Rotational Force Transmitting Part for Perpendicular Cartridge Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic process cartridges require mechanisms to move coupling members along the axial line for rotational force transmission, complicating the mounting and demounting process and potentially leading to photosensitive drum rotation non-uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A rotational force transmitting part that allows for smooth rotation of the photosensitive drum without requiring axial movement of the coupling member, enabling perpendicular mounting and demounting of the process cartridge, utilizing a drum flange and coupling mechanism that pivots relative to the drum shaft to transmit rotational force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rotatable member with a non circular twisted hole is used to transmit rotational force, then the photosensitive drum can be rotated, but the process cartridge requires complex axial movement mechanisms and the mounting/demounting operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the rotatable member axially to engage/disengage the driving force transmission (conventional approach), this invention inverts the approach by allowing the process cartridge to be mounted/demounted perpendicular to the axial line while the rotatable member remains stationary in the axial direction. The driving force transmission is engaged/disengaged by the perpendicular mounting movement rather than axial movement, simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting and demounting operation is changed from axial movement (one dimension) to perpendicular movement (another dimension). The process cartridge is mounted by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the rotatable member, which changes the dimension of the mounting operation and eliminates the need for complex axial movement mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If gear engagement is used to rotate the photosensitive drum without axial movement, then mounting is simplified, but rotation non-uniformity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt during engagement. The coupling member can move slightly in the axial direction during the mounting process to ensure proper engagement, and this dynamic adjustment prevents rotation non-uniformity while still maintaining the simplified perpendicular mounting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the engagement parameters by using a coupling member with specific geometric features (such as a non-circular cross-section) that engage with corresponding features on the rotatable member. This parameter change ensures uniform rotational force transmission while maintaining ease of mounting operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transmitting a rotational force to an electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes a pin supported by a flange, with the pin being configured to transmit the rotational force to the flange. The device also includes a coupling member having a rotational axis, the coupling member including (i) a first end portion operatively connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion including at least one projection, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion, with the first end portion including a through-hole portion. The pin penetrates the through-hole portion and is capable of receiving the rotational force from the coupling member, and the coupling member is movable with respect to the pin between a first position in which the rotational axis of the coupling member is coaxial with an axis of the flange, and a second position in which the rotational axis of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis of the flange.