Gear Cover Layout for Compact Image Forming Drive Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-57146, have a configuration that increases the size of the apparatus in the direction of the rotational axis due to the arrangement of the support shaft, idler gear, and motor on the outer side of the side plate, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a gear cover with a concave portion and a bearing member that allows the gear shaft and protruded portion to extend in a direction opposite to the rotational axis, minimizing the clearance between the gear cover and the exterior cover, thereby reducing the overall size of the apparatus in the rotational axis direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the support shaft, idler gear, and motor are arranged on the outer side of the side plate, then the driving device is easily assembled, but the size of the apparatus increases in the rotational axis direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions components from the outer side of the side plate to the inner side, utilizing the internal space along the rotational axis direction. The support shaft is arranged inside the side plate, the idler gear is positioned between the side plate and gear cover, and the motor is mounted on the inner side of the side plate, effectively redistributing components along the rotational axis to reduce overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the support shaft is positioned within the side plate, the idler gear is nested between the side plate and gear cover, and the motor is integrated on the inner side of the side plate. This nested configuration allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, maximizing space utilization and reducing the apparatus size in the rotational axis direction.
2Length of stationary object
If the gear train components are arranged compactly, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the components may interfere with exterior covers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the gear train components along the rotational axis direction rather than radially outward, allowing compact arrangement that reduces apparatus size while maintaining sufficient clearance from exterior covers. The support shaft, idler gear, and motor are arranged sequentially along the rotational axis, creating a compact profile that does not interfere with exterior components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the gear cover with a specific shape that preliminarily defines the spatial boundaries of the gear train components. The gear cover is configured to cover the support shaft and idler gear while maintaining predetermined clearance from exterior covers, preventing interference before assembly is complete.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a driven member, a frame body, a driving source, and a drive transmission unit including a gear train including a first gear configured to rotate by the driving force from the driving source, and a gear cover configured to cover the gear train. The gear cover includes an outer surface that extends in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a rotational axis direction of the first gear, and a first concave portion. The first gear includes a shaft portion that passes through a first hole formed on the first concave portion. A downstream end, in the second direction, of the shaft portion is arranged upstream of a virtual surface in the second direction.