Shutter Arm Axis Alignment for Compact Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus with a shutter arm between the fixing device and process cartridge tends to increase in size, necessitating a solution to restrain its growth.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes a first and second rotating body forming a nip, a frame supporting these bodies, a shutter, a pressure arm, a cam, and an arm cam, where the shutter arm rotates about the same axis as the cam, reducing its protrusion length and allowing for compact design, and the shutter's open/close operation is facilitated through a mechanism involving a shaft, cam, and spring contact, enabling reduced elongation of the shutter arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shutter arm is located between the fixing device and the process cartridge to enable shutter opening/closing operation, then the shutter function is achieved, but the image forming apparatus increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation axis of the shutter arm with the rotation axis of the cam, causing both components to share the same rotational center. This integration allows the shutter arm to be positioned closer to the fixing device while maintaining the shutter opening/closing function, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size without compromising operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the shutter arm from a linear extension between the fixing device and process cartridge to a rotational component centered on the cam's rotation axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the shutter mechanism to operate within a compact radial space rather than requiring extended linear space, effectively reducing apparatus volume
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a frame, a shutter, a pressure arm, a cam, a shutter arm, and an arm cam. The shutter is rotatable about a first axis between a closed position and an open position. The pressure arm presses the first rotating body against the second rotating body. The cam is rotatable about a second axis and pushes the pressure arm. The shutter arm is connected to the shutter and rotates about the second axis independent of the cam, to cause the shutter to rotate between the closed position and the open position. The arm cam rotates about the second axis to push the shutter arm at a position offset from the second axis and cause the shutter arm to rotate about the second axis.