Fixing Device Variable Nip Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving consistent and high-quality image fixation due to variations in nip pressure, which can lead to defects and reduced fixing rates.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a dual-unit configuration, where a first unit includes a movable belt and a pressing member supported variably in attitude by a support, and a second unit with a moving member that contacts the belt, allowing for adjustable pressure application through cam mechanisms to maintain stable nip pressure across different printing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed pressing member is used to press the belt, then the structure is simple, but the nip pressure varies and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is made variable in its pressing position through a support structure that allows adjustment. The pressing member can be positioned at different locations along the belt width direction, enabling dynamic adaptation to different printing modes and media types, thereby maintaining consistent nip pressure across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing force and pressing position parameters are made adjustable. By changing the position of the pressing member along the belt width and adjusting the pressing force, the system can optimize nip pressure distribution for different printing scenarios, resolving the issue of pressure variation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single pressing position is used, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different printing modes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member support structure enables dynamic repositioning of the pressing member along the belt width direction. This allows the system to adapt to different printing modes (such as different media types, print qualities, and speeds) by adjusting the pressing position, thereby achieving versatility without requiring multiple fixed pressing members.
Solution Approach 2:
A single pressing member with adjustable positioning capability serves multiple functions across different printing modes. Instead of having separate pressing members for each printing mode, the universal adjustable pressing member can be repositioned to handle various printing requirements, reducing overall device complexity while improving adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform pressing force is applied across the belt, then the structure is simple, but pressure distribution is uneven and defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed to apply different pressing forces at different locations along the belt width direction. By adjusting the pressing position and force locally, the system can compensate for uneven pressure distribution, ensuring uniform image quality across the entire belt width without requiring a completely complex pressing mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a first unit including a first belt movable in a first direction; a first pressing member pressing the first belt; a first pressing member support supporting the first pressing member variably in attitude relative to the first pressing member support; a first rotating member in contact with the first belt and rotatable in a first rotation direction; and a first rotating member support that supports the first rotating member variably in position relative to the moving member; a second unit facing the first unit in a second direction and including a moving member movable in the first direction to come into contact with the first belt; and a third unit facing the second unit with the first unit in between in the second direction and supported by the second and third units movably in the second direction between the second unit and the third unit.