Rotation Transmission Structure for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses where rotation is transmitted from a rotating body to a moving body, the force required for fitting between members with straight teeth is increased when their positions coincide, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A rotation transmission structure that includes a first member with straight teeth on a rotating body, a second member with straight teeth on a moving body, a biasing member to facilitate alignment, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the first member, allowing it to fit with the second member by rotating half the pitch of its teeth, reducing the operational force needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the positions of the straight teeth of the first member in the circumferential direction coincide with the positions of the straight teeth of the second member in the circumferential direction, then the fitting alignment is simplified, but the force required for fitting is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member preliminarily positions the first member in the axial direction before the fitting operation, ensuring that the straight teeth are pre-aligned in the circumferential direction. This preliminary positioning reduces the force needed during the actual fitting process, as the teeth are already in the correct alignment position.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is designed to be movable in the axial direction relative to the second member, allowing dynamic adjustment during fitting. The biasing member provides a controllable force that facilitates this dynamic positioning, enabling the operator to easily align the teeth circumferentially while maintaining simplified alignment geometry.
2Ease of operation
If the first member is movable only in a biasing direction of a biasing member and a direction opposite to the biasing direction, then the fitting control is simplified, but the force required for fitting is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member performs preliminary positioning of the first member in the axial direction, establishing the correct circumferential alignment of the straight teeth before the fitting force is applied. This preliminary action simplifies the fitting control process while reducing the force requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by allowing the first member to move not only in the biasing direction but also in the circumferential direction through rotational movement. This parameter change enables alignment without requiring excessive force in the axial direction alone.
3Force
If a rotation mechanism is added between the first member and the rotating body, then the fitting force is reduced, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The first member serves multiple functions: it transmits rotation from the rotating body, provides circumferential alignment through rotation, and maintains axial positioning via the biasing member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is designed with dynamic capabilities, being movable in both the axial direction and rotatable relative to the rotating body. This dynamic design allows a single component to perform both positioning and alignment functions, reducing the need for additional separate mechanisms and limiting complexity increase.
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 force required for fitting between the members, enhances operational efficiency, and minimizes the size of the image forming apparatus by reducing the axial distance needed for connection, thus improving the overall performance and compactness of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the first member toward the moving body
Implementation Method 2
a rotation mechanism that is provided between the first member and the rotating body and rotates the first member in a case where the first member is moved toward the rotating body
Implementation Method 3
a first member that is provided on a rotating body and includes a plurality of straight teeth extending in an axial direction of the rotating body and arranged in a circumferential direction; a second member that is provided on a moving body moving in the axial direction of the rotating body, includes a plurality of straight teeth extending in the axial direction of the rotating body and arranged in the circumferential direction, and is fitted to the first member to transmit rotation of the rotating body to the moving body
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation transmission structure includes: a first member that is provided on a rotating body and includes a plural straight teeth extending in an axial direction of the rotating body and arranged in a circumferential direction; a second member that is provided on a moving body moving in the axial direction of the rotating body, includes a plural straight teeth extending in the axial direction of the rotating body and arranged in the circumferential direction, and is fitted to the first member to transmit rotation of the rotating body to the moving body in a case where the moving body approaches the rotating body; a biasing member that biases the first member toward the moving body; and a rotation mechanism that is provided between the first member and the rotating body and rotates the first member in a case where the first member is moved toward the rotating body.