Fixing Device Noncircular Base Body Rotation Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices face issues with increased nip width and sheet creases due to deteriorated rubber layers on the pressurizing roller, leading to sheet tilting, which affects the accuracy and quality of image fixation in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a stopper section with a noncircular base body and a rotation regulating section to maintain the height position and limit the movement of the pressing unit, preventing creases and tilting by adjusting to the thickness changes of the pressurizing roller's coating layer, and facilitating easy replacement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rubber layer of the pressurizing roller is used without replacement mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to aging causing nip width increase and sheet tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring the thickness of the rubber layer on the pressurizing roller. When the thickness decreases due to aging, the system detects this parameter change and triggers roller replacement, thereby maintaining fixation precision without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing unit is designed to be self-identifying through its rotation detection mechanism. The system automatically detects when the pressurizing roller needs replacement by monitoring rotational parameters and rubber layer thickness, eliminating the need for manual inspection and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If the pressing unit is made replaceable, then reliability is improved by preventing sheet creases, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The base body section is designed with an asymmetric noncircular cross-section (hexagonal shape) that provides stable positioning when rotated to a specific orientation. The rotation regulating section engages with this asymmetric shape to maintain the pressing unit in the correct rotational position, ensuring reliable image fixation without complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation regulating section is pre-configured to engage with the noncircular base body section, automatically establishing the correct rotational position of the pressing unit before operation begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures reliability while avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rotation regulating section is added to control pressing unit orientation, then manufacturing precision is improved by preventing sheet tilting, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base body section features a noncircular cross-section (hexagonal shape) that inherently provides stable positioning at specific rotational orientations. The rotation regulating section simply needs to engage with this asymmetric shape to prevent unwanted rotation, achieving sheet positioning precision without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing unit with its noncircular base body and rotation regulating section is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Rather than investing in complex permanent rotation control mechanisms, the system uses simple geometric constraints that are built into the pressing unit itself, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device according to an embodiment includes a first rotating body, a pressing unit, an urging member, a base body section, a screw shaft section, and a rotation regulating section. The pressing unit includes a belt, a second rotating body, and a supporting frame. The supporting frame supports the second rotating body. The urging member urges the pressing unit in a direction in which the second rotating body approaches the first rotating body. The base body section is rotatable around an axis. The shape of a cross section of the base body section orthogonal to an axial direction is a noncircular shape. The screw shaft section projects from the base body section and regulates a movement of the pressing unit in a direction in which the pressing unit approaches the first rotating body. The rotation regulating section comes into contact with the outer surface of the base body section to regulate the rotation of the base body section.