Fixing Device Shutter Mechanism for Heated Belt Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with a belt fixing system, operators face safety hazards and risk image degradation when performing maintenance or jam processing, as they may inadvertently touch the heated fixing belt.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a shutter member that can be biased to close the sheet entrance port, preventing access to the heated fixing belt during maintenance or jam processing, and featuring a hook portion and engagement claw to maintain the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheet entrance port is left open for easy sheet insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates as operators may touch the heated fixing belt
Solution Approach 1:
A shutter member is introduced as an intermediary between the sheet entrance port and the heated fixing belt. The shutter can be opened to allow sheet insertion and then closed to prevent contact with the heated belt, thus mediating between the need for easy operation and safety protection
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet entrance port is segmented by the shutter member that can independently open and close. This allows the port to be open during sheet insertion and closed during maintenance or when no sheet is being processed, separating the operational states for safety
2Ease of operation
If the shutter member is made easily movable for operational flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the shutter may not remain securely closed
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member applies preliminary force to keep the shutter member in the closed position before any external force is applied. This preliminary action ensures the shutter remains securely closed during maintenance or when no sheet is being processed
Solution Approach 2:
The hook portion on the shutter member is combined with the engagement claw on the housing to create a mechanical interlocking system. This merging of features provides positive locking that maintains the shutter in the closed position while still allowing controlled opening when needed
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 operators from touching the heated fixing belt, thereby ensuring safety and preventing image degradation due to damage or dirt on the belt.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (35) that biases the shutter member (33) in a direction toward the second position
Implementation Method 2
the engagement claw (60) engages the portion to be engaged (41a) to restrict the movement of the shutter member (33) to the first position
Implementation Method 3
heats and pressurizes a sheet passing through a fixing nip portion to melt and fix an unfixed toner image on the sheet
Implementation Method 4
heats and pressurizes a sheet passing through a fixing nip portion to melt and fix an unfixed toner image on the sheet
Implementation Method 5
heats and pressurizes a sheet passing through a fixing nip portion to melt and fix an unfixed toner image on the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a rotating member to be heated; a pressure rotating member; a housing; a sheet entrance port; a shutter member; and a biasing member. The shutter member slides between a first position for opening the sheet entrance port provided in the housing and a second position for closing the sheet entrance port. The biasing member biases the shutter member in a direction toward the second position. The shutter member includes a hook portion in which an engagement claw is formed, and when the shutter member is arranged in the second position, the engagement claw is opposite a portion to be engaged in the housing. When an external force directed toward the inside of the housing is applied to the shutter member arranged in the second position, the engagement claw engages the portion to be engaged to restrict the movement of the shutter member to the first position.