Developer Supply Container Locking Mechanism for Torsional Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer supplying systems require substantial force to drive the coupling member for developer discharge, leading to high torsional load on the driving motor and gear, which increases energy consumption and potential for mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A developer supplying system with a torsional load switching mechanism that reduces the force required to drive the developer discharging means by using a locking member and guiding member to adjust the rotational load, allowing for automatic rotation of the developer supply container into its operational position with reduced torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the coupling member is structured to receive driving force by engaging with the coupling member of the image forming apparatus, then the developer supply container can be automatically rotated to set it for developer discharge, but the coupling member remains under substantial torsional load even after proper rotation, requiring substantial force to drive the stirring member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic locking mechanism that changes the rotational constraints of the coupling member based on the operational state. During automatic rotation, the locking member is disengaged to allow free rotation. After proper rotation is achieved, the locking member engages to prevent further rotation, thereby releasing the torsional load from the coupling member and reducing the force required to drive the stirring member during developer discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the torsional load from the coupling member by introducing a locking member that decouples the rotational constraint. The locking member is designed to disengage during the rotation phase, allowing the coupling member to rotate freely without bearing torsional load. Once rotation is complete, the locking member engages to remove the rotational constraint, thereby extracting the torsional load from the coupling member and reducing the driving force requirement.
2Productivity
If the developer supply container is rotated by a preset angle to set it for developer discharge, then the developer can be supplied to the image forming apparatus, but the coupling member remains under substantial torsional load during the developer supply process
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member dynamically changes the rotational constraint state based on the operational phase. During developer discharge, the locking member is engaged to prevent rotation of the coupling member, thereby eliminating torsional load and reducing the power required to drive the stirring member. This dynamic state change allows efficient developer supply without excessive power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member extracts the torsional load from the coupling member by providing a mechanical release. When the developer supply container is properly rotated, the locking member engages with the coupling member to prevent further rotation, thereby extracting the torsional load that would otherwise be transmitted during the developer discharge process and reducing the power requirement.
3Force
If a locking member is introduced to reduce torsional load on the coupling member, then the force required to drive the stirring member is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is merged with the coupling member structure, where the locking member is positioned within the coupling member assembly and interacts with the coupling member's rotational movement. This merging approach allows the locking mechanism to function as an integrated part of the existing coupling structure, reducing the need for separate, independent components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it prevents excessive rotation of the coupling member during installation, releases the torsional load during operation, and maintains the rotational position during developer discharge. By making the locking member multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the force reduction objective.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
With a structure in which gear trains 5, 6 of a developer supply container 1 are locked by a locking member 7, and the gear trains 5, 6 receive a drive from a gear 12 of a developer receiving apparatus 10, thus accomplishing automatic setting rotation of developer supply container 1, when the developer supply container 1 is once dismounted and then remounted, the locking member 7 is in a non-locking position, and therefore, the setting rotation of the developer supply container 1 cannot be effected automatically. With inserting operation of the developer supply container 1, an inducing portion 7c of the locking member 7 is pushed and raised by a guide portion 10j provided in a groove portion of the developer receiving apparatus 10, so that locking member 7 effects its locking operation. Therefore, upon completion of the insertion of the developer supply container 1, the gear trains 5, 6 are locked by the locking member 7, and therefore, the setting rotation of the developer supply container 1 can be properly effected.