Fixing Unit Pressure Release for Fast Detachment in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require significant time and effort to detach the fixing device due to the need to disengage a gear train mechanism, which complicates maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure releasing mechanism that reduces or releases the urging force applied to the fixing nip portion in conjunction with the opening of a door, allowing the fixing device to be detached without impairing workability, using an engagement mechanism that includes a first engagement portion and a pressure releasing mechanism with independent operation from the door's opening/closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gear train mechanism is used to release pressure in the nip portion upon door opening, then the fixing device can maintain proper pressure during operation, but the fixing device cannot be detached without disassembling the gear train, increasing detachment time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure control function from the door opening mechanism by introducing an independent urging member (spring) that can be detached separately from the gear train. This allows the fixing device to be segmented into detachable components, enabling easy removal without disassembling the entire pressure control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging member (spring) is extracted as a separate, detachable component from the gear train mechanism. This extraction allows the fixing device to be removed independently without requiring disassembly of the gear train, directly solving the detachment difficulty while maintaining pressure control functionality when installed.
2Reliability
If the urging member is continuously engaged with the pressure releasing mechanism, then pressure is maintained during door opening, but the fixing device cannot be quickly detached for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The urging member is pre-configured with a detachment path that is independent of the gear train. This preliminary design allows maintenance personnel to quickly remove the urging member without time-consuming disassembly of other components, reducing maintenance time while ensuring pressure is maintained during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed connection between the urging member and gear train to a dynamic, detachable connection. The urging member can be engaged to maintain pressure during operation and quickly detached for maintenance, providing operational flexibility that reduces maintenance time.
3Reliability
If the first engagement portion is positioned to push the first engaged portion during door opening, then pressure is released effectively, but the engagement mechanism becomes complex and interferes with fixing device detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The first engagement portion is extracted from the gear train mechanism and positioned independently. This extraction simplifies the overall mechanism by removing unnecessary engagement components while maintaining the pressure release function through the urging member's interaction with the pressure releasing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into distinct functional portions: the first engagement portion for pressure release during door opening, and the second engagement portion for fixing device attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity and enabling easy detachment.
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
Enables quick and efficient detachment of the fixing device without disrupting the usability of the apparatus, improving maintenance efficiency by simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit configured to heat the sheet
Implementation Method 2
a pressure member configured to come into pressure contact with the heating unit to form a fixing nip portion for performing fixation
Implementation Method 3
an urging member configured to apply urging force to bring the pressure member and the heating unit into pressure contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body having an engagement mechanism and a second opening and further includes a fixing unit having a pressure releasing mechanism. The engagement mechanism includes a first engagement portion. The pressure releasing mechanism includes a first engaged portion engaging with the first engagement portion. In a process in which a first opening/closing member is opened from a closed state, the first engagement portion positioned on a second opening side of the first engaged portion pushes the first engaged portion from the second opening side to reduce or release an urging force applied to a fixing nip portion. In a state where the first opening/closing member is closed, the first engagement portion and the first engaged portion are disengaged, and the first engagement portion is retreated from a path of the first engaged portion when a fixing unit is detached from the second opening.