Planetary Gear Transmission for Image Reading Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently supplying driving force to both the image forming unit and image reading device using a single electric motor, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complex transmission mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a carriage that reciprocates between ends, utilizing a motor, input gear, planetary gear, intermediate gear, and displacement mechanism to reverse rotational direction and transmit driving force effectively, with a controller managing the motor's rotation to optimize force transmission through a complex gear system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single electric motor is used to supply driving force to both the image forming unit and image reading device, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the transmission mechanism becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is divided into two independent pathways: one for the image forming unit (using a one-way clutch) and one for the image reading device (using a planetary gear mechanism). This segmentation allows each pathway to be controlled independently, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining the cost benefit of a single motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor and the image reading device, enabling bidirectional control. When the motor rotates in the first direction, the planetary gear transmits power to the image reading device; when the motor rotates in the second direction, the planetary gear disengages and the one-way clutch engages to power the image forming unit.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single electric motor is used to supply driving force to both the image forming unit and image reading device, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the control precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is divided into two independent pathways: one for the image forming unit (using a one-way clutch) and one for the image reading device (using a planetary gear mechanism). This segmentation allows each pathway to be controlled independently, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining the cost benefit of a single motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor and the image reading device, enabling bidirectional control. When the motor rotates in the first direction, the planetary gear transmits power to the image reading device; when the motor rotates in the second direction, the planetary gear disengages and the one-way clutch engages to power the image forming unit.
3Productivity
If a complex gear system is used to reverse rotational direction and transmit driving force, then driving force distribution efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is divided into two independent pathways: one for the image forming unit (using a one-way clutch) and one for the image reading device (using a planetary gear mechanism). This segmentation allows each pathway to be controlled independently, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining the cost benefit of a single motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism provides dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities. The carrier can rotate to engage or disengage the planetary gears from the sun gear, allowing the system to adaptively switch between different transmission pathways based on operational requirements.
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 manufacturing costs by simplifying the transmission pathway and enhancing the efficiency of driving force distribution between the image forming unit and image reading device, allowing for cost-effective and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear configured to rotate in engagement with the input gear, the planetary gear being supported to be swingable around a rotational center axis of the input gear
Implementation Method 2
a displacement mechanism configured to apply an urging force to urge the intermediate gear toward the engagement position and move the intermediate gear in response to movement of the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device is provided, which includes a controller configured to, when a carriage reaches a turn-around position in a moving direction, control a motor to once stop, then rotate in a second direction opposite to a first direction such that a planetary gear swings to a position separated from an output gear and that an intermediate gear moves to an engagement position to engage with the output gear, and thereafter again rotate in the first direction so as to transmit a driving force from the motor to the output gear via an input gear, a planetary gear, and the intermediate gear.