Inclinable Coupling Member for Drum Drive Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining efficient drive transmission between the apparatus main assembly and the photosensitive drum, leading to potential misalignment and reduced operational accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a drum unit and drive transmission unit with a coupling member that is inclinable relative to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum, allowing for reduced inclination angles during rotational driving operations, thereby improving alignment and transmission accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling member is provided to transmit driving force from the main assembly to the photosensitive drum, then drive transmission is enabled, but misalignment and reduced transmission accuracy occur due to inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with inclination capability that allows it to dynamically adjust its angular position during rotation. The inclination angle changes according to the rotational position, enabling the coupling member to maintain optimal alignment with the drive transmission shaft throughout the rotation cycle, thereby resolving the misalignment issue while preserving drive transmission functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter (inclination angle) of the coupling member as a function of rotational position. By varying the inclination angle dynamically during operation, the system compensates for alignment errors and maintains precise drive transmission accuracy without requiring perfect static alignment
2Reliability
If the coupling member is fixed relative to the photosensitive drum, then structural simplicity is maintained, but drive transmission accuracy deteriorates due to inability to compensate for misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a complex multi-component adjustment mechanism, the patent implements a dynamic inclination capability within the coupling member itself. This allows the member to automatically adjust its angular orientation during rotation, achieving high drive transmission accuracy through a relatively simple structural modification that combines rotational and angular degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A drum unit for a cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a flange positioned at an end of the photosensitive drum coaxially with the photosensitive drum to transmit a driving force to the photosensitive drum. A first coupling is supported by the flange such that at least a part of the first coupling is exposed from the flange to receive the driving force, with the first coupling being inclinable relative to the flange. A second coupling operatively connected to the first coupling and the flange to transmit the driving force from the first coupling to the flange.