Swayable Spacer Mechanism for Fixing Device Roller Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in miniaturizing and simplifying the fixing device configuration while maintaining effective image fixing and preventing peripheral surface damage, which affects the press-contact state between the heat roller and counter roller.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spacer member and counter roller support member that allows for a swayable adjustment of the press-contact state between the heat roller and counter roller, enabling manual adjustment without a motor or cam mechanism, and positioning the spacer member outward to prevent damage to the peripheral surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a motor or cam mechanism is used to adjust the press-contact state, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor or cam mechanism from the fixing device, extracting the complex adjustment mechanism and replacing it with a simple manual adjustment system using a spacer member that can be easily inserted or removed to change the press-contact state between the heat roller and counter roller
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is designed to be self-adjusting through manual intervention, where the user can directly manipulate the spacer member position to achieve the desired press-contact state without requiring automated mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device configuration
2Ease of operation
If the spacer member is positioned inward, then the press-contact state adjustment is effective, but the peripheral surface damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer member is strategically positioned in a specific location within the fixing device, creating a localized adjustment zone that effectively modifies the press-contact state without interfering with the peripheral surfaces, thereby achieving operational effectiveness while preventing damage to critical areas
3Volume of moving object
If the fixing device is made compact, then the image forming apparatus size is reduced, but the maintenance accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into modular components, with the spacer member designed as a separate, easily replaceable unit. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a compact overall structure while enabling simple maintenance and repair operations, as the spacer member can be independently accessed and replaced without disassembling the entire fixing device
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 allows for a compact, cost-effective, and maintainable image forming apparatus with improved image quality by preventing peripheral surface damage and allowing for easy adjustment of the press-contact state, thereby prolonging the service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
This heat roller is arranged along a widthwise direction of the recording medium that is perpendicular to a transporting direction and a thickness direction of the recording medium. It is configured to be capable of heating the developer.
Implementation Method 2
The spacer section is configured to be clamped between the fixing unit case and the counter roller support member in order to adjust a distance between a shaft of the heat roller and a shaft of the counter roller.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure roller support member that rotatably supports a pressure roller is supported to a fixing unit case so as to be capable of swaying. A spacer member is supported to the pressure roller support member so as to be capable of swaying. A spacer section is formed at an end of the spacer member. When the spacer member sways, the spacer section moves between a first position where the spacer section is clamped between the fixing unit case and the pressure roller support member and a second position where the clamp between the fixing unit case and the pressure roller support member is released.