Intermittent Transmission Mechanism for Developer Supply Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately controlling the intermittent rotational operation of developer supply portions, particularly when the motor rotation speed varies, leading to inefficiencies in developer conveyance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a developer supply portion driving mechanism with a first and second intermittent transmission mechanism, utilizing an actuator and switch transmission mechanisms to selectively connect and disconnect rotational forces between input-side, intermediate, and output-side rotators, allowing precise control of developer conveying portion rotations despite varying motor speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the motor is caused to operate intermittently by time control, then the developer conveying portion can be controlled to operate intermittently, but the control accuracy deteriorates when the rotation speed of the motor varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism including a planetary gear and actuator as an intermediary between the continuously rotating motor and the developer conveying portion. The clutch mechanism selectively transmits or blocks power transmission based on actuator position, enabling precise control of the developer conveying portion's rotation count and timing without being affected by motor speed variations. This mediator decouples the motor's continuous rotation from the intermittent operation requirement, solving the accuracy problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-based control system with a mechanism-based control system. Instead of relying on timing signals and motor speed control, the invention uses a mechanical clutch mechanism with planetary gears and an actuator to physically control power transmission. The actuator's position (extended/retracted states) directly determines whether power is transmitted to the developer conveying portion, providing mechanical precision that is independent of motor rotation speed variations.
2Ease of operation
If a clutch mechanism including planetary gear and actuator is provided in each developer supply portion, then independent intermittent operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal clutch mechanism design that can be replicated across multiple developer supply portions (yellow, cyan, magenta, black). Each clutch mechanism performs the same function of selectively transmitting power from the motor to its corresponding developer conveying portion. This standardized, multi-functional approach allows independent control of each developer supply portion while using identical mechanical components, making the complexity manageable through modularity and repeatability.
3Measurement precision
If the actuator operates at slow speed, then precise positioning is achieved, but the angle speed reduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission control into discrete states based on actuator position: when the actuator is in the extended state, power is transmitted to the developer conveying portion; when retracted, power transmission is blocked. This segmentation allows the actuator to operate slowly and precisely for positioning while the motor continues to rotate at its normal speed, decoupling the actuator's slow positioning speed from the motor's rotation speed and eliminating angle speed reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch transmission mechanism of a first intermittent transmission mechanism 79 is switched between a transmission state and a non-transmission state, wherein in the transmission state, it transmits a rotational force to an intermediate rotator 72 based on an operation of an actuator 74. A second intermittent transmission mechanism 78 is switched between a transmission state and a non-transmission state, wherein in the transmission state, it transmits a rotational force of the intermediate rotator 72 to an output-side rotator 73.