Separation Member Condensation Control Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with condensation at the separation member, leading to unwanted deformations and deteriorations of the recording medium and images due to the lack of effective countermeasures against condensation.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a separation member with a guide portion and a condensation portion positioned remotely from the guide surface, where condensation occurs, allowing generated droplets to evaporate and preventing them from contacting the recording medium, thereby reducing moisture in the atmosphere and minimizing image and medium degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separation member is provided to separate the post-fixing recording medium from the fixing device, then the recording medium can be surely separated from the fixing device, but condensation occurs at the separation member causing deformations and deteriorations on the recording medium and images
Solution Approach 1:
The separation member is divided into functionally distinct portions: a guide portion with a guide surface for recording medium contact and separation, and a condensation portion positioned remotely from the guide surface. This segmentation allows condensation to occur at the condensation portion while protecting the guide surface and recording medium from condensation damage, thus maintaining separation reliability without suffering from condensation harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful condensation function is extracted and relocated to a dedicated condensation portion that is positioned remotely from the guide surface. By separating the condensation function from the guide function, the patent allows condensation to occur away from the recording medium contact area, preventing deformations and deteriorations while maintaining effective separation.
2Productivity
If the separation member is positioned close to the nip portion for effective separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but condensation occurs more readily on the separation member surface
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the separation member are given different functional qualities: the guide portion has properties optimized for separation efficiency and recording medium contact, while the condensation portion is positioned and structured to specifically handle condensation. This local differentiation allows the separation function to operate efficiently near the nip portion while condensation is directed to a remote, dedicated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation portion acts as an intermediary structure that intercepts and captures condensation before it can reach the guide surface and recording medium. By positioning the condensation portion remotely from the guide surface, it serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the harmful condensation effect while allowing the guide portion to maintain high separation efficiency.
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 design effectively prevents condensation-induced deformations and deteriorations by promoting the evaporation of droplets at a remote condensation portion, maintaining the quality and integrity of the recording medium and images.
Implementation Method 1
a condensation portion formed at a position remote from the guide surface
Implementation Method 2
a heating member, a pressure member forming a nip portion with the heating member
Implementation Method 3
a guide portion having a guide surface for guiding the recording medium to be conveyed
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating member, a pressure member forming a nip portion with the heating member; and a separation member disposed on a downstream side of the nip portion in a medium conveyance direction, wherein the separation member includes a guide portion having a guide surface for guiding the recording medium to be conveyed, and a condensation portion formed at a position remote from the guide surface, to promote generation of water droplets due to condensation at the condensation portion and to prevent recording failures from occurring due to condensation by evaporating the generated water droplets at the condensation portion.