Developing Roller Direction Control via Gear Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, switching the rotating direction of a common motor for both the developing roller and the conveyance roller can cause damage to the surfaces of the photosensitive member and the developing roller due to changes in the contact state between them.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs separate driving sources and gear mechanisms to maintain a consistent rotating direction for the developing roller, reducing changes in the contact state between the photosensitive member and the developing roller, even when the motor's rotating direction is switched.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common motor is used to drive both the developing roller and the conveyance roller, then the device complexity is reduced, but the surface durability of the photosensitive member and developing roller deteriorates due to contact state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driving system into separate driving sources: a first driving source for the developing roller and a second driving source for the conveyance roller. This segmentation allows independent control of each roller's rotation direction, preventing the contact state changes that occur when a common motor reverses direction, thereby protecting the photosensitive member and developing roller surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the first driving source can rotate in both forward and reverse directions to control the conveyance roller, while the developing roller maintains consistent rotation direction through the developing driving switching mechanism. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by allowing conveyance direction changes without affecting developing roller stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotating direction of the common motor is switched to change conveyance direction, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the driving system into separate motors for conveyance and developing functions, the patent enables independent direction control. The first driving source can switch directions for conveyance adaptability while the second driving source maintains the developing roller's consistent rotation, preserving surface integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance driving gear mechanism acts as an intermediary that translates the first driving source's rotation into conveyance roller motion with reversible direction. This intermediary mechanism allows direction switching for adaptability while isolating the developing roller from direction changes, maintaining surface precision.
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 effectively suppresses wear and scratch on the surfaces of the developing roller and photosensitive member by maintaining a consistent contact state, thereby reducing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyance driving gear mechanism configured to transmit the driving force of the first driving source to the conveyance roller
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a developing roller, a conveyance roller which conveys a sheet; a driving source which provides a driving force to the developing roller and the conveyance roller, a developing driving gear mechanism which transmits the driving force of the driving source to the developing roller, and a conveyance driving gear mechanism which transmits the driving force of the driving source to the conveyance roller. The developing driving gear mechanism includes a developing driving switching mechanism which causes a rotating direction of the developing roller when the first driving source rotates in a first direction to be same as the rotating direction of the developing roller when the first driving source rotates in a second direction reverse to the first direction.