EP0000631A1 - Dispositif de fusion à rouleaux chauffés pour machine xérographique - Google Patents

Dispositif de fusion à rouleaux chauffés pour machine xérographique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0000631A1
EP0000631A1 EP78300138A EP78300138A EP0000631A1 EP 0000631 A1 EP0000631 A1 EP 0000631A1 EP 78300138 A EP78300138 A EP 78300138A EP 78300138 A EP78300138 A EP 78300138A EP 0000631 A1 EP0000631 A1 EP 0000631A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roll
hot roll
fuser
frame
links
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP78300138A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0000631B1 (fr
Inventor
Robert Eugene Bishop
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
International Business Machines Corp
Original Assignee
International Business Machines Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by International Business Machines Corp filed Critical International Business Machines Corp
Publication of EP0000631A1 publication Critical patent/EP0000631A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0000631B1 publication Critical patent/EP0000631B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat
    • G03G15/2003—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat
    • G03G15/2014—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using contact heat
    • G03G15/2017—Structural details of the fixing unit in general, e.g. cooling means, heat shielding means
    • G03G15/2032—Retractable heating or pressure unit
    • G03G15/2035—Retractable heating or pressure unit for maintenance purposes, e.g. for removing a jammed sheet

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to xerographic copiers, and in particular to such copiers incorporating fusers of the hot roll type.
  • a hot roll fuser comprises a heatable roll and a back-up roll. In operation, these are positioned together to form a nip through which a copy sheet carrying a toned image passes. The toned image contacts the heatable roll to cause fusion of the toner to the sheet.
  • the back-up roll normally has a metallic surface whereas the heatable roll has a softer surface of, for example, a polymeric material, to prevent toner offset to this roll. This relatively soft surface is subject to wear in operation of the fuser.
  • the fuser is designed to accept copy sheets of a single size, at least in the axial direction of the rolls, the length of the rolls can be chosen to correspond with the size of the sheets.
  • substantially the whole length of the rolls are used for each operation and wear is evenly distributed along the heatable roll. If, however, the fuser is in a machine which produces copy sheets of differing dimensions, the whole length of the rolls contacts only the largest sheets applied thereto. In all other cases, the sheets are shorter than the lengths of the rolls, and this causes uneven wear of the hot roll surface.
  • the present invention is concerned with xerographic copying apparatus which is adaptable to minimise the above mentioned uneven wear.
  • Such apparatus includes a hot roll fuser comprising a heatable roll and a backup roll, and means for feeding copy paper sheets of differing dimensions carrying toned images to and through the fuser for fixing the toned images to the sheets, characterised by a frame carrying the heatable roll, said frame, together with the roll, being removably mountable in the fuser unit such as to permit end-to-end reversal of the heatable roll.
  • Figure 1 is a general view of xerographic copier 10 incorporating a fuser assembly 12, which is shown in its extended or pulled-out position in front of the copier, and is slidably supported within copier 10 by apparatus shown for purposes of simplicity. This is a non-operating position adapted to facilitate inspection, cleaning, repair and/or sheet jam clearance.
  • the slidably supported fuser assembly 12 includes a hot roll 14 and a backup roll 16.
  • hot roll 14 is heated to an accurately controlled temperature by an internal heater 15, as seen in Figure 2, and an associated temperature control system which is not shown.
  • Hot roll 14 preferably includes a deformable external surface formed as a thin elastomeric surface. This surface is designed to engage the toned image side of a copy sheet.
  • Hot roll 14, acting in concert with backup roll 16, fuses the image onto the copy sheet and readily releases the sheet with minimum adherence of residual toner to the hot roll. As is conventional in hot roll fusers, the sheets toned side faces the hot roll.
  • Backup roll 16 is preferably a relatively cool and rigid roll. Both rolls 14 and 16 are circular cylinders and the fusing nip formed thereby defines a line (of some width due to deformation of roll roll 14) parallel to the axis of rolls 14 and 16.
  • the fusing nip formed by rolls 14 and 16 may be opened and closed in synchronism with the arrival and departure of copy sheet leading and trailing edges, respectively.
  • This synchronism is achieved by a drum position sensing means which responds to the position of the photoconductor drum and of the copier and effects opening and closing of the nip by means of a copier control system (not shown).
  • the fusing nip may continuously remain closed until the trailing end of the last sheet has passed therethrough.
  • Figure 2 shows the fusing nip closed.
  • Rigid backup roll 16 is shown to be in contact with resilient hot roll 14, thereby deforming the surface of hot roll 14 so as to form a fusing nip 18 of a certain width, measured in the direction of sheet movement 19.
  • Feed roller 20 cooperating with idler roller 21 continues sheet movement 19 until a copy passing therethrough is free of fusing nip 18 and has passed through fuser exit-way 22.
  • hot roll 14 is removably, rotationally mounted on a fixed position axis in mounting blocks 23 which are supported by way of positioning surfaces 24 formed in the ends of a single piece mounting mainframe member 26.
  • This mainframe member 26 includes a hanger which supports the fuser assembly by way of telescoping rails 30.
  • Frame member 26 also includes rollers 32 which cooperate with a copier frame member to stablize the fuser assembly position within the copier.
  • roll 16 is rotationally supported, on axis 34, by way of pivoting cradle arms 36 at each end of frame member 26.
  • These cradle arms are pivoted on the frame member at axis 38.
  • Pivot arms 40 at each end of mainframe member 26, are pivotably mounted to the frame member by way of pivot 42.
  • Pivot arms 40 have downwardly extending projections 41 which support rollers 44 which cooperate with nip opening and closing cams 46.
  • the other ends of pivot arms 40 have mounted thereon ends 48 of compressible force-cells 50.
  • the other end 52 of force-cells 50 operate on cradle arms 36 to cause arms 36 to rotate clockwise about axis 38, as the fuser nip is closed.
  • force cells 50 provide controlled pressure to backup roll 16 through axis 34, and consequently the pressure to fusing nip 18 is controlled.
  • Springs 53 positioned between hanger 28 and pivot arms 40, provide an additional closing force to fuser nip 18.
  • cams 46 which are rotationally mounted on axis 38. These cams include a low point 54 which, when positioned to cooperate with roller 44, establish a nip-open condition.
  • solenoid 56 is energized and clutch 58, shown in Figures 4-6, operates to rotate cams 46, in Figure 3, clockwise 235 (counterclockwise if observing Figure 4) to the position shown, causing nip 18 to close.
  • pivot arms 40 rotate counterclockwise causing fixed-position pivot 42, force-cell pivot 60 and axis 34 to come into substantial alignment.
  • pivot point 60 does not move over-center.
  • cams 46 are connected to rotate on axis 38 as long as clutch member 58 is free to rotate.
  • dog 62 is held against rotation by tab 64 on pivoting link 66.
  • Link 66 is pivoted at fixed position pivot 68.
  • solenoid 56 is energized, clutch member 58 and cam 46 are driven 235 0 until dog 62 engages tab 70.
  • Fusing nip 18 is now closed.
  • solenoid 56 is de-energized, link 66 returns to its de-energized position, and clutch member 58 rotates until it is stopped by tab 64.
  • Fusing nip 18 is now opened.
  • a manually movable, rod-like handle 74 extends the length of the fuser assembly, parallel to axis 34. Opposite ends of this handle are attached to movable links 76, at each end of the fuser assembly. In Figures 7 and 8 it is seen that these links are pivoted on fixed-position axis 78. Both of the links have a notch 80, a pivot point 82 for one end of a drive arm 84. In Figure 7, links 76 are shown in their operative positions, wherein hot roll 14 detach bar (not shown) and the fuser's output sheet transport channel (not shown) are located closely adjacent the down stream portion of fusing nip 18 (shown closed).
  • Links 88 are pivoted on fixed-position axis 90.
  • Each of links 88 has a projection 92 thereon for holding mounting blocks 23 securely within mainframe 26.
  • Links 88 carry locking pins 96 which lock links 88 (and the detach bar) in operative position by virtue of an interface at 98 between pin 96 and pivotable links 100.
  • Links 100 are pivoted on fixed-position axis 102.
  • Axis 34 is not a fixed-positioned axis because during nip closure, axis 34 moves a slight distance downward, as represented by arrow 108 in Figure 7.
  • links 106 carry a locking pin 110, cooperating with notch 80 formed in links 76.
  • the lower end of links 106 carry lower pivot axis 112 for the end of drive arm 84 that is opposite pivot point 82.
  • two tension springs 114 extend between pins 116 carried by links 76 and pins 118 carried by links 100.
  • the springs provide a closing force between links 76 and links 100.
  • springs 114 provide a contacting force between links 88 and pivotable links 100.
  • the above-mentioned interface 98 is created by these latter two sets of links.
  • link 88 has been pivoted clockwise, eliminating the interface between projection 92 on links 88 and mounting blocks 23. Links 88 can now be manually rotated clockwise, as represented by arrow 124 in Figure 7, in order that hot roll 14 can be removed from mainframe 26.
  • interface 98 locks the detach bar in operative position
  • notch 80 and pin 110 lock the output sheet transport channel in operative position
  • spring 114 maintains interface 98
  • pin 116 lifts link 100 to interrupt interface 98
  • counterclockwise rotation of link 76 frees pin 110 and rotates link 106 by virtue of drive arm 84
  • counterclockwise rotation of link 76 rotates link 88 clockwise as a result of interference with locking pin 96.
  • Figure 9 shows the fixed center drives for (1) producing rotation of the fuser's backup roll 16, (2) producing oscillatory movement of the backup roll's - scraping blade cleaner 126; and (3) producing rotation of the fuser's paper exit guide transport roller 20.
  • Roller 20 is supported by the exit paper transport guides, and engages the non-toner side of a sheet, as the sheet emerges from fusing nip 18. Additional information pertaining to the blade cleaner 126 appears in IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 18, No. 2, July 1975, pp 326-327.
  • Cleaner 126 is supported by double helix lead screw 138.
  • This lead screw is driven in a counterclockwise direction by virtue of gears 140-142 with gear 140 being fixedly mounted on an end of lead screw 138, gear 141 being rotatively mounted on fixed axis 144 and gear 142 being fixedly mounted on axis 34. Since all of these gears are carried by cradle arm 36, a fixed center relationship is maintained during nip opening and closing.
  • links 106 rotate in a counterclockwise direction as discussed above with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Since link 106 pivots about the backup roll's rotational axis 34, a fixed center is maintained for gears 146-150, and gears 146 and 148 merely rotate in a circle about gear 150. Consequently, a constant center distance between the gears is maintained and transport roller 20 is driven with minimum backlash by the gearing.
  • the fuser's main frame member 26, shown in Figures 10 and 11, comprises a central portion surrounding, but spaced from, the surface of hot roll 14 and having upstanding end flanges establishing the various rotational axes of the backup roll and its associated structure.
  • These end flanges include U-shaped slots or positioning surfaces 24 adapted to receive the ends of the reversible hot roll.
  • hot roll 14 is rotationally mounted in rigid U-shaped subframe member 152 which is symmetrically located between positioning surfaces 24.
  • Subframe 152 is locked to mainframe 26 and is unlocked therefrom by rotation of rotatable handle 74.
  • a handle 154 shown folded in Figure 10 and shown extended in Figure 12, is mounted on the central portion of subframe member 152.
  • End blocks 23 Each end of the hot roll is supported for substantially frictionous rotation in metal end blocks 23.
  • End blocks 23 each have a stub shaft which fit into bearings at both ends of hot roll 14.
  • Hot roll 14 is easily replaceable because metal end blocks 23 are removable from subframe 152.
  • These end blocks are substantially identical, the only exception being that one end block cooperates with a helix compression spring 160 which axially biases hot roll 14 towards the other end block for retention purposes.
  • End blocks 23 nonrotationally support heating element 15, as also seen in Figure 2, on the hot roll's axis of rotation.
  • a hot roll core temperature sensor (not shown) is mounted on mainframe 26 under hot roll 14. Hot roll 14 is driven in a counterclockwise direction by frictional engagement with counterclockwise rotating backup roll 16 when the fusing nip is closed.
  • both end blocks 23 have - a mounting channel 164.
  • Channels 164 are of uniform cross-section and run perpendicular to the hot roll's axis of rotation.
  • the back mounting channel only of mainframe member 26 includes a positioning pin 166 adapted to mate with channel 164 in the end block adjacent helix compression spring 160.
  • the front positioning channel of mainframe member 26, however, does not include such a positioning pin.
  • Each end of the reversible subframe member 152 includes an electrical connector portion 168, one of which is exploded and separated from end block 23 to illustrate electrical connector 170.
  • Connector 172 is insulatively mounted on the mainframe member's forward end flange. The rear one of these connectors 168 is maintained in a fixed position by virtue of locking engagement between channel 164 and pin 166.
  • Electrical connector 170 experiences movement along the axis of the hot roll as the temperature of the hot roll's U-shaped subframe member 152 changes.
  • Metallic U-shaped subframe member 152 expands and contracts with temperature changes.
  • connector member 172 has a channel extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the hot roll, sliding movement of connector 170 within the channel of member 172'is accommodated.
  • Paper is fed through the copier with its long dimension parallel to the hot roll's rotational axis, and with sheets of various sizes referenced to a common rear edge (corresponding to the common corner registration for all original documents to be copied on the master document support glass).
  • This rear edge is indicated by broken line 174 in Figure 12.
  • the forward edge of a 216 mm x 280 mm sheet of paper would reside at .
  • broken line 176 whereas the forward edge of 216 mm x 355 mm sheet of paper would reside at broken line 178.
  • the hot roll's variable forward working area 176-178 makes it desirable to reverse hot roll 14, end for end, periodically to distribute wear on the hot roll.
  • subframe 152 Before removing subframe 152 and hot roll 14 out of the fuser assembly 12, subframe 152 is unlocked from mainframe 26 by actuating rotatable handle 74 and movable links 76 which rotate links 88 clear of mounting blocks 23.
  • a shroud (not shown) which overlies hot roll 14 is pivoted clear of the roll and foldable handle 154 is unfolded to allow for the lifting of hot roll 14, including subframe 152, out of main frame 26.
  • the connection between positioning pin 166 and channel 164 in end block 23 is broken.
  • the electrical connection between the male and female connectors on the other end block 23 and main frame 26 respectively, is also broken.
  • the upward motion of subframe 152 continues and end blocks 23 continue sliding until free of positioning surfaces 24.
  • subframe 152 is reversed, end for end. After reversal of subframe 152, the above steps are reversed until subframe 152 is again locked to main frame 26.
  • handle 154 could be detachable and stored until needed to remove subframe 152 from the copier.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fixing For Electrophotography (AREA)
EP78300138A 1977-07-29 1978-07-10 Dispositif de fusion à rouleaux chauffés pour machine xérographique Expired EP0000631B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US05/820,272 US4121089A (en) 1977-07-29 1977-07-29 Apparatus for the reversal of a hot roll in a fusing assembly
US820272 1977-07-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0000631A1 true EP0000631A1 (fr) 1979-02-07
EP0000631B1 EP0000631B1 (fr) 1981-03-11

Family

ID=25230355

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP78300138A Expired EP0000631B1 (fr) 1977-07-29 1978-07-10 Dispositif de fusion à rouleaux chauffés pour machine xérographique

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US4121089A (fr)
EP (1) EP0000631B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPS598834B2 (fr)
AR (1) AR219534A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU515273B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR7804907A (fr)
CA (1) CA1101921A (fr)
DE (1) DE2860519D1 (fr)
IT (1) IT1112267B (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2652170A1 (fr) * 1989-09-16 1991-03-22 Canon Kk Dispositif de fixage d'image.
LT3332B (en) 1990-09-01 1995-07-25 Basf Lacke & Farben Liquid, radiation-cured coating composition for glass surfaces

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS55153975A (en) * 1979-05-17 1980-12-01 Canon Inc Picture image forming device
US4392739A (en) * 1980-04-30 1983-07-12 International Business Machines Corporation Electromechanically operated fuser roll closure
US4363549A (en) * 1980-04-30 1982-12-14 International Business Machines Corporation Electromechanically operated fuser roll closure
JPS56156862A (en) * 1980-05-07 1981-12-03 Toshiba Corp Fixing device
JPS5772168A (en) * 1980-10-22 1982-05-06 Ricoh Co Ltd Roller pressing device
FR2580228B1 (fr) * 1985-04-12 1987-05-22 Ecamo Machine de thermogravure pour impression en relief
WO1991009351A1 (fr) * 1989-12-13 1991-06-27 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Station de fixage pour une imprimante ou un copieur electrophotographiques
US5104112A (en) * 1990-11-21 1992-04-14 Pitney Bowes Inc. Document feeder having reversibly positioned direct drive separator assembly motor
WO1993015446A1 (fr) * 1992-01-31 1993-08-05 Eastman Kodak Company Fixateur et cartouche pour rouleau fixateur
US5305065A (en) * 1992-01-31 1994-04-19 Eastman Kodak Company Toner image fuser and cartridge for image-forming apparatus
US5206477A (en) * 1992-06-05 1993-04-27 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method for replacing a fuser bar without tools
KR100196570B1 (ko) * 1996-09-02 1999-06-15 윤종용 전자사진 프로세서의 정착장치
JP2000010376A (ja) * 1998-06-26 2000-01-14 Fujitsu Ltd 画像形成装置
JP4596022B2 (ja) * 2008-03-11 2010-12-08 ブラザー工業株式会社 画像形成装置
JP5493921B2 (ja) * 2010-01-29 2014-05-14 株式会社リコー 定着装置のローラ交換補助具

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3324791A (en) * 1964-12-31 1967-06-13 Xerox Corp Xerographic roller fuser drive apparatus
DE2440154A1 (de) * 1973-10-18 1975-04-24 Xerox Corp Kopiervorrichtung
DE2359187B2 (de) * 1972-12-21 1975-11-13 International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y. (V.St.A.) Elektrostatische Druck- oder Kopiereinrichtung
US3973844A (en) * 1974-05-28 1976-08-10 Xerox Corporation Latching mechanism for the backup roll of a roll fuser employed in a copier apparatus
DE2626088A1 (de) * 1975-06-10 1976-12-16 Ricoh Kk Fixiereinrichtung fuer ein elektrophotographisches kopiergeraet

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3856462A (en) * 1973-10-18 1974-12-24 Xerox Corp Reproduction machine fuser
US3912901A (en) * 1974-07-15 1975-10-14 Xerox Corp Pfa teflon sleeved chow pressure roll

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3324791A (en) * 1964-12-31 1967-06-13 Xerox Corp Xerographic roller fuser drive apparatus
DE2359187B2 (de) * 1972-12-21 1975-11-13 International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y. (V.St.A.) Elektrostatische Druck- oder Kopiereinrichtung
DE2440154A1 (de) * 1973-10-18 1975-04-24 Xerox Corp Kopiervorrichtung
US3973844A (en) * 1974-05-28 1976-08-10 Xerox Corporation Latching mechanism for the backup roll of a roll fuser employed in a copier apparatus
DE2626088A1 (de) * 1975-06-10 1976-12-16 Ricoh Kk Fixiereinrichtung fuer ein elektrophotographisches kopiergeraet

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2652170A1 (fr) * 1989-09-16 1991-03-22 Canon Kk Dispositif de fixage d'image.
EP0419139A2 (fr) * 1989-09-16 1991-03-27 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Dispositif de fixage d'une image
EP0419139A3 (en) * 1989-09-16 1992-10-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image fixing device
US5481347A (en) * 1989-09-16 1996-01-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Removable rollers in an image fixing device
LT3332B (en) 1990-09-01 1995-07-25 Basf Lacke & Farben Liquid, radiation-cured coating composition for glass surfaces

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4121089A (en) 1978-10-17
DE2860519D1 (en) 1981-04-09
IT7824889A0 (it) 1978-06-23
JPS5425843A (en) 1979-02-27
AR219534A1 (es) 1980-08-29
BR7804907A (pt) 1979-04-10
AU3555878A (en) 1979-11-01
JPS598834B2 (ja) 1984-02-27
IT1112267B (it) 1986-01-13
EP0000631B1 (fr) 1981-03-11
CA1101921A (fr) 1981-05-26
AU515273B2 (en) 1981-03-26

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