Fixing Belt Sliding Sheet Layout to Prevent Curling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing units in image forming apparatuses face issues with friction between the fixing belt and pressing member, leading to obstruction of belt rotation and potential disturbances or creases on recording materials, and the sliding sheet tends to curl up, affecting durability.
Innovation Solution
A fixing unit design that includes a sliding sheet fixed between a plate-like member and a pad, with the sliding sheet's width wider than the fixing nip portion and narrower than the plate-like member, and attached at multiple positions along the longitudinal direction to maintain uniform tension and prevent curling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the sliding sheet is arranged between the fixing belt and the pressing member to reduce friction, then friction is reduced and belt rotation is smooth, but the sliding sheet tends to curl up from the end portion side, obstructing rotation and deteriorating durability
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet is preliminarily fixed to the pressing member at multiple positions along its length, preventing curling before it can occur during operation. This preliminary fixation action eliminates the harmful curling effect that would otherwise obstruct belt rotation and reduce durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation of the sliding sheet is divided into multiple discrete fixing positions along its longitudinal direction, rather than a single fixation point. This segmentation of the fixation process ensures uniform tension distribution and prevents curling at any particular location along the sliding sheet.
2Reliability
If the sliding sheet including the end portion is wound around the pressing member and fixed thereto by a screw-engaged fixing member, then curling is suppressed, but it is difficult and troublesome to wind the sliding sheet appropriately around the pressing member
Solution Approach 1:
A fixing member with a specific structure serves as an intermediary tool to facilitate the winding and fixation process. The fixing member includes a body portion that receives the sliding sheet and a fastening portion that secures it to the pressing member, simplifying the overall installation process while ensuring proper winding and curling suppression.
3Ease of manufacture
If the end portion of the sliding sheet is not fixed and constitutes a free end, then installation is simple, but the sliding sheet curls up from the end portion side, obstructing rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet is preliminarily fixed at multiple positions along its length to prevent curling before operation begins. This preliminary fixation ensures that the sliding sheet maintains a flat configuration during belt rotation, preventing obstruction of rotation while remaining relatively simple to install.
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 design stabilizes the sliding sheet's behavior, preventing curling and maintaining consistent tension, thereby reducing friction and ensuring smooth belt rotation and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit configured to heat the belt
Implementation Method 2
a sliding sheet provided on the pad and configured to slide against the belt
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing unit includes an endless belt, a heating unit configured to heat the belt, a pressure rotary member configured to form a fixing nip portion that nips and conveys a recording material with the belt, a pad configured to press the belt toward the pressure rotary member, a sliding sheet provided on the pad and configured to slide against the belt, a plate-like member configured to fix the sliding sheet to the pad, the sliding sheet being fixed in a manner sandwiched between the plate-like member and the pad, and fixing tools configured to fix the plate-like member at a plurality of positions along a longitudinal direction of the plate-like member. A width of the sliding sheet is wider than a width of the fixing nip portion and narrower than a width of the plate-like member in the longitudinal direction.