Drum Coupling Member Structure for Stable Drive Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transmitting driving force to photosensitive drums within detachable cartridges due to misalignment and structural limitations in conventional coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a drum unit with a coupling member that includes a driving force receiving portion and a supporting portion, where at least part of these components are disposed inside the photosensitive drum, allowing for improved alignment and stable transmission of driving force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling member is provided on the cartridge side to transmit driving force, then the photosensitive drum can be rotated, but misalignment occurs between the coupling member and the drive pin
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is disposed inside the photosensitive drum, with the driving force receiving portion positioned within the drum structure. This nested arrangement allows the coupling member to be precisely positioned relative to the drum's rotation axis, eliminating misalignment issues while maintaining reliable driving force transmission from the apparatus main assembly to the photosensitive drum.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling member is disposed outside the photosensitive drum, then it is easier to access for assembly, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is positioned in the radial direction inside the photosensitive drum rather than outside, utilizing the internal radial space. This dimensional repositioning allows the driving force receiving portion to be precisely aligned with the rotation axis while still being accessible through the drum structure, maintaining both alignment accuracy and assembly feasibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tiltable coupling member is used, then it can accommodate positional variations, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with a supporting portion that enables limited tilting movement, allowing it to adapt to positional variations between the drive pin and the driving force receiving portion. This dynamic capability is achieved through a simplified structure where the supporting portion acts as a pivot point, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
To develop a conventional coupling for transmitting a driving force.A coupling member is provided with a supporting portion for movable supporting a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force.