Fixing Device Tensioning Member for Continuous Paper Shrinkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with thermal deformation and image quality degradation due to the use of continuous paper, which tends to shrink and crease when heated, especially when using high fixing temperatures or shrinkable media types.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heating member and a pressure member is used, along with a tensioning member that applies tension to the continuous paper downstream of the fixing area, wrapping it around the pressure member and utilizing a cooling fan to control temperature and prevent shrinkage, while the tensioning member's surface is made of high-releasability material to prevent image attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high fixing temperature is used to improve fixing speed and productivity, then productivity is improved, but thermal deformation and image quality degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning member applies tension to the continuous paper before and during the fixing process to counteract the thermal shrinkage force. By pre-applying tension in the opposite direction of the expected shrinkage, the paper is prevented from deforming even when exposed to high fixing temperatures, thus maintaining image quality while enabling high-speed fixing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the continuous paper by applying mechanical tension, which alters its dimensional stability parameters. This tension parameter counteracts the thermal expansion/shrinkage parameters that occur during heating, allowing the paper to maintain its dimensions despite temperature changes
2Productivity
If continuous paper is used to improve productivity and reduce paper change time, then productivity is improved, but thermal shrinkage and creasing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning member applies tension to the continuous paper before and during the fixing process to counteract the thermal shrinkage force. By pre-applying tension in the opposite direction of the expected shrinkage, the paper is prevented from deforming even when exposed to high fixing temperatures, thus maintaining image quality while enabling high-speed fixing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic tensioning mechanism that can adjust its tension force in response to the continuous paper's movement and thermal state. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal tension is applied throughout the fixing process, maintaining paper stability despite the continuous motion and thermal variations
3Stability of the object's composition
If tension is applied to prevent shrinkage, then paper stability is improved, but image attachment to tensioning member may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning member is equipped with a specific surface layer having low image adherence properties at the location where it contacts the continuous paper. This local modification of surface properties allows the tensioning member to apply mechanical tension while preventing the harmful effect of image attachment, thus maintaining both paper stability and image quality
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 configuration reduces thermal deformation and image quality degradation by rapidly cooling the paper and preventing image attachment, ensuring better image fidelity and paper stability during the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member that has a heat source, comes into contact with a surface of a continuous medium having an image transferred thereto and heats the surface
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a cooling fan to control temperature and prevent shrinkage
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating member that has a heat source, comes into contact with a surface of a continuous medium having an image transferred thereto and heats the surface; a pressure member that is provided so as to oppose the heating member with the medium therebetween and applies pressure to the medium; and a tensioning member that is provided on a downstream side of a fixing area, where the heating member and the pressure member oppose each other, in a medium-transport direction, applies tension to the medium by pressing the medium toward the pressure member, and wraps the medium around the pressure member.