Developing Cartridge Coupling for Smooth Roller Drive Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing rotation non-uniformity of the developing roller and require complex mechanisms for moving coupling members, which affects image formation speed and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus with a coupling member that can engage with a driving shaft from a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, allowing for smooth rotation of the developing roller without the need for complex gear-driven connections or solenoid-based mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a gear engagement mechanism is used to connect the main assembly and developing device, then rotating force can be transmitted, but rotation non-uniformity of the developing roller occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gear engagement mechanism with a direct coupling mechanism. The coupling member has a coupling protrusion that directly engages with a coupling recess on the driving shaft, eliminating the intermediate gear transmission. This direct mechanical connection removes the source of rotation non-uniformity while maintaining effective power transmission from the main assembly to the developing roller.
2Ease of operation
If a main assembly-side coupling is retracted and moved using a solenoid mechanism, then connection with developing device-side coupling is achieved, but device complexity and image formation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the solenoid-based moving mechanism from the main assembly. Instead of having a retractable coupling member that requires actuation, the invention uses a stationary coupling structure on the main assembly that automatically engages with the coupling member on the developing device when the developing device is mounted. This removes the complex actuation mechanism while maintaining ease of operation through simple mounting engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to engage automatically through the natural mounting motion of the developing device. The coupling protrusion and recess align and engage without requiring any additional actuation or movement mechanisms on the main assembly. The system uses the mounting action itself to achieve coupling, eliminating the need for separate connection mechanisms.
3Power
If a main assembly-side coupling is moved toward the developing device-side coupling using a moving mechanism, then rotating force transmission is enabled, but time required for image formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member on the developing device is pre-configured with the coupling protrusion and recess in the correct orientation and position before mounting. The stationary coupling structure on the main assembly is also pre-positioned. When the developing device is mounted, the coupling engagement occurs immediately without requiring any movement or adjustment during the image formation process, thus eliminating time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a coupling member having an axis L2 about which the coupling member is rotatable, with the coupling member including (i) a first end portion operatively connected to a developer roller and a stirring member and (ii) a second end portion for receiving a rotational force. The second end portion includes at least two projections that are open to the axis L2. The rotational force received by the coupling member is transmitted to the developer roller and the stirring member. The coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis L1 of the developer roller and (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first portion.