Sheet Conveyance One-Way Gear Coupling for Smooth Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in smoothly removing sheet jams due to the coupling of the fixing roller and motor during the jam removal process, which complicates the driving force transmission mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance device incorporating a one-way clutch with a transmission gear that moves between two positions, allowing for uncoupling during jam removal without adding complexity to the driving force transmission mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a driving force transmission release mechanism is provided in addition to a one-way clutch, then the coupling between the fixing roller and drive source can be released during jam removal, but the configuration of the driving force transmission means becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a one-way transmission mechanism during normal operation and simultaneously serves as a transmission release mechanism during jam removal. This eliminates the need for a separate driving force transmission release mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation during jam removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own reverse rotation capability to automatically disengage the transmission gears during jam removal. When the motor rotates in reverse, the input gear and output gear disengage automatically, releasing the coupling between the fixing roller and drive source without requiring external intervention or additional release mechanisms
2Device complexity
If the fixing roller and motor remain connected during jam removal, then the driving force transmission mechanism remains simple, but the load of the motor and drive train hinders smooth jam removal
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch mechanism extracts the harmful load transmission from the system during jam removal. By allowing reverse rotation of the motor to disengage the gears, the connection between the fixing roller and motor is temporarily extracted or removed, enabling smooth jam removal without the hindrance of motor and drive train load
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic disengaged state during jam removal. The one-way clutch enables the transmission path to dynamically adjust its connectivity based on rotation direction, automatically disconnecting when the motor rotates in reverse to facilitate jam removal
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission gear is movable in an axial direction between a first position separated from an output gear and a second position coupled to the output gear in a state where the transmission gear engages with an input gear. The input gear is configured to: by rotating in a first direction by receiving driving force from a drive source, move the transmission gear from the first position to the second position and transmit driving force in the first direction to the output gear via the transmission gear; and by rotating in a second direction, move the transmission gear from the second position to the first position and cancel transmission of driving force to the output gear. The transmission gear is configured to, when the output gear rotates in a state where the transmission gear is located at the first position, not be coupled to the output gear.