Fixing Device with Open/Close Access for Jammed Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with transport errors and curl correction in fixing devices, where the removal of recording sheets causing errors is hindered by the integrated structure of the fixing and decurling units, making it difficult to access and remove jammed sheets.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with an integrated decurling unit and a removal assistance unit, featuring an open/close mechanism that separates the removal assistance unit from the fixing unit and decurling units, allowing for easier access and removal of recording sheets by opening the device body, thus addressing transport errors and curl correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fixing device has an integrated structure of fixing unit and decurling unit, then the device structure is compact and space-efficient, but the removal of recording sheets causing transport errors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The open/close unit divides the integrated fixing device into separable sections. When opened, it separates the removal assistance unit from the fixing unit and one decurling unit from the other, creating access pathways that allow easy removal of recording sheets causing transport errors while maintaining the compact integrated structure during normal operation
2Device complexity
If the removal assistance unit is integrated with the fixing unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the accessibility to jammed recording sheets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The open/close unit transforms the static integrated structure into a dynamic configuration. By opening the open/close unit, the removal assistance unit is separated from the fixing unit, dynamically changing the device structure to provide easy access to jammed recording sheets without requiring complete disassembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a device body, a fixing unit, a pair of decurling units, and an open/close unit. The fixing unit is disposed on the device body to perform a fixing operation on a recording medium, and includes a removal assistance unit to assist removal of the recording medium. The pair of decurling units are disposed on the device body to correct a curl of the recording medium by holding the recording medium therebetween. The open/close unit is openably and closeably disposed on the device body to separate, when opened, the removal assistance unit from the fixing unit and one of the decurling units from the other decurling unit.