Separating Member Mounting in Fixing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing units for image forming apparatuses face complexity and instability in mounting the separating member due to the need for a protruding portion on the rotating shaft and a diagonal rib on the casing, which complicates the configuration and makes it difficult to securely position the separating member relative to the heating roller.
Innovation Solution
The proposed fixing unit incorporates a rotating unit with a cylindrical engaging portion and guide surfaces, where the engaging portion is inserted into an opening with a smaller interval than the diameter, allowing the guide surfaces to move and securely position the separating member, enhancing mechanical efficiency and stability during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protruding portion on the rotating shaft and a diagonal rib on the casing are used to control the rotating shaft, then the rotational state can be controlled, but the configuration becomes complicated and the mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex protruding portion and diagonal rib structures from the rotating shaft and casing. Instead, it uses a simple shaft insertion hole in the casing that receives the rotating shaft directly, removing unnecessary structural elements while maintaining the rotational control function through the spring member's urging force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing a specific structural feature (the shaft insertion hole with appropriate dimensions) in the casing that locally achieves the mounting and positioning function. The hole's dimensions are specifically designed to accommodate the rotating shaft while allowing controlled rotation, eliminating the need for complex diagonal ribs or protruding portions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rotating shaft is forced to rotate until the protruding portion makes contact with the diagonal rib, then the separating member can be positioned, but the mounting process becomes difficult and the position becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service mounting by designing the shaft insertion hole and rotating shaft配合 such that the rotating shaft automatically assumes its correct rotational position when inserted into the casing. The spring member's urging force naturally positions the separation claw against the heating roller surface without requiring forced rotation or complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forcing the rotating shaft to rotate until components make contact (complex approach), the invention inverts the approach by allowing the shaft to be simply inserted into the hole, where it self-positions through the spring's urging force, making the separation claw contact the heating roller surface naturally.
3Reliability
If the separating member is mounted to come in contact with the heating roller surface, then the recording medium can be separated, but the configuration requires complex protruding portions and diagonal ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex protruding portion and diagonal rib structures from the system. The separation function is achieved through a simplified configuration where the rotating shaft with separation claw is directly received by the shaft insertion hole in the casing, eliminating unnecessary structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex protruding portions and diagonal ribs to achieve separation, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple shaft insertion hole that allows the rotating shaft to self-position, with the spring member's urging force naturally bringing the separation claw into contact with the heating roller surface.
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 design simplifies the mounting process and stabilizes the position of the separating member, improving the robustness and ease of assembly of the fixing unit, preventing the recording medium from winding around the heating member.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member contracts to 'urge' (e.g., move, pull, and/or lower) the separation claw toward the surface of the heating roller provided between the separating member and the second casing
Implementation Method 2
a heating roller and a pressure roller are rotatably fitted in the first casing... the heating roller fuses toner on the recording medium by a heating action
Implementation Method 3
a pressure roller... to fuse an unfixed toner image on a recording medium subjected to a fixing process
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing unit includes a heating member, a pressing member, a casing, a separating member, and an urging member. The separating member has a separation claw and a rotating unit. The urging member urges the separation claw toward the surface of the heating member. The rotating unit has an engaging portion and guide surfaces opposing at an interval smaller than that of the engaging portion. The supporting portion includes an engagement supporting portion that rotatably engages the engaging portion and an insertion opening. The separating member rotates to retract guide surfaces from a position facing the inner wall surfaces of the insertion opening. The guide surfaces oppose the inner wall surfaces of the insertion opening to bring the engaging portion to the engagement supporting portion and thereafter mounting the heating member on the casing.