Integrated Shaft Engagement for Torque Limiter Assembly Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of parallel pins to restrict rotations on shafts in image forming apparatuses increases machining and assembly costs due to the need for additional processing and precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A rotation restricting portion is integrated into the shaft, featuring an outer circumferential portion and engaging portions with a tip of R shape, allowing direct engagement with a torque limiter without the need for parallel pins, formed through forging to reduce machining and assembly costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parallel pins are used to restrict rotation of the torque limiter on the shaft, then the rotation restriction function is achieved, but the machining and assembly costs increase due to additional processing and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restricting portion is merged with the shaft as an integrated structure. The shaft includes a rotation restricting portion with an outer circumferential portion projected from the shaft outer circumference and engaging portions with R-shaped tips that directly engage with the torque limiter, eliminating the need for separate parallel pins and reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the rotating member support and the rotation restriction mechanism through its integrated rotation restricting portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate parallel pin components while maintaining the rotation restriction capability.
2Reliability
If multiple parts and machining processes are used to fix the torque limiter to the shaft, then the rotation restriction is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restricting portion is merged with the shaft as an integrated structure formed through forging. The shaft includes a rotation restricting portion with an outer circumferential portion projected from the shaft outer circumference and engaging portions with R-shaped tips that directly engage with the torque limiter, eliminating the need for separate parallel pins and reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
3Reliability
If parallel pins are used for rotation restriction, then the engagement with torque limiter is achieved, but the assembly time and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restricting portion is merged with the shaft as an integrated structure. The shaft includes a rotation restricting portion with an outer circumferential portion projected from the shaft outer circumference and engaging portions with R-shaped tips that directly engage with the torque limiter, eliminating the need for separate parallel pins and reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft on which a torque limiter is mounted includes a rotation restricting portion. The rotation restricting portion is inserted into and engaged with an engaging portion of the torque limiter. The rotation restricting portion is provided with an outer circumferential portion which is projected in an outer diameter direction from an outer circumference of the shaft and of which an outer circumferential surface is formed parallel with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft and an engaging portion connected to the outer circumferential portion and engaging with the engaging portion of the torque limiter. The engaging portion of the rotation restricting portion is provided with a tip portion of a R shape opposing the engaging portion of the torque limiter, and a width thereof in a direction perpendicular to an inserting direction into the engaging portion of the torque limiter is a width capable of being inserted into the engaging portion of the torque limiter.