Nip Forming Device Backward Rotation Film Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively managing the deformation of fixing films during the printing process, leading to irregularities in the fixing nip and potential damage or unstable separation performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a nip forming device with a flexible endless film that is heated and rotated by a pressure rotator, where a controller adjusts the rotation direction and speed based on temperature readings to prevent deformation, including backward rotation to dissipate residual heat and reduce stress on the film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressure rotator rotates forward to convey the sheet, then image fixation is achieved, but the fixing film deforms due to heat and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure rotator is made to rotate in reverse direction after completing the forward rotation for image fixation. This reverse rotation allows the fixing film to return to its original shape by reversing the deformation caused during the forward rotation, thus preventing cumulative deformation and maintaining film stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure rotator performs periodic forward and reverse rotations. The forward rotation conveys the sheet and applies heat/pressure for fixation, while the reverse rotation allows the fixing film to recover. This periodic alternation prevents continuous deformation and maintains the film's structural integrity over time.
2Productivity
If the pressure rotator rotates continuously, then conveyance efficiency is maintained, but residual heat causes further deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous rotation, the system uses periodic forward and reverse rotations. The reverse rotation acts as a cooling phase where residual heat is dissipated, preventing excessive temperature buildup that would cause deformation, while still maintaining overall conveyance efficiency through the cyclic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse rotation is performed as a preliminary action to counteract the harmful effects of residual heat before the next forward rotation begins. This prevents the accumulation of thermal effects that would lead to deformation, ensuring the fixing film is ready for the next fixation cycle in its optimal state.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fixing film is heated to high temperature, then image fixation quality improves, but film deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
After the forward rotation that applies heat for quality fixation, the reverse rotation is executed to undo the deformation. This allows the system to benefit from high-temperature fixation while the subsequent reverse action restores the film's shape, decoupling the fixation quality from cumulative deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse rotation is performed as a preliminary preparation for the next fixation cycle, ensuring the fixing film returns to its original state before the next high-temperature process. This maintains the film's stability and prevents deformation from compromising future fixation quality.
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 solution effectively suppresses deformation of the fixing film, maintains stable rotation, and prevents contact with the separator, thereby ensuring consistent image fixation and extended film life.
Implementation Method 1
A heater heats the endless film
Implementation Method 2
A pressure rotator presses against the heater via the endless film to form a nip between the endless film and the pressure rotator, through which a conveyed object is conveyed
Data Source
AI summary
A nip forming device includes an endless film and a pressure rotator that presses against a heater via the endless film. A driver drives and rotates the pressure rotator to cause the pressure rotator to drive and rotate the endless film. A controller controls the driver to drive and rotate the pressure rotator, based on a temperature of the pressure rotator, that is detected by a detector, in a forward direction to convey a conveyed object and to interrupt forward rotation of the pressure rotator. In response to a determination that the temperature of the pressure rotator is higher than a predetermined temperature when a job of the nip forming device is finished, the controller controls the driver to drive and rotate the pressure rotator for a predetermined time in a backward direction opposite to the forward direction and to interrupt backward rotation of the pressure rotator.