Fixing Device Drive Unit Core Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices with integrated electromagnetic-induction heating and toner fusing units face challenges in reliability and cost due to the need for replacing the entire device when only one component needs replacement, and the separation of these units can lead to damage from improper gear engagement and reduced cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a separable electromagnetic-induction heating unit and toner fusing unit, where the drive unit is integral with the heating unit, allowing for rotational adjustment of the core unit and preventing damage during attachment, and ensuring proper cooling for the drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electromagnetic-induction heating unit and toner fusing unit are combined as an integral unit, then the structure is simplified, but the entire fixing device must be replaced when only one component needs replacement, increasing replacement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into two separable units: the electromagnetic-induction heating unit (containing the coil and core) and the toner fusing unit (containing the heating member and pressure member). This segmentation allows independent replacement of each unit, reducing replacement costs while maintaining structural simplicity through their integrated operation during attachment.
2Ease of repair
If the electromagnetic-induction heating unit and toner fusing unit are configured separately, then replacement costs are reduced, but the drive unit and electromagnetic-induction heating unit may be damaged when the toner fusing unit is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is formed integrally with the electromagnetic-induction heating unit, creating a unified assembly where the drive mechanism is housed within the same unit as the heating components. This integration ensures that when the toner fusing unit is attached, the drive unit and electromagnetic-induction heating unit move together as one, eliminating relative motion that could cause gear damage while preserving the separability benefit for replacement.
3Ease of operation
If the electromagnetic-induction heating unit is disposed to be movable for alignment during attachment, then the axis can be made parallel, but the drive unit may hit connecting components causing gear damage
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the drive unit with the electromagnetic-induction heating unit, both components share the same movable body. When alignment motion is performed to make the axes parallel, the drive unit and electromagnetic-induction heating unit move together without relative displacement, preventing the drive unit from hitting connecting components and damaging gears, while still achieving proper alignment.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the fixing device uses belt-type fixing method with electromagnetic induction heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but the heating member may overheat in non-sheet-passing regions
Solution Approach 1:
The core of the electromagnetic-induction heating unit is configured to rotate about an axis extending across the width of the recording medium. This rotation dynamically adjusts the positioning of the core relative to the heating member, allowing control over where electromagnetic induction heating is applied. By rotating the core, the system can suppress heating in non-sheet-passing regions while maintaining efficient heating in sheet-passing regions, preventing overheating while preserving energy efficiency.
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 improves the reliability of the fixing device by preventing damage during unit separation and maintaining heat-generating capability, while reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring efficient cooling for the drive unit.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic-induction heating unit having a coil disposed along an outer surface of the heating member and configured to generate a magnetic flux for applying induction heating to the heating member
Implementation Method 2
a core unit disposed opposite the heating member with the coil interposed therebetween to provide for a magnetic path around the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium includes a toner fusing unit that is operable to fix the toner image on the recording medium and that includes a pressure member and a heating member in contact with the pressure member to form a fixing nip therebetween; an electromagnetic-induction heating unit having a coil disposed along an outer surface of the heating member and configured to generate a magnetic flux for applying induction heating to the heating member, and a core unit disposed opposite the heating member with the coil interposed therebetween to provide for a magnetic path around the coil, the core unit being configured to rotate about an axis extending across the width of the recording medium; and a drive unit formed integrally with the electromagnetic-induction heating unit and configured to rotate the core unit.