Drive Device with Dual Transmission Routes for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for image forming apparatuses require time-consuming clutch switching for alternating sheet output roller rotations, leading to inefficiencies and potential transmission failures due to frequent electromagnetic clutch engagement and disengagement, which affects reliability and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with two drive transmission routes, one using a torque limiter and the other an electromagnetic clutch, allowing for efficient switching between forward and reverse rotations by selectively engaging or disengaging the clutch to minimize energy consumption and prevent transmission failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic clutch is used for both forward and reverse drive transmission, then the drive device can achieve bidirectional rotation, but the frequent engagement and disengagement causes transmission failures and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The drive transmission system is segmented into two independent routes: a forward drive transmission route with a forward clutch for forward rotation, and a reverse drive transmission route with a reverse clutch for reverse rotation. This segmentation allows each clutch to specialize in one direction, reducing frequent engagement/disengagement cycles and improving reliability while maintaining bidirectional capability.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic clutch is frequently engaged and disengaged for direction switching, then the sheet ejecting roller can alternate between forward and reverse rotations, but the switching time increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares both forward and reverse drive transmission routes in advance, with respective clutches already positioned and ready. When direction switching is needed, the appropriate clutch is already engaged or can be quickly engaged without prolonged switching time, as the alternative route is pre-configured and available.
3Device complexity
If electromagnetic clutch is used for both drive routes, then the system structure can be simplified, but the energy consumption increases due to frequent clutch operation
Solution Approach 1:
Different clutch types are assigned to different drive routes based on their specific functional requirements. The forward clutch and reverse clutch can be optimized for their respective directions, with the reverse clutch potentially using a different mechanism better suited for intermittent reverse operations, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining structural feasibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the time required for switching operations, enhances reliability, and conserves energy by using the electromagnetic clutch for less frequent reverse rotations and the torque limiter for more frequent forward rotations, thereby improving the overall performance and durability of the drive device.
Implementation Method 1
The drive transmission changer is configured to transmit the driving force via the second drive transmission route to the output side rotary body
Implementation Method 2
The two drive transmission routes transmit the driving force from the input side rotary body to the output side rotary body and includes a first drive transmission route and a second drive transmission route
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a drive source, an input side rotary body, an output side rotary body, two drive transmission routes, a drive transmission state switcher, and a drive transmission changer. The input side rotary body receives a driving force from the drive source. The output side rotary body outputs the driving force to a driving target body. The drive transmission state switcher switches a first drive transmission route between a transmission state and a non transmission state. The drive transmission changer transmits the driving force via a second drive transmission route to the output side rotary body when the first drive transmission route is in the non transmission state and restricts the driving force from being transmitted via the second drive transmission route when the first drive transmission route to the output side rotary body is in the transmission state.