Fixation Module Separation Claw Jam Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, face challenges in precisely detecting paper jams at the fixation module, leading to misjudgment of jam locations and inefficient maintenance, as existing solutions cannot accurately determine when a jam occurs or where it is located within the system.
Innovation Solution
A fixation module with a separation claw detecting mechanism, comprising a heater roller, pressure roller, separation claw assembly, and detector, where the separation claw is pushed away by the medium, triggering a detector to signal a paper jam, allowing for immediate malfunction detection and prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is disposed downstream of the fixation module to detect paper jams, then the system can detect jam conditions, but the detection precision is insufficient and misjudgment of jam location occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separation claw as an intermediary element between the medium and the detector. The separation claw is pushed by the medium when jam occurs, and this pushing action is detected by the detector, enabling precise localization of the jam at the fixation module rather than downstream
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional downstream sensor detection method with a mechanical pushing mechanism. Instead of using a sensor to detect jam conditions downstream, the system uses the separation claw's mechanical movement (pushed by the medium) to trigger the detector, providing more accurate jam location information
2Reliability
If the separation claw mechanism is used to detect paper jams downstream, then jam conditions can be detected, but the sheet must accumulate to a predetermined extent before detection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The separation claw is pre-positioned to be pushed by the medium as it passes through the fixation module. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the detection action occurs immediately when jam happens, rather than waiting for sheet accumulation to push the separation claw downstream
3Productivity
If a downstream sensor is used for paper jam detection, then the system can stop operations, but paper waste occurs due to inaccurate jam location determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the downstream sensor system with a mechanical detection system at the fixation module itself. The separation claw's pushing mechanism provides accurate localization of jams at the fixation module, enabling the system to stop only when necessary and prevent waste from inaccurate jam location determination
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation module comprises a body, a heater roller, a pressure roller, a separation claw assembly and a detector. The heater roller and the pressure roller are rotatably connected to the body. The pressure roller and the heater roller transport a medium and perform a fixation process on the medium. The separation claw assembly connected to the body exerts a pressure toward the heater roller. When the medium passes through a clearance between the heater roller and the separation claw assembly, the medium pushes the separation claw assembly away from the heater roller. The detector detects a state where the separation claw assembly is pushed away from the heater roller by the medium. A printing apparatus for transferring and fixing toners onto the medium and comprising the fixation module, a drum, a development roller and a transfer roller is also provided.