Separating Plate Rotation Mechanism for Jam Clearance in Fixing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in easily clearing jams, particularly with materials of low rigidity, as the separating plate's retraction mechanism is not effectively employed, leading to difficulties in maintaining a stable space between the separating plate and the rotatable fixing member.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a separating unit with spacers and a holding unit that allows the separating plate to be rotated between positions where the spacers are abutted against or spaced from the rotatable member, enabling easy jam clearance while maintaining a consistent space, facilitated by guiding slots and an urging mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the separating plate is largely retracted to expose the exit portion of the fixing nip, then the ease of jam clearance is improved, but the stability of the space between the separating plate and the rotatable fixing member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separating plate is designed to be movable between a retracted position (for jam clearance) and a positioned state (for normal operation). The holding unit enables dynamic positioning, allowing the separating plate to be moved to expose the exit portion during jams while maintaining a stable spaced relationship during normal operation through the urging portion and guiding slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers act as intermediary elements between the separating plate and the rotatable fixing member, maintaining a precise and stable space when the separating plate is in its operational position. The guiding slots serve as intermediaries to guide the movement of the holding unit, ensuring controlled transition between retracted and positioned states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the separating plate is kept near the rotatable fixing member via spacers, then the stability of the space is improved, but the ease of jam clearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static separating plate to a dynamic one that can be moved between positions. During normal operation, the urging portion maintains the separating plate near the rotatable fixing member for stability. During jams, the holding unit allows the separating plate to be retracted, exposing the exit portion for easy clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging portion automatically maintains the separating plate in its operational position near the rotatable fixing member without requiring continuous intervention. The guiding slots and spacers work together to self-regulate the position and movement of the separating plate, ensuring it returns to the stable positioned state after being retracted for jam clearance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a holding unit with urging portion is added to control the separating unit, then the stability of the space is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating unit is segmented into distinct functional components: the separating plate, spacers, holding unit, urging portion, and guiding slots. Each component has a specific function, and their modular arrangement allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the desired stable spaced relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers and guiding slots serve as intermediary elements that simplify the overall mechanism. The spacers maintain the space without requiring complex positioning systems, and the guiding slots provide straightforward guidance for the holding unit's movement, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating apparatus includes: a rotatable member; a pair of frames; a separating unit including a separating plate and a pair of spacers; and a holding unit including a holding portion and an urging portion. The holding unit is rotatable between a first position where the spacers are abutted against the rotatable member and a second position where the spacers are spaced from the rotatable member. The frames include a pair of shaft portions, and the separating unit includes a pair of guiding slots with movement of the holding unit from the second position to the first position. The holding portion permits inclination of the separating unit so that only one of the shaft portions is abutted against a stopper portion of its associated guiding slot with the abutment of the spacers against the rotatable member.