Fixing Device Cleaning Roller Dynamic Contact Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with residual toner sticking to fixing members due to heat absorption, leading to temperature drops and non-uniform temperature distribution, which affects energy efficiency and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a cleaning member that freely moves into contact with or away from the rotary and pressure members, coordinated with a contact and separation unit, to prevent toner re-sticking and maintain temperature stability, using a common drive mechanism for compact design and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning roller is always in contact with the nip section, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the contact roller acts as a heat sink causing temperature drop and non-uniform temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning roller is designed to dynamically change its contact state with the nip section. During fixing operation, the cleaning roller is separated from the nip section to avoid heat absorption. During cleaning operation, the cleaning roller contacts the nip section to collect residual toner. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by eliminating heat sink effect during fixing while maintaining cleaning capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning roller operates in periodic cycles: contacting the nip section for cleaning, then separating for the next fixing operation. This periodic contact-separation action allows the system to alternate between cleaning mode and fixing mode, preventing continuous heat absorption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness over time.
2Reliability
If the cleaning roller is always in contact with the nip section, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases due to extra heating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning roller dynamically separates from the nip section during fixing operation, eliminating the heat sink effect that would otherwise require additional heating energy. This dynamic separation reduces the total energy consumption of the fixing device while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through periodic contact during dedicated cleaning cycles.
3Reliability
If the cleaning roller contacts the heating roller, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but temperature distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning roller is designed to contact only the heating roller during dedicated cleaning operations, not during fixing operations. This selective contact ensures that when cleaning occurs, the cleaning roller removes residual toner from the heating roller surface, preventing non-uniform temperature distribution that would occur if the cleaning roller remained in contact during fixing.
4Strength
If the pressure member and rotary member are separated, then frictional damage is reduced, but residual toner may move to the pressure member
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure member and rotary member periodically contact during fixing operation to prevent toner transfer, then separate during cleaning operation to reduce frictional damage. This periodic contact-separation cycle resolves the contradiction by minimizing frictional damage while maintaining toner transfer prevention through timely contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning roller acts as an intermediary that collects residual toner from both the rotary member and pressure member during cleaning operation. This intermediary cleaning mechanism allows the pressure member and rotary member to separate without direct toner transfer between them, as the cleaning roller captures the toner.
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
Prevents toner re-sticking and temperature drops, ensuring efficient heat management, energy savings, and improved image quality by maintaining temperature stability and reducing frictional damage.
Implementation Method 1
a heating roller in contact with one of the surfaces of the sheet section... The nip section of the fixing device is heated during fixing
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning roller or web is brought into contact with the fixing members to collect toner
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning roller or web is brought into contact with the fixing members to collect toner
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device in accordance with the present invention comprises: a rotary member for transporting printing paper; a pressure member for press-contacting the rotary member to apply pressure onto the printing paper; and a cleaning member capable of freely moving into contact with, or away from, a peripheral surface of the rotary member and/or a peripheral surface of the pressure member. A toner image formed on the printing paper is fixed while the printing paper is being held between the rotary member and the pressure member. The fixing device further comprises a contact and separation unit for moving the pressure member into contact with, or away from, the rotary member. The cleaning member moves into contact with, or away from, the peripheral surface of the rotary member and/or the peripheral surface of the pressure member in conjunction with the contact and separation unit moving the pressure member into contact with, or away from, the rotary member.