Fixing Device Air Jetting for Sheet Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for toner images on recording sheets face issues with sheet separability, particularly with coated papers of reduced basis weight, leading to paper jams and image damage, and require large, high-power compressors for air separation, which increase device size and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device employing a combination of first and second air jetting units, where the first unit uses a compressor for high-pressure air to separate the leading edge of the sheet and the second unit uses a fan for continuous air flow to prevent re-adhesion, with control mechanisms to optimize air usage and minimize device size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single high-power compressor is used for air separation, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air separation function is divided into two independent units: a first air jetting unit with compressor for high-pressure intermittent separation, and a second air jetting unit with fan for continuous low-pressure prevention. This segmentation allows each unit to operate at optimal power levels, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The first air jetting unit operates intermittently with periodic high-pressure air supply during critical separation moments, while the second unit provides continuous low-pressure air flow. This periodic action pattern reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power operation.
2Reliability
If a single high-power compressor is used for air separation, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air separation system is segmented into two independent units with different functions and power requirements. The first unit (compressor) handles critical separation moments, while the second unit (fan) provides continuous support. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large high-power compressor, reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a low-power fan as a continuous support mechanism rather than relying on expensive, large high-power compressors. The fan provides sustained low-pressure air flow, while the compressor is used only intermittently when high separation force is needed.
3Reliability
If high-pressure air is supplied continuously, then separation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first air jetting unit supplies high-pressure air periodically rather than continuously, activating only when critical separation is needed. The second air jetting unit supplies low-pressure air continuously to maintain separation. This periodic high-pressure action significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous high-pressure supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies high-pressure air partially only when necessary for critical separation moments, rather than excessive continuous high-pressure supply. The low-pressure continuous air from the second unit supplements this partial high-pressure action, achieving effective separation with reduced energy consumption.
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 separates recording sheets from the fixing member without requiring large-power compressors, reducing device size and energy consumption while maintaining efficient separation and image quality, even with thin coated papers and high-speed operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first air jetting unit for jetting high-pressure air supplied by a compressor onto a leading edge of the recording sheet P
Implementation Method 2
a second air jetting unit for jetting air supplied by a fan, onto a lower side of the recording sheet P
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixing device (8) including: a fixing member (81); a pressing member (84) to form a nip portion between the pressing member and the fixing member, wherein the fixing member and the pressing member sandwich a recording medium (P), fix a toner image on the recording medium and convey the recording medium; a detection unit for detecting that a leading edge of the recording medium is located at the nip portion; a first air jetting unit (111) for separating the recording medium from the fixing member by jetting air only to a position close to the leading edge of the recording medium having passed the nip portion based on the detection result by the detection unit; and a second jetting unit (121) for jetting air to the recording medium whose leading edge has passed through the nip portion.