Transport Device Nip Timing Advancement for Image Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing transport devices, such as fixing devices, the timing of nipping a recording medium between the first and second nipping parts is delayed due to the middle point of the relative movement period of the second nipping part coinciding with the middle point of the holding position's passage through the nip region, leading to inefficiencies in image fixation.
Innovation Solution
A transport device configuration where the second nipping part is relatively movable to precede the middle point of its movement period before the holding position enters the nip region, allowing the recording medium to be nipped earlier by the first and second nipping parts, with a moving mechanism adjusting the position of the second nipping part to advance the nip timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the middle point of the relative movement period of the second nipping part coincides with the middle point of the holding position's passage through the nip region, then the timing of nipping the recording medium is delayed, but the structural configuration is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The second nipping part is moved in advance before the holding position enters the nip region, so that the nipping action occurs earlier in the transport cycle. This preliminary positioning of the second nipping part advances the image fixation timing and improves productivity without requiring complex real-time control adjustments
2Productivity
If the second nipping part is moved to advance the nip timing, then the range for toner image fixation is widened, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second nipping part is designed to be relatively movable rather than fixed, allowing its position to be dynamically adjusted relative to the first nipping part. This dynamic configuration enables the nipping timing to be advanced, widening the fixation range while the movement is controlled through a dedicated mechanism that manages the complexity
3Reliability
If the nip timing is advanced, then interference and vibration between nipping parts are reduced, but the synchronization control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The relative movement of the second nipping part is executed in advance before the holding position enters the nip region, ensuring that the nipping parts are properly positioned and synchronized before the actual nipping action. This preliminary positioning reduces interference and vibration during operation while the synchronization is managed through the designed movement mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device includes: a first nipping part having an outer surface; a second nipping part having an outer surface, the second nipping part being configured to form, with the first nipping part, a nip region in which a recording medium is nipped by bringing the outer surface of the second nipping part into contact with the outer surface of the first nipping part, the second nipping part being relatively movable between a first position at which a distance from the second nipping part to the first nipping part is a first distance at which the nip region is formed and a second position at which the distance from the second nipping part to the first nipping part is longer than the first distance; a transport part including a holder that holds a front end side of the recording medium, the transport part being configured to move the holder to transport the recording medium to pass through the nip region together with the holder while the recording medium is being held by the holder; and a moving mechanism configured to relatively move the second nipping part such that a middle point of a period from when a relative movement of the second nipping part from the first position to the second position is started before a holding position of the recording medium by the holder enters the nip region to when the second nipping part is relatively moved to the first position after the holding position enters the nip region precedes a middle point of a period during which the holding position passes through the nip region.