Drum Gear Train Clutch for Photosensitive Drum Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-forming apparatuses face issues with stopping the rotation of the photosensitive drum at desired timings and preventing degradation due to velocity differences between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, leading to friction and wear.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a drum gear train with a first clutch that can switch between transmission and cutoff states to control the rotation of the photosensitive drum, and a developing gear train with a second clutch to manage the developing roller's rotation independently, allowing precise control over both drums' rotation and reducing friction by synchronizing their speeds with the fixing device's temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the developing roller peripheral velocity is slowed down to avoid degradation of developing agent, then the developing agent degradation is prevented, but a velocity difference is generated between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, causing friction and degradation of the photosensitive drum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the photosensitive drum rotation speed variable rather than fixed. The rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state: during image formation, it rotates at a speed that maintains proper velocity relationship with the developing roller; during non-image formation, it rotates at a reduced speed to prevent developing agent degradation. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational speed parameter of the photosensitive drum based on operational conditions. By switching between different rotation speed parameters (higher speed during image formation, lower speed during non-image formation), the system optimizes both developing agent stability and photosensitive drum protection, eliminating the velocity difference that causes friction and degradation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the photosensitive drum rotation is halted at desired timing, then image formation precision is improved, but additional control mechanisms are required to stop and start rotation precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the photosensitive drum rotation in advance before the image formation process begins. The drum is kept stationary during non-image formation periods, and rotation is initiated only when image formation is required. This preliminary stopping action ensures that the drum is ready to start precisely when needed, improving image formation precision without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between stopping and rotating the photosensitive drum based on image formation requirements. During non-image formation, the drum remains stopped; during image formation, it rotates at the appropriate speed. This periodic on-off rotation pattern allows precise control of the drum's rotational state, ensuring it is stationary when precision is critical and rotating when image formation is needed.
3Productivity
If the photosensitive drum and developing roller rotate simultaneously, then image formation efficiency is improved, but velocity differences cause friction and component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the photosensitive drum rotation speed variable rather than fixed. The rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state: during image formation, it rotates at a speed that maintains proper velocity relationship with the developing roller; during non-image formation, it rotates at a reduced speed to prevent developing agent degradation. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining coordinated rotation of both the photosensitive drum and developing roller during image formation operations. When image formation is required, both components rotate simultaneously at velocities that maintain proper operational relationships, ensuring continuous and efficient image formation without interruption. During non-image formation, both are stopped together, preventing harmful friction while maintaining readiness for the next operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum, a motor, and a drum gear train configured to transmit a driving force from the motor to the photosensitive drum. The drum gear train includes a first gear, a second gear and a first clutch. The first gear is rotatable about a first axis upon receipt of the driving force. The second gear is rotatable about the first axis and configured to receive the driving force from the first gear and to transmit the driving force to the photosensitive drum. The first clutch is switchable between a first transmission state where the driving force is transmitted from the first gear to the second gear and a first transmission cutoff state where the transmission of the driving force from the first gear to the second gear is cut off.