Fixing Device Dynamic Nip Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices face productivity losses due to the long time required to switch between fixing temperatures for thick and thin papers, as the difference in set temperatures necessitates adjustments that compromise nip width and separability, leading to deteriorated fixing and separation performance.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a load adjustment unit, tension adjustment unit, and control unit that dynamically adjusts the nip width and belt tension based on paper type, ensuring optimal fixing conditions for both thick and thin papers by controlling the pressing load and belt tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing temperature is increased for thick paper, then the fixing quality is improved, but the time required to switch between paper types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing load is made dynamically adjustable through a load adjustment mechanism that can change the pressing load between a first value (for thin paper) and a second value (for thick paper). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both fixing quality and switching time by adapting the pressing conditions to the specific paper type being processed.
2Temperature
If the fixing nip width is increased to reduce temperature difference, then the heating amount matches thick paper conditions, but the separability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing load is dynamically adjusted based on paper type: a first pressing load is applied for thin paper and a second pressing load is applied for thick paper. This dynamic load adjustment enables the system to maintain appropriate separability for each paper type while achieving the desired temperature uniformity across different paper thicknesses.
3Temperature
If the pressing load is decreased to reduce fixing temperature, then the temperature approaches thin paper conditions, but the separability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing load is made dynamically controllable through a load adjustment mechanism that switches between a first value (higher load for thin paper) and a second value (lower load for thick paper). This dynamic adjustment ensures that separability is maintained at appropriate levels for each paper type while achieving the target fixing temperatures.
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
This solution enables rapid temperature switching without compromising separability or image quality, maintaining productivity by ensuring effective fixing and separation for various paper types.
Implementation Method 1
fixing rotation members equipped with heating units such as halogen heaters inside thereof
Implementation Method 2
The upper pressing roller 140 includes an elastic layer 141 formed of a heat-resistant rubber or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a first pressing member, a fixing belt, a second pressing member, a load adjustment unit, a tension adjustment unit and a control unit. The first pressing member has an elastic layer. The fixing belt is wound around the first pressing member. The second pressing member presses against the first pressing member via the fixing belt, conveys the recording member and forms a fixing nip. The load adjustment unit adjusts pressing load of the first pressing member and the second pressing member. The tension adjustment unit adjusts tension of the fixing belt. The control unit controls the load adjustment unit so as to change a width of the fixing nip in a recording member conveyance direction and controls the tension adjustment unit so as to change the tension of the fixing belt.