Fixing Device Movable Member Adjusts Roller Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively fixing developer images onto various types of recording media, such as regular paper and envelopes, due to differences in thickness and type, which requires adaptable fixing conditions that current technologies struggle to accommodate.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a fixing device with a movable mechanism involving a first and second rotator, a movable member, an urging member, and a cam mechanism, allowing for adjustable pressure between the rotators to accommodate different paper types by changing the distance and force of contact, ensuring optimal fixing conditions through a change mechanism driven by a motor and cam members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pressure fixing device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different paper types and thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device employs a movable member that can change position between a first position (when the cam member is in the first rotational position) and a second position (when the cam member is in the second rotational position). This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the fixing rollers to apply different pressures for different paper types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member rotational position controls the distance between the movable member and the movable roller, thereby changing the pressure parameter applied during fixing. By rotating the cam member to different positions, the system adjusts physical parameters (distance and pressure) to suit different recording media, achieving versatility without overly complex structure.
2Reliability
If the fixing pressure is increased for thick paper, then fixing quality improves, but the device cannot handle thin paper without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member dynamically adjusts its position based on the cam member rotation, enabling the system to provide high pressure for thick paper (improving reliability) and low pressure for thin paper (preventing damage). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fixing reliability and handling versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different local conditions (pressure levels) to different paper types through the cam member mechanism. The movable member creates localized pressure adjustment at the fixing point, allowing optimal pressure for each paper type to be applied independently, thus achieving both reliability and versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between rotators is fixed, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot optimize fixing for different media
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the first rotator and second rotator is made dynamic through the movable member mechanism. The movable member transitions between first and second positions, thereby adjusting the rotator distance according to the cam member rotation. This provides adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
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 solution enables precise and efficient fixing of developer images onto diverse paper types by dynamically adjusting the pressure and contact between the fixing roller and belt, ensuring reliable image transfer regardless of paper thickness or type, enhancing the versatility and reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member, a first end portion side of which is mounted to the movable member, the urging member urging the movable member to move the movable member in the direction in which the first rotator and the second rotator are moved closer to each other
Implementation Method 2
a cam member that moves the movable member in the direction in which the first rotator and the second rotator are moved away from each other against the urging by the urging member, a shaft member to which the cam member is mounted
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes: an image forming portion that forms an image on a medium; a fixing device removably mounted to an apparatus body to fix the image to the medium, the fixing device including a first rotator that contacts the medium, a second rotator that contacts the first rotator, a movable member movable in first and second directions in which the first and second rotators are moved closer to and away from each other, respectively, an urging member, a first end of which is mounted to the movable member and which urges the movable member in the first direction, and a first support portion that supports a second end of the urging member; a cam member that moves the movable member in the second direction; a shaft member to which the cam member is mounted; and a second support portion that supports the shaft member and the first support portion.