Fixing Device Spring Switching Mechanism for Wrinkle Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for image forming technologies face challenges in preventing wrinkles during the fixing process, especially when handling envelope-shaped recording media, due to inconsistent pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a pressing mechanism using multiple springs that can switch between different pressure states, allowing for adjustable pressure application through a switching mechanism, ensuring consistent pressure distribution and preventing wrinkles on various types of recording media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pressing mechanism is used for all recording media, then the device structure is simple, but wrinkle generation occurs on envelope-shaped media due to insufficient pressure adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is divided into multiple independent spring units (first spring unit and second spring unit) that can be selectively activated. Each spring unit can be independently pressed by the switching mechanism, allowing different pressing forces to be applied to different types of recording media (sheet-shaped vs. envelope-shaped), thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If high pressing force is applied to prevent wrinkles, then fixing quality improves, but sheet-shaped media may be damaged or wrinkled due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism incorporates a switching mechanism that dynamically adjusts the pressing force by selectively activating different spring units based on the type of recording media being processed. For envelope-shaped media, both spring units are activated to provide high pressing force for wrinkle prevention, while for sheet-shaped media, only one spring unit is activated to provide moderate pressing force, thus preventing damage and unwanted wrinkling.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple spring combinations are used for different pressing states, then pressure distribution is optimized for different media, but the switching mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism uses different spring units with different pressing characteristics (first spring unit and second spring unit) positioned at different locations. The switching mechanism selectively activates specific spring units based on the media type, providing locally optimized pressing force distribution. This allows precise control over pressure distribution without requiring a highly complex switching mechanism, as each spring unit is designed for specific pressing requirements.
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 device effectively prevents wrinkle generation on both sheet-shaped and envelope-shaped media by adjusting pressure states, ensuring stable and favorable fixing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heating rotating body (51) that is heated by a heater (52)
Implementation Method 2
a pressing mechanism (7) that presses the pressurizing rotating body (6) against the heating rotating body (5) and that uses a plurality of springs
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating rotating body that is heated by a heater and rotates, a pressurizing rotating body that is in contact with a surface portion of the heating rotating body and rotates, and that forms a fixing portion, a pressing mechanism that presses the pressurizing rotating body against the heating rotating body and that uses a plurality of springs disposed on both end portions of the pressurizing rotating body in a direction of the second rotation shaft, and a switching mechanism that switches between a first pressing state in which first combination of springs selected from among the plurality of springs are maintained and a second pressing state in which second combination of springs selected from among the plurality of springs except the first combination of the springs are maintained.