Image Forming Apparatus Drive Transmission Ratio Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining uniform image density due to variations in the development gap between the photoconductor and the developing roller, caused by misalignment and eccentricity, leading to periodic image density nonuniformity across pages.
Innovation Solution
The drive transmission ratios of the screw and sleeve drive transmission passages are set such that the number of rotations of the screw joint is an integral multiple of the developing sleeve, ensuring synchronized rotation and minimizing gap variations, while the controller adjusts developing biases to cancel out image density nonuniformity using pattern data from rotation periods of both the photoconductor and developing sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the drive transmission ratios are set without integral multiple relationship, then the device complexity is reduced, but image density uniformity deteriorates due to long-period gap variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by setting the drive transmission ratios such that the screw joint rotates an integral multiple number of times for every one rotation of the developing sleeve. This synchronization creates periodic alignment of the drive transmission passages, causing the shaft reaction forces from both passages to act in the same direction periodically. This periodic reinforcement minimizes long-period gap variations between the photoconductor and developing roller, thereby improving image density uniformity across pages.
2Manufacturing precision
If the shaft reaction forces are not synchronized, then the ease of operation is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to periodic image density nonuniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically configuring the drive transmission ratios as integral multiples of each other. This parameter setting changes the operational characteristics of the drive system, causing the shaft reaction forces from the screw drive transmission passage and sleeve drive transmission passage to synchronize and act in the same direction. This synchronization minimizes gap variations and periodic image density nonuniformity, ensuring consistent image quality across pages.
3Manufacturing precision
If the drive transmission passages are independent without ratio relationship, then the adaptability is improved, but image density uniformity worsens due to gap variations from misalignment and eccentricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by establishing an integral multiple relationship between the drive transmission ratios of the screw joint and developing sleeve. This creates periodic synchronization in the rotation of both components, causing their respective shaft reaction forces to act in the same direction at regular intervals. This periodic alignment compensates for gap variations caused by misalignment and eccentricity, thereby improving image density uniformity while maintaining a relatively simple drive configuration.
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 stabilizes image density across pages by reducing long-period gap variations and periodic image density nonuniformity, ensuring consistent image quality by synchronizing the rotations and adjusting electric field intensities.
Implementation Method 1
a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearer such as a photoconductor into a visible image
Implementation Method 2
Through the first drive transmission passage, the driving force of the drive source is transmitted to the developer bearer via the first joint. Through the second drive transmission passage, the driving force of the drive source is transmitted to the rotary body via the second joint.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a drive device including a first drive transmission passage through which a driving force of a drive source is transmitted to a developer bearer via a first joint and a second drive transmission passage through which the driving force is transmitted to a rotary body via a second joint. The first drive transmission passage and the second drive transmission passage are defined such that one of a first drive transmission ratio to the first joint of the first drive transmission passage and a second drive transmission ratio to the second joint of the second drive transmission passage is an integral multiple of the other of the first drive transmission ratio from the drive source to the first joint of the first drive transmission passage and the second drive transmission ratio from the drive source to the second joint of the second drive transmission passage.