Symmetrical Gear-Clutch Transmission for Reversible Image Forming Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving force transmission mechanisms for image forming apparatuses are complex, require high dimensional accuracy, and suffer from stability issues due to asymmetrical engaging positions of gears, leading to eccentric centers of gravity and reduced rotational stability.
Innovation Solution
A simplified driving force transmission mechanism with symmetrically disposed gears and a clutch system that allows for bidirectional rotational force transmission using a carrier with central shafts, eliminating the need for internal gears and reducing the complexity of supporting structures, thereby enhancing stability and enabling downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If internal gears and two idler gears are used to transmit driving force bidirectionally, then rotational direction switching is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into two distinct transmission paths: a direct connection path (first transmission path) and an idler gear path (second transmission path). The clutch selectively engages or disengages these paths to achieve bidirectional rotation. This segmentation allows the complex bidirectional transmission function to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex gear arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch portion dynamically switches between two states: engaged (connecting the input shaft directly to the output shaft) and disengaged (allowing rotation through the idler gears). This dynamic switching capability enables the system to adapt its transmission path based on the desired rotation direction, achieving versatility without permanently requiring all components to be present and engaged simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate carriers are provided to hold gears with internal teeth, then gear engagement is achieved, but supporting structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input shaft and output shaft are merged into a single rotational axis, eliminating the need for separate carriers to hold internal gears. The clutch portion is integrated directly onto this shared axis, and all gear engagements occur around this single central axis. This merging simplifies the supporting structure from two separate carriers to one unified shaft system.
3Productivity
If asymmetrical gear engaging positions are used, then gear transmission is achieved, but rotational stability decreases due to eccentric center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately uses symmetrical (not asymmetrical) gear arrangement where the first and second idler gears are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the rotational axis. This symmetrical arrangement ensures that the center of gravity coincides with the rotational axis, eliminating eccentric rotation and improving rotational stability while maintaining the gear transmission function.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving force transmission mechanism include a carrier, an input gear, first gears, second gears, an output gear, a clutch portion configured to integrate one of the input and output gears with the carrier or configured to disintegrate the one gear and the carrier, and an actuator configured to restrict rotation of the clutch. When the actuator does not restrict the rotation of the clutch portion, the input gear, the first gears, the second gears and the output gear are integrated with each other, and the output gear is rotated together with the input gear in a first direction. When the actuator restricts the rotation of the clutch portion, a rotational driving force is transmitted from the input gear to the output gear via the first gars and the second gears, and the output gear is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.