Fixing Unit Opening Control for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, maintaining a minimal temperature decrease inside the fixing device during object transport is challenging, especially when objects of varying thicknesses and shapes are processed.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a transport unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit with opening and closing members to control the carry-in and carry-out openings, ensuring that the height of these openings is synchronized with the image transfer position, and utilizing shutters and a covering unit to manage heat exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the carry-in opening is kept open during object transport, then the object can be transported into the fixing unit, but the temperature inside the fixing unit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing member opens the carry-in opening in advance before the object arrives, allowing the object to be transported into the fixing unit. After the object enters, the opening and closing member closes the opening to prevent heat loss, thus maintaining the temperature inside the fixing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member dynamically adjusts the state of the carry-in opening based on the transport process. It transitions from an open state during object insertion to a closed state during heating, optimizing both ease of operation and temperature maintenance at different stages.
2Productivity
If the carry-out opening is opened to remove the object, then the object can be transported out of the fixing unit, but the temperature inside the fixing unit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing member opens the carry-out opening in advance before the object is ready to be discharged. After the object exits the fixing unit, the opening and closing member closes the opening to prevent heat loss, thus maintaining the temperature inside the fixing unit for subsequent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member dynamically controls the carry-out opening state, being open during object discharge and closed during heating operations, thereby balancing productivity and temperature maintenance.
3Device complexity
If a fixed opening is used for object transport, then the structure is simple, but the temperature decrease during transport is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an opening and closing member that transforms a fixed opening into a dynamic one. This member can open when objects are transported in or out and close when heating occurs, reducing temperature loss while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member automatically opens and closes based on the presence or absence of objects, eliminating the need for complex control systems while effectively maintaining temperature.
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 effectively minimizes temperature decreases within the fixing unit during object transport, both when objects are carried in and out, compared to configurations without opening and closing units.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit that has a heat source for increasing a temperature inside the fixing unit
Implementation Method 2
a first opening and closing member that opens a carry-in opening when the object is carried into the fixing unit and closes the carry-in opening after the object is carried into the fixing unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports an object along a transport path; a transfer unit that transfers an image onto the object on the transport path; and a fixing unit that has a heat source for increasing a temperature inside the fixing unit, into which the object onto which the image has been transferred is carried along the transport path, and includes a first opening and closing member that opens a carry-in opening when the object is carried into the fixing unit and closes the carry-in opening after the object is carried into the fixing unit.