Borderless Image Forming With Mode-Based Fixing Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In borderless image forming modes, toner deposited on the edges of recording materials is not readily fixed and easily peels off, leading to contamination within the image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a temperature control mechanism that adjusts the heating portion's temperature based on detection results to ensure adequate fixation of toner on the edges by maintaining a higher temperature during borderless operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the image forming apparatus operates in borderless image forming mode to form toner images at the edge portions of recording materials, then the image formation coverage is improved, but the toner is not readily fixed and easily peels off causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the temperature parameter of the fixing member. Specifically, the temperature of the fixing member is controlled to be higher than the normal fixing temperature when forming toner images at the edge portions of recording materials. This temperature parameter change ensures adequate fixation of toner at the edges, preventing peeling and contamination while maintaining the borderless image formation capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cleaning means is added to clean toner deposited on the edge of recording material, then the contamination problem is addressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preventing the harmful effect before it occurs. Instead of adding cleaning means to remove toner after deposition, the invention proactively ensures proper toner fixation at the edge portions by controlling the fixing member temperature during the image formation process. This preliminary prevention approach eliminates the need for additional cleaning mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while addressing the contamination problem.
3Reliability
If the heating portion temperature is increased to a second control temperature in borderless mode, then the toner fixation reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating portion temperature adjustable and mode-dependent. The controller dynamically sets the heating portion temperature to a first control temperature in normal image forming mode and to a second control temperature (higher than the first) in borderless image forming mode. This dynamic temperature adjustment ensures adequate toner fixation at edges when needed while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in normal operation.
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 toner peeling on the edges of recording materials, reducing contamination and the need for additional cleaning mechanisms, while maintaining reliable fixation without device upsizing or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion for heating the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detecting portion for detecting a temperature of the fixing member or the heating portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an executing portion for operating in a borderless image forming mode in which a toner image is formed in an edge portion of a recording material and for operating in a normal image forming mode in which the toner image is not formed in the edge portion, an image forming portion, a fixing device, a heating portion, a nip forming portion, and a temperature detecting portion, and a controller. In the case of the borderless image forming mode, the controller controls the heating portion so that a temperature thereof becomes a first control temperature in a first period in which the recording material passes through the fixing nip. In the case of the normal image forming mode, the controller controls the heating portion so that the temperature thereof becomes a second control temperature higher than the first control temperature in the first period.