Fixing Device Cover and Separation Member Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively fixing toner images onto mediums due to limitations in the design of fixing devices, particularly in efficiently separating sheets from the heating roller and managing jamming situations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed fixing device incorporates a movable cover with a recess, a separation member that synchronizes with the cover's movement, and a pressure mechanism that adjusts pressure based on the cover's position, allowing for efficient toner fixation and easy jam clearing by separating the sheet from the fixing member and reducing pressure when opening the cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the separation member remains in contact with the fixing member during cover opening, then sheet separation is maintained, but the separation member may be damaged or sheets may jam during cover opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet separation reliabilityVSAvoidseparation member damage and sheet jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separation member is designed to dynamically change its position based on cover state. During cover opening, the separation member moves to a retracted position away from the fixing member to avoid damage and sheet jamming. During cover closing, it returns to contact position to perform sheet separation, thus adapting its position to different operational phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The separation member performs preliminary retraction action before the cover fully opens, and returns to contact position before the cover closes. This preliminary positioning ensures that the separation member is in the correct position at the right time, preventing damage and jamming before they can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the cover is opened to clear jams, then sheet removal is enabled, but the separation member may be damaged by contact with the opening cover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejam clearing capabilityVSAvoidseparation member durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separation member is configured to move dynamically in response to cover opening. When the cover opens, the separation member automatically retracts from its contact position with the fixing member to a safe retracted position, avoiding contact with the opening cover and preventing damage while still allowing users to access and remove jammed sheets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the separation member is positioned to contact the fixing member, then sheet separation is effective, but the separation member cannot be safely retracted during cover opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet separation efficiencyVSAvoidseparation member exposure to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separation member transitions between two distinct positions: a contact position with the fixing member for effective sheet separation during normal operation, and a retracted position away from the fixing member during cover opening to avoid damage. This dynamic positioning ensures both separation efficiency and protection during different operational phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The separation member performs preliminary retraction before the cover opening process completes, and returns to contact position before the cover closes. This timing ensures that the separation member is protected during cover opening while maintaining sheet separation capability during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures reliable toner fixation and simplifies jam removal by allowing for visual recognition and easy handling of stuck sheets, preventing damage to the separation member and maintaining optimal pressure conditions during operation.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing member heats a toner on a medium while rotating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

The pressing member forms a pressing area between the fixing member and the pressing member while rotating and presses the toner on the medium passing through the pressing area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10338504B2Fixing device and image forming apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressing member, a cover, and a separation member. The cover is movable between a closing position at which a conveyance path is formed and an opening position at which the conveyance path is exposed. The cover includes a recess. The separation member is movable between a contact position at which the separation member comes in contact with a face of the fixing member and a withdrawing position at which the separation member is separated from the fixing member. The separation member separates a medium from the face of the fixing member in a state in which the separation member is arranged at the contact position. A tip end part of the separation member enters an interior of the recess of the cover in a state in which the separation member is arranged at the withdrawing position.