Drive Coupling Spring Alignment for Detachable Image Forming Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely attaching and detaching detachable units, such as fixing devices, due to misalignment and axial movement issues, leading to potential fitting failures and uneven axial reaction forces during operation.
Innovation Solution
The drive device incorporates a relay member and compression spring mechanism with radial restrictors to ensure proper alignment and movement of the drive coupling, utilizing a relay member with first and second drive transmitting portions and a compression spring with axial and radial restrictors to maintain posture and reduce axial reaction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive coupling is pushed in the axial direction by the driven coupling during misalignment, then the drive coupling slides on the rotary shaft, but this causes uneven axial reaction forces and potential fitting failures
Solution Approach 1:
A compression spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the drive coupling and the rotary shaft. The spring absorbs axial reaction forces during misalignment and fitting operations, preventing direct force transmission that causes uneven loading and fitting failures. The spring acts as a buffer that maintains reliable coupling while accommodating axial movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed on the rotary shaft to absorb potential axial shocks and forces before they reach the drive coupling. This prior cushioning mechanism prevents uneven axial reaction forces during misalignment and ensures smooth fitting operations without causing damage.
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 enhances the secure attachment and detachment of detachable units, reduces axial reaction forces, and prevents fitting failures, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The compression spring is wound around the rotary shaft and has an axial end contacting the contact member and another axial end contacting the relay member. The compression spring biases the drive coupling toward an axial end of the drive coupling in response to movement of the drive coupling toward another axial end of the drive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device that drives a detachable unit detachably attached to an image forming apparatus includes a drive coupling, a rotary shaft, a relay member, a contact member, and a compression spring. The drive coupling contacts and separate from a driven coupling of the detachable unit along with movement of the detachable unit. The relay member transmits rotation force of the rotary shaft to the drive coupling to rotate together. The compression spring has an axial end contacting the contact member disposed away from the driven coupling from the relay member and another axial end contacting the relay member. The drive coupling includes an outer circumferential restrictor restricts radial movement of the compression spring. The relay member includes an inner circumferential restrictor restricts radial movement of the compression spring.