Fixing Roller Gear Arrangement Reduces Bearing Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices for image forming apparatuses exert a high load on bearings due to the resultant pressing forces from the heating and backup members, which can lead to increased wear and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A configuration that includes a fixing roller, a pressure member, a heating device, and a pair of bearings, where the pressure member and heating device apply pressing forces to the fixing roller in a manner that counteracts the resultant force, reducing the load on the bearings through a driven gear system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the fixing roller is pressed by both the heating member and the backup member, then the fixing pressure is sufficient for effective image fixation, but the resultant pressing force increases the load on the bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism that applies an upward force to offset the downward resultant pressing force from the heating member and backup member. This counterbalancing force reduces the net load on the bearings, allowing sufficient fixing pressure to be maintained while preventing excessive bearing wear and failure.
2Reliability
If the pressing forces from heating member and backup member are increased to ensure stable fixation, then the fixing reliability improves, but the wear on bearings accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a counterweight that offsets the resultant pressing force, the patent enables the system to maintain high fixing stability through appropriate pressing forces while preventing these forces from accumulating harmful loads on the bearings, thereby extending bearing service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful resultant pressing force into a beneficial counterbalancing mechanism. The same forces that provide fixing pressure are counteracted by the counterweight, transforming what would be harmful axial loads on the bearings into a balanced force system that maintains fixation without excessive wear.
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 effectively reduces the load on the bearings, enhances the stability and durability of the fixing roller, and maintains a stable nip pressure for efficient image fixation.
Implementation Method 1
The heating device contacts another portion of the fixing roller. The heating device is configured to heat the fixing roller.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure member contacts a portion of the fixing roller and configured to nip the recording medium in cooperation with the fixing roller.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing roller, a pressure member, a heating device, a first pressing member, a second pressing member, and a pair of bearings. The pressure member is configured to nip a recording medium in cooperation with the fixing roller. The heating device is disposed opposite to the pressure member relative to the fixing roller. The first pressing member is configured to press the pressure member toward the fixing roller with a first pressing force. The second pressing member is configured to press the heating device toward the fixing roller with a second pressing force. The fixing roller includes a driven gear to be driven by a drive gear that is configured to apply a third pressing force to the driven gear. The third pressing force includes a component opposite in direction to a resultant force of the first pressing force and the second pressing force.