Developing Roller Cam Mechanism for Speed Ratio Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image-forming apparatuses using a contact development system, altering the rotation speed ratio between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller without increasing the number of motors is challenging, especially when considering varying installation environments and working conditions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a process motor, a sheet conveying device, multiple photosensitive drums, developing rollers, cams, and a switching mechanism controlled by a controller to adjust the rotation speed ratio and synchronize the contact/separation of developing rollers with photosensitive drums, utilizing a single set of motors to manage different modes and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are provided for varying the rotation speed ratio of the photosensitive drum to the developing roller, then the rotation speed ratio can be altered, but the number of motors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions: driving the photosensitive drum, driving the developing roller, and controlling the cam mechanism for contact/separation. By making the motor universal, the patent avoids adding additional motors while still achieving rotation speed ratio adjustment through electronic control of a single motor's output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the single motor (rotation speed, torque output, timing) to achieve different rotation speed ratios between the photosensitive drum and developing roller. The controller adjusts motor parameters dynamically to accommodate different installation environments and working conditions without adding hardware.
2Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism is used to move the developing roller between contact and separated positions, then contact/separation control is achieved, but an additional motor is required to rotate the cam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cam rotation function with the existing motor-driven system. The single motor that already drives the photosensitive drum is also used to drive the cam mechanism through a shared transmission system. This combining of functions eliminates the need for a separate cam motor while maintaining precise contact/separation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to universally control both the rotational motion of the photosensitive drum and the oscillating motion of the cam mechanism. By making the motor multi-functional, the patent achieves contact/separation control without increasing the motor count.
3Productivity
If the developing roller is always in contact with the photosensitive drum, then continuous development is possible, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different working conditions requiring separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic contact/separation mechanism where the developing roller can switch between contact and separated states based on working conditions. The cam mechanism, driven by the single motor, dynamically adjusts the position of the developing roller, allowing the system to adapt between continuous development mode and interrupted development mode as needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for flexible adjustment of the rotation speed ratio between the photosensitive drum and developing rollers without adding motors, ensuring efficient operation across different conditions while maintaining contact and separation control, thereby enhancing the apparatus's adaptability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first cam is rotatable in a prescribed rotational direction upon receipt of the driving force from the developing motor. Rotations of the first cam cause the first developing roller to move between the contact position and the separated position relative to the first photosensitive drum.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus includes: a process motor; a developing motor; a sheet conveying device; first and second photosensitive drums rotatable by a driving force from the process motor; first and second developing rollers and first and second cams each rotatable by a driving force from the developing motor; a switching mechanism, and a controller. Rotation of each cam causes each developing roller to move between a contact position in contact with the corresponding photosensitive drum and a separated position away from the corresponding photosensitive drum. The controller allows the switching mechanism to transmit the driving force from the developing motor to each cam such that a timing of contact between the second developing roller and the second photosensitive drum in a low speed mode is coincident with or earlier than a timing of contact between the second developing roller and the second photosensitive drum in a normal mode.