Fuser Shutter Interlock for Safer Jammed Sheet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulty in easily removing jammed sheets from the pressurized area of the fixing device due to the tight hold caused by the heated rotating body, posing a risk of user injury.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an attachable/detachable member, a shutter, an opening/closing interlocking part, and a pressing interlocking part, which allows the shutter to move between opening and closing positions, and adjusts the pressure in the pressurized area to facilitate sheet removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter is moved to the closing position to cover the heated rotating body, then user safety is improved, but the jammed sheet cannot be easily removed because it is tightly held in the pressurized area
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is made movable between opening and closing positions through an opening/closing mechanism. When a jam is detected, the shutter automatically opens to expose the pressurized area, allowing users to remove the jammed sheet safely. After removal, the shutter closes to protect users from the heated rotating body. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the shutter position to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure in the pressurized area is dynamically adjusted based on operational conditions. When a jam is detected, the pressure is reduced to facilitate easy removal of the jammed sheet. During normal operation, the pressure is maintained at optimal levels for image fixing. This parameter change allows the system to switch between safety mode and operational mode, resolving the contradiction between user safety and ease of jam removal.
2Reliability
If the pressure in the pressurized area is increased to improve image fixing quality, then fixing reliability is improved, but the removal of jammed sheets becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter in the pressurized area based on operational state. During normal image fixing operations, high pressure is applied to ensure reliable toner fixation. When a jam is detected, the pressure is immediately reduced to a low level, allowing easy removal of jammed sheets without compromising fixing quality during normal operation. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction between fixing reliability and ease of jam removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system is made dynamic, automatically adjusting pressure levels based on detected conditions. The system transitions between high-pressure fixing mode and low-pressure jam removal mode, ensuring optimal performance for each operational state while resolving the contradiction between maintaining high fixing quality and enabling easy jam clearance.
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
Enables safe and easy removal of jammed sheets by controlling the pressure in the pressurized area, reducing the risk of user injury and simplifying the jam clearance process.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device configured to heat-fix a toner image on a medium passing through a pressurized area formed between a heating member and a pressing member
Implementation Method 2
a fixing device configured to heat-fix a toner image on a medium passing through a pressurized area formed between a heating member and a pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an attachable/detachable member, a fixing device, a shutter, an opening/closing interlocking part, and a pressing interlocking part. The fixing device is provided on an upstream side of the attachable/detachable member in a draw-out direction of the attachable/detachable member, and fixes a toner image on a medium passing through a pressurized area formed between a heating member and a pressing member. The opening/closing interlocking part moves the shutter to an opening position when the attachable/detachable member is attached, and moves the shutter to a closing position when the attachable/detachable member is drawn out. The pressing interlocking part moves the heating member in a direction of pressing it against the other when the shifter is moved to the closing position, and moves the heating member in a direction of separating it away from the other when the shutter is moved to the closing position.