Interlocking Pressure Mechanism for Straight-Through Image Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with straight-through paths fail to adequately perform thermal image fixing on thicker recording media and complicate the removal of jammed media due to separation of heat and pressure rollers.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fixing unit featuring a heating member and a backup member, supported by a pressure mechanism, and an interlocking mechanism that adjusts the relative positions of these components to maintain contact during printing and facilitate easy ejection of jammed media by reducing pressure between the rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heat roller and pressure roller are separated to facilitate jammed medium removal, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal image fixing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure roller is designed to be movable relative to the heat roller through a pressure mechanism. During normal operation, the pressure roller maintains contact with the heat roller for proper thermal fixing. When a cover is opened, the interlocking mechanism causes the pressure roller to move away from the heat roller, allowing easy removal of jammed media. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining fixing quality and enabling easy jam removal.
2Manufacturing precision
If the heat roller and pressure roller remain in contact during cover opening, then thermal image fixing is maintained, but jammed medium removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure mechanism enables the pressure roller to dynamically adjust its position. During cover opening for media removal, the interlocking mechanism actuates the pressure mechanism to move the pressure roller away from the heat roller, reducing friction and allowing easy media extraction. This dynamic separation resolves the contradiction between maintaining contact for fixing quality and separating for ease of media removal.
3Ease of operation
If the pressure mechanism is made movable to adjust roller positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure mechanism is integrated with the interlocking mechanism that already exists for cover opening/closing operations. The same interlocking mechanism that controls cover movement also actuates the pressure mechanism to adjust roller positions. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the benefit of adjustable roller positions for ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If the interlocking mechanism controls pressure roller position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the opening/closing of covers and simultaneously actuates the pressure mechanism to adjust pressure roller positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation through coordinated roller position adjustment.
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
Ensures sufficient thermal image fixing of thicker media in a straight-through path while allowing easy removal of jammed media by adjusting the pressure mechanism's positions in response to cover openings.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member configured to heat a recording sheet
Implementation Method 2
a backup member configured to rotate and contact the heating member
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit having a heating member that heats a recording medium, a backup member that rotates and contacts the heating member, and a pressure mechanism that supports one of the heating member and the backup member such that the one of the heating member and the backup member moves relative to the other. The apparatus includes a main body including the fixing unit inside, and has a first opening on a downstream side of the fixing unit and a second opening on a side of the main body different from the first opening. Also the apparatus has first and second covers that open and close the first and second openings, respectively, and an interlocking mechanism that causes the pressure mechanism to move the one of the heating member and the backup member in conjunction with movement of the first cover and the second cover.