Fixing Device Support Structure for Compact Electrophotographic Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices with heat fixing systems in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are bulky due to the need for separate support structures for the pad unit and driven roller, which interfere with each other, hindering the downsizing of the device and apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device configuration that includes a pair of first supports to sandwich the fixing belt in the width direction, supporting the pad unit, and a pair of second supports to rotatably journal the driven roller, allowing for closer placement of the pad unit and driven roller without interference, thereby reducing the device's size and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pad unit and driven roller are supported by separate support structures, then the structural stability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structures for the pad unit and driven roller into a single integrated support structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate support members, reducing the overall device size while maintaining the structural stability required for proper operation of both components
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it supports both the pad unit and driven roller, provides spacing between them, and maintains their relative positions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and decreases device size
2Volume of moving object
If the pad unit and driven roller are placed closer together, then the device size is reduced, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support structures into a single integrated component, the patent enables closer placement of the pad unit and driven roller while maintaining structural stability through the unified design that properly positions both elements
3Temperature
If the fixing belt length is increased, then the heat capacity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the fixing belt length to achieve the minimum necessary heat capacity for effective toner fixation. By carefully selecting the belt length parameter, the system achieves adequate thermal performance while minimizing the energy required to heat and maintain the belt
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 configuration enables a more compact fixing device and image forming apparatus, with reduced heat capacity and energy savings, while maintaining effective toner image fixation on recording materials.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source that heats the fixing belt
Implementation Method 2
the recording material on which the toner image is formed is sandwiched between a heating rotating body and a pressure rotating body, thereby fixing the toner image
Implementation Method 3
The driven roller is disposed so as to be opposed to the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, so that the fixing belt is entrained around the driven roller and the pad unit
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: an endless fixing belt; a pad unit and a driven roller disposed opposite to an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt so as to entrain the fixing belt; a pair of first supports located so as to sandwich the fixing belt in a width direction of the fixing belt, the pair of first supports supporting the pad unit by fixing the pad unit; and a pair of second supports located so as to sandwich the pair of first supports in the width direction of the fixing belt, the pair of second supports rotatably journaling the driven roller.