Coupling retraction mechanism for an image forming device
First Claim
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of rollers, disposed with generally parallel axes;
a retraction plate movable between engaged and retracted positions; and
a plurality of rotational couplings moved by said retraction plate, each said rotational coupling operative to transmit a rotary force to one of said rollers when said retraction plate is in said engaged position;
whereby said couplings move laterally in an axial direction of said rollers as said retraction plate moves between said engaged and retracted positions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In an image forming apparatus containing a plurality of rollers disposed with generally parallel axes, a retraction plate containing a plurality of rotational couplings is movable between engaged and retracted positions. Each rotational coupling is operative to transmit a rotary force to each cartridge when the retraction plate is in the engaged position. The couplings move laterally in an axial direction of the rollers as the retraction plate moves between the engaged and retracted positions, in response to an applied force. In one embodiment, the retraction plate is rotated about a pivot point to move the couplings between engaged and retracted positions. In another embodiment, the retraction plate is translated laterally in the axial direction of the couplings.
39 Citations
40 Claims
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1. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
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a plurality of rollers, disposed with generally parallel axes;
a retraction plate movable between engaged and retracted positions; and
a plurality of rotational couplings moved by said retraction plate, each said rotational coupling operative to transmit a rotary force to one of said rollers when said retraction plate is in said engaged position;
whereby said couplings move laterally in an axial direction of said rollers as said retraction plate moves between said engaged and retracted positions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A pivoting coupling retraction mechanism for an image forming apparatus, comprising:
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a pivoting retraction plate having a pivoting axis and movable between engaged and retracted positions by pivoting about said axis; and
a plurality of rotational couplings moved by said retraction plate, operative to couple rotational forces to a corresponding plurality of rollers disposed in said image forming apparatus when said retraction plate is in said engaged position. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A translating coupling retraction mechanism for an image forming apparatus, comprising:
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a retraction plate movable between engaged and retracted positions;
a plurality of rotational couplings moved by said retraction plate, operative to couple rotational forces to a corresponding plurality of rollers disposed in said image forming apparatus when said retraction plate is in said engaged position; and
an articulating member movable in a first lateral direction along said retraction plate;
wherein movement of said articulating member in said first lateral direction is operative to translate said retraction plate in a second lateral direction generally orthogonal to said first lateral direction, thereby moving said plate between said retracted and engaged positions. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method of installing a removable cartridge in an image forming apparatus, said cartridge receiving rotary force from a coupling in said image forming apparatus, comprising:
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moving said coupling to a retracted position by moving a retraction plate to contact and retract said coupling;
inserting said cartridge in said image forming apparatus in a direction at right angles to the axial direction of said coupling; and
moving said coupling to an engaged position in which said coupling transfers rotary power to said cartridge, by moving said retraction plate such that said coupling moves in an axial direction towards said cartridge. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33)
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34. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
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a housing;
four first cartridges removably disposed in said housing, each including a developer member;
four second cartridges removably disposed in said housing, each including a photoconductive member;
four first couplers disposed in said housing, movable in the axial direction thereof between retracted and engaged positions and operative to supply rotary power to said four first removable cartridges in said engaged position;
four second couplers disposed in said housing, movable in the axial direction thereof between retracted and engaged positions and operative to supply rotary power to said four second removable cartridges in said engaged position; and
a retraction plate disposed in said housing, operative to simultaneously move said four first couplers and said four second couplers between said retracted and engaged positions;
wherein all eight said couplers are substantially parallel. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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Specification