Presser Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently switching between pressurization and depressurization states in their fixing devices, leading to increased size and complexity of the pressure mechanism, which affects the ease of use and reliability in handling jammed sheets.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a pressure device with a pressure lever that includes a pressing portion and a retracted portion, allowing for smooth switching between pressurization and depressurization states by pivoting about a shaft, reducing the motion space and pivoting force required, thus downsizing the mechanism and improving user accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressurization mechanism is used to press the pressure roller against the fixing belt, then the fixing device can maintain stable pressure during operation, but the mechanism becomes large in size and complex in structure, making it difficult to remove jammed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The presser is designed to dynamically switch between a pressurization state (pressing the pressure roller against the fixing belt during normal operation) and a depressurization state (releasing pressure when jammed sheets need removal). This dynamic state change allows the system to maintain reliability during operation while enabling easy jammed sheet removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The presser is segmented into a pressure portion (that contacts and presses the pressure roller) and a retracted portion (that can be moved independently). This segmentation allows the retracted portion to pivot and change the presser's attitude, enabling the pressure portion to switch between pressing and non-pressing positions, thus resolving the contradiction between stable pressure and easy jammed sheet removal.
2Force
If a conventional pressurization mechanism with large motion space is used, then sufficient pressing force can be applied, but the mechanism size increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the presser, specifically designing the retracted portion with a specific length and positioning the shaft at an optimal location. These parameter changes allow the presser to generate sufficient pressing force through a smaller motion space, reducing both mechanism size and complexity while maintaining the required pressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing motion space in one dimension to achieve sufficient pressing force, the invention utilizes rotational motion about a shaft (changing to a different dimensional approach). The retracted portion pivots to change the presser's attitude, allowing force application through a compact rotational mechanism rather than a linear motion mechanism, thus reducing overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the presser structure is simplified for easy operation, then jammed sheets can be removed more easily, but the pressing force and stability during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The presser dynamically adjusts its configuration based on operational needs. During normal operation, the pressure portion maintains stable contact with the pressure roller to provide sufficient pressing force. When jammed sheets need removal, the retracted portion pivots to change the presser's attitude, releasing pressure and enabling easy sheet removal. This dynamic behavior ensures both ease of operation and sufficient pressing force are achieved at different times.
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 solution enables efficient and user-friendly operation by reducing the size and complexity of the pressure mechanism, facilitating easier removal of jammed sheets and enhancing the overall performance of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a presser that presses a pressure roller serving as a first rotator against a fixing belt serving as a second rotator to form a fixing nip between the pressure roller and the fixing belt
Data Source
AI summary
A presser presses a rotator and switches between a pressurization state in which the presser presses the rotator and a depressurization state in which the presser releases the pressurization state. The presser includes a pressure portion that presses the rotator in the pressurization state. The presser further includes a retracted portion that retracts from the pressure portion in a retracting direction in which the retracted portion retracts from the rotator. The retracted portion presses the rotator in the depressurization state.