Multi-Box Drive Transmission for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive transmission mechanisms in image forming apparatuses face accuracy issues due to deformation of the main gearbox cover, leading to misalignment and reduced precision in the secondary gearbox, especially when the number and size of gears increase, causing rigidity and size issues.
Innovation Solution
A drive transmission mechanism where a second gearbox is fixed to a first gearbox, with separate frames and gear covers supporting the shafts of both gear trains, ensuring that the second gearbox maintains accuracy despite deformation of the first gearbox cover, and employing a reverse driving mechanism with solenoid and planetary gear trains for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number and size of gears are increased to improve drive transmission capability, then the drive transmission capability is improved, but the area of the gearbox frame and cover increases and rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gear train into multiple independent gearboxes (first gearbox, second gearbox, third gearbox) rather than using a single large gearbox. Each gearbox contains a subset of gears and is supported by its own dedicated frame and cover structure. This segmentation allows each gearbox component to be smaller and maintain higher rigidity while collectively providing the required drive transmission capability for all rollers including the bypass feeding roller.
2Device complexity
If the gears are accommodated in a single gearbox to simplify the structure, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the area of the gearbox frame and cover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single gearbox into multiple smaller gearboxes (first, second, and third gearboxes) that are distributed throughout the device. Each gearbox is supported by its own frame and cover, which reduces the area of each individual gearbox frame and cover while maintaining the overall functional complexity needed to drive multiple rollers including the bypass feeding roller.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accommodating all gears in a single planar arrangement that requires a large frame area, the patent distributes the gearboxes in three-dimensional space at different locations. The first gearbox is supported by a first frame, the second gearbox by a second frame, and the third gearbox by a third frame, utilizing spatial distribution to reduce the footprint of each individual gearbox while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Volume of stationary object
If the cover of the main gearbox is used as the frame of another gearbox to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but the accuracy of the other gearbox deteriorates due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gearbox support structures so that each gearbox (first, second, and third gearboxes) has its own dedicated frame and cover rather than sharing structural components. The first gearbox is supported by a first frame with a first cover, the second gearbox by a second frame with a second cover, and the third gearbox by a third frame with a third cover. This segmentation prevents deformation of one gearbox's cover from affecting the accuracy of another gearbox, while the distributed arrangement optimizes space utilization throughout the device.
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 ensures high accuracy and stability of the second gearbox, allowing for downsizing and high-speed rotation of gears, reducing time lag during drive switching and preventing deformation of the first gear cover, while avoiding interference and maintaining precise engagement between gear components.
Implementation Method 1
employing a reverse driving mechanism with solenoid and planetary gear trains for precise operation
Data Source
AI summary
A drive transmission mechanism includes a first gearbox including a driving source, a first gear train, a first frame configured to support one ends of a plurality of shafts of the first gear train, and a first gear cover configured to support the other ends of the shafts of the first gear train, wherein the first gear box is configured to transmit a driving force from the driving source; and a second gearbox including a second gear train, a second frame configured to support one ends of a plurality of shafts of the second gear train, and a second gear cover configured to support the other ends of the shafts of the second gear train, wherein the second gearbox is configured to receive the driving force from the driving source through the first gear train and configured to transmit the driving force. The second gearbox is fixed to the first gearbox.