Image Formation Fixing Liquid Recovery for Stable Jetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively collecting and managing fixing liquid that does not adhere to the sheet, leading to inefficiencies and potential waste.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a collecting device with a collection tray, pipe, and pump system to collect and recycle fixing liquid that does not adhere to the sheet, utilizing a counter electrode to draw the liquid into the tray and a gear pump to send it back to the supply tank, along with a sensor-controlled system to maintain fixing liquid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixing liquid is sprayed continuously to ensure consistent jetting performance, then jetting performance is maintained, but fixing liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a collection tray to capture excess fixing liquid that does not adhere to the sheet, and a recirculation pump to return this collected liquid back to the supply tank. This recovery system allows the fixing liquid to be reused multiple times, significantly reducing consumption while maintaining consistent jetting performance through continuous supply.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If collection tray capacity is increased to accommodate more fixing liquid, then overflow is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a level detection mechanism that monitors the fixing liquid level in the collection tray and provides feedback to the control system. When the liquid reaches a predetermined level, the system automatically adjusts operation to prevent overflow, eliminating the need for excessive tray capacity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation pump operates continuously or periodically to transfer collected fixing liquid back to the supply tank, ensuring the collection tray does not accumulate excess liquid. This continuous action prevents overflow without requiring a large tray capacity, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Loss of substance
If collection and recirculation system is added to recover fixing liquid, then liquid consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection tray serves multiple functions: it collects excess fixing liquid, stores it temporarily, and enables recirculation back to the supply system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving liquid recovery with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation pump acts as an intermediary component that bridges the collection tray and supply tank, enabling liquid transfer without requiring complex piping or multiple valves. This simple intermediary mechanism achieves efficient liquid recovery with minimal system 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
This configuration allows for efficient collection and reuse of fixing liquid, stabilizing its supply, reducing consumption, and preventing overflow, while ensuring consistent jetting performance.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing liquid jet from the nozzles can be drawn into the collection tray by the counter electrode
Implementation Method 2
The collection pump is configured to send the fixing liquid in the collection pipe toward the housing
Implementation Method 3
The nozzles are configured to jet the fixing liquid inside the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an image forming apparatus capable of collecting fixing liquid that has not adhered on a sheet. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a photosensitive drum 4, a developing device 7, a transfer device 8, a jetting device 9, and a collecting device 12. The jetting device 9 jets fixing liquid for fixing toner onto a sheet S toward the sheet S onto which the toner has been transferred. The collecting device 12 includes a collection tray 121, a collection pipe 122, and a collection pump 123. The collection tray 121 is capable of accommodating the fixing liquid that has not adhered to the sheet S. The collection pipe 122 is connected to the collection tray 121 and allows the fixing liquid in the collection tray 121 to pass therethrough. The collection pump 123 sends the fixing liquid in the collection pipe 122 toward the jetting device 9.