Drive unit, device with opening / closing mechanism, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent a reduction in the engagement width between a first transmission part and a second transmission part.SOLUTION: A driving device comprises: a driving source; a fixation part to which the driving source is fixed; a first transmission part that is attached to the fixation part, and transmits a driving force from the driving source; a second transmission part that is engaged with the first transmission part with an engagement width along one direction, and receives the driving force transmitted thereto from the first transmission part; an attachment part that is arranged on the one direction side with respect to the fixation part, and has the second transmission part attached thereto; a fastening part that has an arrangement portion arranged on the opposite side of the attachment part with respect to the fixation part, and fastens the fixation part and the attachment part to each other; a first buffer material that is arranged between the arrangement portion and the fixation part; and a second buffer material that is arranged between the fixation part and the attachment part and has a larger sprint constant than that of the first buffer material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device, a device with an opening / closing part, and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for fixing an electrical wiring board, which comprises sandwiching and holding an electrical wiring board disposed inside a device with an elastic body, and fixing the elastic body holding the electrical wiring board to a housing of the device body.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus having a photosensitive member rotatably supported by a support member and operation means necessary for image formation, and driving these photosensitive member and operation means by a drive source or a driving force transmission member provided on the support member or another support member provided on the support member. In the image forming apparatus, a spring having one end fixed to a base, a viscoelastic body configured to contact at least at a resonance frequency with the other end of the spring, and a case surrounding the base, the spring, and the viscoelastic body constitute a vibration damper, and the vibration damper is mounted by attaching the base surface to the support member or the other support member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A possible drive device includes a drive source, a fixed part to which the drive source is fixed, a first transmission part attached to the fixed part and transmitting driving force from the drive source, a second transmission part that meshes with the first transmission part with a meshing width along one direction and transmits the driving force from the first transmission part, a mounting part arranged on the one-direction side of the fixed part and to which the first transmission part is attached, and a fastening part having an arrangement portion (specifically, for example, a head) arranged on the opposite side of the fixed part from the mounting part and fastening the fixed part and the mounting part.

[0006] In the drive unit, if the same cushioning material is placed between the placement portion and the fixed portion, and between the fixed portion and the mounting portion, and the amount of deformation of the cushioning material placed between the fixed portion and the mounting portion is large, the relative position of the fixed portion and the mounting portion in one direction may shift, which may reduce the meshing width between the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion.

[0007] The present invention aims to suppress a reduction in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part, compared to the case where the same cushioning material is placed between the placement part and the fixed part, and between the fixed part and the mounting part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first embodiment comprises a drive source, a fixed part to which the drive source is fixed, a first transmission part attached to the fixed part and transmitting a driving force from the drive source, a second transmission part that meshes with the first transmission part with a meshing width along one direction and to which the driving force is transmitted from the first transmission part, a mounting part arranged on the one-direction side of the fixed part and to which the second transmission part is attached, a fastening part having an arrangement portion arranged on the opposite side of the mounting part from the fixed part and fastening the fixed part and the mounting portion, a first cushioning material arranged between the arrangement portion and the fixed part, and a second cushioning material arranged between the fixed part and the mounting part and having a spring constant greater than that of the first cushioning material.

[0009] In the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the fastening portion fastens the fixing portion and the mounting portion with the arrangement portion positioned at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion.

[0010] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the fastening portion has a head as the placement portion, a shaft portion extending from the head through the fixing portion toward the mounting portion, and a threaded portion thinner than the shaft portion, and the head is positioned at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion by the tip of the shaft portion contacting the mounting portion.

[0011] In the fourth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the free thickness of the second cushioning material along the one direction is less than the free thickness of the first cushioning material along the one direction.

[0012] In the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the free thickness of the second cushioning material along the one direction is 2 / 3 or less of the free thickness of the first cushioning material along the one direction.

[0013] In the sixth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the free thickness of the second cushioning material along the one direction is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0014] In the seventh embodiment, in the first embodiment, the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material is more than twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material.

[0015] In the eighth aspect, as in the seventh aspect, the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material is three times or more the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material.

[0016] In the ninth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the area of ​​the first cushioning material and the second cushioning material along the direction intersecting the one direction is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the arrangement portion along the direction intersecting.

[0017] In the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the area of the second buffer material is larger than the area of the first buffer material.

[0018] The eleventh aspect includes a device main body, an opening / closing part that opens and closes with respect to the device main body, and a driving device according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect provided in the opening / closing part.

[0019] The twelfth aspect is the eleventh aspect, further including an image forming part provided in the device main body for forming an image on a recording medium, a discharging part for discharging the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming part, a moving part movable between a position covering the discharging part and a position exposing the discharging part, and the driving device generates a driving force for moving the moving part.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the configuration of the first aspect, a decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the same buffer material is arranged between the arrangement part and the fixing part and between the fixing part and the mounting part.

[0021] According to the configuration of the second aspect, a decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the distance between the arrangement part and the mounting part varies when the fastening part fastens the fixing part and the mounting part.

[0022] According to the configuration of the third aspect, by the operation of screwing the screw part into the mounting part, the tip of the shaft part can be brought into contact with the mounting part, and the fastening part can be positioned at a position where the head has a predetermined interval with respect to the mounting part.

[0023] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, a decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the thickness along one direction of the second buffer material is greater than or equal to the thickness along one direction of the first buffer material.

[0024] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the thickness of the second buffer material along one direction exceeds 2 / 3 of the thickness of the first buffer material along one direction.

[0025] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the thickness of the second buffer material along one direction exceeds 3 mm.

[0026] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the 25% compression load in the second buffer material is less than twice the 25% compression load in the first buffer material.

[0027] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the 25% compression load in the second buffer material is less than three times the 25% compression load in the first buffer material.

[0028] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the transmission of vibration generated by the drive source from the fixed part to the attachment part is suppressed as compared with the case where the areas of the first buffer material and the second buffer material along the direction intersecting the one direction are less than the area along the intersecting direction in the arrangement part.

[0029] According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, the decrease in the meshing width between the first transmission part and the second transmission part is suppressed as compared with the case where the area of the second buffer material is less than or equal to the area of the first buffer material.

[0030] According to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the vibration generated in the opening and closing part is suppressed as compared with the case where the same buffer material is arranged between the arrangement part and the fixed part and between the fixed part and the attachment part.

[0031] According to the configuration of the twelfth aspect, image defects in the image forming part are suppressed as compared with the case where the same buffer material is arranged between the arrangement part and the fixed part and between the fixed part and the attachment part.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment in the open position. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment in the closed position. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a front view showing the configuration in which the movable part is in the exposed position. [Figure 5] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the drive device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the drive unit according to this embodiment after disassembly. [Figure 7] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the first cushioning material, second cushioning material, fastening screws, etc. of the drive device according to this embodiment in an enlarged view. [Figure 8] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a drive device relating to a comparative configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0034] (Image forming apparatus 10) The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the image forming apparatus 10. Figures 2, 3, and 4 are front views showing the image forming apparatus 10.

[0035] In the diagram, the arrow UP indicates the upper part of the device (specifically, vertically upward), and the arrow DO indicates the lower part of the device (specifically, vertically downward). The arrow LH indicates the left side of the device, and the arrow RH indicates the right side. The arrow FR indicates the front of the device, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the device. These directions are defined for explanatory purposes only, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that the term "device" may be omitted in each direction of the device. For example, "upper part of the device" may simply be referred to as "upper."

[0036] Furthermore, in the following explanations, "up and down direction" may be used to mean "both upward and downward" or "either upward or downward." "Left and right direction" may be used to mean "both right and left" or "either right or left." Note that "left and right direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. "Front and back direction" may be used to mean "both forward and backward" or "either forward or backward." Note that "front and back direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. In addition, the up and down direction, left and right direction, and front and back direction are directions that intersect each other (specifically, orthogonal directions).

[0037] Furthermore, the symbol with a "×" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. Also, the symbol with a "·" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 is an example of an apparatus with an opening / closing section, and is an apparatus for forming images. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises an image forming apparatus body 11, a storage section 12, a discharge section 18, an upper component section 19, a transport section 13, an image forming section 14, an opening / closing section 40, a moving section 45, and a drive device 50. The individual parts of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0039] (Image forming apparatus main body 11) The image forming apparatus body 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of the apparatus body, and is the part in which each component of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus body 11 has a housing 11A that accommodates each component of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 12, the transport unit 13, and the image forming unit 14 are arranged inside the image forming apparatus body 11 (specifically, the housing 11A). The discharge unit 18 and the upper component 19 are arranged on the upper side of the image forming apparatus body 11 (specifically, the housing 11A). Furthermore, the opening / closing unit 40, the moving unit 45, and the drive unit 50 are arranged on the front side of the image forming apparatus body 11 (specifically, the housing 11A).

[0041] (Storage section 12) The storage section 12 shown in Figure 2 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 that houses the recording medium P. The recording medium P housed in this storage section 12 is transported to the image forming section 14. The recording medium P housed in the storage section 12 is the object on which an image is formed by the image forming section 14. Examples of recording medium P include paper and film. Examples of film include resin film and metal film. It should be noted that the recording medium P is not limited to those mentioned above, and various recording media can be used.

[0042] (Discharge section 18 and upper component section 19) The discharge section 18 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4 is the part from which the recording medium P, on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 14, is discharged. This discharge section 18 is located on the upper side of the image forming apparatus body 11 (housing 11A). Specifically, the discharge section 18 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 11A.

[0043] The upper component 19 shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 constitutes the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10. This upper component 19 is positioned above the discharge unit 18, with at least a portion overlapping the discharge unit 18 in a plan view. In other words, the upper component 19 is positioned to cover the discharge unit 18 from above. The upper component 19 consists of, for example, a reading device for reading images from a document, other devices, and components.

[0044] (Conveying section 13) The transport unit 13 shown in Figure 2 is a component in the image forming apparatus 10 that transports the recording medium P. Specifically, the transport unit 13 transports the recording medium P stored in the storage unit 12 to the discharge unit 18. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the transport unit 13 has a plurality of transport members 13A such as transport rolls, and the recording medium P is transported by the transport members 13A.

[0045] (Image forming unit 14) The image forming unit 14 shown in Figure 2 is provided in the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus and is a component that forms an image on the recording medium P. Specifically, the image forming unit 14 forms a toner image (an example of an image) on the recording medium P, which is transported by the transport unit 13 (specifically, the transport member 13A), using an electrophotographic method. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the image forming unit 14 has toner image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K (hereinafter referred to as 20Y to 20K), a transfer body 24, and a fixing unit 26.

[0046] In the image forming unit 14, each toner image forming unit 20Y to 20K performs the processes of charging, exposure, development, and transfer to form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) on the transfer body 24. Furthermore, the image forming unit 14 transfers the toner images of each color formed on the transfer body 24 to the recording medium P, and the toner images are fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing unit 26. In this way, the image forming unit 14 uses an intermediate transfer method in which the image is transferred to the recording medium P via the transfer body 24.

[0047] (Opening / closing section 40, and moving section 45) The opening / closing section 40 shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 is a component that opens and closes relative to the image forming apparatus body 11. Specifically, the opening / closing section 40 is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus body 11 so as to be openable and closable, and functions as a cover that covers the front surface of the image forming apparatus body 11.

[0048] In this embodiment, the opening / closing section 40 is rotatably supported between a closed position (the position shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4) and an open position (the position shown in Figure 2) by a support section 42 (see Figure 2), such as a hinge, which is provided at the front and left end of the main body of the image forming apparatus 11. In this way, the opening / closing section 40 is cantilevered to the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 by the support section 42 and opens and closes relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 by rotating around the support section 42 (i.e., rotating with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation).

[0049] The movable part 45 is a component that can move between a covered position that covers the discharge section 18 (the position shown in Figures 1 and 3) and an exposed position that exposes the discharge section 18 (the position shown in Figure 4). This movable part 45 is provided on the upper part of the opening / closing section 40 and is positioned in front of the discharge section 18 when the opening / closing section 40 is in the closed position.

[0050] In the covered position (as shown in Figures 1 and 3), the movable part 45 extends upward from the opening / closing part 40, which is in the closed position, and covers the discharge part 18 on its front side. In the exposed position (as shown in Figure 4), the movable part 45 is housed inside the opening / closing part 40, exposing the discharge part 18. In other words, the exposed position (as shown in Figure 4) can also be described as the position where the movable part 45 has retracted from the front side of the discharge part 18 to the downward side.

[0051] (Drive unit 50) The drive device 50 shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4 is a device that drives the object to be driven. This drive device 50 is provided in the opening / closing section 40, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4. In this embodiment, the drive device 50 generates a driving force that moves the movable section 45 between the covered position and the exposed position.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the drive unit 50 includes a drive source 52, a fixed part 60, a first gear 71, a second gear 72, a transmission gear 79, a mounting part 59, fastening screws 80, a first cushioning material 91, and a second cushioning material 92.

[0053] (Drive source 52) The drive source 52 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is composed of a drive motor, and rotational force as driving force is output from the drive shaft 54. A drive gear 56 is attached to the drive shaft 54, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The drive gear 56 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 54.

[0054] (Fixed part 60) The fixed part 60 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a component to which the drive source 52 is fixed. The fixed part 60 is made up of a frame formed of, for example, metal. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fixed part 60 has wall portions 63, 65, and 67.

[0055] In a side cross-sectional view, wall portion 63 extends in the vertical direction. A pair of wall portions 65 are provided, each extending rearward from the upper and lower ends of wall portion 63, respectively, in a side cross-sectional view. A pair of wall portions 67 are provided, each extending upward and downward from the rear end of wall portion 65, respectively, in a side cross-sectional view. Each of the wall portions 67 has a through hole 69 through which a fastening screw 80 is passed.

[0056] The fixing portion 60 is formed in a hat shape in a side cross-sectional view by the wall portions 63, 65, and 67. The fixing portion 60 is fastened to the mounting portion 59 by fastening screws 80.

[0057] (First gear 71) The first gear 71 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is an example of the first transmission unit and is a component that transmits the driving force from the drive source 52. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, this first gear 71 is attached to the fixed part 60. Specifically, the first gear 71 is rotatably attached to the fixed part 60 via a shaft part 73. The first gear 71 meshes with the drive gear 56. As a result, the first gear 71 rotates when the rotational force from the drive source 52 is transmitted to it through the drive gear 56.

[0058] (Second gear 72) The second gear 72 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is an example of a second transmission unit, and is a component that transmits the driving force from the drive source 52 through the first gear 71. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second gear 72 is mounted on the mounting portion 59. Specifically, the second gear 72 is rotatably mounted to the mounting portion 59 via the shaft portion 74. The second gear 72 meshes with the first gear 71 with a meshing width WA that is aligned to the rear. As a result, the second gear 72 rotates as the rotational force from the drive source 52 is transmitted through the first gear 71.

[0059] (Transmission gear 79) The transmission gear 79 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is mounted on the shaft portion 74 on the opposite side (specifically, the rear side) from the second gear 72 relative to the mounting portion 59. The transmission gear 79 functions as a transmission unit that transmits driving force to the moving portion 45. Note that the transmission mechanism that transmits driving force from the transmission gear 79 to the moving portion 45 is not shown in each figure.

[0060] (Mounting part 59) The mounting portion 59 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a component to which the second gear 72 is attached. The mounting portion 59 is made of a frame (e.g., a plate) made of metal or the like. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mounting portion 59 is positioned on the rear side relative to the fixing portion 60. Specifically, the mounting portion 59 is positioned on the rear side relative to the fixing portion 60, facing the fixing portion 60, at a predetermined distance (specifically, the thickness of the second buffer material 92) from the wall portion 67 of the fixing portion 60. The mounting portion 59 has a screw hole 57 into which the screw portion 85 of the fastening screw 80, described later, is screwed.

[0061] (80 fastening screws) The fastening screws 80 shown in Figures 5 and 6 are an example of a fastening part, and are components that fasten the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59. In this embodiment, for example, multiple fastening screws 80 are provided. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fastening screw 80 has a head 83, a shaft part 84, and a threaded part 85.

[0062] The head portion 83 is an example of the arrangement and is positioned on the opposite side (specifically, the front side) from the mounting portion 59 to the fixing portion 60. The shaft portion 84 extends from the head portion 83 through the fixing portion 60 towards the mounting portion 59. In other words, the head portion 83 is provided at the front end of the shaft portion 84.

[0063] The shaft portion 84 is a shaft portion that extends along the front-to-back direction, with the front-to-back direction as its axial direction, and is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 84 penetrates the fixing portion 60 by passing through a through hole 69 formed in the wall portion 67 of the fixing portion 60. The inner diameter of the through hole 69 is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 84 of the fastening screw 80, which will be described later. Therefore, the shaft portion 84 passes through the through hole 69 with a gap between it and the wall portion 67 of the fixing portion 60.

[0064] The head portion 83 has a larger diameter than the shaft portion 84 and, when viewed from the front-to-back direction, protrudes radially outward relative to the shaft portion 84.

[0065] The threaded portion 85 is provided at the rear end of the shaft portion 84. The threaded portion 85 is thinner than the shaft portion 84. That is, the threaded portion 85 has a smaller diameter than the shaft portion 84. In this embodiment, the threaded portion 85 is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 84. Therefore, the shaft portion 84 protrudes radially outward from the threaded portion 85. A thread groove is formed on the outer circumference of the threaded portion 85, and it is screwed into the threaded hole 57 of the mounting portion 59.

[0066] In this embodiment, the fastening screw 80 fastens the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59 with its head 83 positioned at a predetermined distance from the mounting part 59. Specifically, the tip 84A of the shaft part 84 contacts the mounting part 59, thereby positioning the head 83 at a predetermined distance from the mounting part 59 (specifically, the axial length of the shaft part 84). In other words, in this embodiment, the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59 are fastened by screwing the threaded part 85 into the screw hole 57 until the tip 84A of the shaft part 84 contacts the mounting part 59.

[0067] (First cushioning material 91, and second cushioning material 92) The first cushioning material 91 is positioned between the head 83 of the fastening screw 80 and the fixing part 60. Specifically, the first cushioning material 91 is sandwiched between the head 83 of the fastening screw 80 and the wall portion 67 of the fixing part 60, and has the function of mitigating the shock and vibration transmitted from the wall portion 67 to the head 83. In other words, the first cushioning material 91 is a mechanical energy absorber.

[0068] The second cushioning material 92 is positioned between the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59. Specifically, the second cushioning material 92 is sandwiched between the wall part 67 of the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59, and has the function of mitigating shocks and vibrations transmitted from the wall part 67 to the mounting part 59. In other words, the first cushioning material 91 is a mechanical energy absorber. The second cushioning material 92 has a larger spring constant than the first cushioning material 91. The spring constant is a proportionality constant obtained by dividing the load when a compressive load is applied to the cushioning material along the rear by the displacement of the cushioning material.

[0069] The first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 are elastic bodies made of, for example, foam such as urethane foam. Furthermore, the second cushioning material 92 is made of an elastic body with a larger Young's modulus than the elastic body used in the first cushioning material 91. In this embodiment, by using an elastic body with a larger Young's modulus than the elastic body used in the first cushioning material 91 as the second cushioning material 92, the spring constant of the second cushioning material 92 is made larger than that of the first cushioning material 91.

[0070] Furthermore, if, for example, foam is used as the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92, by using a foam with a higher density than the foam used for the first cushioning material 91 as the second cushioning material 92, it becomes possible to make the spring constant of the second cushioning material 92 larger than that of the first cushioning material 91.

[0071] The free-state thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 along its rear (hereinafter simply referred to as "thickness 92T") is less than the free-state thickness 91T of the first cushioning material 91 along its rear (hereinafter simply referred to as "thickness 91T") (see Figure 7). Specifically, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 is 2 / 3 or less of the thickness 92T of the first cushioning material 91. More specifically, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The thickness 92T of the first cushioning material 91 is, for example, 1.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less.

[0072] The "free state" refers to a state of no load, where no load (i.e., no pressure) is applied to compress the cushioning material along its rearward direction.

[0073] The 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 is at least twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91. Specifically, the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 is at least three times the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91. The 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 is, for example, 0.20 N / mm or more and 0.40 N / mm or less. The 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91 is, for example, 0.05 N / mm or more and 0.15 N / mm or less.

[0074] The 25% compression load refers to the load required to compress the cushioning material by 25% from its free state along its rearward direction.

[0075] The area HA of the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 along the direction intersecting the rearward direction (i.e., the left-right direction and the up-down direction) (i.e., the area HA in the rearward view) is greater than or equal to the area HB of the head 83 of the fastening screw 80 (i.e., the area HB in the frontward view). Specifically, area HB is the area of ​​the surface facing the first cushioning material 91 side (rearward side) and the portion that protrudes radially outward relative to the shaft portion 84.

[0076] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the second cushioning material 92 is the same as the area HA of the first cushioning material 91.

[0077] (Operation of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the second cushioning material 92 is positioned between the fixed part 60 and the mounting part 59, and the first gear 71 is positioned between the head 83 of the fastening screw 80 and the fixed part 60. As a result, the transmission of vibrations generated in the drive source 52 from the fixed part 60 to the mounting part 59 through the fastening screw 80 is suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second cushioning material 92, positioned between the fixing portion 60 and the mounting portion 59, has a higher spring constant than the first cushioning material 91, which is positioned between the head 83 of the fastening screw 80 and the fixing portion 60.

[0079] Here, if the same cushioning material is placed between the head 83 of the fastening screw 80 and the fixing part 60, and between the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59, that is, if the same cushioning material is used as the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 (hereinafter referred to as form A), the amount of deformation of the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 becomes unstable due to individual differences in the cushioning material. For this reason, as shown in Figure 8, for example, if the amount of deformation of the second cushioning material 92 is greater than that of the first cushioning material 91, the relative position of the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59 at the rear will shift, and the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 will decrease by the amount of shift WB.

[0080] As a result, rotational problems may occur due to tooth skipping or other issues in the first gear 71 and the second gear 72, and vibrations and noise may result.

[0081] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the second cushioning material 92 has a larger spring constant than the first cushioning material 91, so compared to embodiment A, the amount of deformation of the second cushioning material 92 is contained within a predetermined range (for example, a range of 0.2 mm or less), and the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed.

[0082] As a result, according to this embodiment, vibration is suppressed in the opening / closing section 40, which is cantilevered to the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus, compared to form A. Consequently, according to this embodiment, vibration is less likely to be transmitted to the image forming section 14 compared to form A, and therefore image defects in the image forming section 14 are suppressed.

[0083] In this embodiment, the fastening screw 80 fastens the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59 with the head 83 positioned at a predetermined distance from the mounting part 59.

[0084] Therefore, when the fastening screw 80 fastens the head 83 to the fixed part 60, the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed compared to the case where the distance between the head 83 and the mounting part 59 varies.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tip 84A of the shaft portion 84 contacts the mounting portion 59, thereby positioning the head portion 83 at a predetermined distance (specifically, the axial length of the shaft portion 84) from the mounting portion 59.

[0086] As a result, the fastening operation of screwing the threaded portion 85 into the threaded hole 57 of the mounting portion 59 brings the tip 84A of the shaft portion 84 into contact with the mounting portion 59, and positions the head portion 83 at a predetermined distance (specifically, the axial length of the shaft portion 84) from the mounting portion 59. As a result, the number of steps is reduced compared to when the fastening operation and the positioning operation are performed in separate processes.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 is less than the thickness 91T of the first cushioning material 91.

[0088] Therefore, compared to the case where the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 is greater than or equal to the thickness 91T of the first cushioning material 91, the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed.

[0089] In this embodiment, specifically, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 is 2 / 3 or less of the thickness 92T of the first cushioning material 91.

[0090] Therefore, compared to the case where the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 exceeds 2 / 3 of the thickness 91T of the first cushioning material 91, the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed.

[0091] In this embodiment, more specifically, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0092] Therefore, compared to the case where the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 exceeds 3 mm, the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 is more than twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91.

[0094] Therefore, the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed compared to the case where the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 is less than twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91.

[0095] In this embodiment, specifically, the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 is three times or more the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91.

[0096] Therefore, the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed compared to the case where the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 is less than three times the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the area HA of the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 along the direction intersecting the rear (i.e., the left-right direction and the up-down direction) is greater than or equal to the area HB of the head 83 of the fastening screw 80.

[0098] Therefore, compared to the case where the area HA of the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 is less than the area HB of the head 83 of the fastening screw 80, the transmission of vibrations generated by the drive source 52 from the fixed part 60 to the mounting part 59 is suppressed.

[0099] (Modified versions of the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92) In this embodiment, the area of ​​the second cushioning material 92 was the same as the area HA of the first cushioning material 91, but this is not limited to this. For example, the area of ​​the second cushioning material 92 may be larger than the area HA of the first cushioning material 91.

[0100] As a result, the amount of deformation of the second cushioning material 92 is kept within a predetermined range, compared to the case where the area of ​​the second cushioning material 92 is less than or equal to the area HA of the first cushioning material 91, and the decrease in the meshing width WA between the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 is suppressed.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second cushioning material 92 is made of an elastic material with a larger Young's modulus than the elastic material used in the first cushioning material 91, thereby increasing the spring constant of the second cushioning material 92 compared to the first cushioning material 91. However, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 may be made of elastic materials with the same Young's modulus, while varying their thickness and shape, thereby increasing the spring constant of the second cushioning material 92 compared to the first cushioning material 91.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 was less than the thickness 91T of the first cushioning material 91, but it is also possible to configure the second cushioning material 92 to have a thickness 92T of 92T that is equal to or greater than the thickness 91T of the first cushioning material 91.

[0103] In this embodiment, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 was set to, for example, 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, but it is not limited to this. For example, the thickness 92T of the second cushioning material 92 may be greater than 3 mm.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 was at least twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91, but this is not limited to this. For example, the 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material 92 may be less than twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material 91.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the area HA of the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 was greater than or equal to the area HB of the head 83 of the fastening screw 80, but this is not limited to this. The area HA of the first cushioning material 91 and the second cushioning material 92 may be less than the area HB of the head 83 of the fastening screw 80.

[0106] (Modified image forming apparatus 10) Examples of covered devices are not limited to the image forming apparatus 10 described above. Examples of covered devices include, for example, a conveying device for conveying materials, an image reading device for reading images on a medium, a pre-processing device for performing various processes on a recording medium before an image is formed, and a post-processing device for performing various processes (e.g., binding, stitching, and folding) on ​​a recording medium after an image has been formed. Any device having a cover is acceptable.

[0107] (Modified image forming unit 14) The image forming unit is not limited to the image forming unit 14 described above. For example, the image forming unit may use a direct transfer method in which each toner image forming unit 20Y to 20K forms a toner image directly on the recording medium P without going through the transfer body 24. Alternatively, the image forming unit may be an image forming unit that ejects ink onto the recording medium P to form an image, or any unit that has the function of forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0108] (Other variations) In this embodiment, the fastening screw 80 is configured to fasten the fixing part 60 and the mounting part 59 with the head 83 positioned at a predetermined distance from the mounting part 59, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the fastening screw 80 may fasten the fixing part 60 and the head 83 without the head 83 being positioned relative to the mounting part 59.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tip 84A of the shaft portion 84 contacts the mounting portion 59, thereby positioning the head portion 83 at a predetermined distance (specifically, the axial length of the shaft portion 84) from the mounting portion 59, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the portion of the fastening screw 80 other than the tip 84A of the shaft portion 84 may contact the mounting portion 59, thereby positioning the head portion 83 at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion 59.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the modified forms shown above may be combined in any way.

[0111] (((1))) Power source and The fixed part to which the drive source is fixed, A first transmission unit attached to the fixed part and transmitting driving force from the drive source, A second transmission unit that engages with the first transmission unit with a meshing width along one direction, and to which the driving force is transmitted from the first transmission unit, An attachment portion is positioned on the one-way side relative to the fixed portion, and to which the second transmission portion is attached, A fastening portion having an arrangement portion positioned on the opposite side of the mounting portion to the fixing portion, and fastening the fixing portion and the mounting portion, A first cushioning material is placed between the aforementioned arrangement portion and the aforementioned fixing portion, A second cushioning material is positioned between the fixing portion and the mounting portion and has a spring constant greater than that of the first cushioning material. A drive device equipped with the following features. (((2))) The fastening portion is, With the aforementioned arrangement portion positioned at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion, the fixing portion and the mounting portion are fastened together. The drive device described in (((1))). (((3))) The fastening portion is, The head as the aforementioned arrangement part, A shaft portion extending from the head portion through the fixing portion toward the mounting portion, A threaded portion that is thinner than the aforementioned shaft portion, It has, The tip of the shaft portion contacts the mounting portion, thereby positioning the head portion at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion. The drive device described in (((2))). (((4))) The thickness of the second cushioning material in its free state along that one direction is less than the thickness of the first cushioning material in its free state along that one direction. The drive device described in any one of (((1))) to (((3))). (((5))) The thickness of the second cushioning material in its free state along that one direction is 2 / 3 or less of the thickness of the first cushioning material in its free state along that one direction. The drive device described in (((4))). (((6))) The free state thickness of the second cushioning material along the aforementioned one direction is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. A drive device as described in any one of (((1))) to (((5))). (((7))) The 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material is at least twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material. A drive device as described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))). (((8))) The 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material is three times or more the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material. The drive device described in (((7))). (((9))) The area of ​​the first cushioning material and the second cushioning material along the direction intersecting the one direction is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the arrangement portion along the direction intersecting. A drive device described in any one of (((1))) to (((8))). (((10))) The area of ​​the second cushioning material is larger than the area of ​​the first cushioning material. The drive device described in (((9))). (((11))) The main body of the device, The opening / closing part that opens and closes relative to the main body of the device, A drive device described in any one of (((1))) to (((10))) provided in the opening / closing section, A device with an opening / closing mechanism. (((12))) The main body of the aforementioned apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, An ejection unit from which a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit is ejected, A movable part that can move between a position covering the discharge part and a position exposing the discharge part, Equipped with, The drive device generates a driving force to move the movable part. An image forming apparatus as an apparatus with an opening / closing section as described in (((11))). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Image forming apparatus main unit 11A enclosure 12 Storage Unit 13 Conveying section 13A Conveying Member 14 Image forming unit 18 Discharge section 19 Upper component 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K Toner Image Forming Unit 24 Transfer material 26 Fixing section 40 Opening / Closing Section 42 Support part 45 Mobile section 50 Drive unit 52 Power source 54 Drive shaft 56 Drive gear 57 screw holes 59 Mounting part 60 Fixed part 63 Wall 65 Wall 67 Wall 69 Through hole 71 First gear 72 Second gear 73 Shaft 74 Shaft section 79 Transmission gear 80 fastening screws 83 Head 84 Shaft section 84A Tip 85 Screw part 91 First buffer material 92 Second buffer material HA, HB area P recording medium WA (Width of contact) WB shift amount

Claims

1. Power source and The fixed part to which the drive source is fixed, A first transmission unit attached to the fixed part and transmitting driving force from the drive source, A second transmission unit that engages with the first transmission unit with a meshing width along one direction, and to which the driving force is transmitted from the first transmission unit, An attachment portion is positioned on the one-way side relative to the fixed portion, and to which the second transmission portion is attached, A fastening portion having an arrangement portion positioned on the opposite side of the mounting portion to the fixing portion, and fastening the fixing portion and the mounting portion, A first cushioning material is placed between the aforementioned arrangement portion and the aforementioned fixing portion, A second cushioning material is positioned between the fixing portion and the mounting portion and has a spring constant greater than that of the first cushioning material. A drive device equipped with the following features.

2. The fastening portion is, With the aforementioned arrangement portion positioned at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion, the fixing portion and the mounting portion are fastened together. The drive device according to claim 1.

3. The fastening portion is, The head as the aforementioned arrangement part, A shaft portion extending from the head portion through the fixing portion toward the mounting portion, A threaded portion that is thinner than the aforementioned shaft portion, It has, The tip of the shaft portion contacts the mounting portion, thereby positioning the head portion at a predetermined distance from the mounting portion. The drive device according to claim 2.

4. The thickness of the second cushioning material in its free state along that one direction is less than the thickness of the first cushioning material in its free state along that one direction. The drive device according to claim 1.

5. The free state thickness of the second cushioning material in the aforementioned one direction is 2 / 3 or less of the free state thickness of the first cushioning material in the aforementioned one direction. The drive device according to claim 4.

6. The free state thickness of the second cushioning material along the aforementioned one direction is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The drive device according to claim 1.

7. The 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material is at least twice the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material. The drive device according to claim 1.

8. The 25% compressive load in the second cushioning material is three times or more the 25% compressive load in the first cushioning material. The drive device according to claim 7.

9. The area of ​​the first cushioning material and the second cushioning material along the direction intersecting the one direction is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the arrangement portion along the direction intersecting. The drive device according to claim 1.

10. The area of ​​the second cushioning material is larger than the area of ​​the first cushioning material. The drive device according to claim 9.

11. The main body of the device, The opening / closing part that opens and closes relative to the main body of the device, A drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is provided in the opening / closing section, A device with an opening / closing mechanism.

12. The main body of the aforementioned apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, An ejection unit from which a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit is ejected, A movable part that can move between a position covering the discharge part and a position exposing the discharge part, Equipped with, The drive device generates a driving force to move the movable part. Image forming apparatus as an apparatus with an opening / closing section according to claim 11.

Images