Fixing Unit Cleaning via Blank Media Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses face issues with adhesive from label sheets adhering to the fixing device, leading to defects like paper jams and stains, requiring labor and cost-intensive maintenance to resolve.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a control unit that executes a cleaning operation based on the usage amount of label sheets, using a second printing medium to pass through the fixing unit at a higher temperature than the fixing temperature, effectively removing adhering matter without increasing the printing counter value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the fixing device heats and presses label sheets during printing, then images are fixed on the printing medium, but adhesive from the label sheet adheres to the fixing device causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage fixing qualityVSAvoidadhesive adhesion to fixing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful adhesive residue into a useful cleaning mechanism by having the fixing device naturally transfer the adhesive to subsequent blank printing media that pass through during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate cleaning actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses itself to clean itself by utilizing the existing printing mechanism to remove adhesive residues through blank printing media, without requiring external cleaning devices or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If servicemen manually clean the fixing device to remove adhering matter, then defects are resolved, but labor and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect resolutionVSAvoidmaintenance labor and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically removes adhesive residues through normal printing operations using blank media, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by servicemen and reducing maintenance labor and costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning function is integrated into the continuous printing process, so that cleaning occurs automatically during normal operation without interrupting workflow or requiring separate maintenance actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a dedicated cleaning mechanism is added to remove adhering matter, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing fixing device and printing media transport system perform dual functions: both fixing images during printing and removing adhesive residues during blank media passage, eliminating the need for dedicated cleaning components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the cleaning function with the existing printing and media transport functions, using the same mechanical components for both image fixing and adhesive removal, thereby avoiding additional complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces the incidence of defects, minimizes maintenance labor and costs, and allows for simpler cleaning without the need for a dedicated cleaning mechanism, while preventing unnecessary charging for cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing unit heats and presses the first printing medium at a fixing temperature to fix the image. The fixing unit heats the second printing medium at a temperature higher than the fixing temperature.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

it is considered that the adhesive is likely to adhere to the fixing device due to melting of the adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS20190094765A1Cleaning sheet for use in an image forming apparatus and cleaning method

Publication Date: 2019.03.28 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a transport unit, a printing unit, a fixing unit, and a control unit. The transport unit transports a first printing medium having an adhering matter and a second printing medium other than the first printing medium. The printing unit forms an image on the first printing medium. The fixing unit heats and presses the first printing medium at a fixing temperature. The control unit executes a printing operation on the first printing medium and executes a cleaning operation based on a usage amount of the first printing medium. In the printing operation, the first printing medium is transported by the transport unit, an image is formed on the first printing medium, and the first printing medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit. In the cleaning operation, the second printing medium is transported and is passed through the fixing unit.