Drum Coupling Structure for Side-Load Cartridge Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cartridges for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require a mechanism to move the rotatable member in the axial direction for mounting and demounting, necessitating complex cover operations that complicate user maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The cartridge design includes a rotatable driven coupling member with inclined abutment portions that allow demounting perpendicular to the rotational axis, eliminating the need for axial movement by using slidable and inclined components that align and retract during mounting and demounting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cartridge is mounted and demounted by movement perpendicular to the rotational axis, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for inclined abutment portions and sliding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The driven coupling member is designed to slide in the axial direction dynamically during mounting and demounting operations. The inclined abutment portions convert the perpendicular mounting force into both radial engagement and axial sliding motion, enabling the cartridge to be installed and removed easily without complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined abutment portions act as intermediary elements that mediate between the mounting force applied perpendicular to the rotational axis and the required axial sliding motion of the driven coupling member. This intermediary mechanism transforms the direction of force application while achieving the desired engagement and retraction
2Ease of operation
If the driven coupling member is retracted by inclined abutment portions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined abutment portions are designed with specific geometric parameters (inclination angles, lengths) that transform the demounting operation. By carefully selecting these parameters, the mechanism achieves reliable retraction of the driven coupling member while maintaining manufacturability and tolerances within standard manufacturing capabilities
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
Facilitates easy and user-friendly mounting and demounting of cartridges without requiring axial movement, simplifying maintenance operations and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the driving side abutment portion and the driven side abutment portion is inclined so that the driven coupling member is retractable away from the driving coupling member in the predetermined direction by a force received by driven side abutment portion from the driving side abutment portion
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a drum flange provided at one end portion of a photosensitive drum, with the drum flange being configured to transmit a driving force to the photosensitive drum. A coupling member is operatively connected to the drum flange, with the coupling member being configured to transmit the driving force tot he drum flange. A coil spring urges the coupling member in a direction away from an interior of a casing of the cartridge along the axis of the photosensitive drum. At least a part of the coil spring surrounds at least a part of a shaft portion of the coupling member, and an extent of the coil spring that surrounds the shaft portion and an extent of the shaft portion that is surrounded by the coil spring are positioned within a drum engaging portion of the drum flange.