JP2001227562A - Clutch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a clutch capable of miniaturizing itself and reducing cost of it. SOLUTION: A clutch is constituted of an input member having a gear 2, a plural number of planetary gears 3 to be engaged with the gear 2 of the input member, an engaging part 10 to hold the planetary gears 3 in an idling state free to autorotate in rotation in one direction and to hold rotation in an output state by locking it by being engaged with the planetary planetary gears 3 in rotation in the other direction, a holding member (planetary gear holding and output member) 4 to output torque from the input member in the output state as they are provided coaxially free to rotate with the input member and a disengaging member (disengaging part 6) provided free to rotate at a constant angle against the holding member 4, free to autoroate the planetary gears 3 by separating them from the engaging engaging part 10 by making contact with the planetary gears 3 in one place of its rotating motion range and to take a position not to make contact with the planetary gears 3 in the other place of the rotating motion range, and it is devised to put on and off torque between the input member and the output member by selecting the output state and the idling state in the rotating motion range against the holding member 4 of the disengaging member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a clutch for controlling the intermittent rotation of a rotational force in one direction and a clutch capable of stopping and controlling an output member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer uses a clutch capable of intermittent rotation.
As this type of clutch, an electromagnetic clutch type shown in FIG. 12 and a spring clutch type shown in FIG. 13 are known.

As a clutch capable of controlling the stop position of the output member, a clutch using a spring clutch and a flapper solenoid as shown in FIG. 14 and a clutch using an integral type as shown in FIG. It has been known.

[0004] In the electromagnetic type clutch shown in FIG.
At the time of FF, the input gear 101 idles around the sleeve 105. When the clutch is turned on, the plate 10 is provided so as to rotate integrally with the sleeve 105.
3, a plate 102 provided integrally with the input gear 101
Is attracted by the electromagnet 104, whereby the driving force of the input gear 101 is transmitted to the sleeve 105.

In the spring clutch shown in FIG. 13, a cylindrical member 107 which rotates integrally with the input gear 106 and a cylindrical member 108 which rotates integrally with the output sleeve 111 are provided. The spring 10 has one end fixed to the input gear 106.
A gap is formed between the inner diameter of the spring 109 and the cylindrical members 107 and 108 during idling, and no driving force is transmitted. However, when the clutch is turned on, the other end of the spring 109 is fixed. The input gear 106 is pulled by the member 112 being attracted by the electromagnet 110.
The inner diameter of the spring 109 is reduced by the rotation of the spring 109, and the driving force of the input gear 106 is transmitted to the output sleeve 111 by the spring 109 being pressed against the cylindrical members 107 and 108.

In the clutch shown in FIG. 14, a spring 114 having one end fixed to an input gear 113 is normally (when driving force is transmitted) pressed against the outer diameter of the output sleeve 120 so that the driving force can be transmitted. But the spring 11
When the rotation of the cam member 115 to which the other end of 4 is fixed is stopped, the spring 114 is loosened, and the driving force of the input gear 113 is not transmitted to the output sleeve 120. here,
The cam member 115 has protrusions 116 and 117
Is provided so that the projection 116 is engaged with the flapper 118 when the flapper 118 of the flapper solenoid 119 is sucked, and the projection 117 is engaged with the flapper 118 when the flapper solenoid 119 is not sucked.
The stop phase of the output sleeve 120 can be switched by switching the FF.

[0007] In the clutch shown in FIG.
The structure of the clutch shown in is provided integrally,
The flapper 125 operates by turning on / off the flapper solenoid 121, and the protrusions 123, 1
The stop phase of the output sleeve 126 can be selected by the engagement of 24 with the flapper 125. In FIG. 15, 127 is a spring.

[0008]

However, FIG.
The electromagnetic clutch type shown in FIG. 13 has a problem that the drivable torque is small. The spring clutch type shown in FIG. 13 has a large drivable torque, but the noise caused by the sliding between the spring and the output shaft at the time of idling. And the occurrence of vibration.

Also, the clutch capable of controlling the stop position of the output member shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 has the same problem that the spring clutch generates noise and vibration due to sliding. In addition, there is also a problem that the idle load during idling is large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a clutch capable of reducing the size and cost.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an input member having a gear, an output member rotatably provided coaxially with the input member, and meshing with a gear of the input member. A plurality of planetary gears, a planetary gear holding member rotatably holding the planetary gears and being rotatable at a fixed angle with respect to the output member and integrally rotatable with the output member; and rotating the planetary gears with the output member. A lock is configured with a lock portion that locks, and in one of the rotation operation ranges of the planetary gear holding member with respect to the output member, the rotation of the planetary gear is locked by the lock portion of the output member, whereby the input member of the input member is locked. In the output state in which torque is transmitted to the output member, and in the other of the rotational operation range, the planetary gear is rotatable, and the torque of the input member is reduced by the output unit. Characterized in that to perform the intermittent rotational force between the output member and the input member by selecting a idling state is not transmitted to.

Further, the present invention provides an input member having a gear,
A plurality of planetary gears meshing with the gears of the input member; holding the planetary gears in a spinning state in which the planetary gears can rotate in one direction, and engaging with the planetary gears in the other direction to lock the rotation; An engaging portion that is rotatably provided coaxially with the input member and outputs a rotational force from the input member in the output state; and a planetary gear holding and output member that outputs the rotational force from the input member in the output state. It is provided so as to be rotatable at a fixed angle with respect to the member, and in one of its rotation operation ranges, it comes into contact with the planetary gear and separates the planetary gear from the engagement portion to be able to rotate, and in the other of the rotation operation range The clutch comprises a disengagement member that does not come into contact with the planetary gear, and the output state and the idling within a rotation operation range of the disengagement member with respect to the planetary gear holding and output member. Characterized in that to perform the intermittent rotational force between the output member and the input member by selecting status.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the transmission of the rotational force from the input member to the output member is performed via the gear, and the transmission torque depends on the strength of the gear, so that a large transmission torque can be obtained. As a result, the required size of the drive transmission portion can be suppressed to be smaller than that of a conventional spring clutch or the like, and the size and cost of the clutch can be reduced. If each member is made of resin, since there is no metal sliding portion such as a spring clutch, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise and vibration at the sliding portion.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of each component of a clutch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation of the clutch.

The clutch according to the present embodiment is provided in a paper feed mechanism of an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, for example, and includes an input member 1 and the input member 1.
, A plurality of (three in the illustrated example) planetary gears 3 and a holding member 4 and an engagement releasing member 5 of the planetary gears 3 are coaxially assembled. Here, the gear 2 of the input member 1 meshes with the planetary gear 3 held by the holding member 4, and the disengagement member 5 has a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of disengagement portions 6 formed thereon. Are combined so that they can contact the planetary gear 3 from the opening 9 of the holding member 4. The holding member 4 is provided with a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of engagement portions 10.

When the gear 2 of the input member 1 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow (counterclockwise) as shown in FIG. 2A, each planetary gear 3 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow (clockwise). While revolving in the direction of engagement with the engagement portion 10 of the holding member 4. The rotation of each planetary gear 3 is locked by the engagement of these planetary gears 3 with the engaging portion 10, and the rotation of the gear 2 of the input member 1 is transmitted to the holding member 4, and the holding member 4 is shown in FIG. It is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise).

By the way, as shown in FIG. 2B, an operation portion 7 is provided integrally with the disengagement member 5, and the operation portion 7 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow a by some means. The engagement causes the disengagement portion 6 of the disengagement member 5 to rotate integrally in the same direction to rotate the planetary gear 3 as shown in the drawing.
And the engagement between the planetary gear 3 and the engaging portion 10 of the holding member 4 is released. As a result, the transmission of the rotation of the gear 2 of the input member 1 is separated, and the holding member 4 as the output member is stopped. Therefore, the driving output state (ON) and the idling state (OF) of the clutch are established by the locking and unlocking of the operation unit 7.
F) can be selected.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of each component of the clutch according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the operation of the clutch.

The clutch according to the present embodiment includes an input member 1, a gear 2 provided on the input member 1, a plurality of planetary gears 3, a holding member 4 for the planetary gear 3, and an output member (locking member) 11. It is configured to be assembled coaxially. Here, the gear 2 of the input member 1 meshes with the planetary gear 3 held by the holding member 4, and the output member 11 has a plurality of engaging portions 12 formed on the planetary gear 3 through the opening 9 of the holding member 4. The gears 3 are combined so as to be in contact with each other.

When the gear 2 of the input member 1 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow (counterclockwise) as shown in FIG. 4A, the planetary gear 3 rotates together with the holding member 4 while the output member 11 rotates. The planet gear 3 revolves in the direction of engagement with the engagement portion 12, and its rotation is locked by the engagement of the planetary gear 3 with the engagement portion 12. As a result, the rotation of the gear 2 of the input member 1 is transmitted to the output member 11, and the output member 11 is driven to rotate in the direction shown by the arrow (counterclockwise).

By the way, as shown in FIG. 4B, the holding member 4 is provided with an operating portion 13 integrally therewith. By doing so, the holding member 4 is separated from the engagement portion 12 of the output member 11 together with the planetary gear 3, and the engagement between the planetary gear 3 and the engagement portion 12 of the output member 11 is released. As a result, the transmission of the rotation of the gear 2 of the input member 1 is separated, and the output member 11 is stopped. Therefore, the drive output state of the clutch (O
N) and the idling state (OFF) can be selected.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the operation of the clutch according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of a holding member showing another embodiment of the clutch. In these figures, the same as those shown in FIGS. Elements have the same reference characters allotted, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the clutch according to the present embodiment, a flapper solenoid 15 is provided as a member for locking and releasing the operating portion 13 in the clutch according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. The stop and drive of the output member 11 are controlled by / OFF. Here, the stop position of the output member 11 can be controlled in the same phase by providing the operation unit 13 at one place.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the operating state of the output member 11 (ON) and the idling state (OFF) can be finely controlled by forming the operation section 13 in a rack 17 shape.

<Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the clutch according to the present embodiment.

The clutch according to the present embodiment is different from the clutch according to the second embodiment in that the holding member 4 of the planetary gear 3 that switches between the driving state (ON) and the idling state (OFF) from the input member. Electromagnetic attraction member 18 integrally provided coaxially with the clutch body to select between release and lock
Is adopted. Here, the holding member 4
Is provided with a member 20 which is rotatable integrally and which can be electromagnetically attracted. When the electromagnetic attraction member 18 is turned on, the member 20 is attracted to the attracting portion 19 as shown in FIG. The rotation of the member 4 is locked, the state becomes the same as that of FIG. 4B, and the output from the input member is not performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the electromagnetic attraction member 18 is turned off, the holding member 4 rotates integrally with the input member and outputs to the output member similarly to FIG. 4A. Becomes possible.

<Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a holding member of the clutch according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration and operation of the clutch.

The clutch according to the present embodiment is the same as the clutch according to the second embodiment except that a flapper solenoid 23 is provided coaxially and integrally. The output member 11 is configured to rotate integrally with the output shaft 25, and the holding member 4 of the planetary gear 3 is diagonally engaged with the locking portion 21,
As shown in FIG. 9A, the locking portion 22 is locked by the flapper 24 when the flapper 24 is in the suction state, and the locking portion 21 is locked when the flapper 24 is in the open state, as shown in FIG. It is locked as shown in FIG. Thus, by switching ON / OFF of the flapper solenoid 23, the phase of the output shaft 25 can be selected at 180 ° (half rotation). In FIG. 9, 1 is an input member, and 2 is a gear.

<Sixth Embodiment> Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
0 is a configuration diagram of the clutch according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the clutch. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the clutch according to the present embodiment, the engaging portions 21 and 22 provided integrally with the holding member 4 in the structure of the clutch according to the fifth embodiment are replaced with the member 26 which rotates integrally with the holding member 4. It is provided. The locking portions 27 and 28 provided on the member 26 are locked by the flapper 24, and the planetary gear 3 held by the holding member 4 and the output member 11.
11 (b), in which the engagement of the engaging portion 12 is released, the holding member 4 and the planetary gear 3 are further separated from the engaging portion 12 when the deformation returns. Let it. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11C, a large clearance can be formed between the planetary gear 3 and the engagement portion 12, and interference between the two can be prevented.

[0033]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the transmission of the rotational force from the input member to the output member is performed via the gear, and the transmitted torque depends on the strength of the gear. The transmission torque can be obtained, and as a result, the required size of the drive transmission portion can be suppressed smaller than that of a conventional spring clutch or the like, so that the clutch can be reduced in size and cost can be reduced. Is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of each component of a clutch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the clutch according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of each component of a clutch according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation of a clutch according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an operation of a clutch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a holding member showing another embodiment of the clutch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a clutch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a clutch holding member according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration and an operation of a clutch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a clutch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory view of a clutch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a half sectional view of a conventional clutch.

FIG. 13 is a half sectional view of a conventional clutch.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a conventional clutch.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a conventional clutch.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input member 2 Gear 3 Planetary gear 4 Holding member (planetary gear holding member) 5 Engagement release member 6 Engagement release part 10,12 Engagement part 11 Output member 15,23 Flapper solenoid (solenoid) 21,22 Engagement part 27,28 Locking part

Claims (10)

[Claims] An input member having a gear, an output member rotatably provided coaxially with the input member, a plurality of planetary gears meshing with the gears of the input member, and holding the planetary gear rotatably. A planetary gear holding member provided so as to be rotatable at a fixed angle with respect to the output member and integrally rotatable; and a lock portion for locking the planetary gear to rotate on the output member. An output state in which the rotational force of the input member is transmitted to the output member by rotation of the planetary gear being locked by the lock portion of the output member in one of the rotational operation ranges of the output member; In the other, the planetary gear is rotatable, and the rotation of the input member is not transmitted to the output member. And a rotational force between the output member and the output member. 2. An input member having a gear, a plurality of planetary gears meshing with the gears of the input member, and the planetary gear is held in a spinning state in which the planetary gear can rotate in one direction and rotates in another direction. An engagement portion that engages with the planetary gear to lock its rotation and keep it in an output state; and a planetary gear that is rotatably provided coaxially with the input member and outputs a rotational force from the input member in the output state. A holding and output member, and a rotatable fixed angle with respect to the planetary gear holding and output member. In one of the rotation operation ranges, the abutment and the planetary gear are brought into contact with each other to separate the planetary gear from the engaging portion. And a disengagement member that takes a position that does not come into contact with the planetary gear in the other side of the rotation operation range,
The rotational force between the input member and the output member is intermittently selected by selecting the output state and the idling state within a rotation operation range of the disengagement member with respect to the planetary gear holding and output member. A clutch characterized by the following. 3. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein the output state and the idling state are selected by a solenoid. 4. A planetary gear according to claim 1, wherein said first engaging portion allows said idle state to be selected when said solenoid is ON, and said second engaging portion allows said idle state to be selected when said solenoid is OFF. The clutch according to claim 3, wherein the clutch is provided on a gear holding member or a disengagement member, and the idling state at different positions can be selected by ON / OFF of the solenoid. 5. The clutch according to claim 3, wherein the solenoid is provided at the same center as the clutch body. 6. The clutch according to claim 3, wherein the clutch main body and the solenoid are configured as an integral unit. 7. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein an input to said input member is performed from a central shaft, and said output member is constituted by a gear member. 8. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein the input member is constituted by a gear member, and the output member is fitted to a center shaft. 9. The clutch according to claim 1, wherein said input member and said output member are constituted by gear members. 10. The clutch according to claim 2, further comprising means for increasing a separation amount between the planetary gear in the idling state and the engagement portion.