Fixing Apparatus Nip Width via Segmented Pressurizing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing apparatuses in image forming systems have a limited nip width in the transport direction of a recording medium, which can lead to insufficient pressing force and higher fixing temperatures, affecting the efficiency and quality of the image fixation process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a rotatable heating member, a transport member, a holding member featuring a first pressurizing portion and a second pressurizing portion. The second pressurizing portion is attached to a notch portion of the holding member, which includes a curved surface along the peripheral surface of the heating member, allowing for a wider nip width and a weaker pressing force compared to the first pressurizing portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If two block-shaped pressurizing members are arranged separately on the heating member, then the structure is simple, but the nip width in the transport direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing member is divided into multiple independent pressing sections (first pressing section, second pressing section, third pressing section) along the transport direction. Each section can independently press the transport member against the heating member, effectively increasing the total nip width while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing sections are arranged not only in the width direction but also extended along the transport direction, utilizing the transport direction dimension to increase the effective nip width. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the pressurizing member to achieve greater pressing coverage without increasing complexity in a single direction.
2Force
If a single pressurizing member is used, then the structure is simple, but the pressing force distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing member is segmented into multiple independent pressing sections, each capable of applying pressing force independently. This segmentation allows for optimized force distribution across different zones, ensuring sufficient pressing force is applied throughout the entire nip width while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pressing sections are designed with potentially different pressing forces to match local requirements. The first, second, and third pressing sections can apply different magnitudes of force depending on the specific needs of different regions of the transport member, optimizing the overall pressing effect.
3Temperature
If the nip width is increased, then the fixing temperature can be reduced, but the pressing force may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pressurizing member into multiple pressing sections, the total pressing force is distributed across several independent sections. This allows the nip width to be increased while maintaining sufficient pressing force, as each section contributes to the overall pressing effect without requiring excessive force from a single source.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pressing sections are combined along the transport direction to achieve both increased nip width and sufficient pressing force. The cumulative effect of multiple sections working together allows the system to benefit from both wider nip (enabling lower temperature) and adequate pressing force.
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
The solution effectively widens the nip width in the transport direction of the recording medium, allowing for a lower fixing temperature and maintaining a sufficient pressing force, thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of the image fixation process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member that is rotatable... a transport member that transports a recording medium nipped between the heating member and the transport member
Implementation Method 2
a holding member that includes a first pressurizing portion which presses the transport member against the heating member... a second pressurizing portion that is attached to the notch portion and that presses the transport member against the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus includes a heating member that is rotatable, a transport member that transports a recording medium nipped between the heating member and the transport member, a holding member that includes a first pressurizing portion which presses the transport member against the heating member, a notch portion that is provided on an upstream side of the first pressurizing portion of the holding member in a transport direction, that is retracted from the first pressurizing portion to an opposite side of the heating member, and that includes a curved surface having a shape along a peripheral surface of the heating member, and a second pressurizing portion that is attached to the notch portion and that presses the transport member against the heating member with a pressing force weaker than a pressing force of the first pressurizing portion.