaging portions is introduced to manage driving and braking forces, then the stability and efficiency of photosensitive drum rotation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of photosensitive drum rotationVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable member with engaging portions for driving force transmission, and a separate braking force application member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide stable torque management to the photosensitive drum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable member is designed to move relative to the coupling main body, enabling dynamic adjustment of the engaging portions' positions. This dynamic capability allows the mechanism to adapt to varying torque requirements during different operational phases (driving vs. braking), maintaining stability while accommodating changing force conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a coupling mechanism with movable member and engaging portions is introduced to manage driving and braking forces, then the performance of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance of image forming apparatusVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of coupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the movable member simultaneously serves as both a driving force transmission element (through its engaging portions) and a braking force reception element. This merging reduces the total number of separate components needed, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to transmit driving forces from the driving force application member and to receive braking forces from the braking force application member. This universal design reduces the number of specialized components required, making the overall mechanism easier to manufacture while improving apparatus performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250315006A1Cartridge, drum unit and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 CANON KK

AI summary

A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a coupling provided at the end of the photosensitive drum. The coupling includes a first arc portion and a second arc portion, with a groove between by the first arc portion and the second arc portion. The coupling further includes an upstream-facing portion, a downward-facing portion, and an inclined portion.