Induction Heating Fixing Roller Positional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus with an induction heating (IH) fixing system faces challenges in maintaining a consistent distance between the induction heating coil and the heating roller, leading to variations in the induction heating effect, and complicates the mechanism for inputting a rotational driving force to the pressing roller, especially when switching between different nipping pressure states.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a first housing for the fixing unit with a stationary first rotary shaft and a second housing with a movable second rotary shaft for the pressing roller, along with a nipping pressure adjusting mechanism and a retaining mechanism to maintain the relative positions between the rollers and the induction heating unit, and a driving mechanism that simplifies the input of rotational force to the first roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the fixing unit is detachably mounted on the apparatus body, then the fixing unit can be exchanged for maintenance, but the distance between the induction heating coil and the heating roller becomes difficult to keep unchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into two separate units: the induction heating unit (with the coil) mounted on the apparatus body, and the fixing unit (with the heating roller) that is detachably mounted. This segmentation allows the fixing unit to be exchanged for maintenance while keeping the induction heating unit stationary, thereby maintaining a consistent distance between the coil and roller.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the detachable fixing unit and the stationary induction heating unit. This positioning mechanism ensures that when the fixing unit is mounted, the distance between the induction heating coil and the heating roller remains unchanged, resolving the conflict between detachability and distance precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pressing roller is positionally moved to adjust nipping pressure, then thick paper or thin paper can be processed, but the mechanism for inputting rotational driving force becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the pressing roller to adjust nipping pressure, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the pressing roller stationary and adjusting the position of the fixing roller. This inversion simplifies the driving force input mechanism while maintaining the ability to adjust nipping pressure for different paper types.
Solution Approach 2:
The positional adjustment function is extracted from the pressing roller and applied to the fixing roller instead. This separation allows the pressing roller to remain stationary with a simple driving force input, while the fixing roller handles the positional adjustment for nipping pressure control.
3Ease of operation
If the fixing roller is used as a sponge-like roller, then it can conform to sheet surfaces, but the outer diameter varies making rotational control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing roller uses a sponge-like material only in the contact area with the sheet, while the core structure maintains a consistent outer diameter. This local application of soft material provides conformability to sheet surfaces without affecting the overall dimensional stability needed for precise rotational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing roller is constructed as a composite structure with a rigid core maintaining consistent outer diameter and a sponge-like outer layer providing conformability. This composite design combines the advantages of both materials: dimensional stability for rotational control and surface conformability for effective fixing.
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 configuration ensures consistent induction heating and simplifies the rotational driving force input mechanism, reducing costs and maintaining precise control over the heating process, even when switching between different nipping pressures.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating unit (65) mounted on the second housing for generating magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
generating magnetic flux for generating heat necessary for performing the fixing processing
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing on which the first housing is mounted, a first roller, a second roller, a nipping pressure adjusting mechanism, an induction heating unit and a retaining mechanism. A first rotary shaft of the first roller is rotatably supported by the first housing in a state of being positionally immovable. A second rotary shaft of the second roller is rotatably supported by the first housing in a state of being positionally movable. The nipping pressure adjusting mechanism changes the posture of the second roller between a first posture that the second roller is pressingly contacted with the first roller with a first pressure, and a second posture that the second roller is pressingly contacted with the first roller with a second pressure lower than the first pressure. The relative positions between the second roller and the induction heating unit are retained.