Swingable Nip-Forming Member for Fixing Device Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses suffer from reduced durability due to abrasion between the sliding member and the rotatable heating member, caused by positional deviations and misalignment, leading to uneven pressure application and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design featuring a cylindrical rotatable heating member, a nip-forming member with a swingable configuration about an axis parallel to the rotational axis, and a supporting member that allows the nip-forming member to adjust relative to the supporting surface, preventing one-side abutment and promoting even contact, thus reducing abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a sliding member is used to backup the fixing roller, then uniform pressure can be applied to the fixing roller, but positional tolerance and misalignment cause one-side abutment between the sliding member and fixing roller, promoting abrasion and lowering durability
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed to be swingable relative to the fixed member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the supporting member's position. This swingable configuration enables the supporting member to automatically adapt to positional tolerances and misalignments between the sliding member and fixing roller, preventing one-side abutment while maintaining uniform pressure distribution. The dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to accommodate variations without compromising either pressure uniformity or durability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fixing roller thickness is decreased to save energy and reduce first print output time, then energy saving is achieved, but the fixing roller becomes more susceptible to flexing and requires more precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The swingable supporting member provides self-aligning functionality, automatically adjusting its position to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and misalignments. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for high-precision alignment during assembly, allowing the thinner fixing roller to maintain stable operation without requiring overly precise manufacturing tolerances. The system compensates for variations inherently, resolving the contradiction between energy saving through reduced thickness and the increased alignment precision requirement.
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
The design enhances the durability of the fixing device by minimizing one-side abutment and wear, ensuring consistent pressure application and extended device lifespan even with positional deviations.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical rotatable heating member; a nip-forming member having a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface and contacting an inner surface of the rotatable heating member at the first surface
Implementation Method 2
a supporting member having a supporting surface, contacting the second surface, for supporting the nip-forming member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a cylindrical rotatable heating member; a nip-forming member having a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface and contacting an inner surface of the rotatable heating member at the first surface; a supporting member having a supporting surface, contacting the second surface, for supporting the nip-forming member; and a pressing member for forming a nip in cooperation with the nip-forming member though the rotatable heating member. A recording material on which an image is formed is heated at the nip while being feed through the nip, and the image is fixed on the recording material. The supporting surface of the supporting member supports the second surface of the nip-forming member so that the nip-forming member is swingable relative to the supporting member about an axis substantially parallel with a rotational axis of the cylindrical rotatable heating member.