Image-Forming Pressing Mechanism for Stable Pressure-Roller Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently releasing and applying pressure between the fixing roller and pressure roller, which can lead to deformation of the elastic rubber layer and jamming issues, particularly when the cover or door is opened, affecting the fixing performance and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A pressing mechanism with a pressure lever and pressure release lever, coupled by an elastic body, is used to press and release the pressure roller in conjunction with the operation of the cover, featuring an inclined portion on the cover to guide the pressure release lever and prevent inclination of the rotation shaft, ensuring stable pressure application and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressing mechanism releases pressure when the cover is opened, then jam processing convenience is improved, but the pressure roller may deform due to sudden pressure release
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism performs preliminary actions by gradually reducing pressure through the pressure release lever rotating about the second shaft before complete release. The inclined portion on the cover guides this gradual pressure reduction, preventing sudden pressure changes that would cause roller deformation while still enabling convenient jam processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pressure release lever is movable between holding and release positions, then operational flexibility is improved, but the rotation shaft may incline causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined portion acts as an intermediary between the cover and the pressure release lever. It guides the lever's movement and constrains the rotation shaft, preventing inclination while allowing the lever to move between holding and release positions. This mediator enables operational flexibility without compromising shaft stability.
3Extent of automation
If the elastic body couples the pressure lever and pressure release lever, then automatic pressure release is improved, but the elastic rubber layer may deform over time
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body performs preliminary action by gradually releasing pressure as the pressure release lever moves from the holding to the release position. This controlled, gradual pressure reduction prevents sudden stress changes that would cause the elastic rubber layer to deform or fatigue over time, while maintaining automatic pressure release functionality.
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 stabilizes the pressure roller operation, prevents deformation of the elastic rubber layer, reduces jamming, and enhances user convenience by allowing easy removal of jammed sheets without adding additional components to the fixing unit or cover.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic body couples the pressure lever and the pressure release lever
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a pressing mechanism, a body, and a cover. The pressing mechanism includes a pressure lever rotatable about a first shaft, a pressure release lever rotatable about a second shaft, and an elastic body coupling the levers. The pressure lever presses a pressing body against a pressed body. The pressure release lever moves between a holding position to cause the pressure lever to press the pressing body against the pressed body and a release position to cause the pressure lever to release the pressing body from the pressed body. The cover includes a pressing portion to move the pressure release lever from the release position to the holding position in response to a closing operation to close the cover. The pressing portion has an inclined portion contacting and guiding the pressure release lever to restrict an inclination of the second shaft relative to a horizontal direction.