Cartridge Coupling Mechanism for Developer Roller Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently engaging and disengaging the developer carrying member with the photosensitive member during mounting and dismounting processes, which affects maintenance and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The cartridge design includes a coupling member that can incline relative to the developer carrying member's rotational axis, allowing for engagement and disengagement with the main assembly driving shaft by transitioning between different inclination attitudes, enabling seamless movement between developing and retracted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the developer carrying member is always in contact with the photosensitive member, then image formation can be continuously performed, but the cartridge cannot be easily dismounted and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The developer carrying member is designed to dynamically change its position between contact and retraction states. During normal operation, it contacts the photosensitive member for image formation. During mounting/dismounting, it automatically retracts to clear the path, enabling easy cartridge handling while maintaining reliable image formation during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to automatically retract the developer carrying member to a spaced position before the cartridge dismounting process begins. This preliminary retraction action prevents interference during removal and ensures the member is in the correct position for easy cartridge handling
2Ease of operation
If the developer carrying member is retracted from the photosensitive member, then the cartridge can be easily dismounted, but drive transmission becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member combines multiple functions into a single component: it transmits drive force from the main assembly driving shaft to rotate the developer carrying member, and simultaneously acts as the actuating mechanism to retract and extend the developer carrying member. This merging eliminates the need for separate drive and positioning mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple purposes: it is the drive transmission element that receives rotation from the main assembly driving shaft, the positioning element that controls the developer carrying member's contact/spaced state, and the engagement element that interfaces with the main assembly during mounting and dismounting operations
3Device complexity
If the coupling member is fixed in position, then drive transmission is simple, but engagement and disengagement during mounting and dismounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with rotational freedom about its longitudinal axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. During engagement, it rotates to align with the main assembly driving shaft. During disengagement, it rotates to clear the path. This dynamic adjustment capability enables easy mounting and dismounting while maintaining a relatively simple drive transmission structure
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a roller rotatable about an axis L1 of the roller and a coupling member for receiving a driving force, with the coupling member being operatively connected to the roller. A first contact member is contactable to the coupling member, with the first contact member being configured to urge the coupling member in a first direction. A second contact member is contactable to the coupling member, with the second contact member being configured to urge the coupling member in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The first and second contact members are simultaneously contactable to the coupling member.