Fixing Belt Nip Structure to Stabilize Sliding Member Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely fixing a sliding member in the fixing nip portion, leading to potential damage and poor rotation due to displacement during the rotation of the fixing belt.
Innovation Solution
A seamless fixing belt with a sliding member adjacent to its inner side, a nip formation member with an uneven contact surface, and a support member to stabilize the sliding member, forming a fixing nip portion with a pressurizing member, enhancing frictional resistance and preventing displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a sliding member is placed in contact with the rotating fixing belt to reduce friction and wear, then the smooth rotation of the fixing belt is improved, but the sliding member may displace during rotation causing damage and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface of the nip formation member is designed with local uneven portions (protrusions and recesses) that create variable friction zones. These local structural variations allow the sliding member to be selectively engaged and restrained at specific points during rotation, preventing displacement while maintaining overall smooth rotation through the distributed contact interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sliding member is allowed to move freely to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, then the adaptability to temperature changes is improved, but the sliding member may displace and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The uneven contact surface design creates a dynamic restraint mechanism where the sliding member can shift position within the recesses to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, while the protrusions provide periodic engagement points that prevent excessive displacement. This dynamic interaction allows thermal adaptation without compromising reliability.
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 stabilizes the sliding member, preventing damage and ensuring smooth rotation of the fixing belt, thereby improving the fixing process and reducing mechanical failures.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing belt is seamless, is heated by a heating unit and is rotated along the conveyance direction of the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
The pressurizing member is in contact with the nip formation member at a predetermined pressure with the sliding member and the fixing belt interposed to form the fixing nip portion
Implementation Method 3
The inner circumferential surface of the rotating fixing belt is in contact with the sliding member while sliding thereon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fixing device (8) includes a fixing belt (81), a sliding member (85), a nip formation member (84) and a pressurizing member (82). The sliding member (85) is arranged adjacent to the inner side of the fixing belt (81) in a radial direction, and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating fixing belt (81) is in contact with the sliding member (85) while sliding thereon. The nip formation member (84) is arranged on the inner side of the fixing belt (81) in the radial direction with the sliding member (85) interposed between the nip formation member (84) and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt (81). The nip formation member (84) includes an uneven portion (841) formed in a contact surface with the sliding member (85).