Fixing Unit Air Nozzle Synchronization for Jam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in clearing paper jams at the fixing nip portion without damaging the friction surfaces of the fixing roller or air nozzle, as the current designs make it challenging to adjust the air nozzle's position effectively for both separation and jam clearance.
Innovation Solution
A fixing unit with a pivotally mounted air nozzle that synchronizes its movement with the engagement/disengagement of the pressure roller, allowing the nozzle to move between an operating position for air blow separation and a parking position for jam clearance, preventing interference with the fixing belt and enabling safe jam removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air nozzle is positioned close to the fixing nip portion for effective separation, then the separation function is improved, but the risk of damage during jam clearance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air nozzle is made movable relative to the fixing roller, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a first position (close to fixing nip) for separation and a second position (far from fixing nip) for jam clearance, resolving the contradiction between effective separation and damage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
A movable support structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the air nozzle to transition between positions, mediating between the conflicting requirements of close positioning for separation and distant positioning for safe jam clearance
2Ease of operation
If the air nozzle is positioned far from the fixing nip portion for safe jam clearance, then the damage risk is reduced, but the separation function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air nozzle transitions from a static to a dynamic component, able to move to appropriate positions based on operational mode (separation or jam clearance), ensuring both separation effectiveness and jam clearance safety are maintained at different times
3Device complexity
If the air nozzle is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to both separation and jam clearance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transforms from a fixed, simple design to a dynamic, movable design that provides position adaptability, enabling the air nozzle to serve multiple functions (separation and jam clearance) while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
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
Facilitates easy and safe jam clearance operations without damaging the fixing belt or nozzle tip, ensuring the integrity of the friction surfaces and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an air nozzle in the vicinity of a fixing nip portion in the downstream side of the fixing nip portion to blow air toward the leading edge of the sheet passed through the fixing nip portion such that the sheet can come off from the fixing roller
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
When an arm member 50 moves a pressure roller 36 away from a fixing roller 33, a guide mechanism 60 moves an air nozzle 40 in synchronization with the motion of the arm member 50 in order that a nozzle tip 40a moves an operating position near a fixing nip portion NP and a parking position to which the nozzle tip 40a is retracted from the operating position.