Developing Cartridge Coupling for Uniform Roller Rotation
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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 increase the time required for image formation.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus with a coupling member that can engage with a driving shaft from a direction perpendicular to its axial direction, allowing for smooth rotation of the developing roller without the need for a solenoid-driven mechanism, and includes pre-engagement and disengagement angular positions for efficient mounting and demounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gear engagement mechanism is used to transmit rotating force to the developing roller, then the developing roller can be rotated, but rotation non-uniformity occurs and is difficult to prevent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gear engagement mechanism with a direct coupling mechanism where the coupling member engages with the driving shaft. This substitution eliminates the intermediate gear transmission that causes rotation non-uniformity, achieving both reliable uniform rotation and simplified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is divided into distinct functional portions: a driving shaft engagement portion that directly couples to the driving shaft, and a developing roller engagement portion. This segmentation allows direct force transmission from the driving shaft to the developing roller without intermediate gear mechanisms, resolving the rotation uniformity issue.
2Ease of operation
If a main assembly-side coupling is retracted and moved using a solenoid mechanism, then the coupling can connect to the developing device-side coupling, but the mechanism becomes complex and image formation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the solenoid moving mechanism from the main assembly. Instead, the coupling member is designed to be directly mounted to or demounted from the driving shaft by the user, removing the complex automated moving mechanism while maintaining ease of operation for coupling connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to enable user-friendly self-service mounting and demounting. The user can directly attach the coupling member to the driving shaft without requiring the main assembly to provide complex moving mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If a solenoid-driven mechanism is used to move the coupling member, then the coupling can be positioned for engagement, but the mechanical requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid-driven positioning mechanism with a direct engagement design. The coupling member's driving shaft engagement portion directly couples to the driving shaft without requiring solenoid actuation for positioning, thereby maintaining reliable positioning while eliminating the complex electromechanical system.
4Power
If gears are used for driving connection between 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 substitutes the gear-based power transmission system with a direct coupling system. The coupling member's driving shaft engagement portion directly transmits rotating force from the driving shaft to the developing roller, eliminating the intermediate gear meshing that causes rotation non-uniformity while maintaining effective power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is segmented into a driving shaft engagement portion for direct power reception and a developing roller engagement portion for power transmission. This direct coupling segmentation eliminates the need for gear intermediaries, ensuring uniform rotation while maintaining rotating force transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a developing roller, a rotatable member for transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller, a coupling member, and a frame. The coupling member is capable of moving between a first coupling member position in which the coupling axis is substantially coaxial with the rotational axis of the rotatable member and a second coupling member position in which the coupling axis is not coaxial with the rotational axis of the rotatable member. When the frame is in a first frame position, the coupling member is in the first coupling member position and a rotational force receiving portion of the coupling member engages with a rotational force applying portion of the apparatus, and, when the frame is in the second frame position, the coupling member is in the second coupling member position and the rotational force receiving portion engages with the rotational force applying portion.