Reciprocating Fixing Unit Stabilizes Heater Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the fixing belt and pressure roller experience uneven wear due to positional changes of the heater, affecting heating performance and stability, particularly when using induction heating systems.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus includes a heating unit with a heater and a fixing unit comprising a reciprocating mechanism that positions the heating unit relative to the fixing unit, using springs and engagement portions to maintain the heater's position and allow the fixing unit to move, reducing wear on the fixing belt by stabilizing the heater's position and allowing it to adjust with sheet passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the heater is made movable to adjust positioning, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to positional instability causing uneven wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidheating performance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the heater movable to achieve positioning adjustment, the invention inverts the approach by making the fixing unit movable relative to the fixed heater. This ensures the heater remains stationary (maintaining reliable heating performance) while the fixing unit adapts its position, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention divides the fixing device into two independent modules: a fixed heating unit and a movable fixing unit. This segmentation allows each module to have optimized characteristics - the heater remains fixed for stable heating, while the fixing unit can move independently to adjust positioning, thus resolving the position-stability problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the fixing unit is made stationary, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to compensate for positional changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidposition compensation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts which component provides adaptability - instead of the heater moving to compensate for positioning changes, the fixing unit is designed to move relative to the fixed heater. This maintains heater position stability while providing the necessary adaptability through the movable fixing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing unit is designed with dynamic movement capability along the first direction, allowing it to adapt its position relative to the fixed heater. This dynamic design enables the fixing unit to compensate for positioning changes while the heater remains stationary, achieving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If engagement portions are added to restrict heater movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheater position stabilityVSAvoidnumber of engagement portions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding engagement portions to restrict the heater's movement, the invention inverts the approach by making the fixing unit movable and equipping it with engagement portions. This eliminates the need for multiple engagement features on the heater while achieving the same positioning stability, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 stabilizes the heating unit's position, reduces abrasion on the fixing belt, and maintains consistent heating performance by allowing necessary positional adjustments, thereby enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the fixing process.

Implementation Method 1

The heating unit includes a heater and is disposed along a first direction in a main body. The fixing unit includes a first rotation member that is heated by the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12019383B2Image forming apparatus including reciprocatable fixing unit next to heating unit

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A fixing unit includes a plurality of first engagement portions which respectively engage with a plurality of first to-be-engaged portions to restrict a movement of a heating unit in a third direction intersecting with a first direction and a second direction. A fixed unit includes a second engagement portion which engages with a second to-be-engaged portion to restrict a movement of the heating unit in the first direction. The fixing unit includes a movable unit, a supporting member, and a reciprocating mechanism. The supporting member supports the movable unit such that the movable unit is movable along the first direction. The reciprocating mechanism causes the movable unit to reciprocate. The reciprocating mechanism causes the movable unit to reciprocate once every time a plurality of sheets pass between a first rotation member and a second rotation member in the fixing unit.