Image-Forming Fixing Belt Steering With Adaptive Sheet Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The belt type fixing system in image forming apparatuses can experience misalignment and damage due to lateral movement of the fixing belt, leading to scratches on the recording material and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A steering mechanism with a steering roller and sensor unit detects the position of the fixing belt in the width direction, controlling its lateral movement through a control unit that adjusts the sheet interval based on the detected position to prevent overdisplacement, using a first or second sheet interval depending on the time taken for the belt to move between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing belt is allowed to move laterally to correct misalignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the belt may become overdisplaced and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A detection unit continuously monitors the position of the fixing belt in the width direction and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the sheet interval based on detected position, preventing overdisplacement while allowing necessary lateral movement for alignment correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet interval is dynamically adjusted between a first sheet interval (when belt movement is within threshold) and a second sheet interval (when belt movement exceeds threshold). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to belt position changes and prevent damage.
2Productivity
If the sheet interval is reduced to increase productivity, then processing speed is improved, but the fixing belt is more susceptible to damage from lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit monitors belt position and provides feedback to dynamically adjust the sheet interval. When the belt is properly aligned, a smaller first sheet interval maintains high productivity. When misalignment is detected, the control unit increases the sheet interval to the second sheet interval, preventing belt damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two sheet interval modes based on real-time belt position detection. This allows the system to maintain high productivity during normal operation while automatically protecting the belt when lateral movement occurs.
3Manufacturing precision
If steering control is applied to move the fixing belt to correct misalignment, then alignment is improved, but frictional wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit continuously detects the belt position and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit applies steering control only when necessary to correct misalignment, and uses detection feedback to determine when alignment is sufficient, thereby minimizing unnecessary steering actions and reducing frictional wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control is applied partially - only when misalignment is detected and only to the extent necessary to achieve proper alignment. The control unit monitors belt position and stops steering control once alignment is achieved, avoiding excessive steering actions that would increase frictional wear.
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
Prevents damage to the fixing belt and maintains image quality by controlling lateral movement, ensuring the belt remains aligned and reducing frictional wear, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit configured to detect a position of the fixing belt in a width direction of the recording material
Implementation Method 2
a steering roller configured to stretch and move the fixing belt in the width direction based on a detection result from the detection unit
Implementation Method 3
a fixing belt having an endless shape and configured to be rotatable and apply heat to a recording material
Implementation Method 4
a pressure rotary body contacting an outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt to form a nip portion, and configured to fix, together with the fixing belt, a toner image to the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing belt, a pressure rotary body, a nip forming member, a detection unit, and a control unit configured to control a sheet interval to be a first sheet interval and a second sheet interval, wherein the control unit is configured to, in a case where time taken for a center position of the fixing belt to move, in the width direction, from a first position to a second position is equal to or less than a threshold, control the sheet interval to be the first sheet interval, and wherein the control unit is configured to, in a case where the time taken for the center position of the fixing belt to move, from the first position to the second position is more than the threshold, control the sheet interval to be the second sheet interval.