Fixing Device Electrode Projections for Charged Sheet Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices face challenges in stably providing fixing solution to sheets due to electrostatic repulsive forces between misted fixing solution and electrically charged sheets, leading to inefficient fixation of toner images.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a nozzle unit and an opposite electrode with strategically designed first projections that concentrate electrostatic forces, creating a strong electric field to attract and securely direct the fixing solution onto the sheet, even when the sheet is electrically charged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage is applied to the opposite electrode to attract fixing solution, then the fixing solution can be provided to the sheet, but electrostatic repulsive force is generated between misted fixing solution and the electrically charged sheet, making it difficult to stably provide the fixing solution
Solution Approach 1:
The opposite electrode is divided into multiple electrode sections along the sheet conveying direction, with each section independently controllable. This segmentation allows selective application of voltage to different regions, enabling precise control of electrostatic attraction while minimizing overall repulsive effects on the charged sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage application to the opposite electrode is made dynamic and adjustable. By controlling the timing, magnitude, and distribution of voltage across different electrode sections, the system can adapt to varying electrostatic conditions of the sheet, optimizing attraction of fixing solution while compensating for repulsive forces.
2Quantity of substance
If the fixing solution is sprayed onto the electrically charged sheet, then the sheet receives the fixing solution, but the electrostatic repulsive force prevents effective attraction and stable fixation
Solution Approach 1:
Different electrode sections are assigned different voltage characteristics tailored to local requirements. By adjusting voltage magnitude and timing for each electrode section, the system creates localized electric field conditions that optimize fixing solution attraction in specific regions while accounting for local sheet charge distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage magnitude, timing, distribution) of the opposite electrode to overcome electrostatic repulsion. By adjusting these parameters, the attractive force on fixing solution mist can be optimized despite the repulsive force from the charged sheet.
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 ensures stable attraction and application of the fixing solution, effectively overcoming electrostatic repulsion and ensuring reliable fixation of toner images on sheets.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage is applied to the opposite electrode... an electrostatic repulsive force is generated between the mists of the fixing solution and the sheet... strategically designed first projections that concentrate electrostatic forces, creating a strong electric field to attract and securely direct the fixing solution onto the sheet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Provided is a fixing device capable of stably imparting a fixing solution sprayed from each of a plurality of nozzles to a sheet even when the sheet is electrically charged. A fixing device 9 includes a nozzle unit 9A and an opposite electrode 9B. The nozzle unit 9A sprays a fixing solution to a sheet S on which a toner image is formed. The opposite electrode 9B is located at an interval from the nozzle unit 9A. The opposite electrode 9B is applied with a voltage. The opposite electrode 9B has a first flat plate 31 and a plurality of first projections 32. The first flat plate 31 extends in a first direction. The plurality of first projections 32 extends from the first flat plate 31 in a second direction that is a direction facing from the opposite electrode 9B toward the nozzle unit 9A. The plurality of first projections 32 are aligned in the first direction.