Fixing Device Separating Member Link Mechanism Clearance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with paper winding around the fixing roller, excessive wear due to constant contact, and unstable clearance leading to paper-passing failures, especially when switching between pressurized and reduced pressure states.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a separating member that includes a link member and a regulating portion, allowing the separating member to turn and separate from the fixing roller when pressure is reduced, maintaining a stable clearance and reducing wear by using a moving mechanism to adjust the position of the pressure roller relative to the fixing roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact member always contacts the fixing roller to maintain clearance, then the clearance is maintained, but the contact portion of the fixing roller experiences fierce wear
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is designed to dynamically adjust its position relative to the fixing roller. During paper passing, the contact member contacts the fixing roller to maintain clearance. During idle periods, the contact member separates from the fixing roller to prevent wear. This dynamic on-demand contact strategy resolves the contradiction between maintaining clearance reliability and extending fixing roller service life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing pressure is reduced for special papers like envelopes, then paper passing is enabled, but the clearance between the separation plate and fixing roller becomes unstable causing paper-passing-through failure
Solution Approach 1:
The separating member is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through the link member mechanism. When processing special papers requiring reduced pressure, the separating member automatically adjusts its position to maintain stable clearance between the separation plate and fixing roller. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable paper passage stability across different paper types and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the movable housing and the separating member. It transmits and regulates the positional adjustments of the separating member in response to pressure changes, ensuring that the clearance remains stable even when the fixing pressure is reduced for special papers. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
3Device complexity
If the separating member is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the clearance becomes unstable when switching between pressurized and reduced pressure states
Solution Approach 1:
The separating member transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable structure. The link member enables the separating member to automatically adjust its position in response to pressure state changes. This dynamic design, while slightly increasing structural complexity, ensures stable clearance maintenance during pressure switching, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
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 stable paper passage, reduces wear on the fixing roller, and maintains consistent clearance, preventing paper jams and extending the life of the fixing roller by controlling the pressure switch between pressurized and reduced states effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the separating member turns about the support shaft in a direction where the separating member approaches to the fixing member by its own weight of the separating member
Implementation Method 2
Use of an IH as a heat source may cause a fixing member to be driven even during waiting because of heat equalization for the fixing roller
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member that is heated, a pressure member, a fixed housing, a movable housing, a moving mechanism, a separating member, a regulating portion, and a link member. The link member is interposed between the movable housing and the separating member. In a pressurized state, the separating member turns about a support shaft in a direction where the separating member approaches to the fixing member by its own weight of the separating member. When a fixing pressure is switched from the pressurized state to a reduced pressure state, moving the movable housing in the direction where the movable housing separates from the fixed housing by the moving mechanism causes the separating member to turn about the support shaft via the link member in the direction where the separating member separates from the fixing member and causes the regulating portion to regulate turning of the separating member.