Fixing Roller Separating Member Gap Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing sheets from winding around the fixing roller while maintaining the integrity of the roller surface, as the distance between the separating member and the roller can be inconsistent due to misalignment, leading to potential damage and toner image defects.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a pivotably supported separating member and contact members that adjust to maintain a predetermined gap between the separating member and the fixing roller, ensuring consistent separation and preventing sheet winding, even with deviations in alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the distal end of the tabular member is always in contact with the fixing roller circumferential surface, then sheet separation performance is improved, but the fixing roller circumferential surface is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet separation performanceVSAvoidfixing roller surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces contact members as intermediary elements between the tabular member and the fixing roller. These contact members are positioned at both end positions of the tabular member and come into contact with the fixing roller circumferential surface, thereby preventing direct contact between the tabular member distal end and the roller surface while still maintaining effective sheet separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a gap is formed between the distal end of the tabular member and the fixing roller circumferential surface, then roller surface damage is prevented, but sheet separating performance is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing roller surface damageVSAvoidsheet separation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact members serve as mediators that bridge the gap between the tabular member and the fixing roller. By positioning contact members at both end positions of the tabular member, the system maintains a gap to prevent roller damage while the contact members themselves provide the necessary separation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the gap distance is too small, then sheet separation performance is improved, but paper powder accumulates in the gap portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet separation performanceVSAvoidpaper powder accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the separation function by introducing contact members at both end positions of the tabular member. This segmentation allows the main body of the tabular member to maintain an optimal gap distance that prevents paper powder accumulation, while the contact members at the ends provide the necessary separation action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the distal end of the tabular member is not held in parallel to the axial direction of the fixing roller, then alignment flexibility is improved, but the distance between the distal end and the circumferential surface cannot be kept uniform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment flexibilityVSAvoidgap uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the separating member dynamic by allowing it to pivot about a fulcrum. This dynamic capability enables the separating member to automatically adjust its position and maintain parallel alignment with the fixing roller axial direction, ensuring uniform gap distance despite variations in assembly alignment or operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable supporting mechanism provides a form of mechanical feedback that allows the separating member to self-adjust. When the gap distance becomes non-uniform, the pivotable mechanism enables the member to rotate and realign, creating a self-correcting system that maintains consistent spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8995893B2Fixing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A fixing device includes a supporting mechanism and contact members. The supporting mechanism pivotably supports a separating member. The contact members come into contact with the circumferential surface near both ends of the first roller and form a gap having a predetermined distance between the distal end of the tabular member and the circumferential surface of the first roller. The supporting mechanism includes first and second fulcrum members functioning as a fulcrum for pivoting of the separating member and first and second holes provided in the separating member. The first fulcrum member is inserted into the first hole and the second fulcrum member is inserted into the second hole. The first hole is a hole that allows the separating member to substantially shift only in a predetermined direction. The second hole is a hole that does not substantially restrict displacement of the separating member.