Fixing Device Separating Unit with Reciprocating Claw
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Solution Overview
Problem
The constant contact between the separation claw and the fixing roller in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses leads to abrasion of the fixing roller due to the viscous nature of melted toner, which causes sheets to wind around the roller.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a separating unit comprising a sliding member, a claw member, and a turning mechanism that reciprocates along the rotation direction of the fixing member, allowing the claw to contact the roller only when necessary to prevent sheet winding, thereby reducing abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the separation claw is constantly in contact with the fixing roller, then sheets can be prevented from winding around the roller, but the fixing roller becomes liable to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The separation claw is actuated by a solenoid to contact the fixing roller periodically only when needed for sheet separation, rather than maintaining constant contact. This periodic engagement prevents sheet winding while minimizing abrasion of the fixing roller surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation claw is designed to be movable between contact and non-contact positions relative to the fixing roller. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between preventing sheet winding and reducing roller wear based on operational requirements.
2Loss of substance
If the separation claw contacts the fixing roller only when needed, then roller abrasion is reduced, but sheet separation reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuation system provides controlled feedback-based engagement of the separation claw with the fixing roller, ensuring contact occurs at the appropriate moments for effective sheet separation while minimizing unnecessary contact and associated wear.
3Loss of substance
If a solenoid mechanism is added to control claw contact, then roller wear is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuation system replaces complex mechanical linkage mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system, simplifying the overall structure while achieving precise control over the separation claw's engagement with the fixing roller.
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 effectively prevents sheet winding on the fixing roller, reducing wear and tear on the roller, while allowing for appropriate positioning based on sheet type to optimize the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing member (31), and a pressure member (32)... The fixing member is heated by a heat source
Implementation Method 2
The sliding member is located in a state of contacting a surface of the fixing member... The turning mechanism reciprocates the sliding member and the claw member along a rotation direction of the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressure member, and a separating unit. The pressure member is rotatably located and in a pressure contact with the fixing member to form a fixing nip. The separating unit is configured to separate a sheet from the fixing member. The sheet is attached on the fixing member when passing through the fixing nip. The separating unit includes a sliding member, a claw member, and a turning mechanism. The sliding member is located in a state of contacting a surface of the fixing member. The claw member runs toward the fixing nip from the sliding member. The claw member has a distal end portion. The claw member is located in a state where the distal end portion contacts the surface of the fixing member. The turning mechanism reciprocates the sliding member and the claw member along a rotation direction of the fixing member.