Fixing Roller Pressure Control for High-Speed Component Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in extending the lifespan of components, particularly due to variations in pressing force during different rotation speeds of the pressure roller, which can lead to excessive force and component wear.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates an adjustment mechanism and control section that dynamically adjust the pressing force of the pressure roller based on its rotation speed, ensuring appropriate forces are applied at both first and second speeds, thereby minimizing excessive force and reducing component wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressure roller rotates at high speed, then the productivity is improved, but the pressing force becomes excessive causing component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pressing force adjustable rather than fixed. The adjustment mechanism allows the pressing force to be dynamically changed based on the rotation speed of the pressure roller. When the pressure roller rotates at high speed, the control section reduces the pressing force through the adjustment mechanism, preventing excessive force from causing component wear while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the control section monitors the rotation speed of the pressure roller and automatically adjusts the pressing force accordingly. The control section receives information about the rotation speed and modifies the pressing force through the adjustment mechanism to match the operating conditions, ensuring optimal performance and preventing damage at high speeds
2Manufacturing precision
If the pressing force is increased to ensure proper fixing, then the fixing quality is improved, but the component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pressing force dynamic and adjustable rather than constant. The adjustment mechanism allows the pressing force to be optimized for each operating condition. At lower rotation speeds, higher pressing force ensures proper fixing quality, while at high speeds the pressing force is reduced to prevent component wear, thus maintaining both fixing quality and component lifespan across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressing force parameter based on the rotation speed parameter. The control section adjusts the pressing force magnitude according to the rotation speed of the pressure roller. This parameter change ensures that adequate pressing force is applied for proper fixing at low speeds, while excessive force is avoided at high speeds, preventing component wear while maintaining fixing quality
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a fixing device capable of extending a lifespan of a component is provided. A fixing device of an embodiment includes a cylindrical body, a pressure roller, an adjustment mechanism, and a control section. The pressure roller can come into contact with the cylindrical body to form a nip. The adjustment mechanism can adjust a pressing force of the pressure roller against the cylindrical body. The control section controls the adjustment mechanism so that a first pressing force is realized as the pressing force when the pressure roller rotates at a first speed. The control section controls the adjustment mechanism so that a second pressing force smaller than the first pressing force is realized as the pressing force when the pressure roller rotates at a second speed greater than the first speed.