Fixing Device Eccentricity Correction Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately correcting eccentricity in the width direction of endless belts, which can lead to inconsistent toner image fixation on paper, affecting print quality and device miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a first roller, a second roller, and an endless belt, supported by belt support members, includes an angle changing mechanism using a torsion spring and cam system to correct eccentricity, and tension is applied using compression springs, allowing for precise tension control and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional fixing device structure is used, then the device can perform basic toner fixation, but the eccentricity in the width direction of the endless belt cannot be accurately corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The first support is designed to be rotatable relative to the second support, allowing dynamic adjustment of the belt support angle. This enables the system to adapt to and correct belt eccentricity dynamically rather than requiring fixed, complex adjustment mechanisms for each eccentricity condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is divided into functionally independent modules: the first support for belt support and angle adjustment, the second support for stability, the urging part for tension application, and the heating/pressure structure for fixation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, achieving precise eccentricity correction without overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If tension is applied to the endless belt using conventional methods, then the belt remains taut, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The urging part with compression springs is integrated within the compact space between the first and second supports, nesting the tensioning mechanism within the existing structural envelope rather than adding external tensioning components. This maintains reliable belt tension while avoiding increase in overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression springs provide elastic urging force that automatically adjusts to maintain optimal belt tension. By using elastic deformation parameter changes in the springs rather than rigid mechanical linkages, the system achieves reliable tension with compact dimensions.
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 corrects eccentricity in the endless belt, ensuring consistent toner image fixation and achieving miniaturization of the fixing device, thereby improving print quality and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an angle changing mechanism using a torsion spring and cam system to correct eccentricity
Implementation Method 2
tension is applied using compression springs, allowing for precise tension control
Implementation Method 3
a heating structure that heats the endless belt
Implementation Method 4
a second roller that rotates while being pressed against an outer surface of the endless belt, the second roller sandwiching a medium carrying a toner image that is unfixed between the second roller and the endless belt, the second roller fixing the toner image to the medium in cooperation with the endless belt
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a plurality of belt support members including a first roller, an endless belt, a heating structure, a first support that has two bearings and an urging part and supports the first roller via the urging part and the two bearings, a second support that supports at least one another belt support member excluding the first roller, the second support rotatably supporting the first roller, an angle changing mechanism that changes an angle of the first support with respect to the second support to correct eccentricity in a width direction of the endless belt, and a second roller that rotates while being pressed against an outer surface of the endless belt, the second roller sandwiching a medium carrying an unfixed toner image between the second roller and the endless belt, the second roller fixing the toner image to the medium in cooperation with the endless belt.