Swinging Gear Drive Unit for Monochrome and Color Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses have complex structures and increased costs due to unnecessary switching mechanisms for switching between black monochromatic and multicolor image forming, which complicate the driving of image forming units.
Innovation Solution
A simplified drive unit system using a motor, main gear, swinging gear, and gear trains to switch between monochromatic and multicolor image forming by reversing the motor's rotational direction, allowing the same drive unit to operate multiple image forming units with different developers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switching mechanisms (solenoid or electromagnetic clutch) are provided for switching between black monochromatic image forming and multi-color image forming, then the image forming apparatus can switch between modes, but the structure of the image forming apparatus becomes complicated and the apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary switching mechanisms (solenoid or electromagnetic clutch) from the system. By eliminating these separate switching components, the patent achieves mode switching through the natural rotational direction reversal of the single motor, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability between monochromatic and multicolor image forming modes
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the developing units in clockwise rotation for black monochromatic image forming and in counter-clockwise rotation for multicolor image forming. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If switching mechanisms (solenoid or electromagnetic clutch) are provided for switching between black monochromatic image forming and multi-color image forming, then the image forming apparatus can switch between modes, but the apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the expensive switching mechanisms (solenoid or electromagnetic clutch) from the system. By eliminating these separate switching components, the patent achieves mode switching through the natural rotational direction reversal of the single motor, thereby reducing apparatus cost while maintaining adaptability between monochromatic and multicolor image forming modes
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the developing units in clockwise rotation for black monochromatic image forming and in counter-clockwise rotation for multicolor image forming. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and apparatus cost
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
Enables efficient switching between monochromatic and multicolor image forming with a simplified structure, reducing costs and improving maintenance by sharing the first-color image forming unit for black monochromatic images and using separate units for multicolor images without additional gear trains, ensuring stable image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a motor generating the rotational drive force
Implementation Method 2
The swinging gear is arranged so as to mesh with the main gear and constructed to be swingable between a first position and a second position by the rotational drive force transmitted to the main gear
Implementation Method 3
The first gear train is constructed so as to transmit the rotational drive force of the main gear to the first drive force input part by meshing with the swinging gear when the swinging gear is swung to the first position
Implementation Method 4
The second gear train is constructed so as to transmit the rotational drive force of the main gear to the second and third drive force input parts by meshing with the swinging gear when the swinging gear is swung to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A swinging gear is constructed to be swingable in accordance with the rotational direction of a main gear. A first gear train is arranged to drive a black developing unit by meshing with the swinging gear when the main gear is rotated in a first direction. A second gear train is arranged to drive developing units for colors such as yellow by meshing with the swinging gear when the main gear is rotated in a second direction reverse to the first direction.