Swing Gear Guide Hole Structure for Reliable Drive Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive transmission devices for image forming apparatuses, such as those using swing gears, face issues with lubricant interference causing gear members to adhere, preventing switching between connected and disconnected states, and increasing wear and noise due to the design of the guide hole and shaft interaction.
Innovation Solution
The drive transmission device incorporates a swing gear with a guide hole having specific contact and non-contact portions along its axial direction, allowing the shaft to move between positions, preventing lubricant adhesion and enabling smooth switching between connected and disconnected states, thereby reducing wear and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricant is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the guide hole and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft to reduce wear and noise, then wear and noise are reduced, but the lubricant causes adsorption between the guide hole and shaft, preventing the gear member from switching positions
Solution Approach 1:
The guide hole is divided into multiple sections along its length: a first guide hole portion with a first diameter, a second guide hole portion with a second diameter, and a third guide hole portion with a third diameter. The shaft is similarly segmented with a first shaft portion, second shaft portion, and third shaft portion, where the second shaft portion has a smaller diameter than the first and third shaft portions. This segmentation allows different sections to have different functional characteristics - some sections contact for positioning while others prevent lubricant accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the guide hole and shaft are given different diameters to create localized functional zones. The narrower second guide hole portion and second shaft portion create a specific contact region that prevents lubricant from forming a continuous film along the entire interface, thereby reducing adsorption while maintaining necessary friction for positioning in other sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gear member is designed to rock between connected and disconnected positions for selective drive transmission, then drive flexibility is improved, but the rocking motion causes lubricant to be pressed against the contact surfaces, increasing adsorption
Solution Approach 1:
The guide hole and shaft are segmented into multiple diameter sections to create zones that accommodate the rocking motion while preventing lubricant adhesion. The varying diameters ensure that during rocking, lubricant is not continuously pressed against a uniform contact surface, reducing the adsorption effect while maintaining the necessary mechanical connection for flexible drive transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by introducing a dimensional variation in the radial direction (diameter changes) rather than relying solely on axial length. This radial dimensioning creates clearance zones and contact zones that work together during the rocking motion, allowing the gear member to switch positions while minimizing lubricant adsorption at the interface.
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 enhances the operational stability and quietness of the drive transmission by preventing lubricant-induced adhesion, allowing the swing gear to effectively switch between driving and blocking states, thus improving user experience and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided inside the holder member and configured to urge an inner circumferential surface of the guide hole and an outer circumferential surface of the shaft in a state where clearance between the guide hole and the shaft is small
Data Source
AI summary
A drive transmission device disclosed. The device has an input gear configured to rotate by a driving force from a driving source; a swing gear configured to rotate by a driving force from the input gear, the swing gear being located at a first position when the input gear is rotated in a forward direction and located at a second position that is different from the first position when the input gear is rotated in a backward direction that is a direction opposite to the forward direction; an output gear configured to separate from the swing gear when the swing gear is located at the first position, and that is in contact with the swing gear to be rotated by rotation of the swing gear when the swing gear is located at the second position; and a shaft portion configured to support the swing gear such that the swing gear is movable between the first position and the second position. The swing gear has a guide hole into which the shaft portion is inserted.