Fixing Unit Pressure Release via Cam Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently removing jammed recording media from the fixation nip area due to residual pressure, which complicates the mounting and dismounting of the fixation unit, increasing operational complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a mechanism where the pressure applied to the fixation nip is released by opening either the front or rear door, utilizing a cam and mechanical linkage system to synchronize the pressure removal with door operation, allowing for easy removal of jams and improved operational efficiency without the need for additional power sources or sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure applying mechanism is designed to release pressure by opening doors, then jammed recording medium can be removed easily, but the number of contact points between the pressure applying mechanism and door members increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple door members (first openable member for cartridge replacement and second openable member for jam removal) into a single pressure release mechanism. Both doors are mechanically linked to the pressure applying mechanism through a common contact point structure, allowing either door opening to release pressure without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure applying mechanism is designed with a universal interface that can be actuated by different door members. The mechanism serves multiple functions: it applies pressure during normal operation, releases pressure when either the first door opens (for cartridge replacement), or when the second door opens (for jam removal). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If multiple contact points are provided for pressure release, then jam removal is facilitated, but mounting and dismounting of fixation unit becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of pressure release from multiple distributed contact points and concentrates it into a single primary contact point on the pressure applying mechanism. This contact point is selectively engaged by different door members through mechanical linkages, allowing the system to maintain multiple access paths for pressure release while keeping the fixation unit structure simple for easy installation.
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
This solution enables easy removal of jammed media and facilitates the mounting or dismounting of the fixation unit, enhancing operational efficiency while minimizing costs by eliminating the need for power sources or sensors, thus improving usability and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an operation force by an operator when at least one of said first openable member and said second openable member is opened by the operator applies to said pressure applying mechanism to release the pressure applied to the fixing nip
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising a main assembly (1); a first openable member (27F) openably and closably provided in said main assembly (1); a fixing unit (8) for fixing the toner image formed on a recording material (S), said fixing unit (8) including a pressure applying mechanism (18, 19) for applying a pressure to a fixing nip of said fixing unit (8), wherein an operation force by an operator when at least one of said first openable member (27F) and said second openable member (27R) is opened by the operator applies to said pressure applying mechanism (18, 19) to release the pressure applied to the fixing nip; and said fixing unit (8) includes a fixing film, a pressing roller cooperative with said fixing film (16) to form said nip therebetween for fixing the toner image, and a cam (20) which is capable of applying a force to said pressure applying mechanism to move said fixing film in a direction away from said pressing roller when said at least one of said first openable member (27F) and said second openable member (27R) is opened, wherein the force is applied to said cam when one or both of said first openable member and said second openable member are opened.