Developing Roller Coupling for Smooth Electrophotographic 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 image formation time and complexity.
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 and easy mounting/demounting without the need for a solenoid-driven mechanism, using a rotating force transmitting mechanism with pre-engagement and disengagement angular positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gear engagement mechanism is used to rotate 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 magnetic coupling mechanism. The driving shaft includes a magnetic coupling portion that magnetically couples with a driven portion on the developing roller, eliminating mechanical gear engagement. This substitution prevents rotation non-uniformity while maintaining the ability to rotate the developing roller reliably.
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid-driven mechanism is used to move the coupling member for engagement, then the coupling can be connected, but the image formation time increases and the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid-driven mechanical movement mechanism with a magnetic field-based engagement system. The magnetic coupling portion on the driving shaft automatically engages with the driven portion through magnetic attraction when the developing cartridge is mounted, eliminating the need for solenoid-driven movement. This reduces engagement time and simplifies the mechanism.
3Power
If a retractable coupling mechanism is used, then the coupling can be connected to transmit rotating force, but the mechanism complexity increases and requires additional moving mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the retractable mechanical coupling mechanism with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling portion on the driving shaft magnetically couples with the driven portion on the developing roller without requiring mechanical retraction or extension mechanisms. This simplifies the structure while maintaining effective rotating force transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus cartridge includes a coupling member having an axis about which the coupling member is rotatable. The coupling member includes a first end portion operatively connected to a developer roller and a developer supplying roller and a second end portion for receiving a rotational force. The coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis of the developer roller, a second position in which the axis of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis when the coupling member is in the first position, and a third position in which the axis of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the position of the axis when the coupling member is in the first position in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.