Universal Joint Coupling for Image Forming Apparatus Eccentricity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with detachable developer cartridges face challenges in stabilizing driving force transmission due to eccentricity in the driving shaft, leading to rotation irregularities.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a driver unit and two universal joints to transmit driving force to the developer cartridge, with the first universal joint being rotatable about a first axis and the second universal joint coupled with the first joint, allowing for stable transmission even when the rotation axes of the gear and coupling gear are not aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a direct coupling between the driving shaft and the developer cartridge is used, then the structure is simple, but rotation irregularities occur due to eccentricity in the driving shaft
Solution Approach 1:
A universal joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the driving shaft and the developer cartridge. This universal joint includes a first coupling member connected to the driving shaft and a second coupling member connected to the developer cartridge, with a universal joint mechanism in between that can accommodate angular misalignment and eccentricity, thereby mediating the transmission of driving force while maintaining rotational stability.
2Reliability
If a universal joint is introduced to tolerate eccentricity, then driving force transmission stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a first coupling member for connection to the driving shaft, a second coupling member for connection to the developer cartridge, and a universal joint mechanism in between. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving stable driving force transmission despite the added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus having a cartridge, a driver unit, a first universal joint, and a second universal joint, is provided. The cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and has a first joint to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus. The driver unit is configured to supply the driving force to the cartridge. The first universal joint is rotatable about a first axis and extends in a first direction based on the driving force. The second universal joint is coupled with the first universal joint and is rotatable along with the first universal joint. The second universal joint has a second joint coupled with the first joint and is rotatable along with the first joint.