Planetary Gear Sheet Conveying Mechanism Reduces Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require significant energy to maintain the moving member's position and switch the conveyance route due to high torque requirements, leading to energy loss and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying apparatus utilizing a planetary gear mechanism with a rotating element that engages with a conveying member and a moving member, allowing the moving member to pivot between guiding positions efficiently, reducing the torque applied and minimizing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a solenoid is used to pivot the moving member between guiding positions, then the conveyance route can be switched, but a relatively large force is required in the solenoid to maintain the swinging gear engaging or disengaging from other gears
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the solenoid and the moving member. The spring assists the solenoid in pivoting the moving member and maintains its position, thereby reducing the force requirement of the solenoid while enabling reliable switching between guiding positions
2Reliability
If a one way hinge with torque limiter function is used to prevent excess load on the moving member, then the moving member is protected, but the idling torque must be set sufficiently larger than the inertia moment, causing continuous torque application and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter function is extracted from the one-way hinge and transferred to a separate spring mechanism. The spring provides the necessary torque limitation only when needed to protect the moving member, while allowing free rotation during normal operation, thereby eliminating continuous energy loss while maintaining protection functionality
3Productivity
If the moving member is driven by a single motor through gear mechanisms, then the conveyance roller and moving member can be driven, but the gear mechanisms increase device complexity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The drive functions for the conveyance roller and the moving member are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The spring-assisted solenoid system simultaneously controls both components, eliminating the need for separate motors and complex gear trainings, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity
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
The planetary gear mechanism reduces power consumption by minimizing excessive torque on the moving member, enhancing throughput and productivity while maintaining efficient conveyance routes for both discharging and inverting sheet paths.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear mechanism including a first rotating element configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, a second rotating element configured to engage with the first rotating element and rotate the conveying member by drivenly rotating with the first rotating element, and a third rotating element configured to engage with the first rotating element, the third rotating element configured to move the moving member from the second guiding position to the first guiding position by drivenly rotating with the first rotating element rotating in the first direction, and move the moving member from the first guiding position to the second guiding position by drivenly rotating with the first rotating element rotating in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a conveying member conveying and rotating a sheet, a moving member configured to be movable between a first guiding position and a second guiding position, a first abutting portion configured to stop the moving member at the first guiding position, a second abutting portion configured to stop the moving member at the second guiding position, and a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes a first rotating element configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, a second rotating element configured to rotate the conveying member by drivenly rotating with the first rotating element, and a third rotating element configured to move the moving member from the second guiding position to the first guiding position by drivenly rotating with the first rotating element rotating in the first direction, and move the moving member from the first guiding position to the second guiding position by drivenly rotating with the first rotating element rotating in the second direction.