Universal Joint Gear Drive for Compact Sheet Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording sheet transporting apparatuses are bulky in the axial direction due to the need for an intermediate shaft and two universal joints to transmit driving force from a motor to a pressurizing roller.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism using a first and second transmitting gear with a universal joint connecting the second roller to one end of the second transmitting gear, supported by a tiltable bearing member, eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft and reduces axial size by utilizing a single universal joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediate shaft and two universal joints are used to transmit driving force to the pressurizing roller, then the driving force can be transmitted even when the roller shifts radially, but the apparatus size becomes large in the axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate shaft from the driving force transmission mechanism, directly connecting the motor to the pressurizing roller through a single universal joint. This extraction of the unnecessary intermediate component reduces the axial size while maintaining the ability to transmit driving force during radial roller shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the intermediate shaft and two universal joints into a more compact configuration where the motor connects directly to the pressurizing roller through a single universal joint. This merging eliminates redundant components and reduces the overall axial dimension of the apparatus.
2Reliability
If a tiltable bearing member is used to support the second transmitting gear, then the gear can maintain engagement during tilting, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tiltable bearing member that allows the second transmitting gear to tilt dynamically while maintaining proper engagement with the first transmitting gear. This dynamic capability enables the gear system to accommodate radial shifts of the pressurizing roller while ensuring continuous reliable power transmission.
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 allows for efficient transmission of driving force while minimizing the apparatus's axial size, maintaining gear engagement even when the second transmitting gear is tilted, and suppressing wear and maintaining uniform nip pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a universal joint which connects an end portion of the second roller and one end portion of the second transmitting gear
Implementation Method 2
a bearing member which has a cylindrical surface and which rotatably supports the other end portion of the second transmitting gear by the cylindrical surface
Data Source
AI summary
A recording sheet transporting apparatus includes a first roller which transports a recording sheet, a first transmitting gear to which a drive force is transmitted from a drive source, a second roller which is movable in a radial direction with respect to the first roller, a second transmitting gear which is engaged with the first transmitting gear and which transmits the driving force to the second roller, a universal joint which connects an end portion of the second roller and one end portion of the second transmitting gear, a bearing member which has a cylindrical surface and rotatably supports the other end portion of the second transmitting gear by the cylindrical surface, and a supporting member which tiltably supports the bearing member in a movement direction of the second roller.