Clutch Mechanism Shock Absorption in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical clutching mechanisms in image forming apparatuses experience substantial shock and collisional noises during engagement and disengagement, leading to unsatisfactory image formation and noise generation due to incomplete engagement and sudden contact between clutch components.
Innovation Solution
A driving device with a clutch mechanism that includes a driving member, a follower member, and a rotatable member capable of changing its state to urge the follower member in the opposite rotational direction when not engaged, preventing collision and ensuring complete engagement by maintaining a gap between the engaging portions during disengagement and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical clutching mechanism is used to interrupt driving force transmission, then the apparatus enjoys low cost, shape flexibility, and resistance to slipping, but substantial shock occurs during engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning member (elastic element) between the engaging member and the driven member that compresses during engagement to absorb shock. The elastic element is pre-positioned to deform elastically when the engaging member contacts the driven member, thereby cushioning the impact before force transmission begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the engaging member movable in the axial direction relative to the driven member, allowing dynamic adjustment during engagement. The engaging member can move axially to control the engagement process, enabling smooth transition from disengaged to engaged state and reducing impact shock.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engaging member is pressed in the positive rotational direction to prevent shock during engagement, then engagement shock is reduced, but collisional noises occur during disengagement due to rotating collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engagement process into two distinct phases: axial approach phase and rotational engagement phase. The engaging member first approaches axially without rotation, then engages rotationally only after axial contact is established, separating the shock-absorbing axial movement from the force-transmitting rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial movement as an additional dimension to the traditional rotational engagement. By adding the axial degree of freedom, the engagement process can proceed in two stages: axial approach (for shock absorption) followed by rotational engagement (for force transmission), eliminating the need for rotational collision during disengagement.
3Ease of operation
If the engaging member rotates in the positive direction during disengagement to separate driving members, then disengagement is achieved, but collisional noises are generated due to sudden contact
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member (elastic element) remains compressed or pre-positioned to absorb any residual shock during disengagement. The elastic element acts as a buffer that prevents sudden collisional noises even when the engaging member rotates during the disengagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element serves as an intermediary between the engaging member and the driven member during disengagement. It mediates the separation process by absorbing and dissipating collision energy, preventing direct rigid contact and the associated collisional noises.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving device for photosensitive members and developing rollers includes a clutch for selectively transmitting a rotational force from a driving source to the rollers. The clutch includes a rotatable driving member having a first engaging portion together with the first portion, a follower having a second engaging portion engageable with the first portion, and a rotatable member changeable, by rotation in a direction opposite from a rotational direction of the driving member, from a first state in which the driving force from the driving source is not transmitted without engagement between the first portion and the second engaging portion to a second state in which the rotor rotates by engagement therebetween. The rotor urges the follower in the opposite direction when the first engageable member and the second engageable member are not engaged with each other, by the opposite rotation.