Drive Transmitting Member for Photosensitive Drum Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In color laser printers using the electrophotographic method, frictional forces between the coupling member and the coupling female member can hinder the movement of the Oldham member, leading to unfavorable deviation of the photosensitive drum's center of rotation, which affects the transmission of driving force.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drive transmitting member that allows relative positional deviation between the drive member and the follower member on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, enabling effective transmission of driving force while accommodating center rotation deviations through a making-contact member and contact parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling member is advanced toward the coupling female member to transmit driving force, then the driving force transmission is improved, but the frictional forces hinder the movement of the Oldham member causing unfavorable deviation of the photosensitive drum's center of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drive transmitting member as an intermediary component between the drive member and the follower member. This drive transmitting member includes a making-contact member that brings contact parts into contact, allowing the Oldham member to move smoothly while transmitting driving force. The intermediary structure reduces direct friction between the coupling member and coupling female member, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable driving force transmission and minimal center of rotation deviation.
2Reliability
If the Oldham member is sandwiched between the coupling member and coupling female member, then the coupling is formed, but the frictional forces from both sides hinder the movement of the Oldham member
Solution Approach 1:
The drive transmitting member acts as a mediator that facilitates the movement of the Oldham member while maintaining coupling engagement. The making-contact member within the drive transmitting member ensures proper contact between the drive member and follower member, reducing the hindering frictional forces and improving the ease of Oldham member movement without compromising coupling reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the friction parameters by introducing the drive transmitting member with specific contact surfaces and geometries. This changes the friction characteristics between the Oldham member and the coupling components, allowing smoother movement while maintaining adequate engagement force for reliable coupling.
3Manufacturing precision
If the center of rotation deviation is strictly controlled, then the precision is improved, but the ability to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the Oldham member can move within prescribed limits to accommodate center of rotation deviations. The drive transmitting member enables this dynamic adjustment, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations while maintaining acceptable precision through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a rotating body has a follower member that is arranged to confront a drive member in an axial direction of the drive member. A drive transmitting member transmits drive force from the drive member to the follower member by coupling the drive member and the follower member with each other, while allowing relative positional deviation between the drive member and the follower member on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive member within a prescribed range. The drive member and the follower member have a drive-member side contact part and a follower-member side contact part, respectively. A making-contact member brings the drive-member side contact part and the follower-member side contact part into contact with each other.