Fixing Apparatus Duct for Condensation Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing apparatus in image forming devices using electrophotography faces issues with condensation slippage due to vapor condensation on the pressurizing roller, leading to unstable conveyance of recording materials, and previous solutions like direct air blowing from outside the apparatus are inefficient and layout-restricted.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a duct structure that allows air to be sucked from near the pressurizing roller and discharged outside, reducing condensation slippage by maximizing air intake efficiency and avoiding excessive cooling of the roller, while also incorporating a design that allows for easy cleaning and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is blown from outside the fixing apparatus directly to the pressurizing roller to scatter vapor, then condensation slippage is suppressed, but the pressurizing roller temperature excessively decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a duct as an intermediary structure that redirects air flow paths. Instead of directly blowing air onto the pressurizing roller surface, the duct guides air to flow along the roller surface, effectively scattering vapor while distributing the cooling effect over a larger area and path, thus preventing excessive localized temperature decrease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing air flow through a duct to scatter vapor near the pressurizing roller. The controlled air flow through the duct creates a gas stream that disperses moisture vapor without requiring direct contact cooling, thereby maintaining roller temperature while preventing condensation slippage
2Reliability
If air is discharged from inside the fixing apparatus to the outside to prevent condensation, then vapor is scattered, but the layout is restricted due to space constraints near the nip portion
Solution Approach 1:
The duct serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and an air flow guidance channel. By integrating the vapor scattering function into an existing structural component (the duct), the patent avoids adding separate complex discharge mechanisms, thus simplifying the overall layout while maintaining conveyance stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redirects air flow from a direct radial direction (which would require space near the nip portion) to a tangential direction along the roller surface through the duct. This dimensional change in air flow path allows vapor scattering to be achieved without compromising the compact layout near the nip portion
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 solution effectively suppresses condensation slippage and ensures stable conveyance of recording materials, maintaining pressurizing roller temperature and reducing the risk of output-paper sticking, while also allowing for easy maintenance and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a duct structure that allows air to be sucked from near the pressurizing roller and discharged outside
Implementation Method 2
the opening and closing part having a duct through which air flows
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus fixes a toner image on a recording material by conveying and heating the recording material at a nip portion, and includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member configured to form the nip portion with the first rotating member, the first and second rotating members being arranged such that rotation of the second rotating member causes rotation of the first rotating member, a frame configured to support the second rotating member, so as to be rotatable and an opening and closing part arranged to open and close relative to the frame on the downstream side of the nip portion in the conveyance direction of the recoding material, the opening and closing part having a duct through which air flows.