Peeling Member Guide Wall Gap Control for Fixing Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fixing devices with non-contact-type peeling members, accurately controlling the gap between the guide wall's end face and the fixing belt is challenging, affecting the reliable separation of recording media.
Innovation Solution
The peeling member includes a guide wall with a belt-facing portion in non-contact with the fixing belt and an extending portion that abuts on a surface outside the belt, supported by a spring and antifouling sheet, ensuring consistent gap maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a non-contact-type peeling member is used, then the fixing belt can rotate smoothly without contact interference, but it becomes difficult to accurately control the gap between the guide wall end face and the fixing belt outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (spring-loaded guide wall with adjustable positioning structure) between the peeling member and the fixing belt. This intermediary system allows non-contact peeling while providing precise gap control through the spring force and adjustable positioning, resolving the contradiction between smooth rotation and precise gap control.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wall is designed with dynamic characteristics through spring loading, allowing it to flexibly adapt to variations in fixing belt position and tension. This dynamic structure maintains optimal gap control while accommodating the rotating motion of the fixing belt, enabling both smooth rotation and precise positioning.
2Reliability
If the guide wall end face is positioned close to the fixing belt for effective peeling, then separation reliability improves, but the risk of contact and misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded guide wall system provides inherent feedback mechanisms where the spring force automatically adjusts the guide wall position relative to the fixing belt. This feedback control maintains optimal separation distance for reliable peeling while preventing excessive closeness that could cause contact and misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as a cushioning mechanism that pre-complies with position variations and prevents hard contact between the guide wall and fixing belt. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliable peeling through close positioning while mitigating the harmful effects of potential misalignment and contact.
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 allows for precise and stable control of the gap between the guide wall and the fixing belt, enhancing the reliability of recording medium separation and reducing the risk of misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
The belt holding member includes an abutting surface which abuts on the extending portion of the end face of the guide wall at a position outside the fixing belt in the width direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a belt holding member, a fixing belt, a pressing roller, and a peeling member. The pressing roller forms a fixing nip portion through which a recording medium as a fixing target passes between the pressing roller and the fixing belt. The peeling member separates the recording medium having passed through the fixing nip portion from the fixing belt. The peeling member includes a guide wall which guides the recording medium having passed through the fixing nip portion. The guide wall includes a belt facing portion which faces the outer surface of the fixing belt in a non-contact state, and an extending portion which extends to the outside in the width direction of the fixing belt continuously from the belt facing portion. The belt holding member includes an abutting surface which abuts on the extending portion of the end face of the guide wall.