Fixing Device Separating Member Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in electrophotographic systems face issues with durability and proper discharge of recording materials due to wear of abutting members and changes in abutting pressure, leading to image defects and improper material discharge.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a rotating separating member that adjusts its position based on pressure changes between the fixing belt and pressure roller, maintaining a consistent gap and preventing contact with the fixing belt, ensuring proper discharge and extended durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the abutting member abuts against the separating member to guarantee a gap between the fixing roller and separating member, then the gap is maintained initially, but the abutting member deteriorates with continuous printing operation, causing image defects and inability to maintain gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the abutting member that was previously used to guarantee the gap between the fixing roller and separating member. Instead, the separating member is positioned to be separated from the fixing roller during sleeping mode without requiring an abutting member, thereby eliminating the wear and deterioration problems associated with the abutting member while maintaining the necessary gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating member is configured to rotate in the direction of separation from the fixing roller during sleeping mode, creating a dynamic positioning system. This rotational movement allows the separating member to maintain an optimal gap from the fixing roller surface without physical contact, preventing wear while ensuring proper spacing during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the abutting member is used to maintain gap, then gap is guaranteed, but the abutting member wears down with printing operation, making it difficult to guarantee gap for long period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the abutting member entirely, replacing it with a rotational positioning mechanism for the separating member. This removes the component subject to wear, ensuring long-term maintenance of the gap between the fixing roller and separating member without degradation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating member uses its own rotational movement during sleeping mode to maintain the gap from the fixing roller. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for external abutting members, providing durable, long-term gap maintenance through the separating member's intrinsic rotational capability.
3Reliability
If the separating member rotates in the direction of separation during reduced pressure state, then the separating member moves away from fixing belt, but the recording material discharged from fixing nip portion may be caught by separating member, preventing proper discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The separating member rotates in the direction of separation from the fixing roller during sleeping mode, creating a dynamic positioning system. This rotation ensures the separating member is positioned away from the discharge path of recording materials, allowing smooth discharge while maintaining proper separation positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the separating member in a spatial configuration where its rotational movement during sleeping mode moves it to a position that does not interfere with the discharge path of recording materials. By utilizing spatial dimensionality, the system achieves both proper separation positioning and unobstructed material discharge.
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 high durability of the fixing belt, prevents material jamming, and maintains an optimal gap between the fixing belt and separating member, enhancing image quality and operational longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a heating rotating member configured to be rotatable and to heat the unfixed toner image
Implementation Method 2
a pressure rotating member configured to be rotatable and to form a fixing nip portion by coming in contact with the heating rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device is disclosed that has a heating rotating member configured to be rotatable and to heat the unfixed toner image; a pressing rotating member configured to be rotatable and to form a fixing nip portion by coming in contact with the heating rotating member; and a separating member configured to separate the recording material having passed through the fixing nip portion from the heating rotating member, the separating member being provided downstream of the fixing nip portion in a conveying direction of the recording material to be opposed to the heating rotating member with a gap in a non-contact state, wherein the pressing rotating member comes in contact with the heating rotating member to form the fixing nip portion that nips and conveys the recording material with a first pressure or a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure, and wherein the separating member moves more downstream in the conveying direction when the pressure of the fixing nip portion is the second pressure than when the pressure of the fixing nip portion is the first pressure.