Fixing Device Release Mechanism for Uniform Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with pressure balance and deformation during the release mechanism, leading to image unevenness and paper wrinkling due to uneven pressure distribution and bending stress on the lever members.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design that includes a heating rotating body, a pressurizing rotating body, support plates, and a release member with an operation lever that moves the support plates to release the pressurizing belt from the heating roller, maintaining a uniform pressure balance by reducing bending deformation of the lever member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional release mechanism is used, then the pressurizing belt can be released from the heating roller, but uneven pressure distribution and bending stress occur leading to image unevenness and paper wrinkling
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support plates (first support plate and second support plate) that independently support the pressurizing belt at different positions. This segmentation allows each support plate to be positioned optimally to maintain pressure uniformity during the release mechanism operation, preventing bending stress and image unevenness while enabling smooth release of the pressurizing belt from the heating roller.
2Reliability
If the pressurizing belt is firmly pressed against the heating roller, then fixing effectiveness is improved, but pressure balance and deformation issues arise during release
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates are designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pressurizing belt's position and pressure distribution. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain firm pressing against the heating roller for effective fixing, while simultaneously allowing smooth pressure release during the release mechanism operation, preventing deformation and maintaining pressure balance throughout the cycle.
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
The solution ensures a consistent pressure balance between the heating and pressurizing rollers, preventing image unevenness and paper wrinkling, and maintaining uniform pressure on the recording sheet during the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating rotating body that heats a developer image formed on a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a pressurizing rotating body that pressurizes the recording medium by nipping the recording medium between the pressurizing rotating body and the heating rotating body
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating rotating body that heats a developer image formed on a recording medium, a pressurizing rotating body that pressurizes the recording medium by nipping the recording medium between the pressurizing rotating body and the heating rotating body, a pair of support plates that rotatably support both ends of one of the pressurizing rotating body and the heating rotating body, and a release member including an attachment portion attached to the support plates to hold the support plates from both sides in a thickness direction, and an operating portion. When an external force in a predetermined direction acts on the operating portion, the release member releases pressing of the one of the pressurizing rotating body and the heating rotating body against the other by moving the support plates in a direction away from the other.