Integrally Supported Nip Heater for Compact Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are bulky due to the need for a large clearance between the nip plate and the heater, which limits the ability to change the nip state effectively for different paper thicknesses and jam removal.
Innovation Solution
The nip member is moved relative to the backup member, allowing for adjustable nip state changes while being integrally supported with the heater, reducing the device's size by minimizing the clearance between the heater and the nip member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clearance between the nip plate and heater is increased to allow independent movement of the nip plate for changing nip state, then the adaptability for different paper thicknesses is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement function of the nip plate and heater into a single integrated movement mechanism. Both components are moved together by the same driving mechanism (cam and follower system), eliminating the need for independent nip plate movement while maintaining the ability to change nip state through integrated displacement, thereby reducing device size while preserving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated movement mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it changes the nip state (pressure and width), maintains the clearance relationship between nip plate and heater, and enables adaptability for different paper thicknesses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity and size
2Ease of operation
If the nip plate is moved independently relative to the pressure roller to change nip state, then the ease of operation for nip state adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional clearance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nip plate and heater into a single movement unit that is displaced together by the cam mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for independent nip plate movement mechanisms and associated clearances, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining operational ease through the unified movement system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic cam mechanism that automatically adjusts the position of both the nip plate and heater together based on operational requirements. This dynamic system provides ease of operation for nip state adjustment while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, as the cam profile inherently controls the integrated movement
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 enables suitable nip state adjustments for various paper thicknesses and reduces the device's size, improving thermal fixation efficiency and jam removal capabilities without increasing the device's size.
Implementation Method 1
a halogen lamp, a nip plate, a reflector, and a stay wherein the nip plate is surrounded by the reflector and the stay, and both end portions of the nip plate in the sheet conveying direction are supported by the guide members; the halogen lamp is disposed inside the fusing film
Implementation Method 2
a halogen lamp, a nip plate, a reflector, and a stay wherein the nip plate is surrounded by the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a tubular fusing film, a heater, a nip member, a backup member, a backup member, first supporting member, and a second supporting member. The heater may be disposed inside the tubular shape of the fusing film. The nip member may be disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the inner surface of the fusing film and heated by the heater. The backup member may form a nip portion between the backup member and the fusing film with the fusing film between the backup member and the nip member. The first supporting member may be configured to integrally support the heater and the nip member. The second supporting member may be configured to movably support the first supporting member so that the nip member moves relative to the backup member.