Cleaning system control method, fixing device, and image forming apparatus incorporating same

摘要

A fixing device includes a rotary fuser member, a rotary pressure member, and a cleaning system. The rotary fuser member is subjected to heating. The rotary pressure member is disposed opposite the fuser member. The cleaning system includes a cleaning web, a feeding mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a controller. The cleaning web is disposed adjacent to the pressure member to wipe the pressure member. The feeding mechanism is operatively connected to the cleaning web to feed a new, unused portion of the cleaning web toward the pressure member. The positioning mechanism is operatively connected to at least one of the cleaning web and the pressure member to position the cleaning web and the pressure member with respect to each other. The controller is operatively connected with the feeding mechanism and the positioning mechanism to control feeding and positioning of the cleaning web.

主权项

1. A fixing device comprising:
a rotary fuser member subjected to heating; a rotary pressure member opposite the fuser member, the fuser member and the pressure member being pressed against each other to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium passes to fix a toner image thereon under heat and pressure; and a cleaning system to clean the pressure member, the system comprising:
a cleaning web adjacent to the pressure member to wipe the pressure member when brought into contact with the pressure member;a feeding mechanism operatively connected to the cleaning web to feed a new, unused portion of the cleaning web toward the pressure member;a positioning mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the cleaning web and the pressure member to position the cleaning web and the pressure member with respect to each other; anda controller operatively connected with the feeding mechanism and the positioning mechanism to control feeding and positioning of the cleaning web, so as to advance the web continuously while maintaining the web out of contact with the pressure member.