Rotating Device Timing Belt for Opening-Closing Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotating devices with opening-closing mechanisms face a size increase issue due to the division of the drive transmission path when the opening-closing portion is opened, requiring additional mechanisms to mesh gears, which complicates the design and increases size.
Innovation Solution
A rotating device configuration that includes an annular timing belt wound around first and second rotating bodies, maintaining the winding state in both open and closed states, allowing continuous rotational force transmission without dividing the drive transmission path, thus eliminating the need for additional gear meshing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drive transmission path is divided when the opening-closing portion is opened, then the rotating device can accommodate the opening-closing motion, but the device size increases and additional gear meshing mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The timing belt is designed to dynamically adjust its winding state around the rotating bodies based on the opening-closing position. When the opening-closing portion opens, the timing belt automatically changes its path while maintaining continuous engagement with the rotating bodies, eliminating the need for discrete gear meshing mechanisms and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing belt serves as an intermediary element that transmits rotational force from the drive source to the driven portion while accommodating the opening-closing motion. By using the timing belt as a flexible mediator instead of rigid gear connections, the system achieves compact design while maintaining reliable force transmission throughout the full range of motion.
2Reliability
If additional gear meshing mechanisms are added to maintain drive transmission path continuity, then the drive transmission remains continuous, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing belt, as a flexible thin film structure, replaces complex rigid gear meshing mechanisms. The timing belt's flexibility allows it to wrap around and maintain continuous drive transmission while adapting to the changing geometry during opening-closing motion, significantly reducing mechanism complexity while preserving reliability.
3Reliability
If the timing belt is tensioned to prevent loosening during opening and closing, then the timing belt remains engaged, but the risk of timing belt rupture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing belt tensioning system is designed to dynamically adjust tension based on the opening-closing position. The tension is optimized for each phase of motion, providing sufficient engagement force during operation while avoiding excessive tension that could cause rupture. This dynamic tension management maintains reliable timing belt engagement without compromising the strength safety margin.
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 suppresses the increase in size of the rotating device and the associated image forming apparatus by maintaining the drive transmission path integrity, reducing operational complexity and size, and minimizing the risk of timing belt misalignment or failure.
Implementation Method 1
an annular body (timing belt 36) formed in an annular shape, wound around the first rotating body (pulley 31) and the second rotating body (pulley 32)
Implementation Method 2
maintaining the winding state in both an open state and a closed state of the opening-closing portion, and transmitting the rotational force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating device includes: an opening-closing portion supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to a support body; a drive unit provided on the support body; a first rotating body provided on the support body and rotated by a drive force of the drive unit; a driven portion provided in the opening-closing portion; a second rotating body provided in the opening-closing portion, rotated by a transmitted rotational force, and transmitting the rotational force to the driven portion; and an annular body formed in an annular shape, wound around the first rotating body and the second rotating body, maintaining the winding state in both an open state and a closed state of the opening-closing portion, and transmitting the rotational force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body.