Transport Device Nipping Control for Image Fixing Wrinkles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices in image forming apparatuses often generate wrinkles on transported materials due to the nipping action of rollers, especially when the material is transported with a gripper holding the leading end portion, which can cause cockling or inclination, leading to defective nipping and wrinkle formation.
Innovation Solution
A transport device configuration where the second transport body, such as a heating roller, moves to a separate position initially and then nips the transported material with the first transport body, like a pressing roller, after the gripper has released its hold, allowing for controlled frictional force and matching peripheral velocities to prevent wrinkles, while the gripper supports the material from both sides to maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the transport section holds and transports the leading end portion of the transported material while the first transport body and second transport body nip the transported material, then the material can be transported, but wrinkles are generated on the transported material
Solution Approach 1:
The holder releases the leading end portion of the transported material before the first transport body and second transport body nip the material. This preliminary release action prevents the material from being restrained during the nipping process, thereby avoiding wrinkle generation while maintaining efficient transport speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the holder and transport bodies, where the holder's gripping and releasing actions are coordinated with the nipping timing of the transport bodies. This dynamic sequencing allows the material to be free during nipping (preventing wrinkles) while still being transported efficiently
2Stability of the object's composition
If the holder holds the leading end portion of the transported material during transport, then the material alignment is maintained, but the material cannot be properly aligned when nipped by transport bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The holder releases the leading end portion before the nipping action occurs, allowing the material to naturally align itself during the nipping process. This preliminary release ensures that the material is not constrained by the holder when the transport bodies nip it, achieving proper nipping alignment
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining continuous holding for alignment, the patent inverts the approach by releasing the holder before nipping. This inversion allows the material to achieve alignment through the nipping action itself rather than being constrained during transport
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 effectively suppresses wrinkle generation by ensuring the material is not restrained during transport, allowing for proper alignment and fixing of images on the material, even when transported in a cockling or inclined state, thereby improving the image fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a first transport body and a second transport body nip the transported material
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the first and second fixing rollers is a heating roller
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device includes: a first transport body; a second transport body that is movable between a contact position and a separate position with respect to the first transport body and that nips a transported material with the first transport body at the contact position; and a transport section that includes a holder to hold a leading end portion of the transported material and that transports the transported material toward a nip region where the first transport body and the second transport body nip the transported material in a state in which the second transport body is located at the separate position. After holding of the leading end portion by the holder for the transported material transported by the transport section has been released, the second transport body nips the transported material with the first transport body and transports the transported material.