Duplex Printer Pendulum Gear Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require multiple motors to switch the rotation direction of discharge rollers, increasing cost and noise due to the need for separate motors for normal and reverse rotation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a single driving source that uses a pendulum gear and gear trains to switch the rotation direction of the switchback roller between normal and reverse rotation, eliminating the need for multiple motors by transmitting the rotational force through different gear trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to rotate the discharge roller in both normal and reverse directions, then the printer can perform switchback conveyance for double-sided printing, but the cost increases and noise is generated from motor sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple motors into a single motor by using a gear train system. The discharge roller is driven by one motor through a gear train that can switch between normal rotation mode (for single-sided printing) and reverse rotation mode (for double-sided printing), eliminating the need for separate motors for each direction and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gear train acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single motor and the discharge roller. It transmits and transforms the motor's rotational force, enabling the discharge roller to rotate in both normal and reverse directions without requiring multiple motors, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are provided for normal and reverse rotation, then the discharge roller can switch rotation directions, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple motor functions into a single motor system with a gear train that enables both normal and reverse rotation. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the capability to switch rotation directions for double-sided printing
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used for switchback conveyance, then the discharge roller can rotate in both directions, but noise is generated from motor sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single motor with a gear train system. This reduction from multiple motors to one motor decreases the number of noise-generating components, thereby reducing overall noise levels while still enabling the discharge roller to switch between normal and reverse rotation for switchback conveyance
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 number of motors required, decreases noise, and allows for efficient switching between normal and reverse rotation directions, enabling cost-effective double-sided printing without the need for additional motors.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear train configured to transmit the one-direction rotational driving force of the driving source to the switchback roller such that a rotation direction of the switchback roller becomes the normal rotation direction; a second gear train configured to transmit the one-direction rotational driving force of the driving source to the switchback roller such that the rotation direction of the switchback roller becomes the reverse rotation direction
Implementation Method 2
a switching unit including a pendulum gear configured to engage a gear train for transmitting the one-direction rotational driving force of the driving source with any of the first gear train and the second gear train. The pendulum gear is configured to be movable among: a first engagement position where the pendulum gear is engaged with the first gear train, a second engagement position where the pendulum gear is engaged with the second gear train
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a switchback roller which switches between a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction, first and second gear train for rotating the switchback roller in the normal and reverse rotation directions, respectively, a switching unit including a pendulum gear which is movable among a first engagement position where the pendulum gear is engaged with the first gear train, a second engagement position where the pendulum gear is engaged with the second gear train, and a disengagement position where the pendulum gear is not engaged with the first gear train and the second gear train. The switching unit is switchable among a first mode where the pendulum gear is held at the first engagement position, a second mode where the pendulum gear is held at the second engagement position, and a third mode where the pendulum gear is held at the disengagement position.