| US 7,596,342 B2 | ||
| Drive transmission device and image forming apparatus equipped with the device | ||
| Takeshi Yasumoto, Abiko (Japan) | ||
| Assigned to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo (Japan) | ||
| Filed on Jun. 01, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/757,257. | ||
| Claims priority of application No. 2006-164713 (JP), filed on Jun. 14, 2006. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2008/0000744 A1, Jan. 03, 2008 | ||
| Int. Cl. G03G 15/00 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 399—167 [192/3.21; 399/88; 399/227] | 8 Claims |
| 6. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a drive transmission device provided on a rotary shaft of the image bearing member, the drive transmission device including,
a drive source;
a drive shaft adapted to receive a drive force from the drive source;
a driven shaft connected to the drive shaft so as to transmit the drive force;
a conductive housing having an electro-rheological fluid sealed therein;
an applying unit configured to apply an electric field to the electro-rheological fluid; and
a selecting unit configured to select between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode permitting the applying unit
to apply the electric field to the electro-rheological fluid with the drive shaft and the driven shaft functioning as electrodes,
the second mode permitting the applying unit to apply the electric field to the electro-rheological fluid with the driven
shaft and the housing functioning as electrodes.
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